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I’m a travel expert with understandings into the optimal places to visit in May, both in the United States and internationally.
May is a great time to visit popular vacation spots. The summer crowds haven’t arrived and prices are often lower. This isn`t to say that exploring off the beaten path isn`t possible — this guide also contains several hidden gems! Discover seasonal festivals, outdoor activities, cultured cities, and more.
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Best Places to Visit in May in the USA
Southern Utah
Explore rugged canyons, enchanting stone formations, and other breathtaking American landscapes across the state of Utah.
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May presents a wonderful time to visit Utah for outdoor adventures. The average temperature hovers around 72° F, so you can beat the summer heat and crowds. Though, the earlier the better since both increase as the month nears its end.
Some of the American West’s most iconic landscapes can be found in Utah’s national parks such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. There are trails accommodating every taste, from brief walks to several-day wilderness excursions. Go hiking, mountain biking, camping, and more!
The tiny communities of Moab and St. George provide excellent lodging and eateries between activities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Spend time enjoying the sun and beaches in one of the East Coast’s prime coastal locations.
✈️ Travel to Myrtle Beach | 🛎️ Accommodations in Myrtle Beach
Days filled with sunshine and activities suitable for all ages and interests make Myrtle Beach an excellent choice for a vacation in May.
The picturesque, sandy coastlines of this South Carolina city are perfect for seaside activities, such as learning to surf or simply soaking in the sun. Myrtle Beach is also a mecca for golf enthusiasts. There’s over 90 courses to explore!
South Carolina boasts a proud barbecue tradition. There`s a great variety of fresh seafood available here, too, along with restaurants offering American and international fare. Arcades and shops also line the boardwalks, as do amusement park rides and hotels.
Washington, DC
Visit Washington DC in May for a unique experience of American and world heritage.
✈️ Transportation to Washington, DC | 🛎️ Accommodations in Washington, DC| Location Options | Activities
Washington DC is another of the best places to visit in May. The weather is warm and festivals and special occasions occur throughout the month.
On Friday evenings, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden hosts free jazz concerts. The first weekend in May kicks off Passport DC, an event where foreign embassies showcase the finest facets of their cultures through cuisine, performances, and more.
There are also all the most famous sights such as the National Mall, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. There are tons of great exhibitions, such as the Smithsonian, too! May marks the near end of the cherry blossom period, so while there are fewer blooms, there are also fewer crowds.
Shenandoah National Park is also among the simplest excursions from DC. However, both locations have plenty to explore for an entire trip alone.
Nevada
Visit Las Vegas or venture farther afield for adventures in the American high desert region.
✈️ Flights to Nevada | 🛎️ Accommodations in Nevada
Most people recognize Nevada for Las Vegas. However, the Silver State has much more to offer than just Sin City.
Reno and Lake Tahoe cater more to outdoor enthusiasts. Though Reno has casinos and urban attractions as well, the rest of the state, often overlooked, conceals gems worthwhile exploring!
Nevada offers a unique road trip experience, dotted with tiny towns such as Tonopah in the high desert plains. Lesser visited areas like Big Dune transport visitors to another world, and it is also proximate to the astonishments of Death Valley National Park.
New York City, New York
Sample the finest aspects of New York City including its world-renowned skyscrapers, expansive parks, and beaches.
✈️ Flights to the city of New York | 🛎️ Accommodations in the city of New York| Where to Remain
New York is another awesome place to visit in May. Daytime temperatures hover around 70° F, perfect for strolling in Central Recreational Area. New York’s seaside attractions such as Coney Island and Brighton Beach (one of many New York coastal zones) are also great for escaping the urban community.
Famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building will have shorter queues and less crowds. New York City additionally contains many galleries and performance spaces — far more than just Broadway!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Spring sees the rolling, forested hills of the Appalachians come alive with wildflowers and the songs of birds.
✈️ Flights to Washington, D.C. | 🛎️ Accommodations near Shenandoah Nat’l Park
Few landscapes are so traditionally American as those in Shenandoah National Park. Travel Lemming even rated it #1 amidst all US national parks!
