May is objectively one of the best months of the year. The winter chill in the northern hemisphere starts to thaw, flowers bloom, and everything starts to look a little bit more beautiful. The tropics experience their dry season, meaning monsoon rains fall away, and islands come alive with lush plants and rushing waterfalls.
It’s a magical time of year when islands promise perfect weather, fewer crowds, and more often than not, favorably low prices. Visiting an island feels especially welcoming for those emerging from a long, cold winter.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Everyone loves an unspoiled beach backed by a lush background, and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the best. It’s the smallest of all the U.S. Virgin Islands, and two thirds of it is protected as part of the Virgin Islands National Park.
For the best beaches made up of soft powdery sand, head to Trunk Bay. But for the best hiking trails, Reef Bay will provide the goods (and the views). Of course, the island is also surrounded by tropical reefs, which can be explored by diving or snorkeling.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is no hidden gem, but there are ways to avoid the island’s rush and hustle. Visiting in May is one of the best ways to do so. It means arriving before peak surfing and tourist season, when the weather is warm and dry. It’s also a time of local festivals, including the Bali Arts Festival.
Just the name of this island makes people think of lush rice paddies, temples, and sunny beaches. It’s known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ for a good reason. This little piece of Hindu paradise has some of the most beautiful beaches, stunning archeological sites and ancient temples, the friendliest people, and an incredible nightlife scene.
Corsica, France
Corsica is France’s hiking paradise, often called the ‘Island of Beauty’ for its rugged mountains and pristine beaches. From the vibrant coastal town of Ajaccio to Calvi, it’s a Mediterranean gem with a diverse landscape and fascinating history.
May marks the beginning of the hiking season in Corsica, which is made particularly famous by the GR20 trail. With the wild wilderness covered with blooming flowers, and pleasantly mild weather, it’s the perfect time to hike.
There are also some coastal areas like Bonifacio, where stunning limestone cliffs lead into clear waters. This particular area is especially good for boating and snorkeling.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
If you ever had the urge to travel to an era before cars, Mackinac Island on Lake Huron in Michigan should be on your bucket list. It’s an island that provides a nostalgic escape from modern life, where horse-drawn carriages roll past perfectly preserved Victorian buildings.
One of the best places to learn about the island’s history is Fort Mackinac, a military outpost dating back to the American Revolution. If you prefer nature over history, there are more than 70 miles worth of hiking and biking trails around this little island.
To make the most of your spring escape from reality, stay in one of the island’s charming bed and breakfasts. Plus, don’t skip the chance to taste the Mackinac’s traditional fudge.
Roatán, Honduras
Roatan is a small island in Honduras that ranks among the world’s most prestigious scuba diving destinations. It’s located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest reef in the world. You can only imagine the colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life under the surface here.
Beyond the underwater world, Roatan is also a place of picture-perfect beaches and dense jungles. It has an undeniable laid-back island vibe and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
May marks the island’s dry season, keeping the skies blue and the water calm. This creates the ultimate conditions for snorkeling and diving. Consider splurging on an overwater bungalow for a luxurious tropical island experience.
Crete, Greece
Crete is Greece’s largest island. It’s a land of mythology and legend, literally. It’s here where the ancient Minoan Civilisation thrived in the Bronze Age, and where the Greek God Zeus was allegedly born. If ancient history and mythology fascinate you, you can learn more about it at the ruins of Knossos Palace and the island’s Venetian harbor of Chania.
But beyond mythical legend, the island is an absolute stunner of diverse landscapes. The Samaria Gorge is a local legend. It’s the longest gorge in the world and a hiker’s dream. During May, wild orchids, anemones, tulips, poppies, and chrysanthemums blanket the countryside in bright hues. May is also when the local vineyards are warm and lush. It’s the perfect time to taste the local varietals, like Liatiko, under the warm spring sunshine.
Anguilla, Caribbean
If your ideal island day involves nothing but turquoise water lapping against white sand as you sip a rum punch, Anguilla might be your next destination. This Caribbean island is often overshadowed by its neighbors, meaning it has way fewer tourists and prices are more reasonable.
It’s all about understated luxury here, with top-notch hotels and incredible beaches like Shoal Bay. But there is more to do than just lounge about here (although I’m not one to judge). There are plenty of hidden coves and bays that you can explore by boat. Plus, this island has a nightlife scene to be reckoned with.
Azores, Portugal
Portugal’s Azores Islands are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic. When tourists flock to Cascais and Porto, these far-removed islands are considered Portugal’s best-kept secret. The closest place I can compare them to is Hawaii, with lush mountains, crater-made lakes, and geothermal wonders scattering the islands.
Each island has its own unique draws. San Miguel is the largest, famous for its twin lakes called Sete Cidades, and the bubbling hot springs around Furnas. Pico Island is another exciting place, with a huge volcano creating the perfect fertile soil conditions for vineyards.
May is the best time of the year for whale watching in the Azores. During the month, migratory species like the blue and fin whales pass through the islands. Hop on a boat tour or just watch the action from the hydrangea-clad cliffs.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Australia is familiar with gorgeous islands. And if you’re willing to look past the poisonous snakes and sea creatures, there is no place more geographically beautiful than the Whitsunday Islands. These wave and wind-washed sandy islands are about as close as you’ll get to a desktop screensaver.
The 74 islands are scattered across the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with blindingly white sand, and water that looks more turquoise than you thought could exist. The beaches are known for having some of the purest silica sand in the world. Created over millions of years from crushed coral, it feels like you’re walking on a cloud.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is so magical, it feels almost like another planet. This is partly because it’s pretty tough to get to, sitting nearly equidistant from Australia, South America, and North America. Not only do boats infrequently pass through these waters, but the islands are also surrounded by a barrier reef, which creates a calm lagoon. If you think about it, Bora Bora’s coral reefs have been able to thrive in solitude for millennia. This means the snorkeling opportunities are second-to-none.
May is one of the best months to visit. Dry season means sunny days, low humidity, and very little risk of a tropical downpour ruining a beach day. The water is also at its calmest, making it perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and exploring the island by boat.
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