Where to go in May for sun?

May marks the return of spring in full force and opens the door to the first real desires for escapism: a getaway in Andalusia, a swim in the Cyclades, a change of scenery in Madeira, idling in the Balearics or Sardinia, a road trip in Croatia, a short stay in Malta or Cyprus, for the May bank holidays (May 1st, May 8th, Ascension, Whit Monday) as well as for faraway destinations like Egypt, the Caribbean, Martinique, or even the Seychelles and the Maldives. This GYL guide reviews the best travel ideas for the month, with temperatures, climate, weather, and practical tips to choose where to go in the sun in May without making a mistake.

The best sunny destinations in Europe in May

Southern Europe offers an ideal climate in May for those who want to enjoy the sun without the scorching heat of July. Temperatures settle steadily between 22 and 28 degrees, the water warms back up to 18-21 degrees in the Mediterranean, and the crowds remain moderate since the peak tourist season has not yet begun. May is also the perfect time to combine a cultural city trip and swimming, two desires that few months can reconcile so well. Before booking, take a look at our guide which suitcase to choose for a trip to Europe to travel with the right luggage.

Andalusia: Seville, Cordoba, and the Costa de la Luz

Andalusia is one of the most beautiful European destinations for May, with a thermometer flirting with 26 degrees in Seville and 24 degrees in Cordoba. The flower-filled patios, shaded terraces, and alleys of the historic center can be explored without the summer heatwave. The Costa de la Luz, more discreet than the Costa del Sol, offers fine sandy beaches, preserved fishing villages, and water that exceeds 18 degrees. Head to Andalusia for a mix of Moorish culture, Spanish cuisine, and coastal relaxation.

Greece: Crete, Cyclades, and Santorini off-season

Greece in May is the absolute ideal: 24 to 26 degrees on Crete, Cyclades still far from the summer crowds, and Santorini bathed in light without having to elbow your way through to photograph its blue domes. Swimming remains fresh (water around 19 degrees) but afternoons on the beach and in archaeological parks can be fully enjoyed. The Greek islands offer immediate escapism with their whitewashed houses, hidden coves, and a Mediterranean cuisine celebrated by lovers of dry wines and fresh products.

Malta and Cyprus: the warmest Mediterranean islands

Malta and Cyprus form the winning duo of the warmest islands in the Mediterranean in May. In Malta, the thermometer reads 23 degrees, the water nears 19 degrees, and the capital, Valletta, is well-suited for a heritage city trip registered with UNESCO. Cyprus climbs to 27 degrees in Larnaca with water at 21 degrees, which already allows for real swimming. These two destinations combine an ideal climate, beaches, ancient sites, and moderate budgets, perfect for a long weekend or a week-long getaway.

Mainland Portugal and Madeira: the luminous spring

Mainland Portugal shines in May with Lisbon at 22 degrees, Faro and the Algarve at 23 degrees, and clear skies nearly 9 days out of 10. Madeira, the island of flowers off the African coast, maintains its springtime microclimate with 22 degrees and unique volcanic landscapes between Funchal and the peaks of Pico Ruivo. The Douro is great for a wine-themed road trip, Sintra for cultural outings, and the Algarve coast for beach days. The quality-climate-price ratio remains one of the most competitive in Europe.

Italy: Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia

Southern Italy emerges from winter with temperatures rising to 22 degrees in Sardinia, 24 degrees in Sicily, and 23 degrees in Puglia. Sardinia seduces with its crystalline waters of the Costa Smeralda and its national parks. Sicily attracts adventure lovers between Mount Etna, the Greek temples of Agrigento, and the markets of Palermo. Puglia, with its trulli of Alberobello and the coast of Otranto, completes a perfect Italian trio for an authentic stay far from the summer crowds.

Croatia and the Balearics: between culture and beaches

Croatia in May offers 22 degrees on the Dalmatian coast, national parks like the Plitvice Lakes at their botanical peak, and the fortresses of Dubrovnik (a filming location for Game of Thrones) without the hustle and bustle. The Balearic Islands, and particularly Mallorca, hit 23 degrees, with translucent coves and a mild microclimate ideal for exploring Palma on foot. These two destinations check all the boxes for a spring trip: stable weather, beaches that are still quiet, reasonable budget, and direct flights from Paris in less than 2h30.

Trips in the sun outside Europe: faraway destinations for the month of May

For those who want a real change of scenery and to flee the still-fluctuating climate of mainland France, May opens the door to many faraway destinations with temperatures between 28 and 33 degrees. It is also a pivotal month for tropical weather: you must know how to avoid the rainy season in certain regions and choose the right islands to sunbathe with total peace of mind. Here are the best travel ideas outside Europe for the month of May.

