Where to travel in May 2025?

It’s hard to think of a better month for travelling than May. So many incredible destinations, including major cities in Europe and America, are enjoying beautiful weather, and hosting incredible events—the hard thing becomes choosing where to travel in May. But don’t worry, we have gathered this list with our favorite places where to go in May to help you make your choice.

In fact, NH Hotels has a guide like this one for every month of the year. We feature our top destinations and break down why we love them so much, whether it be the weather, the cultural attractions, or the amazing events taking place throughout the month. You can rest assured that, no matter when you are planning on travelling, you can count on us.

Our choices for where to go in this month include destinations hosting major culinary and artistic events, some of the most pleasant weather you’ll ever experience, and unforgettable architectural landmarks and natural sights. Among all these different—and similarly exciting—options, we are sure at least one is just right for you. Which one will you choose?

Venice

Venice is the best city where to travel in May, because it comes with warm and lovely weather, the average daily high temperature is of 22ºC for the month, ideal for strolling through the city’s canals and bridges, visiting its landmarks. May is also when the Mare Maggio event takes place, featuring exhibitions of old ships and relics among other celebrations.

Enjoy the weather as you visit top landmarks like Doge’s Palace (an architectural marvel that houses a must-visit museum) or the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Book a gondola ride for a privileged point of view of the city and a uniquely Venetian experience.

Sicily

Sicily—with its gorgeous beaches, archaeological sites, castles, and world-renowned cuisine—has long been a top destination. May, with its lovely weather featuring an average daily high temperature of 19ºC, is one of the best times to visit Sicily and explore attractions like the Valle del Templi archaeological site, Mount Etna (Europe’s largest active volcano), and its many sandy beaches.

The Buongiorno Ceramica! event, where the region’s main ceramic centers open to the public, happens every year on the third weekend of May. This offers a great chance to take an inside look at one of Sicily’s time-honored traditions and take an amazing gift or souvenir home with a piece of Sicilian ceramics. Take a look at our hotels in Sicily to enjoy an amazing May vacation.

Munich

Munich is one of our favorite cities where to travel in May not just because of the gorgeous weather (with average daily high and low temperatures of 19ºC and 8ºC for the month) but also for the many interesting events going on. These include the Long Night of Music, where musicians from many different genres play late-night sets at unusual venues, and the Stroke Art Fair, a lively event exhibiting contemporary art.

You may also enjoy the weather as you visit iconic landmarks and attractions like the Marienplatz square, the Nymphenburg Palace, the famous Bavaria Statue, and the stunning St. Peter’s Church. The impressive Botanical Gardens and museums like the Glyptothek Museum (dedicated to ancient sculptures) mean that you’ll always have exciting activities to do when visiting Munich.

Rome

One of the top touristic destinations in the world, Rome has plenty of thrilling year-round attractions. We consider it one of the best places to go in May due to the beautiful weather (average daily high temperature of 24ºC) and events like the Primo Maggio Roma, a free rock concert held at the Piazza di San Giovanni.

For sports fans, Rome is a great city where to travel in May, because it also hosts the Italian Open during the first half of this month. It is one of Europe’s top tennis tournaments. You may also visit Rome’s well-known points of interest like the Roman Colosseum, the Trajan’s Market, the Piazza del Popolo, and the Trevi Fountain.

Prague

Prague’s historic architecture is nothing short of stunning, as marvels from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras remain intact. May presents one of the best chances to get to know these landmarks up close thanks to the Open House Prague event, where you can go on tours of buildings that aren’t usually open to the public.

The weather is also very enjoyable in Prague during May, with average daily high and low temperatures of 20ºC and 10ºC, ideal for walking and exploring sights like the Vivata River and the Old Town Square. The museum´s fantastic museum offering includes the Franz Kafka Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Amsterdam

Throughout the month, Amsterdam hosts many interesting events, making it one of our favorite places where to travel in May. For the Rolling Kitchens food festival, a huge variety of mobile trucks arrive at Westergas, creating an enormously varied culinary event. You can also check out the World Press Photo during May in Amsterdam, one of the biggest photography competitions in the world.

Must-see attractions in Amsterdam include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Jordaan Neighbourhood, Vondelpark, and Dam Square. The May weather, with its average daily high temperature of 17ºC, offers the perfect opportunity for walking through the city and exploring all of these. Check out our hotels in Amsterdam for conveniently located accommodations in the city.

Berlin

Not only is the weather very pleasant during May in Berlin (with plenty of sun and an average daily high temperature of 19ºC) but the city is also host to several thrilling events throughout the month. XJazz! takes place every year in May and is Berlin’s largest jazz festival. Performing Arts Festival Berlin, featuring independent performers across multiple venues, also happens in May.

Additionally, Berlin is home to many world-famous landmarks and attractions. These include architectural marvels like Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, and the Berlin Television Tower. Museum Island, a museum complex that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also without a doubt a must-visit when travelling to Berlin.

