It’s warm enough to sunbathe in much of Europe, but not too hot - or too busy - to sightsee.
For long-haul sun-seekers, a tropical paradise is entering into its dry season in Asia. Or you can get your fill of ribs and hot wings at a four-day barbeque extravaganza in the USA.
Read on for our pick of the best escapes this May.
Where is the best place to holiday in May
Best UK holiday destination in May: Lake District
May high: 13°C
Explore the craggy hilltops, pristine lakes and quaint historic villages that inspired literary greats, including Wordsworth.
Time your visit for May, when the valley is carpeted with bluebells and the summer crowds are yet to descend. It’s also the perfect climate for hiking, whether you plan to tackle Scafell Pike or enjoy a more relaxed meander up Catbells.
Best holiday destinations in May (short-haul): Champagne, France
May high: 18°C
Enjoy wine tours and tastings in the home of France’s most famous fizz, just a 40-minute fast train from Paris.
Make the most of May’s pleasantly warm weather to explore the Champagne region by bike ahead of summer’s hectic grape harvest. The university town of Reims makes a great base, with a lively nightlife and a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Notable vineyards Maison Mumm and Veuve Clicquot are also just a short cycle away.
Best holiday destinations in May (short-haul): Sicily, Italy
May high: 21°C
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has charming hilltop towns, well-preserved archaeological sites and white sandy beaches in abundance.
Admire late Baroque architecture and ancient ruins in the Unesco World Heritage capital, Catania – a port city at the foot of Mount Etna.
A hike up its slopes and a visit to volcanic black pebble beach Praiola are not to be missed. Or venture further to Torre Salsa Nature Reserve for sand dunes and lush green olive groves
Best holiday destinations in May (long-haul): Memphis, USA
May high: 27°C
Hailed as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the blues, Memphis, Tennessee - on the banks of the Mississippi - is a must for music lovers.
Catch a live performance on iconic Beale Street - where music spills from the vibrant neon-lit bars, eateries and shops.
Meat lover’s can also rejoice: the Memphis in May festival brings with it the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, with $100,000 of prize money at stake. The city’s many smoke shacks and barbeque joints produce some of the finest pulled pork in America.
Best holiday destinations in May (long-haul): Tbilisi, Georgia
May high: 23°C
Wedged between Europe and Asia, Georgia is gradually making its way onto travellers' wishlists - and for good reason. Expect majestic mountains, hilltop monasteries and a thriving food and drink scene.
Go in May to avoid the summer heat, especially if you plan to visit the lowlands. Capital Tbisili’s dramatic valley setting and colourful Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and dome-shaped bathhouses, are sure to dazzle.
Culinary highlights include khachapuri (an oval-shaped pizza topped with cheese and egg) and khinkali (plump broth-filled dumplings). Pair either with a delicious glass of red; Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, with more than 500 native grape varieties.
Best holiday destinations in May (long-haul): Bali, Indonesia
May high: 30°C
With its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful temples, the Indonesian archipelago has been seducing travellers for decades.
They come to gawp at the floating Hindu water temple of Ulun Danu Beratan or soak in the sacred springs of Tirta Empul. Ubud also beckons in the uplands, with its terraced rice paddies and lush rainforest.
Or simply lie back and enjoy your own sandy corner of paradise on the Bukit peninsula, famed for its technicolour sunsets.
May is the sweet spot when the weather is dry and sunny, but the hordes of tourists are yet to arrive.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/best-holiday-destinations-in-may-anTnO2d2LRuE