Where to Go in May: The Best Holiday Destinations Around the World
May is one of the best months of the year to travel. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and many destinations sitting just before peak season, it’s the perfect time to explore somewhere extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for scenic road trips, wildlife encounters, iconic rail journeys or relaxing coastal escapes, May offers fantastic weather and fewer crowds across many long-haul destinations.
From the dramatic landscapes of Canada and New Zealand to the wildlife-rich regions of South Africa and Australia, here are some of our favourite destinations to visit in May.
Western Canada
Spring arrives beautifully across Western Canada in May, bringing blooming wildflowers, turquoise lakes beginning to thaw, and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s an ideal time to explore the Canadian Rockies before the busy summer season begins.
Banff and Jasper National Parks start to come alive with bears emerging from hibernation, while scenic drives such as the Icefields Parkway offer spectacular mountain views with quieter roads. Vancouver also enjoys mild temperatures in May, making it perfect for combining city experiences with nature and coastal adventures.
For travellers looking for a mix of wildlife, scenery, rail journeys and outdoor adventure, Western Canada is hard to beat in May.
South Africa
May is an excellent time to visit South Africa, particularly for safari experiences. As the dry winter season begins, vegetation becomes thinner, making wildlife easier to spot around waterholes and open plains.
Kruger National Park offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, while destinations such as Cape Town and the Garden Route still enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. It’s also a fantastic time for wine tasting in the Cape Winelands or exploring the dramatic coastal scenery along the Garden Route.
South Africa is perfect for travellers wanting to combine wildlife, culture, food and scenery into one unforgettable journey.
Australia’s Northern Territory & Western Australia
May is one of the best times to explore Australia’s wild northern regions. The dry season begins across the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia, bringing sunny days, warm temperatures and ideal conditions for road trips and outdoor adventures.
Discover the ancient landscapes of Kakadu National Park, experience First Nations culture around Uluru, or drive through the dramatic scenery of the Kimberley region. Western Australia’s Coral Coast is also fantastic during May, with opportunities to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.
For those looking for open-road freedom, incredible wildlife and unforgettable outback experiences, May is the perfect time to visit.
New Zealand
Autumn in New Zealand brings crisp mornings, golden landscapes and quieter attractions, making May a brilliant month for exploring both the North and South Islands.
The South Island’s alpine scenery becomes even more spectacular as autumn colours appear around Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka. Meanwhile, the North Island offers mild weather for exploring geothermal wonders, vineyards and coastal regions.
Whether you choose a self-drive itinerary, scenic rail journey or escorted tour, New Zealand in May offers incredible scenery without the peak-season crowds.
Japan
May is one of the most popular and rewarding times to visit Japan thanks to its pleasant temperatures, colourful gardens and lively atmosphere. The country is vibrant during spring, with parks, temples and countryside landscapes looking particularly beautiful.
Explore the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, discover Kyoto’s traditional temples and tea houses, or travel further afield to experience Japan’s scenic countryside and hot spring resorts. May is also ideal for combining city experiences with nature, from mountain walks to coastal escapes.
For travellers seeking culture, cuisine, history and unforgettable scenery, Japan offers an incredible experience during this time of year.
America’s Iconic Road Trips
With warmer weather and clear skies across many regions, May is perfect for experiencing one of America’s legendary road trips. From California’s Pacific Coast Highway to the famous Route 66, this is the ideal season for open-road adventures.
National Parks such as Yosemite, Zion and the Grand Canyon are particularly stunning during spring, while cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas and Chicago enjoy comfortable temperatures before the height of summer.
Whether you’re after dramatic coastlines, desert landscapes or vibrant cities, the USA offers endless possibilities for a tailor-made May adventure.
Where is the best place to holiday in May?
Some of the best holiday destinations in May include Western Canada, South Africa, Australia’s Northern Territory, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. These destinations offer excellent weather, fewer crowds and fantastic opportunities for wildlife, scenery and road trips.
What are the best long-haul destinations in May?
The best long-haul destinations in May include Canada for wildlife and scenery, South Africa for safari experiences, Japan for spring travel, and Australia for outback adventures and coastal escapes.
Is May a good time for a safari holiday?
Yes, May is a fantastic time for a safari holiday in South Africa. The dry season begins, making it easier to spot wildlife around water sources and across open landscapes.
Where is hot in May for a holiday?
Australia’s Northern Territory, South Africa and parts of the USA offer warm temperatures and sunny weather in May, making them ideal for outdoor adventures and road trips.
What are the best road trips to take in May?
Some of the best road trips in May include Route 66 in the USA, the Icefields Parkway in Canada, the Garden Route in South Africa and self-drive holidays across New Zealand.
Start Planning Your May Escape
Whether you’re dreaming of spotting wildlife in South Africa, driving through the Canadian Rockies, exploring Japan’s cultural treasures or discovering Australia’s outback landscapes, May is a fantastic time to travel.
At First Class Holidays, our travel experts can create a tailor-made itinerary designed around exactly what you want from your holiday. Explore our destinations and start planning your next adventure today.
