Best places to travel in May: Destination-related notes

  • By chenjm

May is truly a prime month for travel lovers! The weather is comfortable and pleasant, there aren't as many tourists as there are in the peak season, and many places are at their best. As a veteran traveler, I've compiled this list of the best places to travel in May, so whether you want to embrace the sunny beaches, explore thousand-year-old cities, revel in the natural beauty, or experience exotic cultures, you'll find a destination of your choice.
These best places to visit in May, all recommended by me, so you can avoid the crowds and have fun! Let's find out which place tickles your fancy!

1. Best places to travel in May in Asia

Japan - Kyoto

Japan - Kyoto May Temperature: 15°C - 25°C 
May is the “new green season” in Kyoto, when shrines and temples are surrounded by green maple leaves, and there are fewer tourists than during the cherry blossom season, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Must-visit: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 
Notes: 
Occasional rain may fall in early May, so it is advisable to bring rain gear.
Some temples require the removal of shoes for entry, so shoes that are easy to take on and off are recommended.
Internet recommendation: All major operators in Japan offer eSIM services. We recommend purchasing a plan that matches your needs for easy navigation and traffic information..

Japan - Kyoto

China-Yunnan-Dali

Temperature in May: 15°C - 25°C
The climate in Dali in May is pleasant, the Erhai Sea is blue, and the Cangshan Mountains are green, which makes it suitable for riding and lazing around.
Must-visit: Erhai Sea, Dali Ancient City, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Notes: 
UV rays are strong in the plateau, so you need to take sun protection measures.
Riding Erhai, pay attention to safety, as part of the road is narrow.
Network recommendation: The three major domestic operators in China all support eSIM. If you go to crowded places, it is recommended to buy China Mobile, and if you go to remote and sparsely populated places, it is recommended to buy China Unicom or China Telecom.
But the most recommended is the China eSIM product with VPN that can access Tiktok.
China-Yunnan-Dali

Thailand - Chiang Mai

Temperature in May: 25°C - 35°C 
May is a good time to travel to Chiang Mai, right after the Water Festival in the off-season, when there are fewer tourists, so you can experience a more authentic Northern Thai style. The temples of the old city are quiet and beautiful, and the surrounding mountains have a cool and pleasant climate.
Must-visit: 
Suthep Mountain Twin Dragon Temple, Chiang Mai Old Town Tapae Gate, Nimman Road Literary District, Chiang Mai Night Zoo 
Notes: 
May has entered the early rainy season, it is recommended to carry rain gear 
Temple visits require dressing appropriately, avoiding sleeveless tops and short pants, and skirts 
Night market shopping, remember to bargain, usually 30%-50% off the price 
Northern Thai food is spicy, ordering food can ask for less spicy (Mai Ped) 
Recommended Networks "Southeast Asian eSIM 5 countries (including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand) ".

Thailand - Chiang Mai

Vietnam - Da Nang

Temperature in May: 25°C - 32°C 
May is a sunny month with fewer crowds on the beaches, ideal for enjoying a beach vacation and exploring cultural heritage.
Must-visit: Ba Na Mountain, My Khe Beach, Hoi An Ancient City 
Notes: 
Sun protection is essential on the beach, avoiding exposure to the sun in the middle of the day.
Hoi An Ancient City is crowded at night, so take care of your belongings.
Recommended network: Vietnam's major cities have a good 4G network, and it is recommended to buy eSIM packages that include high-speed traffic.

