With warmer days on the horizon, May might be your last chance to nab a cheap holiday deal before the summer price hikes.
Fortunately, the final days of spring see temperatures soar in southern Europe, meaning you don’t have to travel far to find hotter climes.
Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, city breaks with guaranteed sunshine or tropical escapes, Metro‘s travel insiders have rounded up 17 spots that promise warm weather.
Where is hot in May? European and short-haul destinations
Athens, Greece
Average daily max temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours per day
Flight time from London: Three hours, 35 minutes
May is the perfect time to explore the ancient city of Athens, ahead of summer’s scorching temperatures.
The Greek capital offers a ‘Riviera’ experience without the sky-high prices of southern France, complete with exciting nightlife, boutique shopping, exquisite restaurants and rooftop bars.
History lovers can immerse themselves in Athens’ rich cultural offering with a climb up to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous pieces of ancient architecture in the world, with a history spanning more than 2,500 years.
Those more inclined to shopping should head to one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods, Monastiraki, where modern brands sit next to smaller independent gift shops, street artists, and local vendors.
And while Athens isn’t typically considered a beach destination, the coastline is dotted with beach bars and palm trees, while further afield Voula beach offers golden sands and a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.
Seville, Spain
Average daily max temperature: 28°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours per day
Flight time from London: Two hours, 45 minutes
Visit the Spanish city of Seville between May 6-11 and not only will you be able to soak up some sunshine, you’ll also catch the famous Spring festival, or Feria de Abril, which celebrates Andalusian culture.
Locals dance to folk music and drink sherry in the streets, while colourful parades with horsedrawn carriages take place across the city.
Meanwhile, Metro recently ranked Seville as one of the best European cities to visit in spring, thanks to the colourful flowers that bloom in the ornate Alcázar Palace Gardens and the fragrant orange blossom in the Parque de María Luisa.
Elsewhere, visitors can take in the distinct architecture of the city, with styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque, Renaissance and Mudejár, and feast on traditional tapas and local wine.
The Turkish Riviera, Turkey
Average daily max temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours per day
Flight time from London: Four hours, 15 minutes
Antalya, Fethiye and Bodrum are just a few of the towns and cities found on the sunny Turkish Riviera, sometimes referred to as the Turquoise Coast.
With more than 600 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of idyllic beaches to stretch out on, where soft, white sands stretch out to the cobalt-blue Mediterranean waters.
Those after a relaxing escape are in luck because Turkey was recently ranked one of the cheapest destinations for an all-inclusive holiday in 2025, with prices for a seven-night stay starting at £450 per person in Alanya and £567 in Dalaman.
For travellers who prefer a more active holiday, there’s much more to the Turkish Riviera than its popular sunbathing spots.
From the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Hierapolis to thermal pools in Pamukkale and a vibrant bazaar in Fethiye, there’s plenty to see and do, with the towering Saklıkent Gorge a must-visit for outdoorsy travellers.
One of the longest and deepest canyons in the country, visitors can explore walk through the cool waters of the stream that flows through it.
Where to stay in the Turkish Riviera
Metro writer Kitty Chrisp hated all-inclusive holidays until she stayed at the Tui Blue Angora Beach Hotel in Izmir.
‘Spacious and neatly designed, the hotel has 115 rooms set inside Ottoman-style houses, each within walking distance of the main outdoor pool.
‘I stayed in the double room with garden view and balcony, the place to be if you want quick access to a second, smaller pool. This is not one for swimming, but has seats in the water where you can sip cocktails and have a natter.’
Read Kitty’s full review of the Tui Blue Angora Beach Hotel.
Hammamet and Sousse, Tunisia
Average daily max temperature: 27°C
Sunshine hours: 10 hours per day
Flight time from London: Three hours, 15 minutes
Another budget-friendly option, Hammamet and Sousse have been ranked as two of the cheapest destinations for an all-inclusive holiday in 2025, with deals on seven-night stays in the region starting from £566 per person.
The two towns are south of the Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, and sit on the Gulf of Hammamet, which is home to sloping sandy beaches perfect for swimming and watersports.
