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.

Average May temperature: 31C
Average May rainfall: 10mm
Average May sunshine: 11hrs

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. 

Florida

It's not called the Sunshine State for nothing! Sun-kissed throughout the year, May is a particularly good time to visit Florida.

Journey to the United States of America, to a pocket of loveliness in the south-eastern corner where dreams really do come true. Florida: home to Disney theme parks, sultry Miami and mile upon mile of white sandy beaches - it's holiday heaven for millions of Brits and sunshine is a sure-fire thing in these parts. Summer holidays in Florida can be hot and sticky as heat and humidity levels rocket. In May, moderate levels of heat and humidity make for a much more comfortable break in the sun.

Average May temperature: 25C
Average May rainfall: 150mm
Average May sunshine: 9hrs

Orlando is the undisputed heart of family entertainment in Florida. Cinderella's Castle pierces the sky above the Walt Disney World Resort, where Mickey Mouse and pals take guests on a tour of thrill rides, family shows and movie magic. Harry Potter fans should not miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the brilliant Universal Orlando Resort too. Water parks, shopping malls, marine parks... the number of ways to enjoy yourself in Orlando never end.

For a city with a Latin pulse, head to Miami. With its Art-Deco architecture, perfect beaches and jumping nightlife, you'll soon be enraptured by the energy and verve of Miami.

Beach breaks can be taken in a variety of sublime destinations. Take your pick from the Florida Keys, Daytona Beach, Naples and Sarasota, among others. And don't forget to visit top attractions such as the Everglades National Park and the Kennedy Space Center.

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.

Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura... whichever major island you travel to, you can expect warm days, pleasant nights and an abundance of sun. 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.

Average May temperature (Tenerife): 18C
Average May rainfall (Tenerife): 11mm
Average May sunshine (Tenerife): 10hrs

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.

Tenerife is eternally popular. The island, topped by magnificent Mount Teide, has a resort to suit every kind of holidaymaker. From party nights to peaceful spa breaks, Tenerife has the lot. Lanzarote is quieter and perfect for family holidays, with Puerto del Carmen attracting a slightly livelier crowd than family favourite Playa Blanca, which sits alongside the famed beaches of Papagayo.

The sand dunes of Gran Canaria attract guests to resorts such as Maspalomas, while Fuerteventura's sands are occupied by playing families and playing-even-harder surfers and wind surfers.

Thailand

Average May temperature (Phuket): 29C
Average May rainfall (Phuket): 200mm
Average May sunshine (Phuket): 8hrs

The images of Thailand are iconic: snow-white beaches; golden temples; lush forests of emerald green; and dazzling smiles from the welcoming locals. Travel to Thailand in May and you'll also experience hot days and plenty of sunshine. Tropical Thailand experiences some rather soggy wet seasons and May can be a rainy month in areas such as Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. Phuket in particular gets a soaking in May. If you don't mind a rainstorm or two, there are many beautiful breaks between the rains and plenty of bargain holidays can be found at this time of year. 

Mexico

Average May temperature (Cancun): 27C
Average May rainfall (Cancun): 117mm
Average May sunshine (Cancun): 11hrs

The gorgeous Caribbean Coast of Mexico turns up the heat for holidaymakers. In May, resorts such as Cancun and Cozumel enjoy daytime temperatures in the early 30s. The rains come in earnest from June to November here. This means that you can often bag a bargain break in May, before the wet season begins. All you have to do when you get there is find a soft spot on which to sprawl and then soak up the sun, perhaps taking a dip or two in those glittering Caribbean seas. This area of Mexico is also ideal for trips to Chichen Itza, or swimming with dolphins at marine parks.

Cyprus

Average May temperature (Paphos): 20C
Average May rainfall (Paphos): 10mm
Average May sunshine (Paphos): 12hrs

A little closer to British shores is Cyprus, lapped by the waters of the Mediterranean. Due to its southerly position (it sits much lower than mainland Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain), Cyprus can offer a slightly earlier start to the traditional summer season in Europe. By May, daytime temperatures are in the early- to mid-twenties and holidaymakers can enjoy a whopping 12 hours of sunshine each day. In the east of the island, popular resorts include Ayia Napa and Protaras, while in the west you'll discover destinations such as Paphos and Pissouri. Limassol sits centrally in southern Cyprus and offers lively nights as well as plenty of family fun. 

Morocco

Average May temperature (Agadir): 23C
Average May rainfall (Agadir): 5mm
Average May sunshine (Agadir): 12hrs

Even closer to the UK is Morocco, which can be reached direct from most British airports in around three to four hours. Some of the country's popular holiday destinations are scattered along the Mediterranean coast in the north, but for an extra dose of heat in May you'll want to consider holidays along the Atlantic coast, in resorts such as Rabat, Agadir and Essaouira. City destinations such as Casablanca and Marrakech also sizzle under the sun in May. In Agadir, which is popular with families, expect daytime temperatures of around 23C and evenings that rarely dip below 15C.