Vietnam - Da Nang

2. Best places to travel in May in Europe

Italy - Tuscany

Temperature in May: 12°C - 24°C 
Tuscany in May is sunny and lush with vineyards and olive groves, perfect for self-driving and wine tasting.
Must-visit: Florence, Siena, Chianti wine region 
Notes: 
Self-driving tours require advance confirmation of car rental insurance and road conditions.
Some town restaurants have long lunch breaks, so it is recommended to plan your meal time in advance.
Guide recommendation: “Best Time to Travel to Italy,Find out the best time to travel to Italy”

Italy - Tuscany

Greece - Santorini

Temperature in May: 18°C - 26°C 
Fewer tourists in May, the weather is warm but not too hot, the blue and white towns and Aegean sunsets are particularly romantic.
Must-visit: Oia town, Fira, red sandy beaches 
Notes: 
It is windy on the island, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket.
Some of the cliff walks are narrow; wear comfortable shoes to be safer.
Guide Recommendation: "Greece Travel Guide: Places & Cuisines & Tips"

Greece - Santorini

Netherlands - Amsterdam

Temperature in May: 10°C - 18°C 
Tulips are in full bloom in May, Keukenhof Gardens are at their best, and canal cruises are superb.
Must-visit: Anne's House, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Belt 
Notes: 
Garden tickets need to be booked in advance to avoid queues.
Bike paths are busy, so avoid them when walking.

Netherlands - Amsterdam

Croatia - Dubrovnik

Temperature in May: 16°C - 22°C 
Fewer tourists and warmer weather in May, ideal for walking the ancient city walls and exploring the Game of Thrones set.
Must-visit: Old City Walls, Lokrum Island, Straton Avenue 
Notes: 
The Old City's stone paths are slippery, so it's safer to wear non-slip shoes.
Some attractions need to buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing.

Croatia - Dubrovnik

3. Best places to travel in May: Americas

Canada - Banff National Park

May Temperature: 5°C - 15°C 
May is the best season for hiking and sightseeing as the ice melts and the lakes return to their turquoise blue color.
Must-visit: Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Sulphur Mountain 
Notes: 
Temperatures are cooler at higher elevations, so prepare warm clothing.
Some hiking trails may still have snow, so it is recommended to check opening conditions in advance.
Internet Recommendation: Signal is unstable in the national parks, it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.

Canada - Banff National Park

USA-Hawaii-Maui

Temperature in May: 22°C - 28°C 
Reason for visiting: May is the off-season, fewer tourists, good for surfing, snorkeling, and whale watching (end of season).
Must-visit: Hana Highway, Haleakala National Park, Lahaina Town 
Notes: 
Watch out for wave conditions when snorkeling, and novices are advised to stay with a group.
The Hana Highway has many curves, so drive with caution.
Recommended network: major carriers in the United States provide eSIM services; it is recommended to choose a package that includes full U.S. coverage.

USA-Hawaii-Maui

Peru - Machu Picchu

Temperature in May: 8°C - 20°C 
May is the beginning of the dry season, the best time to hike the Inca Trail, with fewer clouds and excellent views.
Must-visit: Machu Picchu ruins, the ancient city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley 
Notes: 
Altitude sickness is common, so it is recommended to acclimate to the altitude in advance.
Hikers need to apply for a permit in advance, and space is limited.
Network recommendation: Peru's network coverage is not enough, so esim only has 4G network, so travelers who need high-speed network are advised to buy a local SIM card

Peru - Machu Picchu

4. Best places to travel in May: Oceania

Australia - Great Barrier Reef

Temperature in May: 22°C - 28°C 
May is the dry season, and the water is crystal clear for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the reef.
Must-visit: Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef 
Notes: 
Check your physical condition before diving and avoid diving under the influence of alcohol.
Protect the coral reefs and avoid touching or stepping on them.

Australia - Great Barrier Reef

New Zealand - Queenstown

Temperature in May: 5°C - 15°C 
May is the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, with picturesque lakes and mountains, suitable for adventure sports and photography.
Must-visit: Lake Wakatipu, Arrowtown, Milford Sound 
Notes: 
Autumn has a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so you need to prepare warm clothes.
For adventure sports such as bungee jumping, check your physical condition.

New Zealand - Queenstown

Conlusion

May is a great month of the year for traveling. Whether you enjoy natural beauty, history, and culture, or beach vacations, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip in advance and choose the right eSIM internet plan for a smooth and hassle-free trip.
"Looking for the best internet plan for your May trip? The world's best travel eSIM recommendations help you choose easily."

Share The Post on Social Media

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Related Articles