Where to go in Europe in May
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May is one of the most inspiring months to explore Europe. Warm days and long evenings bring a fresh, early-summer atmosphere to coastlines, islands, and cultural cities. Mediterranean regions glow with soft golden light, outdoor cafés return in full swing, and landscapes across Italy, Greece, France, and Spain feel vibrant and welcoming. Seas begin to warm, ferries run frequently, and mountain trails open for the season. Northern Europe enjoys crisp, bright days perfect for scenic drives and countryside walks, while central Europe blends spring blossoms with comfortable sightseeing. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise coves, vineyard roads, lively capitals, or quiet villages surrounded by spring greenery, May offers a beautiful balance of sunshine, authenticity, and space to explore. Our travel experts help you design a tailor-made journey shaped around your pace and the experiences you value most.
| Destination | Temperature | Water Temperature | Sunlight Hours | Rainy Days | ✈️ | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puglia | 57–75 °F | 64 °F | 9 | 4 | 10h | $$ |
| Santorini • Paros & Naxos | 66–77 °F | 66 °F | 11 | 2 | 11h | $$$ |
| Paris & the Loire Valley | 50–68 °F | 55 °F | 7 | 9 | 8h | $$$ |
| Mallorca | 57–75 °F | 64 °F | 9 | 4 | 9h | $$ |
| Western Ireland (Kerry • Dingle • Connemara) | 48–60 °F | N/A | 6 | 12 | 6h | $$ |
| Lisbon & Sintra Coast | 55–73 °F | 63 °F | 9 | 5 | 7h | $$ |
| Scottish Highlands | 45–59 °F | N/A | 6 | 10 | 7h | $$ |
| Provence | 52–74 °F | 60 °F | 8 | 6 | 9h | $$$ |
| The Dolomites | 48–66 °F | N/A | 7 | 10 | 9h | $$ |
Events, seasonal highlights & travel tips
Early-summer warmth across southern Europe
Ideal month for island hopping in Greece
Perfect hiking conditions in Scotland, Italy, and Mallorca
Bloom season in France and Ireland
Long evenings for seaside dining
Excellent value before peak-season travel
Travel tip: May offers some of Europe’s best weather — warm everywhere, bright everywhere, yet still calm enough for travelers who enjoy space and authenticity.
Puglia, Italy
May is one of the best months to discover Puglia’s sunlit coastline and whitewashed towns. Warm weather arrives early, olive groves glow in bright spring light, and coastal towns like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Otranto feel lively but not crowded. The Adriatic is calm enough for gentle swims, and the region’s limestone cliffs and hidden coves create dramatic landscapes for scenic walks. Inland, Alberobello’s trulli and Ostuni’s hilltop alleys offer peaceful exploration before summer peaks.
🌡 57–75 °F 🌊 64 °F ☀️ 9 hours 🌧 4 days
Santorini, Paros & Naxos, Greece
The Cyclades shine in May, with bright skies, warm breezes, and villages filled with early-summer energy. Santorini’s caldera appears crisp and colorful, Paros offers charming harbor towns and long beaches, while Naxos blends mountain villages, coastal hikes, and some of the clearest water in the Aegean. Ferries run frequently and evenings feel warm enough for seaside dining without peak-season crowds.
🌡 66–77 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 11 hours 🌧 1–2 days
Paris & the Loire Valley, France
May brings long, warm days ideal for combining Paris with the Loire Valley. In the capital, café terraces stretch into sunlit boulevards, markets brim with spring produce, and iconic sites like the Musée d’Orsay and the Tuileries Garden feel especially atmospheric. A short train ride away, the Loire’s châteaux, vineyards, and riverside villages glow with fresh greenery and mild temperatures — perfect for leisurely countryside exploration.
🌡 50–68 °F 🌊 55 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 9 days
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is an excellent early-summer destination. Turquoise coves grow warmer each week, the Serra de Tramuntana’s terraced hills turn lush green, and stone villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Pollença feel peaceful and sunlit. Coastal roads offer panoramic views, and boat trips to hidden bays are especially rewarding in May’s clear conditions.
🌡 57–75 °F 🌊 64 °F ☀️ 9 hours 🌧 4 days
Western Ireland — Kerry, Dingle & Connemara
Ireland’s west coast blooms in May. Wildflowers appear along dramatic cliffs, long days illuminate green hills, and towns like Dingle, Killarney, and Clifden feel lively but not overcrowded. The Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and Connemara’s lakes and mountains all shine under crisp early-summer light. This is one of the best months for travelers who enjoy fresh air, rugged coastal scenery, and warm local hospitality.
🌡 48–60 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 12 days
Lisbon & Sintra Coast, Portugal
Lisbon enjoys comfortable warmth and soft ocean light in May. Explore historic districts like Alfama and Chiado, enjoy riverside dining, or ride Tram 28 through scenic hilltop neighborhoods. A short trip away, Sintra’s palaces and pine forests feel magical under sunny spring skies, and coastal towns such as Cascais and Guincho offer breezy beaches and golden cliffs.
🌡 55–73 °F 🌊 63 °F ☀️ 9 hours 🌧 5 days
Scottish Highlands
May brings long, bright days and fresh spring color to the Highlands. Snow lingers on high peaks, while valleys turn green and wildflowers appear along lochs and glens. Scenic drives toward Glencoe, the Cairngorms, or the Isle of Skye feel peaceful, and visibility is excellent for hikers and photographers. Mild temperatures make it an ideal month for exploring rugged landscapes before summer traffic begins.
🌡 45–59 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 10 days
Provence, France
A natural carry-over from April, Provence warms beautifully in May. Lavender fields start budding in the Valensole Plateau, vineyards glow with fresh leaves, and market towns like Aix, Gordes, and Saint-Rémy feel atmospheric and inviting. Outdoor dining returns to village squares, and the region’s scenic drives reveal rolling hills and golden light.
🌡 52–74 °F 🌊 60 °F ☀️ 8 hours 🌧 6 days
The Dolomites, Italy
May brings crisp air, clear visibility, and opening trails across the Dolomites. Meadows turn green, snow retreats from mid-elevation paths, and charming mountain towns such as Ortisei and San Candido feel quiet and scenic. It’s a wonderful time for travelers who enjoy fresh alpine landscapes without the pace of high summer.
🌡 48–66 °F ☀️ 7 hours 🌧 10 days
May experiences to plan your trip around
“Across France, late-spring food markets and regional festivals take place in May. Provence hosts olive oil fairs, wine tastings, and village celebrations marking the start of summer produce season. Paris features chocolate fairs, open-air concerts, and weekend events along the Seine — ideal for travelers seeking local flavor and atmosphere.”
France (Provence & Paris)
Pentecost & Spring Food Festivals
“One of Italy’s most beloved wine events. Wineries across Tuscany and coastal regions open their doors for tastings, vineyard tours, and regional food pairings. Travelers can experience early-summer landscapes, sample local varietals, and learn directly from winemakers in charming countryside settings.”
Italy (Tuscany & Amalfi Coast)
Cantine Aperte (Open Wine Cellars)
“One of Europe’s most influential music festivals, attracting major international artists and enthusiastic crowds. Held along Barcelona’s waterfront, Primavera Sound blends indie, electronic, pop, and global performers with energetic nighttime concerts — a major cultural event for music lovers.”
Barcelona
Primavera Sound Festival
“Across islands like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini, May brings open-air concerts, small traditional feasts, local markets, and the first cultural nights of the season. With warm weather and fewer crowds, these early-summer festivals offer travelers an intimate and authentic way to experience Cycladic island life.”
Greece (Cyclades)
Early-Summer Cultural Festivals
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