Where to go in May?

Are you dreaming of new, unforgettable travel experiences in May 2025?

And are you in doubt about where to go?

May is a fantastic month for travelling to many of our destinations. We have gathered ten of them below.

The Galapagos Islands – Experience the mating dance of the blue-footed gannets

On the Galapagos Islands, May is at the end of the rainy season. The rainy season of the islands is also called the “hot and wet” season, as there are both high temperatures and more rainfall. However, in May, temperatures begin to drop to a more comfortable level, and the amount of rain decreases.

The rainy season is one of the best times of the year to go snorkelling on the Galapagos Islands, as calmer currents in the sea provide better visibility, so if you want to explore the Galapagos Islands below the surface of the sea, May is a really good month to travel.

The Galapagos Islands are known for their spectacular and unique wildlife, which you can experience all year round. In May, you can watch the fascinating blue-footed gannets perform their world-famous mating dance, displaying their blue feet in great style.

It is also possible to see baby turtles, as the green sea turtles’ eggs continue to hatch in May.

Three reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands in May

• Good period for snorkelling, due to fine underwater visibility
• Opportunity to experience the mating dance of the blue-footed gannets
• Chance to see baby sea turtles

Botswana – Good safari conditions

May is at the beginning of Botswana’s dry season, which is also called the country’s winter.
However, “winter” does not mean that it is cold. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, with cloudless skies and minimal amount of rainfall.

The dry season is therefore a great time to go on safari in Botswana. The leaves also fall off the trees, making it easier to spot the animals.

In the fascinating wetlands of the Okavango Delta, water levels rise during the dry season, flooding the delta and attracting large herds of animals, including elephants, which come here to drink water. In fact, the delta is one of the best places to see elephants in Africa during this period.

Three reasons to visit Botswana in May

• Warm, pleasant temperatures and very little rain
• Good conditions for spotting animals
• Rising water levels in the Okavango Delta, attracting large herds of animals

Bali – sun, beach and snorkelling

It is the dry season in Bali in May, and the season is characterised by long sunny periods that are only interrupted by occasional rain. May is also the island’s hottest month, with temperatures reaching an average of 30 degrees in some places.

The weather in the dry season creates good conditions for outdoor activities. The waters at Bali are clear and ideal for snorkelling, while the dry weather is pleasant for hiking, for example in the Munduk Highlands, the Red Coral Waterfall or on the Batur volcano. The warm temperatures also make May a great month for relaxation on some of Bali’s beautiful beaches.

May is low season in Bali, and there are consequently often fewer travellers and lower prices than in the more popular months such as July-August and December-January.

Three reasons to visit Bali in May

• Dry season with sun and high temperatures
• Good weather for snorkelling and other outdoor activities
• Low season with fewer travellers and often lower prices

Argentina – Wonderful vineyards and wild nature

Autumn is drawing to a close in Argentina in May, which is the last of the country’s autumn months.

Argentina is a big country, so the weather may vary depending on where in the country you are staying.

In Patagonia in southern Argentina, there are cool temperatures, but less wind than earlier in the year. If you are well dressed, the month can be a great time to experience the wild nature here, for example the magnificent glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.

Both in the capital Buenos Aires and in the Mendoza wine region, the weather is dry and warm, and especially Mendoza is fantastic to experience in the autumn, when the farmers are preparing for the annual wine harvest.

Three reasons to visit Argentina in May

• Dry and warm autumn weather
• Good weather conditions for experiencing nature in Patagonia
• Good time to visit the Mendoza wine region

South Africa, Kruger National Park – Fewer travellers, more experiences

In May, it is dry season in Kruger National Park, which is one of South Africa’s most amazing safari destinations. It may be chilly in the morning and during the night, while daytime temperatures are warm and mild.

It is low season in Kruger, which means fewer travellers in the park, but certainly not fewer fantastic safari experiences.

During the dry season, the vegetation becomes sparser, but, in May, the natural surroundings are still characterised by lush and green landscapes. Depending on how much it has rained in the previous months, the animals may be more difficult to spot, but you will undoubtedly still have plenty of fantastic wildlife experiences.

Three reasons to visit South Africa in May

• Dry season with minimal rainfall and warm, pleasant temperatures
• Vibrant nature with lush and green landscapes
• Low season and therefore fewer travellers

Singapore – Great experiences in Southeast Asia’s smallest country

Due to Singapore’s location close to the Equator, the country has pretty much the same weather throughout the year.

