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A windswept divi-divi tree on the white sand of Eagle Beach, Aruba

May

Best island getaways in May

For an island trip in May, Santorini comes out first, with average highs around 23°C and moderate crowds.

Island destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events. Each card shows the real average temperature, crowd level and price level for May, and links to the full May guide for that destination.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Photo: Aruba (#2 on this list)

  1. Whitewashed buildings and domes in Oia, Santorini, at sunset
    1

    Santorini

    Greece
    Temperature
    17–23°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€€

    +Warm, green and almost everything open.

    –The sea is still cool and cruise days can be busy.

    Santorini in MayAll months
  2. A windswept divi-divi tree on the white sand of Eagle Beach, Aruba
    2

    Aruba

    Aruba
    Temperature
    27–32°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    $$$

    +Dry, sunny, lower prices.

    –Few events.

    Aruba in MayAll months
  3. The crescent of Molokini crater in deep blue water off Maui
    3

    Maui

    United States
    Temperature
    20–30°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    $$$

    +Dry, sunny and quieter.

    –Few events.

    Maui in MayAll months
  4. Taormina on its clifftop above the Ionian Sea at golden hour, Mount Etna in the distance
    4

    Taormina

    Italy
    Temperature
    17–23°C
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    €€

    +Long, warm evenings, a fully open town, and none of June's festival-driven price spike.

    –It's no longer a secret — book accommodation a few months ahead for the best choice.

    Taormina in MayAll months
  5. Palma Cathedral glowing at sunset above the water of Parc de la Mar
    5

    Palma de Mallorca

    Spain
    Temperature
    16–23°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€€

    +Warm sea starting and the island at its best.

    –Weekends are busier.

    Palma de Mallorca in MayAll months
  6. Turquoise bay with a golden sand beach framed by rocky hills in Malta
    6

    Malta

    Malta
    Temperature
    16–24°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€

    +Warm weather without peak-summer heat

    –Visitor numbers and prices begin to rise

    Malta in MayAll months
  7. Two pigs walking on a white-sand beach beside turquoise water in the Bahamas
    7

    Bahamas

    Bahamas
    Temperature
    21–29°C
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    $$

    +Warm sea, quiet beaches, lower prices.

    –Rainier, and hurricane season is near.

    Bahamas in MayAll months
  8. The twin bays of Porto Timoni with turquoise water, Corfu
    8

    Corfu

    Greece
    Temperature
    13–24°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€€

    +Warm days, quiet beaches.

    –Sea still fresh.

    Corfu in MayAll months
  9. Es Vedrà rising from turquoise water off Ibiza's west coast
    9

    Ibiza

    Spain
    Temperature
    14–23°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€€

    +Warm days and quiet coves.

    –The sea is still fresh, around 19°C.

    Ibiza in MayAll months
  10. A white pebble cove and turquoise sea below cliffs on Sardinia's east coast
    10

    Sardinia

    Italy
    Temperature
    13–24°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€€

    +Warm days, quiet beaches.

    –The sea is still fresh.

    Sardinia in MayAll months
  11. Overwater villas on a Maldives lagoon
    11

    Maldives

    Maldives
    Temperature
    27–32°C
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    $$

    +The southwest monsoon begins, bringing fewer visitors, softer prices and the start of major manta activity.

    –Rain becomes less predictable and seas can be rougher.

    Maldives in MayAll months
  12. A hotel pool among palm trees and green mountains in the Seychelles
    12

    Seychelles

    Seychelles
    Temperature
    26–31°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    $

    +Generally sunny and relatively dry

    –Winds can begin affecting exposed beaches

    Seychelles in MayAll months
  13. Sunset over the rock arch at Batu Bolong beach near Tanah Lot, Bali
    13

    Bali

    Indonesia
    Temperature
    25–30°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    $$$

    +Warm, increasingly dry and noticeably calmer than the summer peak.

    –Popular areas begin filling up toward the end of the month.

    Bali in MayAll months
  14. Aerial view of Le Morne Brabant and the lagoon in Mauritius
    14

    Mauritius

    Mauritius
    Temperature
    22–29°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    $$$$

    +Warm days and lower humidity.

    –Occasional showers.

    Mauritius in MayAll months
  15. Aerial view of the turquoise Balos Lagoon and beach in western Crete
    15

    Crete

    Greece
    Temperature
    16–24°C
    Crowds
    Moderate
    Prices
    €€

    +The gorge usually opens.

    –Sea still fresh.

    Crete in MayAll months

Temperatures are monthly averages. Crowd and price levels are my own judgement. Want to narrow it down? Filter all destinations for May.

FAQ

Best island getaways in May

What are the best island getaways in May?

Santorini, Aruba and Maui come out best in May. Island destinations, ranked by how good the month is there: weather, crowds, prices and events.

Which of these is warmest in May?

Aruba, with average highs around 32°C in May.

Which of these is quietest in May?

Bahamas, where crowds in May are low.

Best island getaways in another month

More ideas for May