May is the ultimate “sweet spot” for global travel. It offers a perfect balance of mild weather and thinning crowds before the summer rush. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring is in full bloom: Southern Europe genially warms up (18°C–25°C), while the Caribbean and Central America enjoy a lush shoulder season with lower prices.
Whether you want to trek the Andes at the start of the dry season, explore the “fairy chimneys” of Turkey, or see Norway’s fjords waking up from winter, this month provides optimal visibility and comfortable hiking conditions across three continents. Are you ready to plan your next escape? Read on to discover the most authentic experiences waiting for you this spring.
The Hungarian capital at this time of year is a sensory delight. The city sheds its winter coat, and the outdoor terrace culture springs to life. With temperatures averaging 21°C, it is the perfect climate for walking between the historic Buda Castle and the ruin bars of Pest.
Essential Seasonal Details
This is the time for the Gourmet Festival in Millenáris Park, where the country’s best chefs gather. This is a fundamental stop if you want to understand modern Hungarian cuisine beyond goulash. Additionally, the Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre starts its season; catching a performance under the stars is a local ritual that marks the arrival of the warmer months.
While Széchenyi is iconic, try the Gellért Baths now. The outdoor wave pool usually opens during these weeks, and the Art Nouveau architecture is stunning in the soft light. For navigation, use the #2 Tram line. It is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful trolley rides in the world, passing the Parliament and the Danube banks for the price of a standard ticket.
Prague: The Golden City in Bloom
Prague is breathtaking during the Spring International Music Festival. The city’s many gardens, like the Vrtba Garden, are in full bloom. The weather is crisp and sunny, perfect for crossing the Charles Bridge.
Essential Seasonal Details
The first day of the month is the “Day of Love” in Czechia. Locals head to Petřín Hill to kiss under the blossoming cherry trees. Joining this tradition provides a window into the romantic soul of the city. Also, the Czech Beer Festival often runs now, featuring over 70 brands of local craft beer in a lively atmosphere.
The Royal Garden at Prague Castle is at its peak. Go at opening time to experience the Renaissance architecture and singing fountains in peace. When dining, look for “Chřest” (asparagus) on menus. This is the peak of the Bohemian asparagus season, and restaurants compete to create the best seasonal dishes.
Vienna: Imperial Elegance
Vienna exudes a special charm in late spring. The city’s rose gardens are a riot of color, and the coffee house culture spills onto the sidewalks. It is a season of classical music and outdoor markets.
Essential Seasonal Details
The Genussfestival in the Stadtpark occurs now, turning the park into Austria’s largest food market. It is fundamental for tasting regional specialties like Styrian pumpkin seed oil or Alpine cheeses. For art lovers, the Donaukanaltreiben festival offers street art and live music along the canal during this period.
This is the perfect time to visit the vineyards in Grinzing. The “Buschenschank” (wine taverns) are open, and you can sit in the gardens sipping young wine while looking over the city. If the Opera is on your list, standing room tickets are sold 80 minutes before the show for a few euros.
Barcelona: Sun, Sand, and Gaudí
In Barcelona, you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze without the stifling July humidity. The city is alive with festivals and the parks are at their greenest.
Essential Seasonal Details
For a unique cultural experience, visit during the Girona Flower Festival (Temps de Flors), just a short train ride away. Back in the city, the Primavera Sound festival usually kicks off at the end of the month, transforming the Parc del Fòrum into a global music mecca. If you are wondering what to do in Barcelona, focus on the rooftop bars which host “Semana de las Terrazas,” offering free concerts and workshops.
For the best sunset, head to the Bunkers del Carmel. The air is currently clear, providing a 360-degree view of the city. Remember to bring your own snacks as there are no shops at the top. You should also seek out “Xiringuitos” (beach bars). This is when they truly come to life before the tourist crush of June.
Tunis: A Gateway to North Africa
Tunis at this time offers a Mediterranean climate without the intense Saharan heat. The blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said is particularly stunning against the bright sky.
Essential Seasonal Details
This is the peak of the Rose and Jasmine harvest. The air in the Medina is thick with these scents. Visit the Souk el Attarine (Perfumers’ Market) to see how traditional essences are distilled. This is a sensory experience you simply won’t get in the dry heat of August.
