If you’re able to avoid peak tourist season, school holidays, and spring break dates, consider May your ideal month. In the northern hemisphere, May marks the start of spring, bringing blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and excited vibes into many cities.
At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys those first few crisp and golden days of autumn. The world is in a transitional period, where the weather is pleasant, and crowds aren’t overwhelming.
If you’re part of the lucky crowd able to travel in the off-season months, the following ten countries are at their most beautiful in May:
Spain
Spain is one of those countries that is wonderful no matter the time of year. But if I had to pick, spring would be my favorite time. The mild weather makes it a great season to explore Spain’s natural landscapes, like the Pyrenees. But it’s also a wonderful time to hit Spain’s major cities. Whether drinking gallons of sangria on the beach in Barcelona or strolling the artsy streets of Madrid, the weather makes a big impact in this country.
In May, Spain comes to life with festivals. Locals celebrate the incoming summer day and night. One of the most notable festivals is the famous Festival of the Courtyards in Cordoba, where locals open up their private homes and courtyards filled with flowers. On top of this, the city of Girona transforms into a vibrant spring garden during the Girona Temps de Flors Festival.
Uganda
There aren’t so many places you can trek through lush rainforests and come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla living in its natural habitat. Uganda is one of them. There’s a good reason this landlocked country along the equator is called the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ Uganda is overflowing with natural beauty and exciting wildlife.
May in Uganda is peak dry season, which means you can trek with the gorillas and explore the tropical mountains without risking a monsoon downpour. Beyond wildlife and weather, Uganda is home to tens of ethnic groups, each with their own culture and language. In May, the country hosts the Slow Food Uganda Coffee Festival to celebrate cuisine and culture.
Serbia
While Serbia is technically considered a Central European country, it feels like a good blend of Eastern and Central Europe. After a long winter, May brings pleasant weather that allows one to explore the old cities and natural wonders without layering up too much.
Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is famous for its historical landmarks. Over the millennia, it has served as the capital of various empires and nations. Places like the Kalemegdan Fortress are a good place to start, but you’ll also want to explore this city’s exciting nightlife scene.
France
We’ve all seen the pictures of rows upon rows of lavender fields in the Provence. Well, May is the start of the lavender bloom season in France. The switch from winter to summer brings mild weather and lush landscapes.
Paris is at its best, with fewer-than-usual visitors hovering around the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. May is also when Nice hosts its annual carnival, a magnificent show of culture and art along the waterfront. The Lemon Festival in Menton, the Cannes Film Festival, and Fete de la Bretagne are other highlights.
The thing is, France is enormous. So, even if the major cities are too busy, countless small Provencal towns or coastal villages won’t be.
Malta
Malta feels like the perfect in-between of history and modernity. This small archipelago in the Mediterranean is brimming with historical sites, particularly around its capital city of Valletta. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with incredible architecture and landmarks dating back to the Knights of St. John.
Its strategic location between Italy, Libya, and Tunisia has allowed a beautiful merging of cuisine, architecture, and culture. Spring means moderate weather for exploring the island. But it’s also the start of the Village Festas, with religious processions, band marches, and community gatherings celebrated in each small village.
Taiwan
When a change of scenery is on the cards, sometimes the best thing to do is get lost in a bustling modern city. Taiwan is my favorite country to lose myself in. Like many Southeast Asian countries, it’s the perfect mix between tradition and modernity, with temples, misty mountains, and futuristic cities all alongside one another.
May is one of the best months to visit. Between the cold winter and humidity of summer, it’s the perfect time to explore the island, attend cultural festivals, and engage in outdoor adventures.
May also brings various festivals. The Calla Lily and Hydrangea Festival, Baosheng Cultural Festival, and Treasure Hill Light Festival are three spring favorites.
Croatia
Croatia is like a dreamscape that exists in reality. Set along the Adriatic Sea, with a large inland area of mountains, lakes, and rivers, the country is a natural wonderland. Most tourists head straight for the coastline, and it’s not hard to see why. The beaches are exquisite, and just about all the major towns look like a medieval scene out of Game of Thrones.
The coastline is dotted with over 1000 islands, islets, and crags, 48 of which you can stay on. The capital city, Split, is where you’ll find the most Roman ruins and exciting nightlife.
Malaysia
There aren’t too many destinations where you can find tropical islands, ancient rainforests, and modern skyscrapers all in one place. Malaysia is unique in every sense of the world. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is a feast for the senses, with super-high skyscrapers towering over traditional food stalls lining the streets.
May borders on the Monsoon season, which means you can explore the cities and forests without worrying too much about a tropical downpour. The states of Sabah and Sarawak are the places to go to see Bornean orangutans in their natural habitats, while the Cameron Highlands are home to lush rolling tea plantations.
Armenia
If Armenia isn’t on your travel list yet, let me change your mind. This little country in the Caucasus is an ancient, underrated gem with more history, dramatic landscapes, and friendly locals than you thought possible.
It’s one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. Make sure to visit the ancient monasteries carved into cliff faces and perched on dramatic mountains. These majestic buildings look like something from a fantasy novel.
May is one of the best times to visit, with spring flowers in full bloom, mountains left green after the rains, and perfect sightseeing weather. It’s a great time to hike through the Dilijan National Park or sip wine on terraces in the Areni region.
Canada
Canada is an especially convenient country to visit for northern hemisphere travelers. It’s larger than the United States, with countless different cultures, landscapes, and geographies to explore.
Unfortunately, all of them share one thing – a freezing cold winter. May is when Canada starts to thaw, with spring bulbs and local wildlife making an appearance to welcome the spring. Banff National Park is a dreamscape for biking, with turquoise lakes and waterfalls flowing due to the snowmelt.
On that note, Niagara Falls is at its peak flow, making May one of the most dramatic times to view these incredible waterfalls.
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