Best Places to Travel in May

Where to stay – Havana

May is a great time to visit Cuba – even though it’s technically the start of the wet and hot season. As it’s the start of the low season though, temperatures are warm and comfortable, at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a nice temperature for sightseeing and exploring – whether that’s wandering Old Havana on foot, or by vintage car. There is plenty of things to do on this Caribbean Island including salsa dancing lessons, horse riding through Vinales, mojito-making in Trinidad, or simply relaxing on the palm-frringed beaches and resorts on the Varadero peninsula. Cuba is a destination for everyone – families, honeymooners, solo travelers, and couples alike. Although the rain usually picks up in June and July, be prepared and bring a lightweight waterproof raincoat in May to avoid any sporadic downpours.

Where to stay – Angsana Riads, Dar Seffarine, La Sultana

May is the start of the summer months in Morocco so the temperatures begin to rise as Spring comes to an end. Although the later Summer months are unbearably hot (June, July, and August in particular), the temperatures in May are relatively comfortable across the country. The capital, Marrakesh, hovers around the low 80s (degrees Fahrenheit), which is an enjoyable temperature to wander through the souks and local markets. May is also a great time to head into the Atlas Mountain range. The valleys are vibrantly green after the winter rains, and the days are often clear with an abundance of sunshine. We’d recommend spending a few days in Marrakesh before heading over to the Atlas Mountains to spend a few days hiking. There are many hiking routes so we can advise the best trails for you, depending on your fitness and experience.

Where to stay – Cappadocia, Istanbul

May is the spring period in Turkey, and with warm temperatures, clear days and an abundance of sunshine, it is one of the most pleasant times of year to explore this European/ Asian gem. Temperatures average around 77°F and rainfall is relatively low, so it’s a great time to explore Turkey’s destinations. The ‘fairy chimneys’ in Cappadocia start to warm up so we’d definitely recommend including this in an itinerary. These soft rocks have been carved into beautiful ravines, and intricate cave tunnels. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the cave systems and hiking along the steep-sided valleys here. Because of its topography, winters get really cold in Cappadocia (November – March) and summers can get really hot (June – September), so May is a comfortable month to travel. We’d recommend combining Turkey’s capital Istanbul, as well as other destinations like Pamukkale and Bodrum.

Where to stay – Venice, Florence, Rome

With the summer months on the horizon, May is the unofficial start to the high season in Italy, and a wonderful time to visit this European gem. Temperatures are a delight, around 75°F, with plenty of sunshine and an inviting breeze felt on the coast of Italy. There are so many incredible places to visit in Italy, but we’d recommend heading to some of the more iconic destinations, like Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast, before they start to get much busier with crowds arriving from June onwards. In the high summer, the small and quaint roads around the Amalfi Coast come to a standstill, with a greater number of cars on the road. May is quieter but still expect crowds around the main attractions. Our Italy travel specialists really are specialists – Mario and Pietro are from Rome and Sicily respectively, and know everything there is to know about this beautiful country.

Where to stay – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Skye

May is in the middle of spring in Scotland, so temperatures are warming up and days are offering longer amounts of sunlight. There is an abundance of destinations and weather conditions in Scotland – from Edinburgh in the east, Aberdeen in the north-east, and Inverness in the north. Each destination has its own microclimate – with coastal destinations usually experiencing an intense wind and coastal breeze. May is a lovely time to visit Skye – one of the more remote isles in the west. The bluebells come to live and carpet the woods and forests with a vibrant blue tone. It is also lambing season, so you’ll often see plenty of lambs graze and play as you hike through the countryside. Midges can be a real nuisance when it comes to traveling around Scotland and unfortunately, they can certainly be felt between May and September, so remember to layer up in the evenings, and pack good bug spray.