Morocco: Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Atlas

Morocco in May offers a perfect climate: 28 degrees in Marrakech, 22 degrees on the coast of Essaouira swept by trade winds, and Atlas trails accessible without extreme heat. An opportunity to combine souks, terraces overlooking the Medina gardens, a getaway in Berber villages, and idling on the long Atlantic beaches of Essaouira. There is no time difference, the flight from Paris lasts 3h30, and the budget remains one of the most accessible for a sun trip outside Europe in May.

Egypt and Tunisia: Warm Mediterranean and Red Sea

Egypt hits 32 degrees in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, with a Red Sea at 25 degrees, ideal for diving on coral reefs. Cruises on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan still enjoy bearable heat before the sweltering summer. Tunisia, much closer, displays 25 degrees in Djerba, fine sandy beaches, and a very competitive all-inclusive holiday club format. These two destinations remain the safe bets for guaranteed sun in May on a moderate budget.

Caribbean: Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Cuba

The Caribbean ends its dry season in May with 30 degrees in Martinique, 30 degrees in Guadeloupe, and water at 27 degrees. Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Belize still benefit from a stable dry climate before the arrival of rains in late June. The French Antilles have the advantage of requiring neither a passport (ID card suffices) nor a visa, and offer coconut trees, turquoise waters, and Creole culture as a bonus. Expect an 8h30 flight from Paris and a higher budget, but the tropical experience is well worth it. If you are hesitant about the month, compare the best time to go to Guadeloupe before booking.

Indonesia, Maldives, and Seychelles: the Indian Ocean and tropical Asia

Indonesia, and particularly Bali, begins its dry season in May with 30 degrees and milder humidity than in the middle of the rainy season. The Maldives and the Seychelles offer 30 to 31 degrees in May, a sea at 28 degrees, and coconut trees as far as the eye can see, with some short tropical showers at the end of the day. For travelers in search of crystalline waters and overwater bungalows, it's an interesting window in terms of rates because the high season only restarts in July. The time difference (4 to 6 hours) remains manageable.

Mexico, Cape Verde, and other gems

Mexico shines in May with 32 degrees on the Riviera Maya, Mayan sites (Tulum, Chichén Itzá) accessible before the humid heat of summer, and a cocktail of beaches, cenotes, and spicy cuisine highly appreciated by families. Cape Verde offers 25 degrees, volcanic islands with few tourists, and a complete change of scenery at 6 hours of flight time. For adventurers, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea) are among the less obvious but formidably well-oriented exotic destinations in May regarding weather.

Going to the sun in May on a small budget

May is one of the most economical months of the year to travel to the sun, provided you target the right destinations and avoid the May bank holiday bridge periods for long-haul flights. Off-season, outside school holidays (except partially for zone B), price comparison sites show fare reductions of 20 to 35% compared to July. Here are the most accessible sun destinations for a low-budget stay.

Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco in all-inclusive packages

Tunisia remains unbeatable in May with all-inclusive stays from 450 euros per person for 7 nights (flight, hotel, meals included) in Djerba or Hammamet. Egypt offers all-inclusive packages in Hurghada holiday clubs around 600 euros, with Red Sea access and diving included. Morocco lines up between 500 and 700 euros for Agadir or Marrakech. Three sunny destinations that combine reduced budget, short direct flights, and guaranteed sun thanks to stable microclimates.

Last-minute good deals in Europe

Last-minute offers in May often drop in the second half of the month, especially after Ascension. Crete, Malta, the Balearics, the Algarve, Sardinia, and Albania are among the best gems with round trips around 100 to 150 euros from Paris and 3-star seaside hotels at 50-70 euros per night. The Skyscanner comparator and the Google Flights app allow you to visualize the best days to fly. According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these European destinations do not require visas or specific consular procedures (see the French government's travel advice section for up-to-date recommendations).

Budget city trips: Lisbon, Seville, Athens

Three southern capitals combine May sun and tight prices: Lisbon around 300 euros for 4 days (flight + hotel), Seville at 350 euros, and Athens at 380 euros. These cities offer free access to many museums and monuments on certain days of the month (the first Sunday in particular), inexpensive transport, and street food (Greek taverna, tapas, pasteis) accessible to all budgets. For a sunny urban getaway, it is the budget option par excellence.

Climate and temperatures in May: the summary table by destination

Here is a complete panorama of weather conditions by destination in May. These averages come from cross-referencing Météo France, Climate-data.org, and records from the last ten years. They allow you to calibrate your suitcase and anticipate specific microclimates (trade winds in Essaouira, Mistral wind in Sardinia, Atlantic breezes in Madeira).