Here, rolling mountains from the Blue Ridge range can be seen, one link in the larger Appalachian Mountain system. Numerous trails wind along and between peaks, through woods, beside creeks, and past lovely waterfalls with options for all fitness levels – from day hiking to backpacking the Appalachian Trail.
The area also boasts numerous quaint mountain towns. The Skyline Drive remains a top draw, allowing panoramic park views.
Denver, Colorado
Denver comes alive any time of year, but truly springs to life as summer begins!
✈️ Travel arrangements to Denver | 🛎️ Accommodations in Denver| Location options | Places worth seeing | Activities | Dining
Denver is one of the best places to visit in May for those who enjoy nature as well as urban attractions.
There are several amazing trips from Denver lasting one day, such as Rocky Mountain National Park. The city also serves as a good base for more distant locations in Colorado, like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The passage indicates that Denver itself offers many cultural attractions too during the Memorial Day weekend with its Downtown Denver Arts Festival showcasing exhibitions and performances while also spotlighting the abundant top-notch restaurants and microbreweries to replenish energy levels in the city
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Escape the summer heat and crowds by exploring this national park renowned for its unusual plant species.
✈️ Air travel to Palm Springs, California | 🛎️ Accommodations near Joshua Tree National Park | Activities
California’s Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places to visit in May if you love deserts, as the hot desert climate has not yet reached peak temperatures.
Trails and camping spots can be found all across the park. The lack of light pollution makes the park one of the best locations in California for stargazing. Keep your eyes peeled for the desert`s diverse flora and fauna too.
Off-road excursions here take visitors deep into the desert to areas otherwise inaccessible. The tours are meticulously planned and respect the beautiful yet delicate ecosystem.
Yosemite National Park, California
Take in the iconic attractions found at one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the United States.
✈️ Flights to Yosemite| 🛎️ Lodgings near Yosemite
The grand cliffs, rich forests, and majestic waterfalls of Yosemite make it one of the most widely visited national parks in California, as well as the country. It’s a good idea to go in May before the summer tourist season picks up momentum.
Hiking routes, rock climbing, and camping are just some of the outdoor pursuits available here. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome are worth viewing, even if scaling them is not possible for you.
The closest airport is in Fresno, but there are also great tours out of San Francisco that may be more convenient for some travelers.
Alaska
Explore Alaska`s wealth of natural beauty with its diverse wildlife and spring festivals.
✈️ Travel to Alaska | 🛎️ Accommodations in Alaska| Where You Can Stay| Locations to Explore | Activities to Partake In
Few areas in the United States can compare to Alaska in terms of natural beauty. Mt. Denali towers over the tundra. Glaciers drift gradually towards the ocean along the southern shorelines. The woodlands and oceans teem with wildlife. Bald eagles are more plentiful than pigeons in Alaska (and yes, that is an accurate statement).
May has the driest weather in Alaska. Average temperatures are on the cooler side of moderate (50s) but increase as the month progresses. Hotel and tour prices have not yet reached their summer high points, either.
May also provides a good opportunity to explore some of Alaska`s hidden gems. Kodiak, considered Alaska`s Emerald Isle, is home to the annual Crab Festival on Memorial Day weekend. The event features amusement park rides, competitions, and other activities. Kodiak additionally has many excellent hikes to explore, as well as several other things to do.
Yakima, Washington
Venture over the Cascades to uncover one of Central Washington’s best kept treasures.
✈️ Flights to Yakima city | 🛎️ Accommodations in Yakima| Lodging Options | Activities | Dining Establishments
Yakima is a hidden jewel in the state of Washington. Here, walking routes trace their way up hills and through riverside canyons. Local museums house various artifacts and lore from an assortment of domains.
Eateries offer all kinds of food items, from homemade tamales to fine dining. Local breweries acquire their hops straight from their source — the Yakima Valley produces 75% of hops in the US! Farmers markets also start “appearing” in May, providing a taste of the bountiful fields of the Yakima Valley.
Best International Places to Travel in May
Rome, Italy
Roam the streets of the Eternal City to find an unrivaled wealth of history, sophistication, and urban charm.
✈️ Flights to Rome | 🛎️ Accommodations in Rome
Rome is one of the most visited cities globally but tends to be somewhat calmer in May. Take a few days here to see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Forum, and much more. Guided tours are best because there is such a wealth of history here. You easily spend an eternity learning about the Eternal City.
