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Best places to visit in May

Travel guide

Rich in culture, nature, and vibrant community, these are the best places to visit in May. In Portugal, enjoy the balmy weather as you wander through the charming streets of Lisbon, sip on port wine in Porto, or bask on the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve - which are wonderfully warm for Europe. Brazil beckons with its vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, where you can marvel at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and dance to the rhythm of samba. In Peru, get ready for adventure as you trek the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan citadel nestled in the Andes, stopping by the colourful markets of Cusco on the way. Meanwhile, South Africa's winter dry season starts, making it the best time to spot animals in Kruger National Park, while Italy blossoms with lemons and wildflowers. Whether you love historical treasures, natural wonders, or cultural immersion, these diverse destinations are the best vacation spots in May.

Our top May tours

Tours

Country Collection

Picturesque Portugal

7

Days

5

Stops

Lisbon → Porto, via Tomar, Fátima and Coimbra

From

$1,925

pp

Saver

Tours

Country Collection

4.7

Best of Italy

13

Days

14

Stops

Rome → Rome, via Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and 10 more stops

From

$4,572

pp

Was

$5,195 pp

Tours

Region Collection

4.5

Impressions of South America

9

Days

4

Stops

Internal Flights Included

Rio de Janeiro → Buenos Aires, via Iguazú Falls and San Antonio de Areco

From

$6,395

pp

Tours

In-Depth Collection

Easy Pace Spain

10

Days

7

Stops

Barcelona → Madrid, via Pamplona, Donostia-San Sebastian, Bilbao, Segovia and 1 more stop

From

$4,946

pp

Was

$5,495 pp

Premium

Best places to visit in May

The Discoveries Monument in Portugal, Lisbon

Portugal

Portugal's pleasant weather is famous, getting more sunshine on average than California! You'll find this true in May, which offers a balmy climate for beach-hopping, Port sipping, or getting lost in Lisbon: one of the best European cities to visit in May.

Large View Of Forest And Mountains In The Tijuca National Park

Brazil

With vibrant cities, samba rhythms and diverse landscapes, Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to travel in May. Enjoy the balmy weather and immerse yourself in Brazil's rich culture and natural beauty.

large-twelve-apostles-mountain-in-camps-bay-cape-town-south-africa.jpg

South Africa

South Africa is one of the best May travel destinations for wildlife spotting. As it's the winter dry season, the foliage thins out and animals come to the waterholes - making it ideal for an exhilarating safari in Kruger National Park.

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May travel experiences

Interior of Jeronimos Monastery at Belem, Lisbon

Best of Portugal

Discover the Hieronymite Monastery

Great for

Architecture

Delve into culture with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, the former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome, showcasing 16th-century Manueline architecture and art.

Corcovado And Rio De Janeiro At Sunset

Impressions of South Africa

Visit Christ the Redeemer

Great for

Adventure

Ascend Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer. Ride the Corcovado Railway, Brazil's first electrified railroad, which transported the monument's pieces. Enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and marvel at this Art Deco masterpiece towering 98 feet high.

Lionbreeze

Essence of South Africa

Go on a 'Big 5' Safari

Great for

Wildlife

A full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve await. Join your Local Specialist to seek out South Africa's iconic wildlife amidst the dense brush. Conclude with a traditional sundowner drink, admiring the Game Reserve's beauty as wildlife emerges at dusk.

Best vacation destinations by month

Landscape of Fiordland National Park in New Zealand

January

Dramatic storm cloud above pyramids in Giza, Egypt

February

Tourist Admiring The Cordillera Paine In Torres Del Paine National Park Chile

March

Plate of Spanish seafood, paella

April

Beautiful Spirit Island in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

June

Boat safari tour on Chobe River, Botswana

July

Lake Saimaa surrounded by nature in Finland

August

Sunrise view of Venice, Veneto, Italy

September

Koh Samui islands with blue water, Thailand

October

Twelve Apostles Mountain in Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

November

A beautiful sunrise in Uluru

December

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