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21 Places Worth Visiting in the Month of May
👉 Jump to: Places in the USA | International Places
I’m a travel expert with insights into the best places to visit in May, both in the United States and across the world.
May is a great time to visit popular vacation spots. The summer crowds haven’t arrived and prices are often lower. That’s not to say that you can’t venture off the beaten path — this guide also includes several hidden gems! Discover seasonal festivals, outdoor recreation, cultured cities, and more.
Best Places to Visit in May in the USA
Southern Utah
Explore rugged canyons, enchanting stone arches, and other epic American landscapes across the Salt Lake State.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
May is a fantastic time to visit Utah for outdoor adventures. The average temperature hovers around 72° F, so you can beat the summer heat and the summer crowds. The earlier, the better, though, because both increase as the month nears its end.
Some of the American West’s most iconic landscapes are found in Utah’s national parks such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. There are trails to suit every taste, from short walks to several-day backcountry expeditions. Go hiking, mountain biking, camping, and more!
The small cities of Moab and St. George provide great accommodations and restaurants between adventures.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Bask in the sun on one of the East Coast’s most popular seaside towns.
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Sunny days and attractions for all ages and interests make Myrtle Beach a shoo-in for a May vacation.
The white, sandy beaches of this South Carolina city are perfect for seaside recreation, like learning to surf or just soaking up the sun. Myrtle Beach is also a mecca for golfers. There’s over 90 courses to choose from!
South Carolina boasts a proud barbeque tradition. There’s a great variety of fresh seafood available here, too, along with restaurants offering American and international fare. Arcades and shops also line the boardwalks, as do amusement park rides and hotels.
Washington, DC
Visit Washington DC in May for a unique taste of American and world heritage.
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Washington DC is another of the best places to visit in May. The weather is warm and festivals and special events occur throughout the month.
Friday evenings see free jazz concerts in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. The first weekend in May kicks off Passport DC. During this event, foreign embassies present the best of their cultures through food, performances, and more.
There are also all the most famous sights such as the National Mall, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. There are tons of great museums, such as the Smithsonian, too! May is the tail end of the cherry blossom season, so while there are fewer flowers, there are also fewer crowds.
Shenandoah National Park is also one of the easiest day trips from DC. Both places are so rich, though, that they can easily occupy an entire trip of their own.
Nevada
Visit Las Vegas or go further afield for adventures in the American high desert.
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Most people know Nevada for Las Vegas. While Vegas has hundreds of excellent places to stay and fun things to do, there’s much more to the Silver State than Sin City!
Reno and Lake Tahoe cater a little more to the outdoors types. Though, Reno has its shares of casinos and urban attractions, too. The rest of the state, often overlooked, has some hidden gems worth digging for!
Nevada is a road trip destination like no other. Tiny towns like Tonopah dot the high-desert plains. Little-known places like Big Dune transport you to another world. Big Dune Recreation Area is also right next door to Death Valley National Park.
New York City, New York
Taste the best of the Big Apple’s world-famous skyscrapers, sprawling city parks, and sandy beaches.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
New York City is another awesome place to visit in May. Daytime temperatures hover around 70° F, perfect for a walk in Central Park. New York’s seaside attractions such as Coney Island and Brighton Beach (one of many New York beaches) are also great for escaping the urban jungle.
The most famous attractions, like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, will also have fewer visitors and, thus, shorter lines. New York City also has many museums and music venues — much more than just Broadway!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Spring sees the rolling, forested hills of the Appalachians come to life with wildflowers and songbirds.
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Few landscapes are so classically American as those in Shenandoah National Park. Travel Lemming even ranked it #1 among all US national parks!
Here, you can see the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the many chains that comprise the broader Appalachian Mountain Range. Numerous hiking trails wind up and down mountains, through forests, along creeks, and past enchanting waterfalls. There are trails for every fitness level. You could do a day hike or even backpack along the Appalachian Trail.
There are also tons of tiny, charming mountain towns in the area. The Skyline Drive is one of the most popular attractions, allowing you to take in the best vistas in the park.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is lively any time of year, but springs to life even more at the start of summer!
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Denver is one of the best places to visit in May for nature lovers — and those who like urban attractions as well.
There are several incredible day trips from Denver, like Rocky Mountain National Park. The city also serves as a good base for more distant Colorado highlights, such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Denver itself has a virtual gold mine of attractions, too. The downtown Denver Arts Festival on Memorial Day weekend sees the city blossom with art exhibitions and musical performances. There are also tons of fantastic restaurants and craft breweries to refuel at.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Beat the summer heat and crowds at this national park known for its unique plant life.
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California’s Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places to visit in May if you love deserts. The hot desert climate has not yet reached peak temperatures.
There are trails and camping spots all across the park. The lack of light pollution makes the park one of the best places in California for stargazing. Keep your eyes peeled for the desert’s diverse flora and fauna, too.
