Top 5 World’s Best Places & Top 5 Worst Destinations to Travel in May
May is perfect for planning a trip before the pricey summer season kicks in. Lucky for you, RatePunk has rounded up the best places and the worst destination yous shouldn't visit in May based on factors like weather, attractions, and traveler sentiment. Whether you're looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, these destinations won't disappoint. So let's plan your perfect May-cation together!
By Eglė
Published: March 16, 2023 • 9 min read
We’ll start with the top 5 World’s Best Places to Visit in May:
Mallorca
If you're looking for a fun-filled getaway, Mallorca is calling your name. Yeap, Mallorca is one of the best destinations to visit in May. So why wait until July or August when you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the crowds in May? The accommodations are not fully booked, and all the restaurants and attractions are already open. Plus, the temperature is just right, not too hot or cold, making it ideal for a solo trip or a family vacation.
In May, spring shows off its best side on the island of Mallorca, creating an enjoyable time for a relaxing vacation. Temperatures start to rise, with an average of fifteen to twenty degrees Celsius throughout the month. The lowest temperatures are between ten and fourteen degrees but don't worry; there are usually no cold spells this month. And let's not forget about the stunning landscapes and beaches of Mallorca! There's something for everyone from Cala de San Vicente to Playa de Muro. So pack your bags, grab your shades, and get ready to soak up the sunshine in Mallorca this May!
Greece and its islands, Crete & Santorini
May is a great time to visit Greece's top-rated destinations, such as Athens, Crete, and Santorini. Are you wondering why so? It is because it is considered the shoulder season, falling between the high and low tourist seasons. So it would be best if you undoubtedly to take advantage of lower rates for hotels and airfare, making your trip more affordable. Moreover, you'll encounter fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions if you visit Greece and its islands in May. Trust me; you will definitely be pleased by taking many good photoshoots without crowds in the background. Also, you'll have shorter lines and wait times to get into these attractions, which could save you several hours in your itinerary. Additionally, you'll be able to explore popular areas of the cities and markets without jostling for space with other tourists.
While May in Greece can be a bit rainy, it is not a constant downpour. So it's always good to pack an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case. The payoff is that the lower price for accommodation and smaller crowds make your explorations of the cities and landscapes more enjoyable, with less noise and more space.
Check out our post, Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Santorini 2023, to find the most suitable accommodation for you at the best price! And remember that if you want to book hotels (budget-friendly or boutique ones) in Greece at their lowest price, you should download the Ratepunk - hotel price comparison tool to save money, get cashback, and be happy.
Miami
Miami, Florida, is a city that is always lively and bustling with visitors, but if you're looking for the perfect time to go, May is a great option. One of the main reasons to visit Miami in May is the weather. The city's beaches are renowned for their beauty, and a visit in May means that the spring breakers have left for the season, and the summer vacationers have yet to arrive. Just pure golden hour! The temperatures in May are summer-like and not yet at their peak, so spending a day on South Beach is comfortable and enjoyable.
But Miami offers much more than just its famous beaches. If you're looking for adventure, take an airboat ride through the unique ecosystem of Everglades National Park, where you can see alligators, panthers, and other wildlife up close. If shopping is more your style, check out the Bayside Marketplace, which offers more than 150 shops, boutiques, and outdoor entertainment and dining options. Finally, don't forget to take in Miami's diverse food scene, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the many outdoor dining restaurants by the water, for instance, La Mar by Gastón Acurio.
P.S. You should skip booking flights and accommodation on the first weekend of May because there will be an F1 Championship Grand Prix race.
The Bahamas
Get ready to experience the perfect vacation sweet and hot spot! I mean The Bahamas in May! And not just because of the temperature, although it's hot but not like melting-your-face-off hot. It's the perfect time to visit because you won't have to worry about hurricanes ruining your fun. Plus, mosquitos haven't invaded yet, so you can enjoy your vacation without getting eaten alive. And let's talk about sailing, baby! May is the month for it. Whether you're a pro with your own boat or you want to book a sunset cruise, the weather conditions are perfect in the Bahamas, Caribbean Island. It's smooth sailing all the way.
Moreover, the water is like a warm bath, so if you're a fan of swimming or snorkeling, you'll love it. And because fewer tourists are around, you'll have more space to do your thing on the beaches and during excursions. And don't forget the best part - cheaper hotel rates and more flight availability! During this time, you might even find an affordable overwater bungalow! Who said you couldn't have it all? So pack your bags, and let's Bahama-mama!
