Destination Guides
Best places to travel in May: Destination-related notes
June 11, 2026
Quick summary
May is truly a prime month for travel lovers! The weather is comfortable and pleasant, there aren't as many tourists as there are in the peak season, and many places are at their best. As a veteran visitor, I've compiled this list of the best places to travel in May, so whether y
Overview
Contents
Best places to travel in May in Asia
Japan - Kyoto
China-Yunnan-Dali
Thailand - Chiang Mai
Vietnam - Da Nang
Best places to travel in May in Europe
Italy - Tuscany
Greece - Santorini
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Croatia - Dubrovnik
Best places to travel in May: Americas
Canada - Banff National Park
USA-Hawaii-Maui
Peru - Machu Picchu
Best places to travel in May: Oceania
Australia - Great Barrier Reef
New Zealand - Queenstown
Conlusion
1. Best places to travel in May in Asia
Japan - Kyoto
Japan - Kyoto May Temperature: 15°C - 25°C May is the “new green season” in Kyoto, when shrines and temples are surrounded by green maple leaves, and there are fewer tourists than during the cherry blossom season, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.Must-visit: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Notes: Occasional rain may fall in early May, so it is advisable to bring rain gear.Some temples require the removal of shoes for entry, so shoes that are easy to take on and off are recommended.Internet recommendation: All major operators in Japan offer eSIM services. We recommend purchasing a plan that matches your needs for easy navigation and traffic information..
China-Yunnan-Dali
Temperature in May: 15°C - 25°CThe climate in Dali in May is pleasant, the Erhai Sea is blue, and the Cangshan Mountains are green, which makes it suitable for riding and lazing around.Must-visit: Erhai Sea, Dali Ancient City, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng TempleNotes: UV rays are strong in the plateau, so you need to take sun protection measures.Riding Erhai, pay attention to safety, as part of the road is narrow.Network recommendation: The three major domestic operators in China all support eSIM. If you go to crowded places, it is recommended to buy China Mobile, and if you go to remote and sparsely populated places, it is recommended to
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Thailand - Chiang Mai
Temperature in May: 25°C - 35°C May is a good time to travel to Chiang Mai, right after the Water Festival in the off-season, when there are fewer tourists, so you can experience a more authentic Northern Thai style. The temples of the old city are quiet and beautiful, and the surrounding mountains have a cool and pleasant climate.Must-visit: Suthep Mountain Twin Dragon Temple, Chiang Mai Old Town Tapae Gate, Nimman Road Literary District, Chiang Mai Night Zoo Notes: May has entered the early rainy season, it is recommended to carry rain gear Temple visits require dressing appropriately, avoiding sleeveless tops and short pants, and skirts Night market shopping, remember to bargain, usually 30%-50% off the price Northern Thai food is spicy, ordering food can ask for less spicy (Mai Ped) Recommended Networks
May is truly a prime month for travel lovers! The weather is comfortable and pleasant, there aren't as many tourists as there are in the peak season, and many places are at their best. As a veteran visitor, I've compiled this list of the best places to travel in May, so whether you want to embrace the sunny beaches, explore thousand-year-old cities, revel in the natural beauty, or experience exotic cultures, you'll find a destination of your choice.
These best places to visit in May, all recommended by me, so you can avoid the crowds and have fun! Let's find out which place tickles your fancy!
1. Best places to travel in May in Asia
Japan - Kyoto
Japan - Kyoto May Temperature: 15°C - 25°C
May is the “new green season” in Kyoto, when shrines and temples are surrounded by green maple leaves, and there are fewer tourists than during the cherry blossom season, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Must-visit: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Notes:
Occasional rain may fall in early May, so it is advisable to bring rain gear.
Some temples require the removal of shoes for entry, so shoes that are easy to take on and off are recommended.
Internet recommendation: All major operators in Japan offer eSIM services. We recommend purchasing a plan that matches your needs for easy navigation and traffic information..
China-Yunnan-Dali
Temperature in May: 15°C - 25°C
The climate in Dali in May is pleasant, the Erhai Sea is blue, and the Cangshan Mountains are green, which makes it suitable for riding and lazing around.
Must-visit: Erhai Sea, Dali Ancient City, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Notes:
UV rays are strong in the plateau, so you need to take sun protection measures.
Riding Erhai, pay attention to safety, as part of the road is narrow.
Network recommendation: The three major domestic operators in China all support eSIM. If you go to crowded places, it is recommended to buy China Mobile, and if you go to remote and sparsely populated places, it is recommended to buy China Unicom or China Telecom.
But the most recommended is the China eSIM product with VPN that can access Tiktok.
✅
You may also need
China Travel Guide: How to Access the Internet in China?
China Travel Guide in 2025: Simplify Your Trip with eSIM
How to Get a Chinese Visa: A Complete Guide to Requirements, and Process
Thailand - Chiang Mai
Temperature in May: 25°C - 35°C
May is a good time to travel to Chiang Mai, right after the Water Festival in the off-season, when there are fewer tourists, so you can experience a more authentic Northern Thai style. The temples of the old city are quiet and beautiful, and the surrounding mountains have a cool and pleasant climate.
