Where To Travel In May
If you're on a quest to find the best destinations to visit in May, then you are most certainly on the right track.
Choose between lesser-known and travelled countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Armenia where you will not only be welcomed with open arms by the locals but get to see and experience places and things that few others will get the chance to.
Alternatively, embrace the festive atmosphere in locations like Japan and Lebanon, where the locals welcome the good weather and use it to celebrate the Sakura Festival and the Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival, respectively.
However, if it's sun, sea and sunny days combined with rich and diverse cultural experiences you are looking for, the warm sandy beaches of the Indonesian archipelago may be just the answer you’re looking for.
The good news is you’ll find plenty more mesmerising location ideas for travel in May below, so be sure to check out all the options before making your final decision! Read on to find out what they are.
Georgia
Bridging Asia and Europe, Georgia is located in a region known as the Caucasus, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Visiting during May is always a good choice because it falls in the spring season which means temperatures are warm but not hot, and rainfall is low, making it the ideal time to explore everything that this beautiful ex-Soviet republic has to offer.
Indeed, as you might expect from a country nestled between Europe and Russia, there are plenty of influences from different cultures. Nowhere is this more evident than in the capital city Tbilisi where refined 19th century buildings stand side by side with old Tbilisi walls dating back from the 11th century.
Of course, just like everywhere else in Georgia, Tbilisi is packed with amazing places to sample the local cuisine which includes khinkali, small dumplings filled with mouthfuls of soup and filling, khachapuri leavened bread boats filled with egg, and churchkhela, sausage-like sweets made from walnuts and fruit juices.
Venturing further afield than Tbilisi will allow you to experience the wonders of Vardzia, hewn straight into the rock in the 12th century. Oh, and you won't want to miss a trip to Georgia’s famous vineyards like the ones you will find at Kakheti. Indeed, Georgia is well known for its amber wine so sampling a glass or two outside in the temperate May air is a must!
Pakistan
June and July can be hottest months in the beautiful and rich country of Pakistan, which means visiting in May is a sensible idea. However, because of the wide variance in terrain and altitude in Pakistan, weather including rainfall is often best predicted by region and location rather than time of year.
For example, the May weather in Gilgit will be relatively cooler at an average of around 21C, which makes it an ideal time to explore this area of outstanding beauty packed with rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains and deep blue rivers. Indeed, Gilgit is home to the evocatively named Fairy Meadows, so monikered by German climbers visiting the region for its almost magical landscapes complete with wildflowers, and crystal clear air.
In contrast, in the same month the temperature in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, is likely to be around the low to mid-30s. However, ensuring your hotel room comes with air-conditioning means you can always retreat for a rest in between sampling some of Pakistan's best restaurants and browsing for bargains in the Rawalpindi bazaars.
Botswana
Another one of the best places to visit during May is the South African country of Botswana. Less densely populated than many other countries in the south, Botswana shines as an example of breathtaking natural abundance and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Indeed, the Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with good reason, as it consists of a huge stretch of islands, channels and marshes that form a delta larger than anywhere else in the world. May is a particularly good time to visit the Okavango Delta because water levels will neither be at their peak or their minimum, so you can choose from a wide variety of once-in-a-lifetime activities during your Okavango Delta stay including a safari on horseback across the marshes, or ride the channels in a traditional box one and Mokoro canoe.
May is also a great time to explore the rest of the picturesque country of Botswana because you’ll skip the rainy season and instead be there right at the beginning of the dry season, where temperatures range from the high 20s to the 30s. This means you’ll get plenty of sunshine whether you're exploring the Chobe National Park, or spotting lions on the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Armenia
If it's some summer heat you are after then Armenia is a great travel option for May, as temperatures are around the mid to high 20s, which makes it the perfect time to visit for trekking and exploring. However, because part of Armenia is located along the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains you can expect colder weather in these areas due to the altitude, even in May. With this in mind, be sure to wrap up warm when hiking or visiting striking buildings like the Seven and Tatev which are perched on cliff tops.
Many people like to begin their Armenian adventure by exploring Yerevan, their capital city. Here you will find a mix of the old and new with access to air-conditioned hotels with pools, as well as the old town district known as Kond where you can find plenty of pink volcanic tuffa stone buildings such as the Khachkars at Surp Hovhannes church.
