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Where to go in May?

24/11/2024  |  updated: 10/06/2025
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Are you dreaming of new, unforgettable travel experiences in May 2026?

And are you in doubt about where to go?

May is a fantastic month for travelling to many of our destinations. We have gathered ten of them below.

Was it May you were looking at? See where to travel in April and June also.

The Galapagos Islands – Experience the mating dance of the blue-footed gannets

Blue-footed boobies doing their mating dance

On the Galapagos Islands, May is at the end of the rainy season. The rainy season of the islands is also called the “hot and wet” season, as there are both high temperatures and more rainfall. However, in May, temperatures begin to drop to a more comfortable level, and the amount of rain decreases.

The rainy season is one of the best times of the year to go snorkelling on the Galapagos Islands, as calmer currents in the sea provide better visibility, so if you want to explore the Galapagos Islands below the surface of the sea, May is a really good month to travel.

The Galapagos Islands are known for their spectacular and unique wildlife, which you can experience all year round. In May, you can watch the fascinating blue-footed gannets perform their world-famous mating dance, displaying their blue feet in great style.

It is also possible to see baby turtles, as the green sea turtles’ eggs continue to hatch in May.

Three reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands in May

  • Good period for snorkelling, due to fine underwater visibility
  • Opportunity to experience the mating dance of the blue-footed gannets
  • Chance to see baby sea turtles

Check out our tours to the Galapagos Islands below:
Ecuador / Galapagos
Highlights of Ecuador with island hopping in Galapagos

Take a fantastic trip to Ecuador with a visit to the active Cotopaxi volcano and the mysterious Quilotoa crater lake. The adventure ends with island hopping in the magical Galapagos Islands.

... 14 days From £%s
Ecuador / Galapagos
Ecuador with the Amazon & island hopping in Galapagos

Unforgettable nature experiences await in Ecuador with the majestic Andes Mountains, the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, as well as a 6-day island-hopping adventure on the enchanting Galapagos Islands.

... 18 days From £%s
Peru
Peru & Ecuador with island hopping in Galapagos

Wonderful experiences await in Peru & Ecuador, with visits to the old Inca capital Cusco, the Inca ruins Machu Picchu, Ecuador’s capital Quito and the fairytale Galapagos Islands with their indescribable wildlife.

... 17 days From £%s
Ecuador / Galapagos
Highlights of Ecuador with Galapagos Cruise

Look forward to experiencing Ecuador’s colonial capital, the majestic Andes Mountains and their volcanoes and crater lakes, and finish your tour in Galapagos with an enchanting 5-day cruise.

... 13 days From £%s
Ecuador / Galapagos
Ecuador with the Amazon & Galapagos Cruise

Join a tour with a focus on the ultimate nature experiences in the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galapagos Islands on a magical 5-day cruise.

... 17 days From £%s

Botswana – Good safari conditions

Elephants walking in the Okavango Delta

May is at the beginning of Botswana’s dry season, which is also called the country’s winter.
However, “winter” does not mean that it is cold. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, with cloudless skies and minimal amount of rainfall.

The dry season is therefore a great time to go on safari in Botswana. The leaves also fall off the trees, making it easier to spot the animals.

In the fascinating wetlands of the Okavango Delta, water levels rise during the dry season, flooding the delta and attracting large herds of animals, including elephants, which come here to drink water. In fact, the delta is one of the best places to see elephants in Africa during this period.

Three reasons to visit Botswana in May

  • Warm, pleasant temperatures and very little rain
  • Good conditions for spotting animals
  • Rising water levels in the Okavango Delta, attracting large herds of animals

Check out our tours to Botswana below:
Botswana
Botswana & Victoria Falls

Go on safari at of the world’s best safari destinations. Overnight stay at a comfortable tent camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta, see the many elephants of Chobe, and shower off that travel dust at the mighty Victoria Falls.

... 13 days From £%s
Botswana
Victoria Falls, Botswana & Cape Town

Waterfall, safari and city. Discover the three highlights of southern Africa in one tour: the mighty Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park in Botswana and the wonderful metropolis of Cape Town.

... 13 days From £%s

Bali – sun, beach and snorkelling

Overview of Sanur Beach in Bali

It is the dry season in Bali in May, and the season is characterised by long sunny periods that are only interrupted by occasional rain. May is also the island’s hottest month, with temperatures reaching an average of 30 degrees in some places.

