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Where to go for a beach holiday in May in Europe
Southern Europe's tourist season starts in May. Hotels and beaches are already fully up and running, but the crowds and summer heat have not arrived yet. Most flights take two to four hours at most, so European destinations also suit families with children or a first flight.
Greece: Crete, Rhodes and Kos
Greek islands in May usually reach a pleasant 22 to 27 °C during the day, with the sea at 19 to 21 °C. On Crete you can easily combine swimming with trips to the Samaria Gorge or the Minoan palace at Knossos. Rhodes has a well-preserved medieval old town, and Kos has long sandy beaches and is flat enough to explore by bike.
Island vegetation is in full bloom in May and the landscape is greener than in summer. Direct flights to Crete and Rhodes depart from Prague, and the trip takes about three hours.
Cyprus, the warmest sea in Europe
Cyprus is one of the warmest European destinations in May. Temperatures range between 23 and 28 °C and the sea is 20 to 22 °C, so swimming is pleasant even for those who are not big on cold water. Besides the beaches at Ayia Napa and Protaras, the island offers mountain villages in the Troodos range and ancient sites in Paphos.
Malta: history at every step
In May Malta sees temperatures of 21 to 25 °C and the sea is around 19 °C. The island suits both swimming and sightseeing, because distances are short and you can reach almost anywhere by bus. Walk through fortified Valletta, take a boat out to the Blue Lagoon on Comino (entry must be booked online in advance, free of charge), and taste local cuisine with influences from Italy and North Africa.
Canary Islands and Madeira
On Tenerife and Gran Canaria you can expect 22 to 25 °C in May, and the sea is around 19 °C. The weather is sunny, but the Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean.
Madeira, the island of eternal spring, has temperatures of 19 to 25 °C and a sea of 18 to 20 °C at this time of year. It is ideal for hiking along the levadas, while swimming suits the hardier types better. In Funchal, the flower festival with parades and street decorations takes place around the turn of April and May.
Southern Spain and Portugal
On the Algarve coast and in eastern and southern Spain, namely Valencia, Alicante and Malaga, May brings 22 to 26 °C. That is perfect for walks and sunbathing, but the sea is more for hardy swimmers, especially on Portugal's Atlantic coast. The Algarve still attracts with rocky cliffs and sea caves that you can explore by boat or kayak.
If you want mainly to swim on the Iberian Peninsula, check our tips on where to go for a beach holiday in June.
Where to fly in May for exotic warmth
If European seas at around 20 °C do not appeal to you, go further. More exotic destinations offer higher air and sea temperatures in May, and most of them are five to seven hours of flying away.
Egypt never disappoints
Egypt is a versatile destination you can head to for the sea at any time of year. In May temperatures above 30 °C are not unusual and the sea is 25 to 26 °C. In Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh you will find coral reefs right off the beach and a wide choice of all-inclusive hotels. The flight from Prague takes about four and a half hours, and May does not yet bring the extreme summer heat. For the longer trip, our overview of what air travel involves will help you prepare.
Turkey at the start of the season
The main season in Turkey starts in May, but the beaches are still half-empty. During the day it is 25 to 30 °C and the sea is 20 to 22 °C. The Turkish Riviera around Antalya and Alanya is not only about swimming: you will also find ancient cities, canyons and water parks. For families with children, Turkey in May is one of the most comfortable choices, because hotels offer kids' clubs and pools from the very start of the season.
Oman and the United Arab Emirates
On the Arabian Peninsula May is already genuinely hot. In Oman and the United Arab Emirates daytime temperatures regularly top 35 °C and the sea is around 28 to 30 °C. Expect to spend time outdoors mainly in the morning and evening, as life moves indoors to the air conditioning around midday.
Cape Verde with a calmer ocean
In terms of temperature, the Cape Verde islands sit roughly halfway between the European destinations and the more southerly ones. Expect 25 to 28 °C and a sea temperature of around 22 to 23 °C. The trade wind weakens during this period and the ocean tends to be calmer. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista offer endless beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Go on your exotic holiday without the parking stress. In our comparison tool you can find a secured spot near the airport in a moment, with a transfer that takes you to the terminal and back.
Where to go for a beach holiday in May? Try the tropics
For those who want exotic destinations without compromise, tropical islands offer warm seas and white beaches in May. A flight with a connection, however, takes over ten hours. If you have health issues, check in advance who should not fly long distances.