Sicily
If you're planning a trip to Italy, May is the month to do it! Sicily is the region that you will want to take advantage of. In Sicily, the countryside is bursting with wildflowers, and the lack of summer tourists means you can enjoy the towns more leisurely. May is the perfect time to take in the stunning scenery of green fields, red poppies, and roses. The weather is just suitable for enjoying the outdoors and attending village festivals.
May weather is perfect for outdoor festivals and theater performances, and you'll have plenty of delicious food to indulge in. Plus, the popular tourist areas will be less crowded, giving you more time to explore. So you can rock short-sleeve shirts early in the month and bring a jacket for the evenings. By the end of May, things will start to heat up, and so will the influx of tourists. So book your trip early to take advantage of lower rates and beat the crowds.
Well, sure, the world is beautiful, and traveling is exciting. But. There are some destinations you should avoid if you plan to vacation in May because some places have a rainy season, others are full of tourists and soo pricey, and some are famous for hurricanes. So pay attention to these top 5 worst destinations for traveling in May unless you want to experience a ruined holiday.
Top 5 Worst Destinations to Travel in May starts with…
Sri Lanka
From stunning landscapes to exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka has got it all. You'll feel like you're living in a dream as you explore the world's oldest and most respected rainforests, where you can see elephants and leopards in their natural habitats. Moreover, breathtaking beaches stretch for miles, offering a range of options from peaceful paradises to lively resorts. And if you're into cultural sites and architectural wonders, you'll be in heaven with the ancient temples and fortresses that will transport you back in time.
Now, if you're looking to save some cash, listen up! The best time to visit Sri Lanka on a budget is between May and August, when prices drop and deals are everywhere. You might encounter some rain during the Yala monsoon season in May. With this month til August, the worst wet season takes over Sri Lanka: non-stopping rains, floods, etc. However, if you truly can't visit this country at another time and don't care about mentioned dangers and terrible weather conditions, we have one recommendation. Avoid visiting the west and southwest in May and June or the east and northeast in October and November, when monsoons are at their worst. By writing worst, I mean it.
Cancun, Mexico
Don't want to overspend money, so are you interested in spending May in Cancun? Stop right there. May marks the start of the rainy season, so you'll have to say bye-bye to sunbathing and enjoying strolls along the coastline. But hey, if you rather sit in a cozy hotel room and binge-watch Netflix than sunbathe under the gorgeous Caribbean Sun, you should definitely go to Cancun in May. So pack your raincoat and umbrella, and get ready for a Cancun adventure that's a little more...moist than you expected.
Cambodia
The third worst destination to travel to in May is Cambodia. When it comes to weather, there are definitely better times to explore this country than May. Temperatures in May reach scorchio levels, and extremely hot and humid weather weakens travelers the most because extreme heat can be taxing. Moreover, remember occasional rain showers that last for an hour on average. So you can't plan to walk the streets or explore the temples freely, whenever you like.
Northern Thailand & Bangkok
Have you noticed affordable flight tickets to Thailand in May? Well, my dear, I wouldn’t be so sure about traveling there now. Thailand is the worst place to travel in May because it is the hottest month in the country, and if you hardly handle extreme heat, a holiday here is best avoided.
Moreover, you will not only experience the gradual transition from hot and sweaty to wet and soggy weather, but you will also enjoy the lovely increase in rainfall during the latter half of the month. So you can only travel to Thailand in May if you are really into the smell of damp clothes and moldy shoes.
The Best Over Water Bungalows in Thailand
The Maldives
Ah, May in the Maldives - what a time to be alive! During this month, you will be hot and sticky; you'll be sweating more than a sinner in church. And don't forget to bring your snorkel gear because, with all that rainfall, you'll be able to see plankton like never before! If you see any thunderstorms in the area, it's probably not the best time to dip in the ocean. So if you are still considering visiting the worst place to travel in May - the Maldives, at least spend your time in a fabulous overwater bungalow! I nearly forgot to mention that May also brings the start of Ramadan! But we’re used to eating at night, so lucky you - that’s the only time you’ll be getting food in May.Get ready to experience some local restrictions, but don't worry - it's all part of the adventure. So, if you're up for some hot and rainy adventures with a side of cultural immersion, May in the Maldives is the place to be! The best place to have the worst experience on this gorgeous island.
You might be interested:
March 16, 2023