The weather in the dry season creates good conditions for outdoor activities. The waters at Bali are clear and ideal for snorkelling, while the dry weather is pleasant for hiking, for example in the Munduk Highlands, the Red Coral Waterfall or on the Batur volcano. The warm temperatures also make May a great month for relaxation on some of Bali’s beautiful beaches.

May is low season in Bali, and there are consequently often fewer travellers and lower prices than in the more popular months such as July-August and December-January.

Three reasons to visit Bali in May

  • Dry season with sun and high temperatures
  • Good weather for snorkelling and other outdoor activities
  • Low season with fewer travellers and often lower prices

Argentina – Wonderful vineyards and wild nature

Vineyards in autumn colours in Mendoza, Argentina

Autumn is drawing to a close in Argentina in May, which is the last of the country’s autumn months.

Argentina is a big country, so the weather may vary depending on where in the country you are staying.

In Patagonia in southern Argentina, there are cool temperatures, but less wind than earlier in the year. If you are well dressed, the month can be a great time to experience the wild nature here, for example the magnificent glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.

Both in the capital Buenos Aires and in the Mendoza wine region, the weather is dry and warm, and especially Mendoza is fantastic to experience in the autumn, when the farmers are preparing for the annual wine harvest.

Three reasons to visit Argentina in May

  • Dry and warm autumn weather
  • Good weather conditions for experiencing nature in Patagonia
  • Good time to visit the Mendoza wine region

Check out our tours to Argentina here
Chile
Argentina & Chile: Glaciers, Lake District & Capitals

Discover the exciting capitals of Argentina and Chile combined with the breathtaking scenery of the Perito Moreno Glacier and cosy Bariloche, surrounded by lakes and snow-capped mountains.

... 15 days From £%s
Argentina
Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

On this tour, you will experience three of South America’s absolute highlights: Argentina’s beautiful capital Buenos Aires, the impressive Iguazú Falls and amazing Rio de Janeiro.

... 13 days From £%s
Argentina
Highlights of Argentina

Enjoy unforgettable experiences in Argentina with colourful Buenos Aires, the wildlife of Península Valdés and the breathtaking scenery of the Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls.

... 13 days From £%s
Argentina
Argentina: Andes & Iguazú

Experience atmospheric Buenos Aires, the colourful Andes mountains and the Salinas Grandes salt flat at Salta as well as the stunning Iguazú Falls in the heart of the lush rainforest.

... 12 days From £%s
Chile
Chile & Argentina: Andes, Wine & Iguazú

Look forward to experiencing the modern capitals of Chile and Argentina, the majestic Andes Mountains, the scenery of the Iguazú Falls, and taste Argentina’s amazing wines in Mendoza and Salta.

... 14 days From £%s

South Africa, Kruger National Park – Fewer travellers, more experiences

Baboons walking in Kruger National Park

In May, it is dry season in Kruger National Park, which is one of South Africa’s most amazing safari destinations. It may be chilly in the morning and during the night, while daytime temperatures are warm and mild.

It is low season in Kruger, which means fewer travellers in the park, but certainly not fewer fantastic safari experiences.

During the dry season, the vegetation becomes sparser, but, in May, the natural surroundings are still characterised by lush and green landscapes. Depending on how much it has rained in the previous months, the animals may be more difficult to spot, but you will undoubtedly still have plenty of fantastic wildlife experiences.

Three reasons to visit South Africa in May

  • Dry season with minimal rainfall and warm, pleasant temperatures
  • Vibrant nature with lush and green landscapes
  • Low season and therefore fewer travellers

Check out our tours to South Africa here
South Africa
Safari in South Africa

Stay at a pleasant 4* star lodge close to Kruger National Park. Experience the fantastic animal life on a safari in the park and get a safari experience for life.

... 10 days From £%s
South Africa
Safari in South Africa & beach holiday in Mauritius

Explore South Africa’s nature and animal life on your safari tour from your pleasant lodge up close to Kruger National Park and relax on the exotic beaches of Mauritius.

... 15 days From £%s
South Africa
Kruger safari, Cape Town & Victoria Falls

Is this your first trip to southern Africa? Enjoy a taste of safari life before heading on to Cape Town’s big city experiences. Rinse off the travel dust under Victoria Falls.

