If you’re lucky enough to travel outside of peak tourist seasons, school holidays, or spring break, then May is your golden ticket. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the vibrant start of spring—think blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and that contagious sense of energy you feel in the air.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, May ushers in the first crisp, golden days of autumn, making it a perfect time for scenic landscapes and cool, pleasant weather. The world feels like it’s in transition, and with fewer crowds around, travel becomes more peaceful, affordable, and enjoyable.
If you’re among those who can take advantage of off-season travel, these ten countries are absolutely stunning in May:
Spain
Spain is a year-round gem, but spring—especially May—offers a perfect balance of weather and festivity. The days are comfortably warm, ideal for exploring natural beauty like the Pyrenees or walking the sun-soaked streets of Barcelona and Madrid.
In May, Spain bursts into life with colorful festivals. One standout is the Festival of the Courtyards in Córdoba, where locals open their flower-filled courtyards to the public. Another is Girona Temps de Flors, a festival that turns the entire city into a blooming spring garden. With every corner of Spain celebrating the arrival of summer, the energy is unforgettable.
Uganda
Few places in the world allow you to trek through misty rainforests and come face-to-face with wild mountain gorillas. Uganda is one of those rare destinations. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” this country is overflowing with natural wonders and wildlife.
May falls during Uganda’s dry season, making it perfect for jungle treks and wildlife viewing without muddy interruptions. The cultural diversity here is also remarkable—home to dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own language and customs. May also features the Slow Food Uganda Coffee Festival, a celebration of local cuisine and tradition.
Serbia
Serbia, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, is an underrated gem where East meets West. After months of winter, May brings mild temperatures and blooming scenery—perfect for discovering its charming cities and countryside.
Belgrade, the capital, is rich with history, having once served as a capital for several empires. From the historic Kalemegdan Fortress to the bustling nightlife along the Danube, Belgrade is the perfect mix of old and new.
France
France in May is a dream—whether you’re wandering the quaint streets of Paris or road-tripping through the lavender-scented hills of Provence. This is the beginning of lavender season, and the entire country seems to awaken with color and energy.
Paris sees fewer crowds at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Meanwhile, cities along the French Riviera, such as Nice and Cannes, come alive with festivals. The Lemon Festival in Menton and Fête de la Bretagne in Brittany are cultural highlights not to be missed.
Malta
Malta offers the best of both worlds: ancient history and modern vibrancy. This small Mediterranean island is steeped in history, particularly in Valletta, its UNESCO-listed capital. Here, stunning architecture tells stories of knights, battles, and ancient civilizations.
In May, the weather is ideal for sightseeing. It also marks the beginning of Malta’s beloved Village Festas—celebrations full of religious processions, traditional music, fireworks, and food shared among tight-knit communities.
Taiwan
Taiwan is a country where tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. Temples stand beside neon-lit skyscrapers, and serene mountain trails lie just beyond buzzing city streets. May is one of the best times to experience this contrast.
Comfortable weather and spring energy make it ideal for outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and scenic road trips. Don’t miss spring events like the Calla Lily and Hydrangea Festival or the mesmerizing Treasure Hill Light Festival in Taipei.
Croatia
With its storybook villages, sapphire coastline, and over a thousand islands, Croatia feels almost too magical to be real. May is the perfect time to visit—before the summer crowds arrive and while everything is lush and green.
The coastal towns, like Dubrovnik and Split, are quiet and welcoming, with medieval architecture and dramatic cliffside views. Inland, you can explore waterfalls, lakes, and mountains, all bursting into spring bloom.
Malaysia
Where else can you visit futuristic cities, ancient rainforests, and white-sand beaches all in one trip? Malaysia offers incredible diversity, both in its landscapes and its cultures.
In May, you’ll enjoy the calm before the monsoon season, with warm days and minimal rain. Visit the Cameron Highlands for tea plantations or Borneo’s Sabah and Sarawak to spot orangutans in the wild. In Kuala Lumpur, skyscrapers rise over vibrant food markets, offering something for every traveler.
Armenia
Armenia is a land of dramatic beauty and deep history, nestled in the Caucasus. With ancient churches carved into cliffs and snow-capped mountains in the distance, the entire country looks like a scene from a fantasy novel.
May brings wildflowers, warm weather, and crystal-clear views. Visit the monasteries of Tatev and Noravank or hike through the forests of Dilijan National Park. With its rich culture and welcoming locals, Armenia is a rewarding destination few have yet discovered.
Canada
Canada is huge—stretching from Pacific to Atlantic—and full of wonders. May is when the country begins to shake off winter. Flowers bloom, wildlife reappears, and many parks become fully accessible again.
Banff National Park is stunning this time of year, with waterfalls fed by melting snow and turquoise lakes glowing under clear skies. Niagara Falls is at its most powerful, and cities like Vancouver and Montreal are bursting with spring festivals and events.
May is one of the best times to travel, hands down. With nature in bloom, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds, destinations across the globe—from cultural cities to untamed wildlands—are at their best. Whether you’re looking to hike, explore ancient ruins, or just relax by the sea, May delivers a perfect blend of adventure and ease.