Where to go in May

+Outstanding balance of warm weather, long days and comfortable sightseeing conditions.

–Popularity is increasing, so crowds and prices are higher than in winter.

+Excellent balance of weather, daylight and manageable crowds.

–Demand starts increasing toward summer.

+Outdoor life, events and manageable crowds.

–Value is weaker than in winter.

+Near-perfect weather balance

–Demand starts rising

+Warm, bright and long evenings before the summer crush.

–Public holidays cluster here and can close things without warning.

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

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

+Mild weather, long evenings, parks in bloom and major events arrive before summer peak.

–Bank holidays and popular events can create busy weekends.

+The strongest balance of pleasant weather, city atmosphere, manageable crowds and reasonable value.

–Not the cheapest month — winter still wins on price.

+Great weather + long evenings

–Prices start rising

+Excellent weather + balanced crowds

–Prices begin rising

+Warm enough for rooftop drinks and long evenings, without the full summer crowds.

–The sea is still cold if you are planning beach days.

+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.

+The sweet spot: warm days, long evenings and a lively city.

–Increasing demand means higher prices.

+Excellent walking, dining and beach weather without peak summer demand.

–May's marine layer can make some mornings unexpectedly grey.

+Prague Spring and excellent outdoor sightseeing.

–Crowds and hotel demand begin to rise.

+Outdoor life before peak summer.

–Hotel value is limited.

+Chicago’s best weather window — warm days, cool evenings, rooftops back in full swing.

–Rates and crowds start climbing fast as the season turns.

+Near-perfect weather, wisteria and azaleas, far calmer than April.

–Golden Week (Apr 29–May 6) packs the first week with domestic travelers.

+Excellent temperatures and long days

–More visitors and higher prices

+Excellent sightseeing weather

–Rain is still possible

+Warm, dry and green with crowds falling away after the first week.

–Golden Week (late Apr–early May) is unbookable and expensive.

+Warm, dry and one of the most pleasant months to be outside all day.

–Noticeably busier and pricier than March.

+Excellent for outdoor activities, patios, exploring the city and getting out on the water.

–The heat is starting to build toward summer.

+Great weather without the April crush, plus the low-key Feria de las Culturas Amigas.

–Rainy season is building — afternoon showers can start by month's end.

+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.

+Warm weather and a useful shoulder period before summer peak.

–Humidity and afternoon showers begin increasing.

+Quieter city, attractive hotel rates and Vivid Sydney beginning toward the end of the month.

–Cooler evenings and shorter days.

+Fewer visitors

–Increasing humidity

+Crowds and prices become more favourable as winter demand fades.

–Weather becomes more challenging — heat and humidity climb.

+Warm tropical evenings

–Humidity

+Milan’s best weather — warm days, cool evenings, aperitivo on every terrace.

–Bank holidays and rising demand make rooms pricier.

+Low crowds and low prices while conditions are still transitioning.

–The chance of rain increases as the season turns.

+Lower-season value improves as visitor demand softens.

–Rainfall jumps to 242mm and humidity reaches 80%.

+Lower rates and fewer visitors as monsoon season starts.

–Rain and rougher seas become more common.

+Fewer crowds

–Rising rainfall

+Long warm days

–High humidity and rainfall

+Lower demand and better hotel value.

–Very hot and increasingly wet as the monsoon approaches.

+Very hot at 37–38°C, but crowds drop off and resort deals appear — ideal for pool-focused trips.

–Too hot for comfortable outdoor sightseeing.

+Budget-conscious travelers and quieter trips

–Rain and less reliable beach conditions