... 14 days From £%s
South Africa
Safari in South Africa & Cape Town

Experience the exciting and rich animal life on a safari tour in South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park. Join a bushwalk, see the Panorama Trail and finish your tour in beautiful Cape Town.

... 14 days From £%s
South Africa
Safari in South Africa & Victoria Falls

First you experience South Africa’s beautiful nature and animal life from your lodge, which is close to Kruger National Park. Finish your tour with one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls.

... 13 days From £%s
Botswana
Victoria Falls, Botswana & Cape Town

Waterfall, safari and city. Discover the three highlights of southern Africa in one tour: the mighty Victoria Falls, the Chobe National Park in Botswana and the wonderful metropolis of Cape Town.

... 13 days From £%s
South Africa
Malaria-free safari in South Africa & Cape Town

Forget about malaria pills on the Eastern Cape and enjoy an “all inclusive” safari experience, bushwalk and visit to a local village. End your tour with a city break in beautiful Cape Town.

... 11 days From £%s
South Africa
Kruger safari, Cape Town & the Garden Route

Three South African gems on one tour: breathtaking safari in Kruger National Park, days on your own in beautiful Cape Town and a guided tour on one of the world’s most scenic stretches of coastline, the Garden Route.

... 16 days From £%s
Madagascar
Safari in South Africa & lemurs in Madagascar

The well known meets the lesser known. Discover South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park before continuing to exotic Madagascar, where you will explore its history and go on the lookout for lemurs.

... 12 days From £%s

Singapore – Great experiences in Southeast Asia’s smallest country

Women photographing in Chinatown in Singapore

Due to Singapore’s location close to the Equator, the country has pretty much the same weather throughout the year.

The humidity is high, and it rains relatively often. However, the tropical showers often take the form of short, heavy downpours that are quickly replaced by sunshine and dry weather. So there is plenty of opportunity to explore Singapore, also in May.

May is a great month to delve into the country’s great multicultural capital, where you can, for example, explore Singapore’s many vibrant neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glams.

During the hottest and sunniest hours of the day, you can seek shade under the iconic super-trees in Gardens By The Bay or take a dip at the beautiful sandy beaches of the small island of Sentosa.

Three reasons to visit Singapore in May

  • Many hours of sunshine, only interrupted by short downpours
  • Good weather conditions for exploring the country’s sights
  • Opportunity to bathe on the island of Sentosa

See all our tours to Singapore below:
Australia
Singapore & Highlights of Australia

Start out with a couple of days in the vibrant metropolis of Singapore before the tour continues Down Under. Look forward to beautiful Sydney, a visit to Uluru in the red heart of Australia, and tropical Cairns. Option to extend the tour to include a beach holiday or national park experiences.

... 16 days From £%s
Australia
Singapore & the Best of Australia

Look forward to making a stop in fabulous Singapore, before continuing to the amazing contrasts of Australia. Melbourne, Sydney and the red desert await you Down Under, before the tour rounds off in tropical Cairns.

... 19 days From £%s

Brazil – exuberant wildlife and city adventures

Caiman in a river in the Pantanal, Brazil

In May, you can experience a little bit of everything in Brazil – from big city to scenic landscapes and beautiful beaches.

It is autumn at the huge Iguazú Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Autumn offers mild weather and lower humidity than in other periods of the year, making it a pleasant time to visit the waterfalls. There are also fewer visitors at Iguazú in May than in Brazil’s summer months, which are from December to February.

In the impressive Pantanal wetlands, there are also great animal experiences in store in May, when it is dry season in the area. The temperatures are warm, and the area is buzzing with life, where you can especially experience birds and reptiles.

The coastal city of Rio de Janeiro also has dry season in May, making it a good month in which to experience the city’s many sights. For example, take the trip to the top of the Corcovado Mountain, where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue towers. You can also enjoy the stunning views of Rio de Janeiro with a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Three reasons to visit Brazil in May

  • Mild weather and fewer visitors at the Iguazú Falls
  • Good opportunities to spot birds and reptiles in the Pantanal wetlands
  • Ideal weather for sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

Check out our tours to Brazil below:
Brazil
Highlights of Brazil

Embark on a fantastic tour of colourful Brazil. Discover Rio de Janeiro, the Iguazú Falls, the fascinating flora and fauna of the Amazon jungle and Salvador with its unique culture and atmosphere.