The humidity is high, and it rains relatively often. However, the tropical showers often take the form of short, heavy downpours that are quickly replaced by sunshine and dry weather. So there is plenty of opportunity to explore Singapore, also in May.

May is a great month to delve into the country’s great multicultural capital, where you can, for example, explore Singapore’s many vibrant neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glams.

During the hottest and sunniest hours of the day, you can seek shade under the iconic super-trees in Gardens By The Bay or take a dip at the beautiful sandy beaches of the small island of Sentosa.

Three reasons to visit Singapore in May

• Many hours of sunshine, only interrupted by short downpours
• Good weather conditions for exploring the country’s sights
• Opportunity to bathe on the island of Sentosa

Brazil – exuberant wildlife and city adventures

In May, you can experience a little bit of everything in Brazil – from big city to scenic landscapes and beautiful beaches.

It is autumn at the huge Iguazú Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Autumn offers mild weather and lower humidity than in other periods of the year, making it a pleasant time to visit the waterfalls. There are also fewer visitors at Iguazú in May than in Brazil’s summer months, which are from December to February.

In the impressive Pantanal wetlands, there are also great animal experiences in store in May, when it is dry season in the area. The temperatures are warm, and the area is buzzing with life, where you can especially experience birds and reptiles.

The coastal city of Rio de Janeiro also has dry season in May, making it a good month in which to experience the city’s many sights. For example, take the trip to the top of the Corcovado Mountain, where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue towers. You can also enjoy the stunning views of Rio de Janeiro with a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Three reasons to visit Brazil in May

• Mild weather and fewer visitors at the Iguazú Falls
• Good opportunities to spot birds and reptiles in the Pantanal wetlands
• Ideal weather for sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

Mauritius – warm temperatures in the low season

Although May officially marks the beginning of Mauritius’ winter, the weather does not resemble winter as we know it in Europe. There are, in fact, still sunshine and warm temperatures to be found on the tropical island of Mauritius.

The humidity is decreasing, which can make the weather more pleasant for many visitors. It can get chilly in the evening, but there is still plenty of opportunities for a tropical beach holiday on Mauritius.

There are many great things to do in Mauritius besides going to the beach, and the month is good for outdoor adventures with the pleasant, warm weather. For example, you can explore Black River Gorges National Park or visit the iconic Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, where multi-coloured sand dunes are a true paradise for geology nerds.

It is also low season on Mauritius, which means that there are fewer travellers with whom you have to share the beaches.

Three reasons to visit Mauritius in May

• Warm temperatures and sunshine
• Humidity drops to a more pleasant level
• Fewer travellers due to low season

USA – scenic national parks and vibrant cities

May is a spring month in the United States, and, in several places in the country, spring makes itself felt with blooming landscapes and mild temperatures.

The landscapes and mild spring weather make May a great month to go on adventures in some of the United States’ amazing national parks such as Zion National Park in Utah, Yosemite in California and Grand Canyon in Arizona.

In big cities such as New York and San Francisco, May also offers flowering trees in the city parks and mild weather, making it an optimal time to go sightseeing and experiencing city life.

Three reasons to visit the United States in May

• Mild spring weather
• Beautiful spring landscapes in the national parks
• Pleasant weather for sightseeing in the big cities

Namibia – Sossusvlei’s sand dunes in sunshine

Namibia’s winter, which is the country’s dry season, begins in May.

Here there is very little rain and lots of sunshine and blue skies, making May one of the best months to visit one of Namibia’s most outstanding sights: the orange-red sand dunes at Sossusvlei. The dry, clear weather provides the best views of the spectacular landscape.

In the capital Windhoek, there are also mild temperatures with cool nights and mornings. The minimal amount of rain makes May a great month to explore the city, where European traditions merge with African culture in the architecture and restaurants.

May is outside Namibia’s high season, and you may therefore be lucky enough to experience fewer travellers if you visit the country during this month.

Three reasons to visit Namibia in May

• Dry season and almost no rain
• Perfect weather conditions for exploring the sand dunes at Sossusvlei
• Low season with fewer travellers

Have you become wiser about where to go in May?

Whether you choose one of the above destinations or one of our other holiday destinations, unique experiences await you. If you are still in doubt, please feel free to contact us for help and inspiration to choose the completely right tour for you.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller