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May is a great time for luxury travel. You get reliable weather, fewer crowds, and better access to high-end experiences that often get booked out in the summer. From cultural hubs to beach retreats, these luxury destinations to visit in May combine comfort, scenery, and exceptional service— all at their best this time of year.
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is quieter in May, with mild weather and fewer tourists than in peak summer. It’s a good time for scenic drives between villages like Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, without long queues or traffic. Hotels such as Le Sirenuse start to reopen fully for the season, offering easier booking and better availability. Restaurants, hiking trails, and boat tours are all operating, but without the summer congestion.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini in May feels more relaxed, with warm but not stifling temperatures. You can enjoy the caldera views without crowds blocking every photo opportunity, and tables at sought-after restaurants are still available. Staying in Oia or Imerovigli means you’ll get uninterrupted views and a quieter experience. It’s also a great time to explore the island by foot or quad bike, as the roads aren’t packed with traffic yet.
3. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto in May is a good alternative to cherry blossom season. The gardens are green and well-kept, the weather is pleasant, and it’s easier to book private guides or access exclusive temples. However, there is a surge in tourists in the first week of May during the Golden week, so it’s better to go after.
With fewer domestic tourists, it’s possible to explore historic areas like Gion and Arashiyama at a slower pace. Many high-end hotels offer seasonal dining experiences, and ryokans often have better availability than during spring peak.
4. Maui, Hawaii, USA
May in Maui offers lower humidity, calm seas, and great visibility for snorkelling or diving. It’s also right before hurricane season begins. Whale sightings may still be possible early in the month. Resorts like Four Seasons Wailea are less busy, which means better service and easier reservations for spa treatments or private excursions. Beaches are clean, and it’s a good time for day trips to Haleakalā or the Road to Hana without feeling rushed.
5. French Riviera, France
The French Riviera wakes up in May. The weather is warm enough for outdoor dining and beach walks, and major events like the Cannes Film Festival bring energy without the full summer rush. Towns like Nice, Antibes and Èze are easier to navigate, and high-end hotels often still have room availability. You’ll also find it easier to book private yacht charters or vineyard visits before everything gets booked out in June and July.
6. Seychelles
In May, the Seychelles see one of their driest, calmest spells, making it a good time for diving, snorkelling, and boat trips. Humidity drops, and the sea tends to be clearer. With fewer storms, island-hopping is easier and safer. Resorts on private islands like North Island run fewer group experiences, focusing instead on one-to-one service and conservation-led activities. It’s also a good time for couples looking for a quieter luxury break.
7. Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como starts to warm up in May, and many of the grand villas open their gardens to the public. Towns like Bellagio and Varenna are lively with less chance of being overcrowded, and lakeside restaurants are in full swing. Staying at Villa d’Este or renting a private villa gives you the flexibility to enjoy the area without rigid schedules. Boat hire is readily available, and guided lake tours are less likely to be fully booked.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town in May offers cool, dry weather, making it a good time for wine tasting and outdoor dining. The surrounding Winelands are particularly striking, and many vineyards offer seasonal events. Accommodation is generally more available and affordable than in summer. The Atlantic Ocean is too cold for swimming, but it’s a great time to explore the city, Table Mountain, and the Cape Peninsula without summer queues or traffic.
9. Tuscany, Italy
May is one of the best months to visit Tuscany. The countryside is green and blooming, with fewer tour groups in towns like Siena, Montepulciano and San Gimignano. Many wineries and agriturismos are reopening with full service, offering tastings, cooking classes and vineyard walks. Staying at a place like Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco offers access to large private grounds and seasonal experiences that are harder to secure later in the year.
10. Maldives
May marks the beginning of the transition from the dry to the wet season in the Maldives, but earlier in the month. there are still several hours of sunshine, and any rainfall comes in few showers rather than all-day rain. There is also good underwater visibility, so it’s an ideal time for snorkelling, diving, and water sports.
The resorts also tend to be quieter than in December or January. Villas with pools and direct water access, like those at Soneva Jani, offer a peaceful setting for couples and families alike. Rates are often more favourable than in the winter months.
Why May Is a Smart Month for Luxury Travel
- Better Weather: Many top destinations are warm but not overly hot, making it comfortable to explore or relax outdoors.
- Fewer Tourists: Hotels, restaurants, and experiences are less crowded, allowing for better service and more flexibility.
- Seasonal Experiences: Events like the Cannes Film Festival and spring vineyard tours add something extra to your trip.
- Great Scenery: Flowers are blooming, vineyards are active, and landscapes are at their most vibrant.
- More Value: Pre-summer pricing can mean better rates or added extras like room upgrades or complimentary services.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a luxury getaway, May offers a rare combination of comfort, calm, and quality. It’s the time of year when you can enjoy five-star experiences without the crowds, access sought-after reservations with less hassle, and see destinations at their seasonal best — whether that means lush gardens, clear coastlines, or rich cultural moments.
From Europe’s scenic coastlines to remote island retreats and everything in between, these ten destinations deliver the kind of travel that feels both special and stress-free. With just the right balance of atmosphere and availability, May 2025 is your chance to explore the world on your terms— with all the space, service, and style you expect.