... 15 days From £%s
Brazil
A Touch of Brazil

Enjoy a taste of what Brazil has to offer with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, the beautiful colonial gem, Paraty, and the cosy, unspoilt island of Ilha grande, where beautiful paradise beaches await you.

... 11 days From £%s
Brazil
Rio, Iguazú & beach holiday on Ilha Grande

Experience the world’s largest waterfall at Iguazú, the vibrant metropolis of Rio, colonial history in Paraty, and conclude your tour with relaxation on the beautiful island of Ilha Grande.

... 14 days From £%s
Argentina
Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

On this tour, you will experience three of South America’s absolute highlights: Argentina’s beautiful capital Buenos Aires, the impressive Iguazú Falls and amazing Rio de Janeiro.

... 13 days From £%s
Brazil
Nature & Wildlife of Brazil

Enjoy world-class nature and animal experiences in the Pantanal wetlands. Swim in Bonito’s clear rivers and experience the impressive Iguazú Falls. The tour rounds off in magical Rio de Janeiro.

... 14 days From £%s

Mauritius – warm temperatures in the low season

Seven coloured earth park in Maruritius

Although May officially marks the beginning of Mauritius’ winter, the weather does not resemble winter as we know it in Europe. There are, in fact, still sunshine and warm temperatures to be found on the tropical island of Mauritius.

The humidity is decreasing, which can make the weather more pleasant for many visitors. It can get chilly in the evening, but there is still plenty of opportunities for a tropical beach holiday on Mauritius.

There are many great things to do in Mauritius besides going to the beach, and the month is good for outdoor adventures with the pleasant, warm weather. For example, you can explore Black River Gorges National Park or visit the iconic Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, where multi-coloured sand dunes are a true paradise for geology nerds.

It is also low season on Mauritius, which means that there are fewer travellers with whom you have to share the beaches.

Three reasons to visit Mauritius in May

  • Warm temperatures and sunshine
  • Humidity drops to a more pleasant level
  • Fewer travellers due to low season

Check out our tours to Mauritius below:
Madagascar
Lemurs in Madagascar & beach holiday in Mauritius

Are you tempted by Mauritius’s beautiful beaches – but dream of spicing up your trip with a completely unknown and fantastic destination? Then you should experience this journey, which begins in magical Madagascar.

... 13 days From £%s
South Africa
Safari in South Africa & beach holiday in Mauritius

Explore South Africa’s nature and animal life on your safari tour from your pleasant lodge up close to Kruger National Park and relax on the exotic beaches of Mauritius.

... 15 days From £%s
Kenya
Safari in Kenya & beach holiday in Mauritius

Go on safari in Kenya with views of Kilimanjaro and a good chance of experiencing the Big Five – and discover Mauritius’s wild nature and chalk-white sandy beaches.

... 15 days From £%s
Madagascar
Kenya, Madagascar & beach holiday in Mauritius

In Kenya, you will experience rhinos, elephants and lions. In Madagascar, you will hike through the rainforest looking for lemurs and chameleons, before concluding your tour with a beach holiday on exotic Mauritius.

... 17 days From £%s

USA – scenic national parks and vibrant cities

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park at sunset

May is a spring month in the United States, and, in several places in the country, spring makes itself felt with blooming landscapes and mild temperatures.

The landscapes and mild spring weather make May a great month to go on adventures in some of the United States’ amazing national parks such as Zion National Park in Utah, Yosemite in California and Grand Canyon in Arizona.

In big cities such as New York and San Francisco, May also offers flowering trees in the city parks and mild weather, making it an optimal time to go sightseeing and experiencing city life.

Three reasons to visit the United States in May

  • Mild spring weather
  • Beautiful spring landscapes in the national parks
  • Pleasant weather for sightseeing in the big cities

Check out our tours to the USA here
USA
Highlights of Western USA

Live the American dream on this classic self-drive tour with highlights including the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite & San Francisco. Round it all off with entertainment and a beach holiday in Los Angeles.

... 19 days From £%s
USA
Highlights of Florida

Discover Florida’s white sand beaches, mangrove landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant cities. You can also look forward to experiencing the USA’s pendant to the Caribbean on the Florida Keys archipelago.

