Best destinations to visit in May
Best destinations to visit in May
Late spring shoulder-season routes and sunny sub-tropical paths in May
May often gets called one of the best months to travel, sitting in that comfortable window before summer crowds and heat take over in the north.
Europe and much of North America enjoy mild, pleasant weather this month, without the peak season prices or lines that come later in summer. Southern Africa's dry season begins around this time too, making it a strong month for wildlife travel even as other parts of the world start cooling down. The Southern Hemisphere overall is heading into winter, so travelers chasing warmth need to look closer to the equator. Hill stations and mountain towns in parts of Asia also become popular escapes from the season's rising heat. School holidays have not yet started in most countries, which keeps popular sights noticeably calmer.
The destinations on our list cover that same range, from Northern Hemisphere shoulder season favorites to places just beginning their own best months.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Lavender fields near Furano begin their early bloom by late May into June. Snow lingers on higher peaks while lowland gardens turn green through spring. Sapporo's parks fill with fresh greenery after a long winter. Cool, mild temperatures make May a comfortable time to explore before summer humidity arrives.
Garden in Japan
Ashikaga Flower Park
Giant wisteria trellis and winter light show
A wisteria tree planted in 1870 spreads across a huge trellis at Ashikaga Flower Park. Its blossoms hang in long lavender clusters through late April into May. Tunnels of white and pink wisteria nearby draw crowds for photos. Evening illuminations light the blossoms after dark during peak bloom.
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