10 of the best beach holidays in May (2024)

It’s nearly summer in northern Europe — but not quite. You want toastier climes, ideally in easy reach. Luckily, this time of year leaves you spoilt for choice — not only are the Mediterranean’s most southerly islands warming up to beach and pool perfection, many mid and long-haul destinations remain bright and breezy.

Try a Greek or Turkish resort before the June crowds and price surge, or a Caribbean island post-peak winter. Be aware that Middle Eastern favourites such as the UAE get uncomfortably hot at this time of year, while parts of southeast Asia are moving into monsoon season. Here are the best beach holiday destinations in May.

Main photo: The island of La Digue in the Seychelles (Getty Images)

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1. Turkey

While some of southern Europe still sees chilly days and patches of drizzle in May, southern Turkey is heating up. In the coastal resorts of Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Marmaris, you’ll find daytime temperatures of around 26C, a sea warm enough to swim in and very little rainfall. You’ll also snap up some bargains on beach hotels and villas in this already affordable nation, just over four hours’ flight from the UK. Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort, is in buzzy Bodrum.

• Best places to visit in Turkey

2. Dominican Republic

Much of the Caribbean stays warm and not too humid into May, with fewer tourists meaning cheaper prices than in the first quarter of the year. The Dominican Republic is especially affordable, with temperatures from the mid-20s up to 30C, few showers and warm, swimmable waters. Most package holidays from the UK go to Punta Cana, but look into the Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete areas for some of the most dazzling beaches. Coral Level Iberostar is a good-value all inclusive by the white-sand Bavaro beach.

• Best things to do in the Dominican Republic

3. Cape Verde

This group of islands just off the Senegalese coast stays warm throughout the year, but May is a lovely choice to visit Cape Verde with temperatures ranging from 20C to 26C — balmy, but not scorching. There’s very little rain and the sea is around a swimmable 23C. It’s further afield but great package deals can be snapped up a few months ahead; Tui flies direct to Sal island in just under six hours. The authentic Hotel Morabeza sits on golden Santa Maria beach.

• Best hotels in Cape Verde

4. Cyprus

Lying to the east of Greece, close to Turkey, Cyprus reaches a daily maximum temperature of 27C in May — and the island has plenty of resorts and villas to bask in. The south coast, around Limassol and Larnaca, sees some of the warmest days, while direct flights from the UK start up in April and May, taking around four and a half hours.Mediterranean Beach Hotel is a great seafront choice near Limassol.

• Best beaches in Cyprus

5. Andalusia, Spain

One of the earliest parts of mainland Spain to warm up in spring, southern Andalusia sees temperatures of 25C in May (dropping off to the mid-teens in the evenings, so bring a jacket). Gorgeous beaches El Palmar, Playa de los Muertos and Calahonda are still relatively uncrowded, with hotels still affordable this far ahead of peak summer. On cloudier days, take in cultural hotspots Seville, Malaga or Granada. El Oceano is a good-value beachfront hideaway close to La Cala de Mijas.

• Best luxury villas in Andalusia

6. Kos, Greece

South and east of most of Greece’s islands, close to the Turkish mainland, Kos is renowned for getting toasty by spring and staying warm into autumn. Sunny days reach highs of 24C, dropping to around 16C come evening, and a glut of stylishly designed hotels with glamorous pools have affordable rates this early in the season. Southern bays such as Kardamena and Magic Beach tend to be most sheltered. Ikos Aria is an ultra-stylish spin on the family all-inclusive.

• Best hotels in Kos

7. Malta and Gozo

These southern Mediterranean specks are also bathed in mid-20C sunshine come May, with very low rainfall. Though the pretty, historic capital Valletta is worth a day’s visit, you’ll find Malta’s beaches around Bugibba, Qawra, Sliema and Mellieha, with plenty of boats across to smaller Gozo with its wilder beaches and turquoise lagoons. Fewer tourists in spring make it a glorious time to explore these islands. The Westin Dragonara has two private beaches and generous pool areas.

• Best beaches in Malta and Gozo

8. Bali

May kicks off the beginning of Bali’s dry and settled season, which runs until August. You can lounge on beaches here all year round, but arriving in May will help dodge the peak-season crowds, which tend to arrive in June. For something secluded, avoid beach resorts very close to the international airport — southeastern Karangasem and northern Pemuteran have some of the best bays.Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort is in a naturally beautiful setting on the unspoiled northeast coast.

• Best hotels in Bali

9. Tenerife

The Canary Islands are warm and welcoming come May (you’ll even get some good temperatures here as early as March and April). Daytimes tend to see around 25C, cooling to the mid-teens by night, with the best heat in the southern half of the island. If you’re weighing up April versus May, it’s worth knowing that rainfall in Tenerife tends to halve in the latter.The luxe Ritz-Carlton Abama has heated pools and a sheltered beach for early season.

• Which is the best Canary Island?

10. Seychelles

These idyllic, white-sanded Indian Ocean isles are drenched in sunshine during May, with little rain and a comfortable breeze — meanwhile, their honeymoon-perfect rivals, the Maldives, are moving into their wet season. Low winds mean snorkellers will find the seas around the Seychelles calm with excellent visibility, while the highest temperatures are at a reliable, tropical 28-30C — the ideal escape for true paradise beaches in late spring. STORY Seychelles is a blissful design hotel on pretty Beau Vallon beach.

• Best things to do in the Seychelles

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