Outside of the capital city, birdwatchers and spa enthusiasts alike will not want to miss a trip to Dilijan. Home to a massive 240 different species of birds, this area surrounded by dense forest is truly an ornithologist delight. similarly diligent is well known for its healing mineral waters which many of the hotels and spas in the area make use of.
Turkmenistan
Largely covered by the black sands of the Kara Kum, Turkmenistan is an often overlooked travel destination for May. Yet, with clear skies and warm weather ranging from the high twenties to the low thirties, May is truly the best month of the year to visit this entrancing central Asian country.
Home to stunning archaeological sites vital to the Silk Road, including Nisa and Merv, Turkmenistan is a country steeped in history and culture. Indeed, the Turkmen of Turkmenistan are a welcoming people, easy to spot with their traditional attire and beautiful Akhal Tek horses for which they are famed for their riding prowess.
The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat, built to honour their former president Saparmurat Niyazov, and in what is surprising to many, in a modern soviet style complete with golden statues, mosques and long-drawn-out boulevards. Indeed, a visit is well worth your time, but be prepared for much less hustle and bustle than most capital cities, as Ashgabat is nicknamed the City of the Dead because of its seemingly non-existent population.
An excellent ‘palate cleanser’ after a visit to Ashgabat is a trip out to see the Teke Tribe and the Darvaza gas craters, amongst which they live. Formed after soviet mining for gas, many of the craters are wide and still burning, which makes them a spectacular if slightly unnerving view for your night’s camp.
Indonesia
A Southeast Asian country made up of many islands, the largest ones being New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java, Indonesia is an ideal location for those travelling in May. This is because the temperatures and sunshine are best between April and October, so May is a great time to enjoy all the delights Indonesia has to offer. From bathing in the azure blue seas that surround it to visiting some of the smaller islands in the archipelago where you will discover remnants of hidden architecture including deserted Buddhist and Hindu monasteries. Indeed, head to the island of Central Java to visit the Buddhist monastery of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will find 8th and 9th-century stupas and statues of the Buddha is a must for any traveller!
Predominantly Muslim in the 21st Century, the cuisine of Indonesia is exciting and varied, taking influences from both Asia and Africa. You’re bound to find plenty of sambal on your table when eating in Indonesia, a condiment made from chilli, which you are invited to use to spice up whatever meal you are enjoying. Fried rice dishes such as nasi goreng are also very popular across all the islands of the archipelago and are often served with meat or vegetables and topped with a fried egg. Satay or simple skewers of meat, sometimes marinated in delicious sauces are a popular street food dish, and you can expect to be tempted by their delectable smell whenever you pass a food stall!
Uzbekistan
With temperatures between the high 20s and low 30s, Uzbekistan is one of the best destinations for those looking to escape the dreary UK weather in May. You can also expect the weather to be dry and bright in May, but not so hot that exploring this country often overlooked by tourists is uncomfortable. Yes, this intriguing and unique country tends to be fairly quiet compared to other tourist destinations, which considering its safe and secular nature is a real oversight on many tourists' part.
Indeed, there are a myriad of things to see and do when visiting Uzbekistan, including visiting the medieval city of Khiva. Once a stop along the famous Silk Road, that also took traders to Bukhara and Samarkand where they shared ideas as well as silk, gems and spices, legend has it that Khiva was founded by one of Noah’s sons. In the present day, the winding streets, markets and opulent accommodations make it a must-see for any traveller.
Then there is the now arid Aral Sea. Formerly the fourth largest body of water located inland on the planet, little remains except the rusting boats run aground in the desert. It's quite a haunting site and one that is worth the trek out into the remote location where the Aral Sea used to sit.
Japan
Known for its cherry blossom, delicious cuisine and rich culture, Japan is also a solid choice for those looking to travel in May. This is because the average temperature is rising to the low to mid-20s but not yet at the 30-degree peak seen in the summer months.
However, there is another vital reason to visit the fascinating land of the rising sun in May as you can still catch cherry blossom or Sakura festival in some areas. Indeed, as Japan boasts the highest concentration of cherry blossom trees in the world, you can expect the scenes around you to be transformed into a magical swath of pink, depending on where you are in the country.
Taking part in Hanami, or viewing flowers as the term translates, is a popular time for Japanese residents and tourists alike, and embrace the season by taking a picnic to sit under the blossoms and enjoy the view.
Aside from the beauty of sakura, there are many other things to experience during your trip to Japan from exploring the bustling streets of the capital city Tokyo, to enjoying the quiet relaxation of a rural onsen bath.