Off-road tours here take you deep into the desert, visiting places that would be otherwise inaccessible. The tours, of course, are well planned and respect the beautiful but delicate ecosystem.
Yosemite National Park, California
Take in the iconic sights at one of America’s oldest and most popular national parks.
The grand cliffs, rich forests, and majestic waterfalls of Yosemite make it one of the most popular national parks in California, as well as the country. It’s a good idea to go in May before the summer tourist season swings into full gear.
Hiking trails, rock climbing, and camping are just a few of the outdoor activities to enjoy here. Iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome are worth seeing, even if scaling them is out of the question for you.
The closest airport is in Fresno, but there are also great tours out of San Francisco that may be more convenient for some travelers.
Alaska
Explore the Last Frontier’s motherlode of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and spring festivals.
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Few places in America match Alaska for natural beauty. Mt. Denali soars skyward out of the tundra. Glaciers glide slowly towards the sea along the southern coasts. The forests and oceans teem with wildlife. Bald eagles are more common than pigeons in Alaska (and no, I’m not making that up).
May is the driest month in Alaska. The average temperatures are on the cooler side of moderate (50s) but warm up as the month progresses. Hotel and tour prices are not yet at their summer highs, either.
May is a good time to explore both popular destinations and the state’s hidden gems. Kodiak, Alaska’s Emerald Isle, hosts the annual Crab Festival on Memorial Day Weekend. The festival features carnival rides, competitions, and other activities. Kodiak also has tons of great hikes to explore, as well as several other things to do.
Yakima, Washington
Hop over the Cascades to find one of central Washington’s best hidden gems.
🛎️ Where to Stay | Things to Do
Yakima is a hidden gem in Washington State. Here, hiking trails trace their way up hills and through river canyons. Local museums house assorted artifacts and lore from a variety of fields.
Restaurants offer all kinds of grub, from homemade tamales to fine dining. Local breweries get their hops straight from the source — the Yakima Valley produces 75% of hops in the US! Farmers markets also start “cropping up” in May, offering a taste of the fruitful fields of the Yakima Valley.
Best International Places to Travel in May
Rome, Italy
Roam the streets of the Eternal City to find an unrivaled wealth of history, sophistication, and urban charm.
Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world but tends to be a little quieter in May. Take a few days here to see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Forum, and much more. Guided tours are best because there is so much history here. You easily spend an eternity learning about the Eternal City.
This ancient city also has more modern, down-to-earth charms as well. Wandering the narrow side streets in search of a classy restaurant or a little gelato is never disappointing. You could also rent a Vespa and cruise around a la Roman Holiday. Rome is also a great starting point for further adventures in Italy.
Republic of Georgia
Discover a truly unique hidden gem in one of the often-overlooked corners of the world.
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Georgia is not on most people’s radars and I think this needs to change. Epic mountain hikes, exquisite wine, sophisticated seaside cityscapes — these are just scratching the surface of what the country has to offer. Georgia is not large but has a remarkable amount of unique subregions and beautiful destinations.
Tbilisi, the capital city, has tons of things to do and is a great base for exploring the country. The beach town of Batumi is located in the southwestern region of Adjara and boasts a sub-tropical climate. The northwestern mountain region of Svaneti takes you back in time with its stone towers and epic alpine landscapes.
The locals are friendly and the food is fantastic. Georgia is also the cradle of wine-making and wine plays a foundational role in Georgian culture. Attending a festive meal, known as a supra, is the best way to take in Georgian culinary and cultural traditions.
St. Lucia
Towering mountains set St. Lucia apart from other tropical islands in the Caribbean.
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St. Lucia offers something that you wouldn’t expect from a Caribbean beach destination: mountain climbing! The Pitons are the trademark of this tiny island nation, rising sheer from sea level to well over 2000 feet. Aspiring alpinists can climb these rocky prominences with a hired guide.
There’s also plenty of relaxing experiences. Sandy beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun. Abundant coral reefs off the coast make for unforgettable dives. Restaurants and hotels cater to every taste and budget.
The atmosphere and diverse experiences make St. Lucia one of the best honeymoon destinations, especially. May is also a great time to visit because it is right before the hurricane season of June through November.
Norway
Longer daylight hours mean more time to explore the epic landscapes, cozy towns, and classy cities of Norway.
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Norway’s fjords offer some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Europe. Mountains plunge into narrow ocean inlets lined by fishing villages and forests. Day tours allow you to take in the best views both from the seas and the summits. The sun doesn’t set until around 10 pm in May, so you’ll have plenty of time for further exploration!
Oslo also has plenty to offer, blending sophisticated urban charms with local natural beauty. Parks, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants are found throughout the city and each neighborhood has a unique vibe.
