Where to travel in May
Late spring brings perfect hiking weather, food festivals and the joys of white asparagus.
Across Europe, the May sunshine kicks off the outdoor festival season, while in destinations such as Indonesia and Bolivia, it marks the end of the rainy season, and therefore the ideal time for jungle-trekking and wildlife-spotting. Hikers are also spoilt for choice this month, whether they fancy scaling Table Mountain in Cape Town or tackling coastal trails in Hawaii, enjoying the peace and quiet of the shoulder season.
Hawaii, US
Weather: 24-27C / 75-80F
Why now: Fewer crowds and excellent hiking
Hawaii’s dry season arrives in May; it’s virtually summer, but with lower prices and less visitors. This makes it the ideal time to explore the islands on foot, whether opting for Kauai’s steep 11-mile Kalalau Trail or Oahu’s more relaxed 2.5-mile Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, where you might still spot whales in the first half of the month. Beginners can try surfing on calmer seas without winter’s powerful swells, particularly on Big Island’s Kahalu’u Bay or Oahu’s White Plains Beach. Visit at the end of the month to catch Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii at Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach (25 May), where thousands of candlelit lanterns are released on the ocean to remember lost loved ones.
Like a local: Leave extra time when driving. Roads can be narrow, speed limits are low and drivers tend to travel at a relaxed pace.
(A city guide to Honolulu, Hawaii.)
Bolivia
Weather: 13-18C / 56-65F in the Andes; 22-28C / 72-83F in the Amazon
Why now: Dry season and perfect conditions for Salar de Uyuni
Timing is vital to make the most of Bolivia’s wildly differing landscapes. The start of the dry season in May is best for hiking the Andes without rainfall, exploring Lake Titicaca by boat and sightseeing in the sunshine in La Paz, the world’s highest capital city. Dry conditions mean it’s also possible to cross the otherworldly white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats to visit its islands, bright pink flamingos and hot springs, while those cruising the Amazon can trek into the jungle to spot caimans, capybaras and squirrel monkeys gathering near water holes.
Like a local: Drink coca tea to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness, but don’t bring any home — it comes from the same plant used to produce cocaine and is illegal in most countries.
(In Bolivia's capital, women are leading a culinary revolution.)
Germany
Weather: 17-19C / 63-66F
Why now: Festivals and asparagus season
May’s warmer weather sees Germany’s beer gardens open, wildflowers bloom along walking trails in the Black Forest and new vintages released by Rhine Valley vineyards. Sunnier days bring countrywide festivals, including Berlin’s Carnival of Culture with its parades and performances (22-25 May) and Hamburg’s Port Anniversary, a lively riverside maritime festival (8-10 May). Munich hosts the 25th anniversary of its Long Night of Music on 9 May with over 400 concerts across the city, while there’s still time to catch the end of Europe’s largest spring festival in Stuttgart until 10 May. It’s also peak season for Germany’s delicious white asparagus, which appears on menus for eight weeks only and is celebrated with dedicated festivals in Berlin and Schwetzingen.
Like a local: Don’t plan to shop on a Sunday as the law requires most stores to stay closed. Shops in larger train stations are usually open if needed.
(Inside Germany's love of white asparagus.)
Cape Town, South Africa
Weather: 15-18C / 59-65F
Why now: Low season and the city’s marathon
May brings mild weather, great-value prices and quieter attractions in Cape Town, making it perfect for combining city sightseeing with swelter-free hiking on Table Mountain. Walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps on Robben Island, potter around the shops on the V&A Waterfront for South African crafts and avoid occasional rain showers at the Zeitz Mocca, the world’s largest museum of contemporary African art. Grab a roadside spot to cheer on the Cape Town Marathon on 24 May or head to Franschhoek an hour away in the winelands for the town’s acclaimed literary festival with panel discussions, workshops and special events (15-17 May).
Like a local: Visit the Old Biscuit Mill market on weekend mornings for live music, locally made goods and the city’s best street food stalls.
(Where to find Cape Town's most exciting food spots.)
Indonesia
Weather: 27-32C / 80-90F
Why now: Low humidity and Ubud Food Festival
Indonesia’s rice terraces, sandy beaches, coral reefs and cultural sites are all best seen in May, when the weather is hot, yet the humidity is manageable. Scale dramatic volcanoes on Java, snorkel in the clear waters of Flores and cool off in Bali’s waterfalls. In Sumatra, the dry season is the best time for jungle-trekking and spotting orangutans swinging through the trees searching for food. Stay until the end of the month for markets and cooking demonstrations at the Ubud Food Festival (28-31 May) or join celebrations in Central Java for Waisak, the country’s most important Buddhist festival (31 May).
Like a local: Always carry cash, especially when visiting rural areas, and remember that ATM machines can be unreliable, so plan ahead.
(This remote Indonesian island is a unique wellness destination.)
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