When visiting the ruins of Carthage, hire a local guide at the entrance. The site is sprawling, and without context, it can be difficult to interpret; with a guide, the Punic and Roman history comes alive. You can also take the vintage TGM train from downtown Tunis to Marsa. It is cheap, authentic, and offers beautiful coastal views.
4 to 6-Day Escapes
Italy’s Coastal and Iconic Gems
Italy is a dream in May. From the rugged cliffs of the Cinque Terre to the historic chaos of Naples, the country is vibrant. The Amalfi Coast is lush, and the fragrance of orange blossoms is everywhere.
Essential Seasonal Details
The Giro d’Italia cycling race often passes through these regions during these weeks. Even if you are not a sports fan, the pink decorations and local pride are infectious. In Florence, the 23rd marks the “Fiorita,” a floral tribute to Savonarola in Piazza della Signoria that adds a layer of historical depth to your visit.
For the Amalfi Coast, take the “Sita” bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, but sit on the right side of the bus for the vertigo-inducing, world-class cliff views. In Naples, visit San Gregorio Armeno. While famous for Christmas mangers, the artisans are currently at work on new pieces, and you can watch them without the holiday crowds. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to dive into the secrets of authentic Italian food, from street-side pizza to local pastries, May is the perfect time for a food tour before the peak season.
Portugal: From Porto to Lisbon
Portugal is the sun-seeker’s paradise right now. Lisbon’s hills are manageable in the 22°C breeze, and Porto’s Douro River looks magnificent under clear skies.
Essential Seasonal Details
Coimbra hosts the Queima das Fitas now, one of the oldest and most colorful student traditions in Europe. Students wear traditional black capes and burn ribbons to celebrate the end of the academic year. In the Algarve, the Sea and Sardine festivals begin to pop up in coastal villages as the season starts.
Avoid the “tourist trap” Fado dinners. Instead, head to the Alfama district in Lisbon around 10:00 PM and look for small taverns where locals sing authentically. If you’re looking for more inspiration on what to see in Portugal, make sure to include a stop in Óbidos to try Ginja (sour cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup while the town’s bougainvillea is in full bloom.
Malta: An Island History Lesson
Malta is a sun-drenched rock in the heart of the Mediterranean. By now, the islands are warm enough for sunbathing but cool enough for exploring megalithic temples.
Essential Seasonal Details
This is the month of the International Fireworks Festival. The displays over the Grand Harbour in Valletta are world-renowned. Furthermore, if you are looking for things to do in Malta, the Mdina Flower Festival transforms the “Silent City” into a floral masterpiece during this time.
Take a traditional “Dghajsa” (water taxi) across the harbor from Valletta to Vittoriosa. It costs very little and offers a perspective of the fortifications that big cruise ships cannot match. You should also spend at least one night in Gozo. The countryside is still green; by June, it turns brown from the sun.
Transylvania: Myths and Mountains
Romania’s Transylvania region is hauntingly beautiful at this time. The Carpathian Mountains are vibrant green, and the medieval towns are peacefully quiet.
Essential Seasonal Details
This is the best time for Brown Bear watching near Brașov as they emerge from hibernation. For nature lovers, a visit to the Narcissus Forest (Dumbrava Narciselor) is a must, as it blooms exclusively during this window.
Pro Tip: The famous Transfăgărășan road usually stays closed until June due to snow, so use the cable car at Bâlea Lake for mountain views. In Sighisoara, try to stay inside the citadel walls to experience the unrivaled medieval atmosphere once the day-trippers depart.
Bergen and the Norwegian Fjords
Bergen serves as the gateway to the fjords. Currently, Norway experiences “vårknipe” – the transition from winter to spring.
Essential Seasonal Details
The 17th is Constitution Day. It is the most important day in the Norwegian calendar. Everyone wears “Bunad” (traditional dress), and the parades in Bergen are a riot of flags and music. This is a fundamental cultural immersion you won’t get at any other time of year.