- Top-Rated Luxury Accommodations: Grand Chennai • Residency Towers
Republic of Georgia
Discover a truly exceptional hidden gem in one of the frequently overlooked areas of the world.
✈️ Flights to Georgia (Europe) | 🛎️ Accommodations in Georgia (Europe)| Where to Live | Places to Go | Activities
Georgia is not frequently on people’s itineraries and I think this requires changing. Epic mountain treks, exquisite wine, sophisticated seaside cityscapes — these only scratch the surface of what the nation has available. Georgia is not massive but has a remarkable amount of unique subregions.
The capital city Tbilisi offers numerous attractions and serves as an excellent base for exploring the country. The beach town of Batumi, located in the southwestern Adjara region, boasts a sub-tropical climate. The mountainous northwestern region of Svaneti transports visitors back in time with its stone towers and spectacular alpine landscapes.
The locals are very friendly and the cuisine is extremely delicious. Georgia is also the birthplace of wine-making and wine plays a foundational role in Georgian culture. Attending a festive meal, known as a supra, is the best way to experience Georgian culinary and cultural traditions.
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia stands apart from other tropical islands in the Caribbean due to its towering mountains.
✈️ Travel to St. Lucia| 🛎️ Accommodations in St. Lucia
The island of St. Lucia provides an unexpected activity for a Caribbean beach destination – mountain climbing! The Pitons, which characterize the small island nation, rise abruptly from sea level to over 2000 feet. Beginning climbers can scale these rocky landmarks with a hired guide.
There are also plenty of relaxing experiences. Sandy beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun. Abundant coral reefs off the coast make for unforgettable dives. Restaurants and hotels cater to every taste and budget.
The atmosphere and diverse experiences make St. Lucia one of the top honeymoon spots, especially. May is also a great time to visit as it precedes the hurricane season from June through November.
Norway
Longer days mean additional time to explore Norway`s epic landscapes, cozy towns, and classy cities.
✈️ Flights to Norway | 🛎️ Accommodations in Norway
Norway`s narrow ocean channels lined by fishing towns and woodlands offer some remarkable sights in northern Europe. Mountains plunge steeply into long seawater passages. Day trips allow visitors to soak in the finest perspectives both from the oceans and mountain peaks. The sun doesn`t set until around 10 pm in May, so there will be plenty of opportunity for added exploration!
Oslo also provides an abundance of attractions by blending sophisticated urban aspects with surrounding natural beauty. Parks, galleries, cafes and restaurants featuring unique vibes are throughout the city and different neighborhoods.
Oslo has, as expected, a wealth of sites relating to Vikings. The most renowned attraction, the Viking Ship Museum, is currently closed for renovations (scheduled to reopen in 2026). However, there are several other locations such as the Historical Museum and Viking Planet that provide a glimpse into the world of the renowned Norsemen.
Mexico
Visit well-known coastal destinations, ancient ruins, and stylish cities before the busy summer season.
✈️ Flights to Mexico | 🛎️ Hotels in Mexico | Places to Explore | Activities to Partake In
Mexico is a favorite destination among Travel Lemming writers. It’s convenient to access for many travelers and has an almost overwhelming number of distinctive things to do and see.
You could, though, just start with the “ABCs”:
- Ancient sites like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza lay concealed within the rainforests, bearing testimony to the rich history of the nation.
- Beaches across the country are warm and sandy, and the weather is fantastic.
- Cities, such as Mexico City,Valladolid, and Izamal, deliver cosmopolitan charm and endless urban adventures.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw preserves a proud legacy of Polish culture, classical music, and perseverance through challenges.
✈️ Transportation options to Warsaw | 🛎️ Places to stay in Warsaw
Warsaw stands out as one the prime destinations to visit in May for those keen on all things Eastern European. Poland`s capital city has witnessed a turbulent past but has emerged as a resilient and beautiful place nonetheless.
Narrow paths wind through the Old Town, lined by shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Uprising Monument and Uprising Museum describe one of the most famous incidents in Poland during World War II. There are several other attractions in the city, like the Polin Museum, that relay the story of Warsaw’s Jewish community.