Note: the Maldives, Seychelles, and Bali enter a transition zone in May between the dry and rainy seasons, with short but intense tropical showers at the end of the day. Réunion, the Pacific, and French Polynesia (Tahiti, New Caledonia) remain stable options to escape the humidity of the Indian Ocean during the same period.

Enjoying the May long weekends: Ascension, Pentecost, May 1st and May 8th

The May long weekends are a major feature of the French calendar, with four public holidays close together: Labor Day (May 1st), Victory in Europe Day (May 8th), Ascension (a Thursday in mid-May), and Pentecost (the following Monday). These four dates often allow for a long weekend or a short 4-day getaway without using too many vacation days. Here are the best getaway ideas to plan around these long weekends.

4-day long weekend: Lisbon, Athens, Valletta, Marrakech

For a short 4-day trip around a May long weekend, target cities reachable in less than 4 hours of flight time that can be intensely explored in a short period. Lisbon, Athens, Valletta (Malta), Seville, Marrakech, Funchal (Madeira), or Dubrovnik are among the best options. The city trip format combines arrival on Wednesday evening and departure on Sunday, with an optional beach excursion (Cascais from Lisbon, Cala Mondragó from Palma, Cap-Cana from Marrakech).

Ascension long weekend: 5 days for a further getaway

The Ascension long weekend often allows for a 5-day break by using only one vacation day. This window is well-suited for slightly more distant destinations: Croatia, Sardinia, Puglia, Cape Verde, Tunisia, or even Egypt with an all-inclusive package. The time difference remains minimal (1 to 2 hours), direct flights are available from most French airports, and temperatures stabilize at 24-28 degrees. For a slightly longer trip, see our ultimate suitcase size guide for a 10-day trip.

Pentecost long weekend: getaway to Andalusia or the Cyclades

Pentecost usually falls in the last week of May or the first week of June. It is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Andalusia, the Cyclades, or the Balearic Islands, with already summer-like temperatures (26-28 degrees). For 4 or 5 full days, prioritize short flights (2 to 3.5 hours) and seaside hotels to maximize swimming time. If you are leaving for 7 full days, take a look at what to pack in your suitcase for 1 week before finishing your preparations. If Pentecost falls at the beginning of June, continue your planning with our guide on where to go in June to schedule the rest of the season.

Beaches, swimming, and relaxation: where to lay your towel in May

Swimming in May depends primarily on the water temperature. On the European Mediterranean, the water fluctuates between 17 and 21 degrees, which is already warm enough for the brave to swim without a wetsuit, though it remains a bit cool for those who prefer true warmth. Outside of Europe, the water exceeds 25 degrees in Egypt, Tunisia, the Caribbean, Bali, and the Maldives.

Warmest European beaches in May

The warmest beaches in Europe in May are found in Cyprus (Konnos Beach, Fig Tree Bay) with water at 21 degrees, followed by the Aegean coasts of Turkey (22 degrees), Madeira (Atlantic water at 20 degrees thanks to the current), and southern Crete (Elafonissi, Balos) at 20 degrees. The Cyclades, Mallorca, Sardinia, and Croatia remain around 18 degrees, making them accessible in the middle of the day for those who can handle brisk water. Relaxation under the sun remains feasible everywhere as long as the air temperature exceeds 22 degrees.

Tanning outside of Europe: Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Red Sea

For optimal tanning conditions in May, exotic destinations are king: Caribbean (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic, Cuba) at 30 degrees, Red Sea (Egypt) at 32 degrees, Indian Ocean (Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion at 28 degrees), and French Polynesia. Tahiti and New Caledonia also offer 27 degrees in the middle of the dry season. Consider SPF 50 sunscreen, essential at these latitudes where the UV index climbs to 11.

French and Corsican beaches: flight-free alternatives

Staying in France, the south offers 23 degrees on the French Riviera, 22 degrees on the Basque coast, and Corsica reaches 24 degrees in Ajaccio with water at 18 degrees. The coves of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, the beaches of Calvi, or the Bay of Ajaccio can be enjoyed almost without crowds before the summer rush. It's a credible alternative for those wanting to limit their carbon footprint, travel by car, and alternate between the coast, mountains (Mercantour, Cap Corse), and great dining.

FAQ: where to go in the sun in May

To go further in planning your next trip, also check out our guide on how to organize a trip and our seasonal dossier on where to go in the sun in April to compare destinations from one month to the next.