Maldives
In the Maldives it is around 31 °C in May and the sea is 29 °C. This month marks the start of the southwest monsoon, so rain is more frequent. The showers are usually short, though, and accommodation prices drop, so for snorkelling fans and luxury resort lovers it can be a good-value time.
Mauritius
In Mauritius the drier season begins in May. Temperatures hover around 26 to 28 °C and the sea is about 26 °C. Besides the beaches, the island offers rainforest in the Black River Gorges National Park, waterfalls and the colourful earth of Chamarel.
Seychelles
May is one of the best months of the year in the Seychelles. Between two monsoons the sea is calm, the air is around 30 °C and the water reaches 29 °C. Beaches with granite boulders on La Digue and Praslin regularly appear in rankings of the world's most beautiful beaches. You get between the islands by ferry, and on La Digue you rent a bike, as there are hardly any cars.
Central Vietnam
In central Vietnam, around Da Nang and Hoi An, May is an ideal time for swimming. Daytime temperatures reach 30 to 33 °C and the sea is 27 to 28 °C. You can combine swimming with walks through the old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and trips to the mountains. In the evening the streets of Hoi An light up with thousands of coloured lanterns.
Where to go for a beach holiday in May on a budget
May is one of the more affordable months. The main season has not started yet, so package holidays, flights and accommodation cost less than in summer.
Tunisia
Djerba and other Tunisian resorts have a calm atmosphere in May, outside the main season. You can get all-inclusive packages here at prices you will not find in summer. The sea is still cooler, around 20 °C, but the air temperature already climbs toward 30 °C. Between swims, stroll through the traditional markets in Houmt Souk and taste local cooking with harissa and fresh fish.
Greek islands before the season
On Kos, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini, flights and accommodation are noticeably cheaper in May than in July and August. At popular viewpoints, such as the sunset in Oia on Santorini, you do not have to push through crowds like in summer. On Crete and Kos you will also find family hotels at prices that would double in summer.
Turkey, Egypt, the Canary Islands and the Balearics
Popular all-inclusive hotels in Turkey and Egypt are cheaper in May than in summer. Off-season prices also apply on the Canary Islands and the Balearics, namely Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera. You can save on airport parking too, so keep an eye on the current promo code for Prague airport parking.
You can save on both your holiday and parking by choosing the right dates and booking early. In our comparison tool you will see the prices of all airport parking lots in one place and can book the cheapest one straight away.
Planning a beach holiday in May? 3 practical tips for you
A May holiday has a few specifics worth keeping in mind:
- Make use of public holidays. The Czech Republic has two public holidays in May, on 1 May and 8 May. In years when they fall on a Friday or a Monday, they let you extend the weekend without using up any annual leave.
- Check the sea temperature. In European destinations the water in May is often still several degrees cooler than the air. In exotic places you can swim with confidence.
- Expect fewer tourists. Outside the main season you will find free sunbeds on the beach and tables in restaurants without a long wait.
Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. You can reserve a spot in advance, and our page parking at Prague airport shows specific prices and offers clearly.
Before you start packing, you should also know what you cannot take on board the plane, and once you arrive at the airport, our article on what to do at the airport before departure can help too.
Where to fly in May by budget and temperature
For a quick comparison, here are approximate May temperatures for the most popular destinations:
| Destination | Air temperature | Sea temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Greece and Cyprus | 22 to 28 °C | 19 to 22 °C |
| Malta, Canary Islands | 21 to 25 °C | around 19 °C |
| Egypt | around 30 °C | 25 to 26 °C |
| Turkey | 25 to 30 °C | 20 to 22 °C |
| Oman and UAE | over 35 °C | 28 to 30 °C |
| Maldives and Seychelles | around 30 °C | around 29 °C |
For a short flight and your first swim of the year, head to Greece, Cyprus or Malta. If you crave heat and a warm sea, go to Egypt, Turkey or Cape Verde. For exotic destinations without compromise, the Seychelles, Mauritius and central Vietnam are ideal in May.
With a smaller budget, go for Tunisia or the off-season prices in Greece and on the Canary Islands. Whatever you choose, book early and arrange your airport parking as well. The page how airport parking works explains how the whole booking goes.
Book airport parking in our comparison tool today and fly off to May sunshine without worries. While you are on holiday, your car will be guarded as carefully as if it were our own.