Classical music lovers will appreciate the city’s unabashed devotion to Frederic Chopin. City benches in the Royal Way area play the composer’s most famed pieces with the push of a button.
London, United Kingdom
Literature, architecture, culinary traditions, and all forms of culture are prominently featured in this iconic city.
✈️ Air Travel to London | 🛎️ Accommodations in London| Locating Lodgings | Activities to Experience | Dining Options
London has long been one of the world’s major cities and one visit there will demonstrate to you why. Iconic landmarks like London Bridge and Big Ben require no introduction, but there are also everyday attractions. Ride the famous “Tube” or for better views, the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Museums and art galleries house everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. Literature lovers also need no introduction to the city that shaped writers such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens (check out the museum devoted to Dickens)
Savor world-class cuisine in a restaurant or share a beverage with locals at one of the city’s top pubs. London may be known as an expensive location, but you can visit on a budget with some research.
London has six international airports, so travelers can easily add the city as a brief stop on longer journeys. Heathrow is by far the busiest airport, followed by Gatwick. The other airports mainly provide European and low-cost airline connections.
The French Riviera
Indulge in warm weather, charming towns, and the finest beaches in France.
✈️ Flights to French Riviera | 🛎️ Accommodations on the French Riviera | Areas to Explore | Activities to Participate In
The southern coastline of France, known as the French Riviera, provides a wonderful destination that is accessible to visitors without great wealth or fame. The climate is warm and an air of charm pervades the region. The Mediterranean Sea is perfect for swimming and boating activities. Restaurants and bakeries offer delights of French cuisine, need any further enticement be provided?
The initial seven day period is the best time to beat the crowds drawn to events later in the month. Cannes holds its prestigious invite-only film festival in the latter half of May, so the city gets packed. There are a few escapes from the crowds, even then, though.
Marseille, though among the more populous cities in France, attracts far fewer tourists than other parts along France’s southern coastline. The island of St. Honorat provides an oasis of tranquility offshore from Cannes.
The nearby nation of Monaco hosts its annual Grand Prix race at the end of the month. It will also see large crowds, but fans of Formula One racing will be thrilled to be there.
Madrid, Spain
Stroll the streets of the Spanish capital seeking tapas, flamenco music, and masterworks of European art.
✈️ Air travel options to Madrid | 🛎️ Hotels in Madrid| Accommodation options | Activities | Dining establishments
Madrid is frequently overlooked in favor of its more global cousin, Barcelona. Madrid has a more relaxed feel than Barcelona and showcases Spanish culture distinctly. This applies to dining choices too – check out the restaurants for a taste!
Spain is renowned for its nightlife, with dinner frequently eaten around 10 pm. There are bars and clubs catering to modern tastes, but you can’t visit Spain without delving a bit deeper into local traditions!
Visiting a Flamenco bar in Madrid allows seeing amazing dance moves and guitar talent while snacking on tapas and sipping Spanish wine. The capital also has street artists providing entertainment. Further, the city has relaxing greenspaces and intriguing museums and galleries worth exploring. El Prado is essential for European art aficionados.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is rich with coastal activities, gorgeous rainforests, and picturesque coffee plantations.
✈️ Flight options to Costa Rica | 🛎️ Accommodation in Costa Rica | Locations to Go To
Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most favored destinations and this is understandable.
The nation is one of the safest in the region and has tons of awesome things to do and see.
The beginning of May offers the , as the drier season there starts wrapping up.
Beaches are sandy and warm, yet adventures await outside in the ocean too! Jungle walks guide you along singing brooks and stunning waterfalls. Heading to the hillsides pleases both hiking and coffee aficionados. The alpine areas are home to the country’s premier coffee plantations.
Hopefully, you found one, or multiple, hiking routes to contribute to your TBH (To Be Hiked) list. If you’re looking for additional travel encouragement, check out my selections for the best hot springs in Colorado!
📅 Monthly Travel Inspiration:
- January destinations
- Destination Ideas for February
- Destinations for the third month of the year
- Travel destinations for August
- Destinations Worth Exploring in September
- October Destinations
- November destinations
- December Travel Destinations
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I hope you found my guide on recommended destinations for the month of May to be helpful!
