Best countries to visit in May 2023

Most travel experts will tell you that the shoulder season is the sweet spot if you want to reap the best holiday rewards, and May is no exception. It’s warm, but not too hot in Europe and there are bargains to be had on flights and accommodation before the summer holidays get going. Sailing and small ship cruises are at their balmy best in Croatia and Southern Europe, while in the mountains and along the coastline flowers bloom and temperatures are perfect for hiking. As the days get longer, rail holidays in Scotland come into their own. And in the Arctic the sea ice has melted, leaving open waters to cruise through, with migrating whales breaching the chilly surface.

For far flung fun, the best places to go in May include Malaysian Borneo, where it’s the perfect time to see orangutans, or Japan, where the landscape is a riot of green and the legendary Nakasendo Trail calls both walkers and history buffs. For something really adventurous, follow the Silk Road on an extended small group tour. Read our guide to find out more about the best places to go on holiday in May.

Activity holidays ramp up a gear as the weather gets warmer and the days longer. You could opt to work up a sweat in serious comfort with a luxury fitness and wellness holiday in Spain or explore Croatia’s rugged trails on a self guided biking tour. Or, to bung some learning into the mix, an archaeology holiday in Greece will deliver both walks and talks.

May is a lovely time to make for the southern European countryside, whether you’re rambling through Romania or soaking up salty breezes on the Amalfi Coast. There’s less rainfall and it’s usually warm enough to wear short sleeves during the day, though jumpers and jackets may be required when the sun goes down. In Japan, warmer temperatures and bursts of greenery make this a good time to tackle the Nakasendo Way, once one of the country’s most important feudal highways.