Nearby, tourists can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage, a part-excavated UNESCO World Heritage site with an ancient Roman theatre, villas and baths.
Elsewhere in Tunisia, popular tourist attractions include camel trekking through the desert near Tozeur, and exploring the Chott el Jerid salt flats.
Paphos, Cyprus
Average daily max temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: 11 hours per day
Flight time from London: Four hours, 35 minutes
Temperatures quickly begin to heat up in Cyprus in the spring, and May is finally warm for a dip in the Blue Lagoon or some watersports in Coral Bay.
Tourists can explore the picturesque Old Harbour and medieval castle, and head to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park for a culture hit. It’s home to well-preserved mosaics, an amphitheatre and the remains of five Roman villas.
In the centre of Paphos, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues to explore.
Plus, did you know Paphos is one of the few holiday destinations where you can get a glass of bubbly for under a fiver?
According to Travel Supermarket, you can find a glass of sparkling wine for just £3.87 in the region.
The wine scene in Cyprus has flourished in recent years, and Tsangarides Winery, just half an hour’s drive from Paphos, is a picturesque spot above the Ezousa Valley where visitors can learn more about Cypriot wine.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Average daily max temperature: 25°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours per day
Flight time from London: Four hours, 35 minutes
One of seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is a popular destination for winter sun seekers thanks to its location off the coast of Africa.
The island is home to plenty of holiday resorts where tourists can lounge by a pool and soak up some spring sunshine, but there’s so much more to this underrated Canary Island.
From volcanic hikes and stargazing to cheese-tasting tours and fine dining experiences, it offers a range of activities for adventurous travellers.
A good base is the town of Puerto de la Cruz, a short walk from Playa Jardín, a unique urban black sand beach that hints at the island’s volcanic nature.
Animal lovers can visit Loro Parque, previously voted the world’s best zoo, while nature enthusiasts can head to the west coast of the island to explore Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site.
Cairo, Egypt
Average daily max temperature: 32°C
Sunshine hours: 11 hours per day
Flight time from London: Four hours, 50 minutes
For those looking for something a little different from a typical beach break, the Egyptian capital of Cairo has plenty to offer, including historic attractions and some pretty balmy temperatures.
Take a trip to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, or browse the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, home to over 120,000 items including King Tutankhamun’s gold death mask.
Other attractions in the city include the Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili bazaar and cruises along the River Nile.
While there are no beaches in Cairo, if you want to spend some time sunbathing you can take a day trip to Ain El-Sokhna, situated on the Red Sea, about 90 minutes drive from the capital.
May is one of the best months to visit the city, with warm weather and little rain (less than 1mm), making it one of the driest months of the year.
Where is hot in May? Long-haul destinations
Bangkok, Thailand
Average daily max temperature: 35°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours per day
Flight time from London: 11 hours, 30 minutes
May is the start of the rainy season in Bangkok, but you’re still guaranteed hot weather — some of the hottest of the year, in fact — with temperatures soaring well into the thirties.
The city is steeped in culture, with famous tourist attractions including Wat Arun (known as Temple of Dawn and one of the few Buddhist temples tourists are encouraged to climb on) and the Grand Palace, the official residence of the monarchy since 1782.
Take a trip to one of the Thai capital’s floating markets, Damnoen Saduak, in the city’s western province, to snap up a bargain or souvenir.
Hire a boat and paddle through the stalls, or wait for the vendors to make their way to the banks.
Meanwhile, Bangkok has been hailed a foodie paradise, with six of the World’s Best 100 Restaurants found in the city.
Its reputation for authentic street food makes it a perfect spot for trying all sorts of dishes on a budget. But for a more refined experience, Bangkok’s acclaimed fine-dining restaurants can be found on the Michelin website.
Orlando, Florida
Average daily max temperature: 31°C
Sunshine hours: Nine hours per day
Flight time from London: Nine hours, 50 minutes
If you’re after a half-term break then Orlando is the perfect family destination, home to many theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
The former offers the likes of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, while Universal Studios is home to Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meaning there’s something to keep even the youngest holidaymakers happy.
