With the upcoming summer, you’re probably thinking about places to travel to. The best time to do so would be May because it tends to have beautiful, sunny weather in most destinations without the crazy summer crowds. Continue reading to see our top ten travel destinations in May.
See our best credit card bonuses here.
Jackson, Wyoming (USA)
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 32°F low |
| May Events | Elkfest Jackson Hole Old West Days Jackson Hole Rodeo |
The month of May in Jackson, Wyoming is filled with wildflowers, animals coming out of hibernation, the re-opening of national parks and plenty of events.
There is a great event called Elkfest, a weekend filled with Elk! This includes the Jackson Hole Boy Scout elk antler auction, a chili cookoff and educational gatherings that’ll teach you a thing or two about the surrounding area. The Jackson Hole Old West Days features a parade, stage coach rides, brewfest and the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
On top of the events, the weather is perfect for mountain biking, white water rafting, and this is the time when Snow King Mountain TreeTop Adventure re-opens.
Stockholm (Sweden)
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 44°F low |
| May Events | May Day |
For Stockholm, May is one of the driest times of the year and it is also when the city opens its opens and cafes open their terraces. It’s also the perfect time of the year for fika, a coffee and cake break that is a daily tradition in Swedish culture.
Make sure you bring some warm clothes when you explore Skansen, the world’s oldest outdoor museum fully equipped with a zoo, aquarium, gardens, restaurants, taverns and bakeries. Be sure you check out Gamla Stan (old town), the Royal Palace, and the Vasa Museum.
You might want to time your vacation around April 30 and May 1 to catch the celebrations of Walpurgis Night and May Day. Both involve parades, bonfires, music and festivities.
Tampa, Florida (USA)
| Average Temperature | 88°F high; 71°F low |
| May Events | Tampa Riverfest |
Weather in Tampa, Florida can be described as being a little bit on the warmer side as it ranges from the 70s and low 80s. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from when you go hear such as Busch Gardens, historic Ybor City, boating, fishing, water sports, golf and catching a Tampa Bay Rays game.
An even that happens during this month is their Tampa Riverfest which is held along the Riverwalk. It consists of concerts, a wiener dog race, Taco Fest and other entertaining events.
French Riviera (France)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 51°F low |
| May Events | Cannes Film Festival Monaco Grand Prix |
A famous town known from television and film as well as their famous events, Monaco is a small country on the Mediterranean side of the French Riviera. They have plenty of luxury hotels, yachts, and restaurants that cater to the high-end taste of some visitors. For risk takers, you can gamble at the Casino de Monte Carlo, and check out the designer stores and opulent decor at the Metropole Shopping Mall.
If you’re in to cars and some high speed action, then the Monaco Grand Prix is the even for your. If you don’t know what this is, it is simply where Formula One cars race through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo to Monaco’s harbor.
Since you’re already in this destination, people who love film and the arts should check out the Cannes, a hour trip away. The Cannes Film Festival is also held in May, so the city will be teeming with Hollywood stars.
Portland, Oregon (USA)
| Average Temperature | 68°F high; 48°F low |
| May Events | Cinco de Mayo Portland Rose Festival |
May in Portland is gorgeously mild, so the weather is perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with concerts, mariachis, food, drinks and a tequila tasting. Later in the month, the Portland Rose Festival begins, featuring fireworks, concerts, a scavenger hunt and carnival-like entertainment over the span of three weekends.
Other stops that you should consider would be Forest Park, Waterfront Park, Knot Springs and Pittock Mansion.
London (England)
| Average Temperature | 65°F high; 50°F low |
| May Events | Photo London at Somerset House RHS Chelsea Flower Show |
May is a great time for London because it doesn’t come with the big crowds of the high season. Starting this month, the Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard will go back to its daily schedule, Photo London at Somerset House will bring a world-class photography exhibition to the British capital, and the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show, attended by members of the British Royal Family, will feature flowers and landscape gardens.
On top of that, some local favorite past times would be to attend a football (soccer) match, going to a show at the theater, taking a sightseeing tour and taking a walk around London’s East End for the street art.
The Pacific Coast Highway, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 67°F high; 50°F low |
| May Events | Roar & Pour Wine Festival Shabang Music & Arts Festival California Roots Festival |
California stays relatively the same temperature year round but May is a great time if you want to avoid peak travel season. One of the best things to do during this time is to road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re there during the right time, you can even catch one of the many festivals that are hosted in this area such as the Roar & Pour Wine Festival in Santa Barbara where you can stroll through the Santa Barbara Zoo and taste some local wines, the Shabang Music & Arts Festival in San Luis Obispo with food trucks, artistic demonstrations, games and more, and the three-day California Roots Festival in Monterey featuring reggae music.
Anguilla (British West Indies)
| Average Temperature | 85°F high; 78°F low |
| May Events | Anguilla Independence Day |
A great time to travel to the Caribbean, May is the perfect time to go because there generally aren’t high prices and large crowds. With warm, sunny days and few showers here and there, this is the best time to visit Anguilla.
One of their main attractions during this time would be their Independence Day that includes a parade and an around-the-island regatta all on May 30.
Barcelona (Spain)
| Average Temperature | 74°F high; 60°F low |
| May Events | Spanish Grand Prix Primavera Sound Festival |
The weather in Spain is great in May because the days are longer and the extreme heat hasn’t arrived yet. There are a ton of great outdoor events to attend during this month such as Barcelona’s Spanish Grand Prix, a Formula One race, and the Primavera Sound Festival, a multi-genre music festival spread across 16 stages.
While you’re there, visit the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the Barcelona Aquarium, see a flamenco show and indulge in some tapas and sangria.
Beijing (China)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 57°F low |
| May Events | Great Wall Festival Art Beijing Interwine Wine & Spirits Exhibition |
In the month of May, Beijing tends to get good, warm weather without too much rain. This is great for heading outdoors and checking out the Summer Palace and the nearby Great Wall of China. If you’re in to techno music, check out the Great Wall Festival early in the month.
Also on the calendar is Art Beijing, which showcases contemporary, classic, design and public art, and the Interwine Beijing International Wine & Spirits Exhibition, an event for professionals in the wine and spirits industry.
Best Credit Cards To Redeem For Flights
 The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Earn up to 60,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) With Status Boost per year. You can earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases & 1X mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases. This card does come with a $550 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Seems hefty but perks like being able to check your first bag free on Delta flights. In addition, you can enjoy complimentary access into the Delta SkyClubs for you when travelling on a Delta flight, complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card., fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Earn up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. This card comes with a $250 Annual Fee, but for each round trip Delta flight, you can check your first bag for free and save up to $240. In addition, there is no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit on your Card to inspire your next travel. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets • 1X mile for every eligible dollar you spend on purchases. There is a $99 annual fee, however, there is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. |
 The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no transaction fees. |
 The United Explorer Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $140 savings per roundtrip). Terms apply. • Get priority boarding perks & visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. This card does come with a $95 annual fee, however, the annual fee is waived for the first year. |
 The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® offers 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. You'll earn: • 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases • 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases • 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases This card comes with $450 annual fee, however, there are no foreign transaction fees. You can also save when traveling - first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation. On top of that, you'll get an Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you. |
Top Destinations By Month
To start accumulating more miles & points, below is a list of the top destinations for each month during the calendar year:
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in August
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to travel during the Summer while also avoiding large crowds and high prices, May is the month to do so! During the month of May, not only are there great domestic U.S. destinations that have a lot to offer, but there are some great overseas destinations that have some very popular events going on too. For more posts like this, check out our list of credit card bonuses to see how you can save money during your travels.
Leave a Reply