May is an amazing time to travel. From colorful festivals to unique cultural events, this spring month offers unforgettable experiences around the globe. Whether you’re into literature, nature, or lively celebrations, May brings something special to every traveler. With mild weather and fewer crowds in many destinations, it’s the perfect season to explore without the stress. Just be sure to book ahead—some of the best places to visit in May are small or remote and fill up fast.
10. Hay-on-Wye Festival
If you think the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, is all about farming, think again. This world-famous event is a celebration of literature, storytelling, and the arts. Nestled in a tiny Welsh town known as the “National Book Town,” Hay-on-Wye has more than 20 bookstores for a population of just 1,900.
The festival began in 1988 and now attracts around 80,000 people each year. Writers, philosophers, and artists from around the world gather here to exchange ideas and inspire meaningful conversations. It’s a book lover’s dream come true.
9. Holland
If you want to see fields come alive in bursts of color, Holland is your destination. Spring is when the country’s famous flower fields begin to bloom, with crocuses showing up in late March or early April, followed by daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.
By the end of April and into May, the larger tulips turn the landscape into a living rainbow. While flowers bloom throughout Holland, the best fields are near the North Sea dunes. It’s a breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss.
8. Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival
The Thrissur Pooram in Kerala, India, proves elephants can be absolutely stunning. Around 30 elephants are dressed in lavish golden headgear, decorated with bells and peacock feathers, as they parade through the streets.
Handlers stand atop the elephants, passing vibrant umbrellas back and forth. The weeklong festival, which has been celebrated for over 200 years, also includes fireworks at 3 a.m., folk dancing, and temple activities centered around the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. It’s one of India’s most beloved festivals.
7. Kentucky Derby, Louisville
Often called “the greatest two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby is a must-see for horse racing fans. Held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby features 20 thoroughbreds racing 1¼ miles for a shot at the Triple Crown.
The atmosphere is electric. Women wear extravagant hats, mint juleps flow freely, and the winner is draped in a blanket of roses. It’s a classic American tradition full of excitement and flair.
6. Andalusia
Spring is the ideal time to visit Andalusia, Spain. In May, the weather is comfortably warm—perfect for sunbathing or swimming in the Mediterranean without the intense summer heat. Plus, you’ll avoid the bigger crowds that show up later in the season.
Cities like Seville and Cordoba are filled with history and beauty, and visiting in May means you can explore at a relaxed pace and even score better deals on lodging and tours.
5. Bun Bang Fai, Laos
The Bun Bang Fai Festival in Laos is three days of music, dancing, and joyful celebration, all leading up to a unique rocket launch. Held on the full moon in May, locals launch bamboo rockets into the sky to call for rain—a vital part of preparing the rice fields for planting.
The biggest rocket wins the title of “Roger Ramjet,” while those whose rockets fail may find themselves tossed into the mud. Vientiane is a great place to catch this high-energy, sky-bound celebration.
4. Naghol, Pentecost Island
Naghol, also known as land diving, is a centuries-old ritual on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu that inspired modern-day bungee jumping. Every Saturday in April and May, local men climb a 100-foot vine tower to dive headfirst to the ground.
Unlike bungee cords, these vines have no stretch—making it all the more intense. A successful dive brings good luck to the jumper and his tribe, and the ritual begins with confessions and a solemn moment before the leap. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
3. Cannes Film Festival
Each May, Hollywood’s brightest stars gather in the glamorous city of Cannes, France, for the Cannes Film Festival. As the most prestigious film festival in the world, Cannes showcases elite international cinema and awards the coveted Palme d’Or to the best film.
Though screenings are private, fans flock to catch a glimpse of celebrities walking the red carpet, dining at seaside cafés, or shopping in luxury boutiques. Even if you’re not inside the theaters, the city buzzes with movie magic.
2. Machu Picchu
May is one of the best months to visit Machu Picchu, Peru’s legendary Inca city high in the Andes. The rainy season ends in April, and the heavy summer crowds haven’t yet arrived, making May the sweet spot for good weather and fewer tourists.
Although you might still encounter fog or chilly air at 8,000 feet, the chances of clear skies and stunning views are better than at any other time of year. For breathtaking history and scenery, this iconic destination delivers.
1. Waisak at Borobudur
Waisak, the holiest day on the Buddhist calendar, is celebrated each May at Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Located in Indonesia, the massive temple is built in layers, with a square base and a circular top, creating a spiritual journey upward.
Buddhist monks in orange robes travel from across the country to take part in a moving procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur. Thousands of chanting monks, glowing lanterns, and serene energy make Waisak a profoundly beautiful experience.