Hamburg

Hamburg hosts the Hafengeburtstag, the world's biggest harbor party, each May to celebrate the anniversary of the port of Hamburg. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival is also held each May in Hamburg and commemorates the thousands of cherry trees (gifted in the 1960s) that decorate the city to this day.

The weather alone makes Hamburg one of our favorite places where to travel in May. With average daily high and low temperatures of 18ºC and 9ºC, the month is ideal for walking through the city and discovering iconic sights like the City Hall building, St. Michael’s Church, and the Alster Lakes. Take a look at our hotels in Hamburg if you are looking for accommodations in the city.

Zandvoort

Zandvoort is a gorgeous coastal destination and one of the major beach destinations in the Netherlands. May is one of the better times to experience the municipality’s charms, thanks to the pleasant weather featuring average daily high and low temperatures of 15ºC and 10ºC.

May is a great time for visiting the nearby Keukenhof tulip garden, as it becomes mesmerizingly colorful in the spring. Zandvoort is also home to Circuit Zandvoort, the main motor racing circuit in the country.

Porto

Porto is an exceedingly charming coastal city, featuring the Ribeira neighborhood (with its colorful houses by the waterfront and incredible traditional restaurants), landmarks like the 18th-century Torre dos Clérigos and the Ponte Dom Luís I, and cultural attractions like Soares dos Reis National Museum and World of Discoveries, an interactive museum that’s great for kids.

During May, Porto enjoys beautiful spring weather (with an average daily high temperature of 21ºC) that enhances the city’s coastal charms. It also hosts events throughout the month like the International Iberian Language Theatre Festival along with traditional festivities like the Festival of our Lord of Matosinhos, one of the biggest religious commemorations in the entire country.

Seville

With its enchanting old-fashioned atmosphere, Seville is a stunning Andalusian city filled with beautiful buildings and sights. Its many cultural attractions along with the thoroughly enjoyable weather (average daily high and low temperatures of 26ºC and 13ºC) easily make it one of our favorite destinations where to travel in May.

Its unforgettable landmarks include UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seville Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world) and the Royal Alcázar of Seville. Explore Seville’s picturesque neighborhoods, like the Barrio de Santa Cruz, as you indulge in the amazing Andalusian gastronomy for a May holiday to remember.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a paradisiacal year-round destination with gorgeous weather and wide-ranging attractions to suit the entire family. However, visiting in May is especially rewarding thanks to the major events going on across the islands. Principally, during the Día de Canarias tourists and locals alike gather for large outdoor celebrations featuring music and markets. Ironman Lanzarote, the famous triathlon, is also held each May.

The weather is extremely pleasant throughout the month, as is to be expected of the Canary Islands, with average daily high and low temperatures of 25ºC and 19ºC. This is perfect for walking and exploring attractions including many gorgeous (like Las Canteras Beach and Las Teresitas Beach) or national parks like Teide National Park and Timanfaya National Park.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is one of our favorite cities where to travel in May. You will enjoy the nightlife and gastronomy of popular neighborhoods like La Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano. We also recommend exploring the city by foot and discovering landmarks like the old buildings in Plaza de Mayo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Buenos Aires also has an extensive collection of museums that includes the Caminito Street Museum (an open-air museum and art market), the National Historical Museum, and the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum.

Buenos Aires boasts of lovely weather throughout May (average daily high and low temperatures of 19ºC and 12ºC) and the city also holds one of its most important events every May 25th, the May Revolution Day. The celebrations, commemorating Argentina’s independence, include public marches, concerts, and fireworks, among other activities.

Three reasons to travel in May

1) The weather is nothing short of beautiful at many major destinations in Europe and America. With sunny days and warm temperatures, what a better time to explore your favorite cities?

2) Amazing events are hosted in many cities where to travel in May. From culinary events like Rolling Kitchens in Amsterdam to music events like the Long Night of Music in Munich, May is not short on memorable occasions.

3) One last chance for a holiday before the summer! The high touristic season in Europe seems to begin appearing in June, so May offers you the chance to explore major cities before all the summer crowds arrive

Where to travel in May as a couple?

When it comes to romantic destinations, Venice is always at the top of the list. A gondola ride with your partner along with a nice dinner at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants are sure to set a romantic mood. Add that to the lovely weather in Venice during May and its gorgeous atmosphere, and you’ll have an unforgettable vacation with your loved one.

Rome is another can’t-miss option for a lover’s getaway thanks to its historic atmosphere and amazing cuisine. Plus, May is the perfect time for visiting Rome, thanks to the warm and sunny weather it enjoys throughout the month.

What are the best places to go in May with kids?

The Canary Islands is one of our favorite destinations where to travel in May with kids. It features great weather as well as plenty of family-friendly leisure options like its many beaches, Siam Park, and Palmitos Park.

We would also recommend Sicily as one of the top destinations where to go in May with the whole family. Its archaeological sites and natural beauty are great attractions for children.

You may also be interested in the following destinations:

• Best places to visit in June
• Best places to visit in July
• Best places to visit in August
• Best places to visit in September