The parks generally aren’t too crowded in May, because the school holidays don’t start until the end of the month in Florida.
And while Orlando doesn’t have any beaches, sunseekers can take a day trip to the surrounding coastlines, where you’ll find Cocoa Beach and the famous Daytona Beach (known best for its racetrack) — both just a one-hour drive from the city.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Average daily max temperature: 31°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours per day
Flight time from London: Nine hours, 15 minutes
The Dominican Republic has a colourful history — over the centuries it’s changed hands from Spain to France, been annexed by Haiti and invaded by the US, and endured a dictatorship.
But these days it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, combining the country’s history with hot weather and captivating scenery.
The resort town of Punta Cana, in the east of the country, is home to white-sand beaches dotted with palm trees that go on for miles.
Forty minutes away is the historic city of Higuey and the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia, one of the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic.
Other attractions include the many waterfalls on the island — especially those at Salto Alto — and the capital of Santo Domingo.
The city blends cobblestone streets with steel skyscrapers, while the seaside promenade and lively nightlife are popular with tourists.
The Maldives
Average daily max temperature: 32°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours per day
Flight time from London: 10 hours, 15 minutes
The Maldives has a tropical climate all year round, but you might find that this coveted destination is slightly cheaper to visit in May, given it’s the start of the rainy season.
Don’t let that put you off though — there’s still plenty of sunshine to enjoy, with temperatures regularly topping the 30°C mark during the day.
Comprising over 26 coral atolls (making it a perfect destination for snorkelling and deep-sea diving), the Maldives is known for its overwater bungalows, lunar-white sands and luxury resorts.
For a taste of local life, head to Malé, the lively capital where you can stroll through its vibrant fish markets, visit historic mosques, and savour the freshest seafood caught from the ocean.
Where to stay in The Maldives
Metro‘s Alice Murphy took a trip to the Maldives in May last year, staying at the Sun Siyam Resort.
‘The setting was otherworldly, with crystal clear water lapping against the shore and soft yellow sand glistening in the sun. But what struck me more than anything was the welcome from our ‘island hosts’, Erika and Mohammed, who must greet dozens of guests each week but still managed to make us feel like the first.
‘Behind the door of the villa lay luxury I’d never experienced before, with a cavernous bedroom backing onto a huge walk-in wardrobe, and a Jack and Jill bathroom (two sinks!) looking out on a terrace where a sparkling infinity pool flowed into the sea.’
Havana, Cuba
Average daily max temperature: 30°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours per day
Flight time from London: 10 hours
The Caribbean island of Cuba is well-known for its major city, Havana, and its love of classic cars.
The vibrant capital is steeped in history, mixing Spanish colonial architecture with museums, galleries, and quirky shops and markets, and you can tour it in a vintage convertible car.
But if a city break isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of beaches and attractions to keep you busy. Varadero is one of the most popular beach towns, boasting soft, white sand
Tourists can also visit the Bay of Pigs, a famous historical site known for the failed US invasion in 1961.
Cuba is also perfect for a road trip holiday. Go beyond the tourist trail to discover the town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stop off at Viñales to ride on horseback through the mountains, and make your way to Santa Clara to visit the mausoleum of revolutionary Che Guevara.
May is the perfect time to visit, as it’s the month with the most hours of sunshine on the island.
Dubai, UAE
Average daily max temperature: 36°C
Sunshine hours: 13 hours per day
Flight time from London: Seven hours
The warm sunny weather never takes a hit in Dubai, where temperatures rocket well into the 30s by May.
There’s no need to pack an emergency brolly either, as the city experiences zero millimetres of rain during this month.
Sipping on cocktails in a bougie beach club is perhaps one of the most popular holiday activities here, but Dubai has so much to offer — there’s a reason tourists keep coming back again and again.
Head beyond the city’s futuristic skyline to the desert on a dune buggy tour, where you can cruise along near-deserted roads and watch the sun come up, or take a trip to the Hajar Mountains for biking, horseback riding or kayaking along the Hatta Dam.