Book the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour for easy fjord access. Right now, the waterfalls are at their most powerful due to the melting snow. Instead of taking the funicular both ways, hike down from Mount Fløyen. The trails are lined with spring flowers and offer hidden viewpoints of the harbor.
7 to 14-Day Adventures
Croatia: The Adriatic Pearl
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is spectacular in May. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the roaring waterfalls of Krka, the landscapes are pristine and the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived.
Essential Seasonal Details
Late May marks the start of the lavender season on the Island of Hvar—the scent across the interior is incredible. In Split, join the Feast of Saint Domnius (May 7th) for traditional processions and a massive street market on the Riva.
Water levels at Plitvice Lakes are at their peak due to spring rains, making the 16 terraced lakes even more dramatic. For a more authentic experience, use the “Jadrolinija” local ferries instead of fast catamarans; it’s cheaper and feels like a scenic “mini-cruise” between islands.
Turkey: Where East Meets West
Turkey is a vast land of ancient history. From Istanbul to the hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the current climate offers the most comfortable temperatures.
Essential Seasonal Details
This is the season for the International Istanbul Puppet Festival. In Cappadocia, the Rose Valley is literally filled with wild roses, adding a unique fragrance to your sunrise hot air balloon flight.
Grab a “Museum Pass Turkey” to skip the massive queues at Ephesus and the Topkapi Palace. After a long day of walking, rejuvenate at a traditional bathhouse like Cağaloğlu Hamamı for an authentic cultural reset.
Puerto Rico: Caribbean Charm
Puerto Rico offers a tropical escape rich in Spanish, Taino, and African influences. May is the perfect “tail end” of the dry season, offering great weather before the summer rains.
Essential Seasonal Details
The Danza Week in Ponce occurs now, celebrating the island’s unique classical music and dance. It is a sophisticated side of Caribbean culture often missed by beach-goers. For nature enthusiasts, the Leatherback Sea Turtles are nesting on the beaches of Culebra during this time.
If you visit the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, check the lunar calendar—you’ll need a new moon for the best glow. For El Yunque National Forest, reservations are mandatory, so book at least two weeks in advance.
Ecuador: The Amazon and the Andes
Ecuador is a land of extremes. During these weeks, the Andean highlands are crisp and clear, while the Amazon Basin is lush and teeming with life.
Essential Seasonal Details
May 24th marks the Battle of Pichincha, featuring vibrant military parades in Quito. In the Amazon, it’s “fruiting season”, meaning monkeys and birds are incredibly active and easier to spot along the riverbanks.
Quito sits at 2,850m; spend your first days acclimatizing with “Coca tea” before heading to Cotopaxi. Visit the Intiñan Solar Museum—it’s located on the actual GPS equator and offers interactive experiments you won’t find at the main monument.
Guatemala and Belize: Mayan Wonders
This dual-destination trip is a spring masterpiece. Guatemala offers colonial charm, while Belize boasts the world-class Barrier Reef.
Essential Seasonal Details
In Guatemala, the Agua Volcano hike is clearest now before the afternoon rains of June. In Belize, this is the peak of the Whale Shark season at Gladden Spit. Swimming with these gentle giants is a highly seasonal “bucket list” item that is best experienced now.
Stay overnight inside Tikal National Park at one of the jungle lodges. This allows you to enter for the “Sunrise Tour” at 4:00 AM to hear the jungle wake up. In Belize, the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is a must. Wear sturdy water shoes as you will be swimming and wading through water.
Why This is the Ideal Time for Your Next Adventure
Traveling in May is about catching the world in a state of perfect transition. There is a palpable energy when you stand atop a Mayan temple in the morning mist or share a bottle of local wine in a hidden Portuguese square before the summer heat peaks. These moments define the traveler’s soul, but they are even more powerful when shared.
When you travel with a group of like-minded explorers, a Turkish sunrise or an Amazonian trek creates a bond that turns a simple holiday into a lifelong memory. This window is the logistical “sweet spot”: the weather is on your side, everything is open, and the spirit of adventure is at its peak. Don’t let another spring pass you by from behind a desk. Discover our exclusive group departures for May 2026 and make this the year you truly see the world.