... 15 days From £%s
USA
The Grand Tour of Western USA

Discover the great contrasts of the western United States without compromising. This is the grand tour for those who want to include all the highlights. From the Pacific coast to the Wild, Wild West.

... 22 days From £%s
USA
Highlights from San Francisco to Las Vegas

Experience the United States, a country of contrasts, with the Pacific Coast, national park and desert. A shorter self-drive tour with the great western gems: San Francisco, Yosemite, Highway 1, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

... 14 days From £%s
USA
New York City & highlights from San Francisco to Las Vegas

Look forward to visiting NYC before the great contrasts of the western USA beckon. Gems like San Francisco, Yosemite, Highway 1, and Los Angeles await you. Round off your journey with a bang in the desert city, Las Vegas.

... 17 days From £%s

Madagascar – unique landscapes and flourishing nature

Cute bamboo lemur in Ranomafana, Madagascar

May marks the beginning of the dry season in Madagascar, making it an ideal month to experience the island’s rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes.

The weather is dry and sunny, where both temperatures and humidity are lower than earlier in the year, making it far more pleasant than during the preceding months of the rainy season. This creates perfect conditions for spotting Madagascar’s lemurs in the treetops at national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia or Ranomafana, where the tracks are dry and easy to walk on.

May is also a time when nature is at its best following the rainy season. The landscapes are lush and green, adorned with blooming orchids and jacaranda trees throughout Madagascar.

At the same time, May falls outside the island’s peak season, meaning you can enjoy Madagascar’s beauty with fewer other travellers around you.

3 reasons to visit Madagascar in May

  • Dry and sunny weather at the beginning of the dry season
  • An ideal time to visit national parks with lush and blooming landscapes
  • Off-season with fewer visitors

Check out our tours to Madagascar here
Madagascar
Nature, culture and lemurs in Madagascar

Visit Madagascar and experience unique nature and exciting culture. Observe lemurs and chameleons at close quarters and meet some of the country’s many tribespeople. The tour can be extended with a beach holiday in Madagascar.

... 13 days From £%s
Madagascar
Lemurs in Madagascar & beach holiday in Mauritius

Are you tempted by Mauritius’s beautiful beaches – but dream of spicing up your trip with a completely unknown and fantastic destination? Then you should experience this journey, which begins in magical Madagascar.

... 13 days From £%s
Madagascar
Highlights of Madagascar & beach holiday in Anakao

Look forward to experiencing the highlights of Madagascar with lemurs in Andasibe and Ranomafana, history in Antananarivo, nature in Isalo, and of course, the unspoiled, white sandy beaches.

... 16 days From £%s
Madagascar
Kenya, Madagascar & beach holiday in Mauritius

In Kenya, you will experience rhinos, elephants and lions. In Madagascar, you will hike through the rainforest looking for lemurs and chameleons, before concluding your tour with a beach holiday on exotic Mauritius.

... 17 days From £%s
Madagascar
Safari in South Africa & lemurs in Madagascar

The well known meets the lesser known. Discover South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park before continuing to exotic Madagascar, where you will explore its history and go on the lookout for lemurs.

... 12 days From £%s
Madagascar
Antananarivo, Andasibe & beach holiday on Nosy Be

Experience Madagascar’s extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, delve into the rich history of the capital, Antananarivo, and unwind beside the turquoise waters of the exotic tropical island of Nosy Be.

... 13 days From £%s
Madagascar
Andasibe, Morondava & beach holiday on Nosy Be

Does the thought of singing lemurs, ancient baobab trees, and a beach holiday on a magical Madagascan island capture your imagination? Then this tour is just for you.

... 19 days From £%s
Madagascar
Kenya & Madagascar

While the exceptional nature and wildlife of Madagascar is the main focus of this tour, why not break up the journey a little and start with a safari holiday in Kenya, giving you the chance to witness the Big Five?

... 19 days From £%s
Madagascar
The Best of Madagascar

Discover the very best of Madagascar. Prepare yourself for unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes – from singing lemurs and colourful chameleons to lush rainforests and the sun setting behind majestic baobab trees.

... 19 days From £%s

Which destinations should you visit in May?

Have you become wiser about where to go in May?

Whether you choose one of the above destinations or one of our other holiday destinations, unique experiences await you. If you are still in doubt, please feel free to contact us for help and inspiration to choose the completely right tour for you.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller