9 Dreamy Spring Destinations for a May Trip

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on any of those links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you, to help support this website. 

If you’re looking for that perfect time to travel—when the weather’s just right, prices are still reasonable, and crowds haven’t gone full summer rush—May might be your sweet spot. It’s that golden shoulder season when Europe is bursting with flowers and festivals, tropical destinations offer peace before peak season hits, and even mountain regions start to shake off the chill.

Whether you’re chasing wildflower hikes in the Alps, ferry-hopping in the Mediterranean, or just want to explore a gorgeous city without dodging selfie sticks, May delivers. It’s the month where spring turns to early summer, days stretch long into the evening, and everything feels just a little more alive.

From the sunny islands of Greece to the still-snowy peaks of Canada, here are 9 incredible international destinations to consider for a May getaway.

Italy (Dolomites, Northern Lakes & Venice)

While much of Italy is warming up in May, the north offers something special: blooming alpine meadows, crisp lake views, and just-right weather for sightseeing before the summer surge. The Dolomites are waking up from winter, the lakes shimmer under clear skies, and Venice feels more relaxed and breathable than it will in just a few weeks. It’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots, cruise along a lake, or wander cobbled streets with a gelato in hand.

Top Experiences

• Hike easy trails in the Dolomites, like those near Alpe di Siusi or Tre Cime, where spring wildflowers dot the valleys.
• Take a ferry between Lake Como towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, with gardens and villas in full bloom.
• Explore Lake Garda, where mountains meet olive groves, and charming towns like Sirmione welcome early-season visitors.
• Wander Venice’s quieter canals and squares before the summer crowds roll in—don’t miss the views from San Giorgio Maggiore.
• Relax with a spritz in a lakeside piazza or try fresh mountain fare like canederli (bread dumplings) and speck.

Slovenia (Ljubljana, Lake Bled & the Julian Alps)

Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—and May is the perfect time to discover it. The weather is mild and sunny, the forests and alpine meadows are bright green from spring rains, and the country’s most beautiful spots are still blissfully quiet. Whether you’re paddling on Lake Bled, hiking in Triglav National Park, or sipping wine in Ljubljana’s leafy cafés, May offers that rare mix of beauty, peace, and adventure.

Top Experiences

• Row across Lake Bled to its tiny island church, then hike up to Ojstrica for postcard views.
• Wander the riverside promenade in Ljubljana, where spring flowers spill over balconies and locals linger at open-air cafés.
• Hike in the Julian Alps, where trails are accessible, and wildflowers carpet the foothills.
• Visit Lake Bohinj for a quieter alternative to Bled—great for kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing with a view.
• Explore Vintgar Gorge, a wooden pathway winding over turquoise water through a dramatic canyon (it reopens in spring).

France (Provence & the French Riviera)

May in the south of France is as dreamy as it gets. The crowds of high summer haven’t arrived yet, the weather is warm enough for seaside lunches and scenic drives, and the landscapes are bursting with color—think poppies, irises, and vineyards starting to leaf out. From hilltop villages in Provence to the chic cafés of Nice, this is springtime at its most elegant and easygoing.

Top Experiences

• Stroll the markets of Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy, overflowing with flowers, olives, and local cheeses.
• Take a scenic drive through the Luberon, stopping at fairytale villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin.
• Enjoy a long lunch by the sea in Cassis, Antibes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer, where the Riviera sparkles but isn’t yet overrun.
• Visit the Calanques near Marseille for coastal hikes with turquoise water views and secret coves.
• Sip rosé in the spring sunshine at a vineyard in Provence, or take an early-season dip on a quiet Nice beach.

Greece (Cyclades & Ionian Islands)

May might just be the perfect time to visit the Greek islands. The skies are clear, the sea is warming up, and ferries are running regularly—but the summer crush hasn’t hit yet. Hotels and restaurants are open, but you’ll still find plenty of quiet corners, whether you’re wandering whitewashed alleyways in the Cyclades or relaxing on a breezy Ionian beach. It’s the month where Greece feels just right: warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unhurried.

Top Experiences

• Watch the sunset in Oia, Santorini, without having to elbow your way through a crowd.
• Explore Naxos or Paros—slower-paced Cycladic islands with charming villages, golden beaches, and amazing local food.
• Discover the lush green beauty of Corfu or Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, where spring wildflowers meet crystal-clear coves.
• Hike along coastal trails or up to hilltop churches with panoramic views.
• Linger over mezze and local wine at a seaside taverna with just the sound of waves and conversation around you.

Canada (British Columbia & Alberta)

May in Canada is a bit of a secret sweet spot. In British Columbia, spring is in full swing—mountains still hold snow, but the valleys and coast are blooming. In Alberta, the Rockies begin to thaw, waterfalls are raging, and wildlife becomes more active. Whether you’re into city strolls, mountain hikes, or spotting bears just out of hibernation, this is a gorgeous time to explore western Canada without summer’s price tags and crowds.

Top Experiences

• Wander Vancouver’s seawall, cherry-lined neighborhoods, and vibrant food markets in full spring bloom.
• Head to Whistler for a late-season ski day or mountain biking as trails start to reopen.
• Road trip the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper, where snowcapped peaks rise above turquoise lakes.
• Hike to early-accessible waterfalls like Johnston Canyon or Athabasca Falls, surrounded by wildflowers.
• Spot elk, mountain goats, or even grizzlies along scenic drives and in the national parks—they’re just starting to emerge after winter.

Norway (Fjords, Mountains & Coastal Cities)

May in Norway is magical. The days are long (sunset can stretch past 10 p.m.), waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to melting snow, and the landscapes are fresh and green. Cruise ships haven’t taken over the fjords just yet, and cities like Bergen and Ålesund are waking up from their winter slumber. It’s the perfect time to hike, road trip, or sail through one of Europe’s most jaw-dropping natural backdrops—without needing three layers and a headlamp.

Top Experiences

• Cruise through Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, where towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls make for unreal scenery.
• Drive the Atlantic Ocean Road or Trollstigen, two of Norway’s most famous scenic routes (open by late May).
• Visit Bergen, the colorful, UNESCO-listed city nestled between fjord and forest—don’t miss the mountaintop views from Fløyen.
• Hike in Rondane or Jotunheimen National Parks, where trails begin to clear and wildflowers start to bloom.
• Enjoy Norway’s take on spring food—like fresh salmon, mountain cheeses, and sweet-tart cloudberry jam.

Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva)

May is one of the absolute best months to visit Uzbekistan. Spring brings warm, sunny days without the intense summer heat, making it ideal for exploring the country’s legendary Silk Road cities. With blooming courtyards, lively bazaars, and long daylight hours, Uzbekistan feels vibrant and welcoming, while still flying under the radar for many international travelers.

Top Experiences

• Explore the iconic Registan in Samarkand, where soaring madrasas covered in blue tilework glow under clear spring skies.
• Wander the atmospheric old town of Bukhara, filled with ancient mosques, caravanserais, and narrow lanes that invite slow, unhurried exploration.
• Step inside the walled city of Khiva, a remarkably preserved open-air museum where minarets, mudbrick walls, and historic homes feel frozen in time.
• Sample traditional Uzbek dishes like plov, kebabs, and fresh flatbreads.

Morocco (Mountains, Medinas & the Atlantic Coast)

May is one of the last sweet-spot months in Morocco before the summer heat kicks in—especially if you want to explore inland cities like Marrakech or hike in the Atlas Mountains. The weather is warm but manageable, flowers are blooming, and coastal breezes keep seaside towns like Essaouira refreshingly cool. It’s also a beautiful time to experience Morocco’s striking contrasts: desert meets ocean, ancient medinas meet modern cafés, and every day ends with a glowing sunset.

Top Experiences

• Wander the maze-like medina of Marrakech, where spring flowers spill from rooftops and courtyards are lush and shaded.
• Escape the city heat with a hike in the High Atlas Mountains—May brings wildflowers and crystal-clear skies.
• Stroll along the ramparts of Essaouira, a relaxed coastal town known for art, seafood, and windy beaches.
• Explore the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, glowing even brighter in the late-spring light.
• Spend a night in a desert camp near Merzouga, where cooler temps and clear skies make for perfect stargazing.

Tanzania (Green Season Safari Magic)

May is the tail end of Tanzania’s green season, which means fewer tourists, lower rates, and a landscape that’s alive with color and drama. While some remote roads may still be muddy, national parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are lush, the air is clear, and wildlife sightings remain strong—especially big cats and elephants. It’s a fantastic time for photographers and travelers who want the safari experience without the peak-season bustle.

Top Experiences

• Explore the Serengeti as the plains turn vivid green, with grazing herds and their predators never far behind.
• Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, where wildlife congregates against a backdrop of misty cliffs and spring flowers.
• Go birdwatching in Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park, where migratory species and flamingos are in abundance.
• Relax on Zanzibar’s beaches after a few days on safari—May is quiet, peaceful, and perfect for post-adventure downtime.
• Watch for newborn animals and dramatic skies—the light this time of year can be incredible for photography.

Final Thoughts

May is that magical window in the travel calendar when everything just feels right. It’s the sweet spot between spring and summer—longer days, lighter crowds, and landscapes at their lush, colorful best. Whether you’re hiking through alpine meadows in the Dolomites, sipping rosé in Provence, or island-hopping across the Greek sea, May offers the kind of easygoing, memory-making travel that feels effortless.

So pack for sunshine and spontaneity, and take advantage of the season’s quiet charm. Whether you’re chasing late cherry blossoms, planning a last-minute safari, or simply looking for a breath of fresh air far from home, May is ready when you are.

Save it on Pinterest for later:

Related posts:

Spring Break Packing List – Essentials, must-haves, and checklist 20 Best Spring Break Destinations on the East Coast for 2026 20 Best Spring Break Beach Destinations For Families Where to Travel in March: 10 Incredible International Destinations for a Spring Refresh Best Spring Break Destinations in the Caribbean for Families Best Budget-Friendly Spring Break Trips in the US 15 Best Spring Break Destinations in the South 10 Best Places in the US to See Cherry Blossoms 12 Best US Cities to Visit in Spring for Couples