Food, of course, is also a massive part of Japanese culture and your trip would not be complete without getting to sample the delicious array of morsels available from all sorts of places including train station bento boxes, street food stalls selling meat skewers known as yakatori and sushi along the east coast. Many eating establishments in Japan also display sampuru or very realistic plastic models of the specific dishes they offer in the window of their premises, making choosing what to eat, even if you don’t speak Japanese, very easy.
Jordan
Home to the legendary Rose City of Petra, Jordan is a destination well suited to those travelling in May because the weather is warm and sunny, but not so hot that doing things becomes difficult.
There are many things to see and do in this captivating Middle Eastern country, such as float in the Dead Sea, warm yourself over a Bedouin fire as you camp out under the stars, or tick off an experience from your bucket list by riding a camel through the desert!
Animal lovers will delight in the Dana National Park which is made up of over 300 sqm of wadis (a dry ravine except in the rainy season) and mountains. Home to a wide variety of animals, when visiting Dana you should be on the lookout for the spiny tailed lizard, syrian wolf, and the sand cat, all of which are currently on the endangered species list.
Foodies will also adore Jordan as traditional home-cooked Arabic food is everywhere including delish sesame-coated Ka’ak bread and the flakey but succulent makmoura made with layers of meat and the finest dough. For afters, do not forget to sample some fresh baklava. Also made with flakey pastry, but this time mixed with honey and nuts, it's quite the delish accompaniment alongside a hot coffee.
Lebanon
Finally, perhaps the place that calls you this May is the engrossing country of Lebanon. Located in the Middle East, you’ll find the temperature in May mild, and the rain much reduced, making it a great time to travel.
Historically rich Lebanon boasts settlements from a wide range of ages including the Stone Age, the time of the Romans, The Ottoman Empire, and the Crusades. The Phoenicians have also left their mark on Lebanon with the port cities of Sidon and Tyre a must visit. There you will find cultural delights such as the Temple of Echmoun, which is an ancient place of worship built in honour of the Phoenician god of healing.
By travelling in May you’ll also benefit from the opportunity to attend the internationally renowned Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival. A yearly showcase running at the end of May the festival is a chance for both local and international musicians to get together, exchange ideas and play for enraptured audiences that have travelled from all over the world.
For dessert, breakfast, or even as a snack it has to be the sweet cheesy pastry known as kanafeh. It's the orange blossom syrup drizzled on top that truly elevates this dish, and we can guarantee that you will be thinking of it well after you have returned home.
Georgia
Bridging Asia and Europe, Georgia is located in a region known as the Caucasus, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Visiting during May is always a good choice because it falls in the spring season which means temperatures are warm but not hot, and rainfall is low, making it the ideal time to explore everything that this beautiful ex-Soviet republic has to offer.
Indeed, as you might expect from a country nestled between Europe and Russia, there are plenty of influences from different cultures. Nowhere is this more evident than in the capital city Tbilisi where refined 19th century buildings stand side by side with old Tbilisi walls dating back from the 11th century.
Of course, just like everywhere else in Georgia, Tbilisi is packed with amazing places to sample the local cuisine which includes khinkali, small dumplings filled with mouthfuls of soup and filling, khachapuri leavened bread boats filled with egg, and churchkhela, sausage-like sweets made from walnuts and fruit juices.
Venturing further afield than Tbilisi will allow you to experience the wonders of Vardzia, hewn straight into the rock in the 12th century. Oh, and you won't want to miss a trip to Georgia’s famous vineyards like the ones you will find at Kakheti. Indeed, Georgia is well known for its amber wine so sampling a glass or two outside in the temperate May air is a must!
Pakistan
June and July can be the hottest months in the beautiful and rich country of Pakistan, which means visiting in May is a sensible idea. However, because of the wide variance in terrain and altitude in Pakistan, weather including rainfall is often best predicted by region and location rather than time of year.
For example, the May weather in Gilgit will be relatively cooler at an average of around 21C, which makes it an ideal time to explore this area of outstanding beauty packed with rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains and deep blue rivers. Indeed, Gilgit is home to the evocatively named Fairy Meadows, so monikered by German climbers visiting the region for its almost magical landscapes complete with wildflowers, and crystal clear air.
In contrast, in the same month the temperature in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, is likely to be around the low to mid-30s. However, ensuring your hotel room comes with air-conditioning means you can always retreat for a rest in between sampling some of Pakistan's best restaurants and browsing for bargains in the Rawalpindi bazaars.
