Where's hot in May?
Take a look at our recommended holiday destinations
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Compare the best May holidays
European summer hotspots are only just beginning to heat up in late spring - so where is hot in May? Travel further afield than the Continent and you can be sure of heat, sunshine and plenty of good times, whether you want to relax by the pool or enjoy the highs of a family holiday.
The most popular destinations in May
| Hot favourites in May | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | Temp | Sunshine | Flight time |
| Canary Islands | 20°C | 10 hrs | 4.5 hrs |
| Cyprus | 20°C | 12 hrs | 4.5 hrs |
| Dubai | 31°C | 11 hrs | 7 hrs |
| Dominican Republic | 27°C | 9 hrs | 12.5 hrs |
| Mexico | 27°C | 11 hrs | 11 hrs |
| Thailand | 29°C | 8 hrs | 12 hrs |
*Average temperature and sunshine in May
Canary Islands
If you're wondering where's hot in May in Europe, look to Spain's Canary Islands, which have been lounging in the sun all winter long. You can expect warm days, pleasant nights and an abundance of sun in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Costa Adeje.
With up to 10 hours of sunshine a day, plus temperatures reaching up to 25C, May holidays to the Canary Islands are perfect for sightseeing as well as complete and utter rest and relaxation at the water's edge.
Sitting in Atlantic waters off the west coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are one of the best year-round sunshine destinations in Europe. And you can reach your holiday island in around only four hours from most UK airports.
Bargain breaks here are possible at any time, though May is a good time to enjoy hot days and low holiday prices before the summer rush. The islands experience some of their best weather in May, when temperatures are on the rise but the strong winds that often accompany summer are not yet blowing.
Cyprus
Cyprus is blessed with a long, sunny summer, which begins in May. Due to Cyprus’ location on the far-eastern side of the Mediterranean, it has one of the driest, hottest climates in Europe – as well as the lack of rain, humidity is also very low in May.
Expect average high temperatures of around 25C and 11 hours of sunshine a day, as the weather starts to hot up nicely throughout the month. Meanwhile, at 20C, the sea is certainly warm enough for a dip or a dive – Cyprus is popular with scuba divers due to its clear waters and shipwrecks.
Paphos and Larnaca are two of the island’s most popular areas for a sunny holiday, given their coastal location. Inland temperatures tend to be a bit cooler during May. If you’re planning on venturing up to the Troodos Mountains, you might want to take some warmer clothing for the evenings.
Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for hot, then May in the Dominican Republic will not disappoint. Scorching temperatures of up to 30C are not uncommon! The trademark white-sand beaches and first-class resorts of Punta Cana and Playa Dorada offer Caribbean bliss at affordable prices compared to other islands in the region.
While most flock to the Dominican Republic for its miles of dazzling coastline, there’s much more to this country than the brilliant beaches. Venture inland to find rainforests bursting with life, towering mountain scenery and tiny rural villages where the pace of life is wonderfully slow.
According to our price data, May is one of the cheapest times of the year to visit. Sure, it’s one of the wetter months, but if you aim to go towards the back end of May, the weather is already starting to dry up.
Dubai
Jet away to glitzy Dubai as the mercury soars towards its summer peak. May is a great month to visit Dubai if you like it hot. Dazzling, exciting, glittering Dubai never fails to wow. The busiest and most modern of the United Arab Emirates, Brits love Dubai for its endless sunshine and excellent choice of hotels. Being able to fly there direct in around only six hours from the UK is a bonus too.
Dubai is a sun, sea and sand destination at any time of the year. Temperatures in May are high, but more comfortable than those experienced during July and August. This makes May a popular month to visit Dubai.
You can expect to lounge on the pristine sands or at the side of the pool in daytime temperatures that reach into the mid-thirties. Evening temperatures in May are pleasantly warm - you can forget heavy jackets (don't even think about your rain coat!).
If things do get too hot, visit the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. Alternatively, take a tour of the incredible Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Air-conditioned shopping malls are also ideal places to visit during the heat of the day. Water parks, souks, boat trips and Dubai's fabulous hotels will also vie for your attention during your inevitably unforgettable break.
Mexico
Mexico is a large country with a very varied landscape. As a result, its weather differs dramatically depending on where and when you go. May has high average temperatures of around 22C, but some places are hotter than others.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula – home to Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel – is a decent bet for May, with high averages of 31C. An average of 10 sunshine hours a day means it’s easy to get your vitamin D fix. One thing to bear in mind around this time is the approaching wet season. Although you might have a few spells of rain, it shouldn’t affect your holiday in Mexico too much.
Meanwhile, May is the hottest month to visit Mexico City. A cosmopolitan city known for its architecture, food scene and cultural significance, the capital is one of Latin America’s great big cities. For a taste of Mexico beyond the beach, it’s well worth adding on to your itinerary.
Thailand
One of Thailand’s hottest months, May is a great time to visit if you’re hunting for bargains in Southeast Asia. May falls in the shoulder season due to the heat, humidity and chances of rain.
That said, Thailand’s climate changes quite a bit from one place to another. With a bit of planning, you should be able to find somewhere that suits you. One thing is for certain, with temperatures climbing as high as 31C, you won’t be cold!
Rain can be an issue in May and some parts of the country, for example Phuket, Krabi and other parts of Thailand’s west coast, can experience an early monsoon season, so bear this in mind when you book.
Generally, if you want to avoid lots of rain, it’s better to stick to the east in May. Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and other gulf islands, are good options.