And for those looking for alternative retail therapy, there’s the souk, where spices, gold and perfume markets offer a taste of local culture.
Seychelles
Average daily max temperature: 29°C
Sunshine hours: 12 hours per day
Flight time from London: Around 14 hours
May is one of the best months to visit the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, because it’s one of the calmer periods in the region, between the two trade winds which hit the island every year.
The biggest island, Mahé, is home to the country’s capital, Victoria (one of the smallest capital cities in the world), and the Morne Seychellois National Park, with its hiking trails and exotic flora and fauna.
But the islands of La Digue, Praslin, Silhouette and Denis are all ideal destinations for those seeking an unrivalled beach escape.
With vibrant coral reefs, pristine sands and lush forests, the islands are a paradise for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Seychelles has a rich cultural mix, influenced by African, European, and Asian heritage, reflected in its Creole culture, cuisine, and architecture.
St Lucia
Average daily max temperature: 31°C
Sunshine hours: Eight hours per day
Flight time from London: Eight hours, 30 minutes
Dubbed the Caribbean’s ‘honeymoon capital’, St Lucia boasts lush rainforests, towering volcanic peaks and an abundance of snorkelling opportunities on its golden, sandy beaches.
The south of the island is home to the Pitons, two volcanic mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a top holiday spot for relaxing getaways and romantic escapes.
Visitors can enjoy relaxing sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the beach and natural spa treatments at the Sulphur Springs.
Meanwhile, head to the north to embrace local culture at Gros Islet’s Friday night street parties.
A must-visit for foodies, the island is particularly famous for its rum and chocolate, which can be sampled on a plantation tour.
Where to stay in St Lucia
Metro‘s head of growth, Martina Andretta, went phone-free while staying at Jade Mountain Resort, which has recently been voted one of the best hotels in the world.
‘Widely hailed as having the best views in the Caribbean, the mountaintop retreat is unique in that every suite is missing a wall. Bedrooms are partially open-air, with minimalist decor of stone, concrete and tropical hardwood that makes you feel one with the forest around you.
‘Giving strong vibes of a Bond villain’s lair, each suite has a private infinity pool and three glaring omissions: no telephones, no TVs, no clocks.’
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Average daily max temperature: 31° C
Sunshine hours: Six hours per day
Flight time from London: 12 hours, 30 minutes
Beat the crowds by visiting Vietnam’s largest city in May, when the weather is often unsettled but rarely extreme. There will likely be days of glorious sunshine, but there will also be rain, so make sure to pack for both dry and wet conditions.
Metro‘s travel writer Jessica Hamilton picked Ho Chi Minh as an unmissable destination for 2025, as the city marks 50 years since the Fall of Saigon and the end of the decades-long Vietnam War.
Holidaymakers can enjoy exhibitions, historical tours, performances and other commemorative events, as well as indulge in the city’s delicious street food markets and bustling nightlife, which offers rooftop bars, side street bars, lively clubs, and late-night karaoke rooms.
Vietnam is also the ultimate backpacking destination, and visitors can escape the hustle and bustle by heading further north to other tourist favourites such as Quy Nhon, Hoi An, the capital Hanoi and Ha Long Bay – famous for the towering limestone islands of Cat Ba Archipelago.
Brisbane, Australia
Average daily max temperature: 24°C
Sunshine hours: Seven hours per day
Flight time from London: 22 hours
Australia’s autumn, which takes place from March to May, is the perfect time to visit Australia’s east coast, as the oppressive summer heat eases and the humidity becomes more pleasant.
May also kicks off Brisbane’s festival season, with events including Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane Street Art Festival, Brisbane Gin Festival and Paniyiri, the city’s Greek festival, which is famous for its food, music and Hellenic dancing.
Streets Beach is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, and the crystal-clear lagoon and white sand offer a unique sunbathing opportunity right in the centre.
Meanwhile, further south, Australia’s Gold Coast is known for its long stretches of beach and popular surfing spots.
Further inland, Mount Coot-tha is one of the region’s top attractions. The gentle trails are perfect for a bush walk and hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the city when they reach the summit.
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