Botswana
Another one of the best places to visit during May is the South African country of Botswana. Less densely populated than many other countries in the south, Botswana shines as an example of breathtaking natural abundance and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Indeed, the Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with good reason, as it consists of a huge stretch of islands, channels and marshes that form a delta larger than anywhere else in the world. May is a particularly good time to visit the Okavango Delta because water levels will neither be at their peak or their minimum, so you can choose from a wide variety of once-in-a-lifetime activities during your Okavango Delta stay including a safari on horseback across the marshes, or ride the channels in a traditional box one and Mokoro canoe.
May is also a great time to explore the rest of the picturesque country of Botswana because you’ll skip the rainy season and instead be there right at the beginning of the dry season, where temperatures range from the high 20s to the 30s. This means you’ll get plenty of sunshine whether you're exploring the Chobe National Park, or spotting lions on the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Armenia
If it's some summer heat you are after then Armenia is a great travel option for May, as temperatures are around the mid to high 20s, which makes it the perfect time to visit for trekking and exploring. However, because part of Armenia is located along the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains you can expect colder weather in these areas due to the altitude, even in May. With this in mind, be sure to wrap up warm when hiking or visiting striking buildings like the Seven and Tatev which are perched on cliff tops.
Many people like to begin their Armenian adventure by exploring Yerevan, their capital city. Here you will find a mix of the old and new with access to air-conditioned hotels with pools, as well as the old town district known as Kond where you can find plenty of pink volcanic tuffa stone buildings such as the Khachkars at Surp Hovhannes church.
Outside of the capital city, birdwatchers and spa enthusiasts alike will not want to miss a trip to Dilijan. Home to a massive 240 different species of birds, this area surrounded by dense forest is truly an ornithologist delight. similarly diligent is well known for its healing mineral waters which many of the hotels and spas in the area make use of.
Turkmenistan
Largely covered by the black sands of the Kara Kum, Turkmenistan is an often overlooked travel destination for May. Yet, with clear skies and warm weather ranging from the high twenties to the low thirties, May is truly the best month of the year to visit this entrancing central Asian country.
Home to stunning archaeological sites vital to the Silk Road, including Nisa and Merv, Turkmenistan is a country steeped in history and culture. Indeed, the Turkmen of Turkmenistan are a welcoming people, easy to spot with their traditional attire and beautiful Akhal Tek horses for which they are famed for their riding prowess.
The capital city of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat, built to honour their former president Saparmurat Niyazov, and in what is surprising to many, in a modern soviet style complete with golden statues, mosques and long-drawn-out boulevards. Indeed, a visit is well worth your time, but be prepared for much less hustle and bustle than most capital cities, as Ashgabat is nicknamed the City of the Dead because of its seemingly non-existent population.
An excellent ‘palate cleanser’ after a visit to Ashgabat is a trip out to see the Teke Tribe and the Darvaza gas craters, amongst which they live. Formed after soviet mining for gas, many of the craters are wide and still burning, which makes them a spectacular if slightly unnerving view for your night’s camp.
Indonesia
A Southeast Asian country made up of many islands, the largest ones being New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java, Indonesia is an ideal location for those travelling in May. This is because the temperatures and sunshine are best between April and October, so May is a great time to enjoy all the delights Indonesia has to offer. From bathing in the azure blue seas that surround it to visiting some of the smaller islands in the archipelago where you will discover remnants of hidden architecture including deserted Buddhist and Hindu monasteries. Indeed, head to the island of Central Java to visit the Buddhist monastery of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will find 8th and 9th-century stupas and statues of the Buddha is a must for any traveller!
Predominantly Muslim in the 21st Century, the cuisine of Indonesia is exciting and varied, taking influences from both Asia and Africa. You’re bound to find plenty of sambal on your table when eating in Indonesia, a condiment made from chilli, which you are invited to use to spice up whatever meal you are enjoying. Fried rice dishes such as nasi goreng are also very popular across all the islands of the archipelago and are often served with meat or vegetables and topped with a fried egg. Satay or simple skewers of meat, sometimes marinated in delicious sauces are a popular street food dish, and you can expect to be tempted by their delectable smell whenever you pass a food stall!
Uzbekistan
With temperatures between the high 20s and low 30s, Uzbekistan is one of the best destinations for those looking to escape the dreary UK weather in May. You can also expect the weather to be dry and bright in May, but not so hot that exploring this country often overlooked by tourists is uncomfortable. Yes, this intriguing and unique country tends to be fairly quiet compared to other tourist destinations, which considering its safe and secular nature is a real oversight on many tourists' part.
