Where to go in May for sun

1. The Canary Islands, Spain

Average May temperature: 22C

Average daily sunshine hours: 8.5

There are eight main islands in the Canaries, and they’re all brilliant if you’re looking for a hot May holiday.

The Spanish archipelago basks in year-round sunshine thanks to its location off the North African coast and temperatures in May can hit the high-20s.

There’s plenty to do on the islands, too. If you’re feeling energetic, the Ironman Festival takes place in Lanzarote in May, or you could visit Teide National Park in Tenerife and hike up Spain’s highest peak.

Prefer to relax? There are plenty of beaches to flop on by day (Fuerteventura has some of the islands’ best beaches) and excellent restaurants to be wined and dined in by night. Muxgo in Gran Canaria is a highlight, earning a Michelin star in 2025.

Don’t miss: A day trip to La Graciosa. This peaceful isle is just a 25-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote and is wonderfully unspoiled.

2. The Balearic Islands, Spain

Average May temperature: 20C

Average daily sunshine hours: 9.9

Similar to the Canary Islands, the Balearics have lovely temperatures all year round thanks to its balmy Mediterranean climate. And May is a great time to visit. You’ll get plenty of early summer sun and can explore the islands before peak season crowds arrive from June.

Majorca is the largest of the islands and is best for sandy beaches and buzzing coastal towns. Its capital, Palma, is jam-packed with interesting architecture and picturesque streets lined with cafés and restaurants, while there are secluded lagoons and coastal trails to explore further north in Alcudia.

If you’re after nightlife, Ibiza’s party season is well underway by May, meaning you’ll have plenty of choice for a memorable night out. When you’re after a change of pace, quieter Formentera is an easy boat trip from the White Isle.

May is also the time to visit laidback Menorca, which is set to be a hugely popular travel destination in 2025.

Don’t miss: Visiting Ses Illetes in Formentera. The white-sand peninsula is regularly named one of the best beaches in Europe.

3. Malta

Average May temperature: 20C

Average daily sunshine hours: 10

With pleasant temperatures and very little rainfall, May is perfect for getting stuck into Malta’s outdoor activities without the sweltering sunshine of summer.

Lace up your hiking boots and go in search of hidden coves, rent a kayak to discover ancient sea caves, or take a boat tour to the smaller islands of Comino and Gozo for highlights including the famous Blue Lagoon and postcard-worthy Ramla Bay.

For a slice of city life, head to capital Valletta to wander intricate and beautiful alleyways, explore gardens and churches, and pick up souvenirs from the cheerful markets.

If you’re a festival fan, Malta has plenty of music events in May, such as Sunny Side and Rong.

Don’t miss: Trying some ​​pastizzi. This traditional savoury pastry, typically filled with ricotta cheese, is a staple snack in Malta.

4. Crete, Greece

Average May temperature: 24C

Average daily sunshine hours: 8

Classed as a summer month by locals, May is a lovely time of year to visit Crete. In fact, it generally stays hotter longer than any Greek island (from April all the way through to November).

In May, expect sunshine and temperatures hovering pleasantly in the mid-20s. It’s ideal for exploring the sights of Crete – think the spectacular Samaria Gorge and the ancient Minoan cities of Knossos and Phaestos – while still being hot enough to relax on the beach and take a dip in the sea.

Popular seaside resorts in Crete include Chania and Elounda, while Malia is the top pick for sunbathing by day and partying at night. Seeking peace and quiet? Consider basing yourself in Paleochora.

Don’t miss: Exploring Rethymnon Old Town. Renaissance buildings, cobblestone streets and traditional tavernas are just some of the town’s charms.

5. Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Average May temperature: 21C

Average daily sunshine hours: 8

There’s a lot to love on Turkey’s glorious Turquoise Coast. Touch down in Antalya, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, for springtime temperatures reaching the 20s, resorts offering cheap package deals and an ancient city that’s made for exploring.

Go further to discover Marmaris, where sweeping beaches and picturesque scenery make it one of the best places to soak up the sunshine in May.

Elsewhere, the Blue Lagoon at Olu Deniz is one of Dalaman’s most famous attractions, or head to Dalyan for a dip in its mud baths.

Don’t miss: Turtle spotting. The beaches of Iztuzu and Patara are popular nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, who typically come ashore to lay their eggs from May.