Must-visit:
Suthep Mountain Twin Dragon Temple, Chiang Mai Old Town Tapae Gate, Nimman Road Literary District, Chiang Mai Night Zoo
Notes:
May has entered the early rainy season, it is recommended to carry rain gear
Temple visits require dressing appropriately, avoiding sleeveless tops and short pants, and skirts
Night market shopping, remember to bargain, usually 30%-50% off the price
Northern Thai food is spicy, ordering food can ask for less spicy (Mai Ped)
Recommended Networks "Southeast Asian eSIM 5 countries (including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand) ".
Vietnam - Da Nang
Temperature in May: 25°C - 32°C
May is a sunny month with fewer crowds on the beaches, ideal for enjoying a beach vacation and exploring cultural heritage.
Must-visit: Ba Na Mountain, My Khe Beach, Hoi An Ancient City
Notes:
Sun protection is essential on the beach, avoiding exposure to the sun in the middle of the day.
Hoi An Ancient City is crowded at night, so take care of your belongings.
Recommended network: Vietnam's major cities have a good 4G network, and it is recommended to
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2. Best places to travel in May in Europe
Italy - Tuscany
Temperature in May: 12°C - 24°C
Tuscany in May is sunny and lush with vineyards and olive groves, perfect for self-driving and wine tasting.
Must-visit: Florence, Siena, Chianti wine region
Notes:
Self-driving tours require advance confirmation of car rental insurance and road conditions.
Some town restaurants have long lunch breaks, so it is recommended to plan your meal time in advance.
Guide recommendation: “Best Time to Travel to Italy,Find out the best time to travel to Italy”
Greece - Santorini
Temperature in May: 18°C - 26°C
Fewer tourists in May, the weather is warm but not too hot, the blue and white towns and Aegean sunsets are particularly romantic.
Must-visit: Oia town, Fira, red sandy beaches
Notes:
It is windy on the island, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket.
Some of the cliff walks are narrow; wear comfortable shoes to be safer.
Guide Recommendation: "Greece Travel Guide: Places & Cuisines & Tips"
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Temperature in May: 10°C - 18°C
Tulips are in full bloom in May, Keukenhof Gardens are at their best, and canal cruises are superb.
Must-visit: Anne's House, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Belt
Notes:
Garden tickets need to be booked in advance to avoid queues.
Bike paths are busy, so avoid them when walking.
Croatia - Dubrovnik
Temperature in May: 16°C - 22°C
Fewer tourists and warmer weather in May, ideal for walking the ancient city walls and exploring the Game of Thrones set.
Must-visit: Old City Walls, Lokrum Island, Straton Avenue
Notes:
The Old City's stone paths are slippery, so it's safer to wear non-slip shoes.
Some attractions need to buy tickets in advance to avoid queuing.
3. Best places to travel in May: Americas
Canada - Banff National Park
May Temperature: 5°C - 15°C
May is the best season for hiking and sightseeing as the ice melts and the lakes return to their turquoise blue color.
Must-visit: Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Sulphur Mountain
Notes:
Temperatures are cooler at higher elevations, so prepare warm clothing.
Some hiking trails may still have snow, so it is recommended to check opening conditions in advance.
Internet Recommendation: Signal is unstable in the national parks, it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
USA-Hawaii-Maui
Temperature in May: 22°C - 28°C
Reason for visiting: May is the off-season, fewer tourists, good for surfing, snorkeling, and whale watching (end of season).
Must-visit: Hana Highway, Haleakala National Park, Lahaina Town
Notes:
Watch out for wave conditions when snorkeling, and novices are advised to stay with a group.
The Hana Highway has many curves, so drive with caution.
Recommended network: major carriers in the United States provide eSIM services; it is recommended to choose a package that includes full U.S. coverage.
Peru - Machu Picchu
Temperature in May: 8°C - 20°C
May is the beginning of the dry season, the best time to hike the Inca Trail, with fewer clouds and excellent views.
Must-visit: Machu Picchu ruins, the ancient city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley
Notes:
Altitude sickness is common, so it is recommended to acclimate to the altitude in advance.
Hikers need to apply for a permit in advance, and space is limited.
Network recommendation: Peru's network coverage is not enough, so esim only has 4G network, so visitors who need high-speed network are advised to buy a local SIM card
4. Best places to travel in May: Oceania
Australia - Great Barrier Reef
Temperature in May: 22°C - 28°C
May is the dry season, and the water is crystal clear for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the reef.
Must-visit: Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef
Notes:
Check your physical condition before diving and avoid diving under the influence of alcohol.
Protect the coral reefs and avoid touching or stepping on them.
New Zealand - Queenstown
Temperature in May: 5°C - 15°C
May is the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, with picturesque lakes and mountains, suitable for adventure sports and photography.
Must-visit: Lake Wakatipu, Arrowtown, Milford Sound
Notes:
Autumn has a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so you need to prepare warm clothes.
For adventure sports such as bungee jumping, check your physical condition.
Conlusion
May is a great month of the year for traveling. Whether you enjoy natural beauty, history, and culture, or beach vacations, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip in advance and choose the right eSIM internet plan for a smooth and hassle-free trip.
"Looking for the best internet plan for your May trip? The world's best travel eSIM recommendations help you choose easily."
Recommended next step
Ready to buy? Open the destination page for plans sized to your trip.
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