Indeed, there are a myriad of things to see and do when visiting Uzbekistan, including visiting the medieval city of Khiva. Once a stop along the famous Silk Road, that also took traders to Bukhara and Samarkand where they shared ideas as well as silk, gems and spices, legend has it that Khiva was founded by one of Noah’s sons. In the present day, the winding streets, markets and opulent accommodations make it a must-see for any traveller.
Then there is the now arid Aral Sea. Formerly the fourth largest body of water located inland on the planet, little remains except the rusting boats run aground in the desert. It's quite a haunting site and one that is worth the trek out into the remote location where the Aral Sea used to sit.
Japan
Known for its cherry blossom, delicious cuisine and rich culture, Japan is also a solid choice for those looking to travel in May. This is because the average temperature is rising to the low to mid-20s but not yet at the 30-degree peak seen in the summer months.
However, there is another vital reason to visit the fascinating land of the rising sun in May as you can still catch cherry blossom or Sakura festival in some areas. Indeed, as Japan boasts the highest concentration of cherry blossom trees in the world, you can expect the scenes around you to be transformed into a magical swath of pink, depending on where you are in the country.
Taking part in Hanami, or viewing flowers as the term translates, is a popular time for Japanese residents and tourists alike, and embrace the season by taking a picnic to sit under the blossoms and enjoy the view.
Aside from the beauty of sakura, there are many other things to experience during your trip to Japan from exploring the bustling streets of the capital city Tokyo, to enjoying the quiet relaxation of a rural onsen bath.
Food, of course, is also a massive part of Japanese culture and your trip would not be complete without getting to sample the delicious array of morsels available from all sorts of places including train station bento boxes, street food stalls selling meat skewers known as yakatori and sushi along the east coast. Many eating establishments in Japan also display sampuru or very realistic plastic models of the specific dishes they offer in the window of their premises, making choosing what to eat, even if you don’t speak Japanese, very easy.
Jordan
Home to the legendary Rose City of Petra, Jordan is a destination well suited to those travelling in May because the weather is warm and sunny, but not so hot that doing things becomes difficult.
There are many things to see and do in this captivating Middle Eastern country, such as float in the Dead Sea, warm yourself over a Bedouin fire as you camp out under the stars, or tick off an experience from your bucket list by riding a camel through the desert!
Animal lovers will delight in the Dana National Park which is made up of over 300 sqm of wadis (a dry ravine except in the rainy season) and mountains. Home to a wide variety of animals, when visiting Dana you should be on the lookout for the spiny tailed lizard, syrian wolf, and the sand cat, all of which are currently on the endangered species list.
Foodies will also adore Jordan as traditional home-cooked Arabic food is everywhere including delish sesame-coated Ka’ak bread and the flakey but succulent makmoura made with layers of meat and the finest dough. For afters, do not forget to sample some fresh baklava. Also made with flakey pastry, but this time mixed with honey and nuts, it's quite the delish accompaniment alongside a hot coffee.
Lebanon
Finally, perhaps the place that calls you this May is the engrossing country of Lebanon. Located in the Middle East, you’ll find the temperature in May mild, and the rain much reduced, making it a great time to travel.
Historically rich Lebanon boasts settlements from a wide range of ages including the Stone Age, the time of the Romans, The Ottoman Empire, and the Crusades. The Phoenicians have also left their mark on Lebanon with the port cities of Sidon and Tyre a must visit. There you will find cultural delights such as the Temple of Echmoun, which is an ancient place of worship built in honour of the Phoenician god of healing.
By travelling in May you’ll also benefit from the opportunity to attend the internationally renowned Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival. A yearly showcase running at the end of May the festival is a chance for both local and international musicians to get together, exchange ideas and play for enraptured audiences that have travelled from all over the world.
Lastly, no one can visit Lebanon without sampling the local cuisine. It's always best to begin with kafta, meatballs made with chicken, beef, or lamb that are filled with a sumptuous mixture of spices, herbs like parsley, and breadcrumbs to soak up all the flavour.
For dessert, breakfast, or even as a snack it has to be the sweet cheesy pastry known as kanafeh. It's the orange blossom syrup drizzled on top that truly elevates this dish, and we can guarantee that you will be thinking of it well after you have returned home.