Oslo has, as you’d expect, a trove of Viking-themed attractions. The most famous one, the Viking Ship Museum, is currently closed for renovations (set to re-open in 2026). There are, however, several other sites such as the Historical Museum and Viking Planet that offer a glimpse into the world of the far-famed Northmen.
Mexico
Visit famous beach destinations, ancient ruins, and classy cities, all before the busy summer months.
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Mexico is a favorite destination among Travel Lemming writers. It’s easy to get to for many travelers and has an almost overwhelming amount of places to visit and unique things to do and see.
You could, though, just start with the “ABCs”:
- Ancient ruins like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza lie hidden in the jungles, bearing witness to the rich history of the country.
- Beaches across the country are warm and sandy, and the weather is fantastic.
- Cities, such as Mexico City, Valladolid, and Izamal, offer cosmopolitan charm and endless urban adventures.
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw preserves a proud legacy of Polish and Jewish heritage, classical music, and unflagging determination in the face of adversity.
Warsaw is my new favorite city and one of the best places to visit in May if you love all things Eastern European. Poland’s capital city has seen a turbulent history but has emerged as a resilient and beautiful place nonetheless.
Narrow streets wind through the Old Town, lined by shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Uprising Monument and Uprising Museum chronicle one of the most famous incidents in Poland during World War II. There are several other attractions in the city, such as the Polin Museum, that tell the story of Warsaw’s Jewish community.
Classical music lovers will appreciate the city’s unabashed adoration of Frederic Chopin. Park benches in the Royal Way area play the composer’s most famous pieces with the push of a button.
London, United Kingdom
Literature, architecture, culinary traditions, and all forms of culture are celebrated in this iconic city.
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London has long been one of the world’s leading cities and one visit there will show you why. Iconic landmarks like London Bridge and Big Ben need no introduction, but there are also everyday attractions. Ride the famous “Tube” or for better views, the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Museums and art galleries house everything from ancient mummies to modern art. Literature lovers also need no introduction to the city that gave the world William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens (check out the museum dedicated to Dickens).
Dine in a world-class restaurant or have a pint with the locals at one of the city’s best pubs. London may be known as an expensive destination, but you can visit on a budget with a little research.
London has six international airports, so it’s easy to add as a stopover on a longer trip. Heathrow is the busiest by far, followed by Gatwick. The other airports mainly offer European and low-cost connections.
The French Riviera
Indulge in warm weather, charming towns, and the best beaches in France.
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The French Riviera, the southern coast of France, is one of the country’s best places to visit, and you don’t need to be rich and famous to do so. The weather is warm and the place overflows with charm. The Mediterranean is perfect for swimming and sailing. Restaurants and bakeries offer French cuisine — need I say more?
The first week is the best time to beat the crowds drawn to events later in the month. Cannes holds its prestigious invite-only film festival in the latter half of May, so the city gets packed. There are a few escapes from the crowds, even then, though.
Marseille, though one of the larger cities in France, is much less of a tourist magnet than other parts of France’s southern coast. The island of St. Honorat is an oasis of tranquility off the coast of Cannes.
The nearby nation of Monaco hosts its Grand Prix race at the end of the month. It will also be crowded, but Formula One fans will be in heaven here.
Madrid, Spain
Stroll the streets of the Spanish capital in search of tapas, flamenco music, and masterpieces of European art.
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Madrid is all too often overlooked in favor of its more cosmopolitan cousin, Barcelona. Madrid is mellower than Barcelona and has a more distinctly Spanish flavor to it. This is true in more ways than one — visit one of the many restaurants in Madrid to find out!
Spain is known for its nightlife, with dinner often eaten around 10 pm. There are bars and clubs catering to modern tastes, but you can’t visit Spain without diving a bit deeper into local traditions!
Visit a Flamenco bar to witness fancy footwork and fiery guitar playing while enjoying tapas and Spanish wine. Madrid also has some excellent street musicians. Additionally, the capital city has peaceful parks and fascinating museums and art galleries. El Prado is a must for lovers of European art.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is rich with coastal activities, gorgeous rainforests, and picturesque coffee plantations.
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Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most popular destinations for good reason.The nation is one of the safest in the region and has tons of awesome places to visit and things to do and see. Early May is the best time to visit Costa Rica, being the tail end of the dry season.
Beaches are sandy and warm, but adventures await out in the ocean, too! Jungle treks take you along trails winding past babbling creeks and stunning waterfalls. Heading to the hills is something that hiking and coffee enthusiasts can both appreciate. The alpine areas are home to the country’s best coffee plantations.
Additionally, snorkeling and scuba diving are two aquatic activities that show you a whole new side of Costa Rica.
📅 Month-by-Month Travel Inspiration:
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I hope you enjoyed reading my guide on the best places to visit in May. Up next, check out our guide on the best places to visit in June!
