Made up of eight islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Niihau, the Big Island Hawaii.
Kahoolawe
Hawaii
Lanai
Molokai
Maui
Oahu
Kauai
Niihau
1. Kyoto, Japan – For the Quiet Beauty After the Blossom By May, the cherry blossom frenzy is over — and thank goodness. Kyoto in late spring is peaceful, emerald-green, and soaked in serenity. You can stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove without jostling for selfies, sip matcha by the Kamo River, or cycle to hidden shrines while hydrangeas bloom quietly in the corners. Why May works: The weather is dreamy, between 17°C–25°C (63–77°F), and the crowds are a fraction of what they are in April.
Must Do:
2. Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Sunniest Capital Before Summer Hit Lisbon in May is like wine at the perfect temperature — not too cold, not too warm. The cobbled streets, the golden hour light on the Tagus River, the smell of grilled sardines in Alfama... it’s poetry. And there’s something magical about riding Tram 28 through the hills with your hair full of wind and your heart full of saudade. Why May works: Summer rates haven’t kicked in, and the temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F). Perfect for outdoor terraces and tiled alleyways.
3. Morocco’s Atlas Mountains – Spring’s Last Breath Before the Heat Marrakech in July? Madness. But in May, base yourself in the High Atlas and you’ll get the best of both worlds — mild mountain breezes, snow still visible on the peaks, and a short drive to the chaos (and color) of the souks. Why May works: Before the desert sun becomes unbearable, temperatures in the Atlas stay in the 15–25°C (59–77°F) range.
01.
If you really want to hike and adventure to see the real sights of the Big Island, you will want to be prepared.
4. British Columbia, Canada – For the Wild, the Calm, and the Unexpected Spring in BC feels like a secret. Snow still dusts the peaks, but the valleys bloom with wildflowers. Whistler’s ski season winds down, while Vancouver starts to hum with outdoor cafés and cherry blossoms. Why May works: You get the best of two seasons. Plus, it’s prime time for spotting orcas off Vancouver Island.
02.
You’re going to want more than what your average phone camera can capture. These are going to be photos of a lifetime.
5. Slovenia – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret (Still) It’s hard to believe a country this beautiful still flies under the radar, but Slovenia in May is everything you want from Europe without the chaos. Lake Bled’s iconic church on an island? Even better in real life. Ljubljana, the capital, feels like a fairytale town with a pulse. Why May works: Spring blossoms are everywhere, the air is crisp, and crowds are delightfully light.
6. Namibia – The Desert in Bloom Here’s a curveball. Most people head to Africa in June or July for safaris, but May in Namibia is a hidden gem — cooler temps, post-rain greenery, and wildlife out in full force. Why May works: It’s the start of the dry season, but there’s still a lushness from recent rains. Plus, fewer tourists mean more personal moments with giraffes and elephants.
7. Andalusia, Spain – Flamenco, Orange Blossoms, and Endless Charm Forget Barcelona in May. Head south. In Andalusia, the orange trees are still perfuming the air, the patios are bursting with life, and the cities — Seville, Córdoba, Granada — feel like living canvases. Why May works: The heat hasn’t taken over, but the festivals are in full swing. You might catch the Patio Festival in Córdoba or the Feria de Abril in Seville.
8. New Zealand’s South Island – Autumn Like You’ve Never Seen It While the Northern Hemisphere steps into spring, the Southern Hemisphere is painting with fire. May is deep autumn in New Zealand — crisp mornings, golden vineyards, and fewer tourists. Why May works: Cool enough for cozy cabins, warm enough for epic hikes in Fiordland, and ideal for road trips through Otago.
9. South Korea – Blossoms, Culture, and Calm Before the Storm Seoul in May is a blend of nature and neon. While the cherry blossoms might be done, the city is alive with azaleas, lantern festivals, and the electric hum of a culture that somehow balances the ultra-modern with the deeply traditional. Why May works: It’s warm without being oppressive, and the tourist wave is just gearing up.
10. Patagonia (Chile + Argentina) – One Last Adventure Before Winter If you’re chasing something wild, something that humbles you, Patagonia in May is a siren call. The season’s winding down, which means fewer trekkers on the trails, cooler temperatures, and skies so clear they look brushed by hand. Why May works: It's shoulder season — accommodation discounts, peaceful paths, and autumn colors in the Andes.
Final Thoughts: Why May 2025 Is the Moment Let’s be honest — the past few years reshaped how we think about travel. We no longer chase destinations for bragging rights; we chase meaning, connection, stillness, beauty. May 2025 is your chance to travel with intention. The world will never again be exactly as it is right now. And neither will you.