6. Tunisia

Average May temperature: 26C

Average daily sunshine hours: 12

Tunisia is another destination that’s best visited before the peak summer months, when temperatures skyrocket to 30C or higher. May is much more comfortable, with 26C days and sunny skies that are perfect for sunbathing and sightseeing.

Beach bums will love the seaside resorts of Sousse and Hammamet. Both have long, sandy beaches and a good range of hotels to suit most budgets. You could also try Djerba, Tunisia’s island in the Mediterranean that’s somehow slipped under the radar for years.

If you’re staying in Hammamet, a day trip to Tunisia’s capital is a must. Its striking mosque, maze of medina alleys and rooftop cafés with city views are all highlights.

Don’t miss: Stepping into a Star Wars film set in Ajim, Matmata or Nefta (Naftah). The latter is incredibly well preserved, with 20 or so buildings created for The Phantom Menace.

7. Algarve, Portugal

Average May temperature: 18C

Average daily sunshine hours: 10

Better-than-Britain weather has us going back to the Algarve all year round. But it’s the promise of 25C highs that make a May holiday here even more appealing.

If you get beach weather, the golden sands and secluded bays near Lagos are hard to beat. Otherwise, nab a cheap package holiday deal to Albufeira – it’s the go-to choice for lively bars, clubs and restaurants.

Looking for low-key? Olhos d’Agua is more traditional and laidback than its partying sister town or head to the Algarve’s east to see a different side to the region. In Faro, you can spend mornings exploring museums and art galleries, and afternoons lazing on picture-perfect Blue Flag beaches.

Don’t miss: A kayak tour of Ponta da Piedade – it’s one of the best ways to admire the Algarve’s iconic sea cliffs.

8. Spanish costas

Average May temperature: 19C

Average daily sunshine hours: 8

The Spanish costas enjoy typical Mediterranean climates, with sweltering summers and cool winters. But spring is actually a great time to visit – especially if you’re keen on perennially popular places such as the Costa del Sol. Days in May are sunny and warm, with rainfall highly unlikely.

Similarly, the Costa Brava is warming up at this time of year, and with its beautiful and rugged coastline to explore, it’s well worth considering a break here. Bear in mind that evenings can be a little cooler due to its mountainous location. Pack a light jacket just in case.

If you’re after a quieter holiday spot, the Costa de Almeria tends to get overlooked in the rush to get to more established spots on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Expect low-key resorts like Roquetas de Mar and more than 200km (125 miles) of golden coast.

Don’t miss: The Alhambra palace. The historic fortress in Granada is one of Spain’s most famous landmarks.

9. Dubai, UAE

Average May temperature: 31C

Average daily sunshine hours: 11

Dubai is absolutely sizzling in the summer, with high temperatures pushing 40C. May still comfortably reaches the 30s, making it one of the hottest places to visit in May – and you’re practically guaranteed sunshine.

It’s a great time to try outdoor activities such as camel rides and dune bashing in the desert or hit the streets in the city’s surprisingly authentic old town.

When you are ready to cool off, Dubai has a long coastline of gorgeous beaches (Jumeirah is one of the best), plus splash-worthy waterparks including the gigantic Wild Wadi Waterpark. Gamers can also enjoy a respite from the heat at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival, a 17-day event complete with 100 playable games.

Don’t miss: Panoramic views from the world’s tallest building. Book tickets for the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck to see Dubai’s skyline at its most impressive.

10. Cyprus

Average May temperature: 22C

Average daily sunshine hours: 11

May temperatures rise to the mid-20s in sunny Cyprus, but it’s not too hot for walking around the country’s wealth of archaeological sites – one of the main draws of a holiday here. Two for your radar are Nea Paphos Archaeological Park and ancient Kourion, an important hub for the Ancient Greeks.

Of course, the weather is still balmy enough to enjoy time on the beach and luckily, Cyprus has some great ones. The wild Akamas peninsula is an explorer’s dream. Hire a car and you’ll be able to hop between sparkling sunspots without another soul in sight.

May is also turtle nesting season on Lara Beach, about an hour north of Paphos, so keep your eyes peeled.

Don’t miss: A ramble through the Troodos National Forest Park, which is blanketed in colourful flowers during spring.