May marks a time where, in many landscapes across the globe, nature is at its most dramatic, with thriving ecosystems and wildlife migrations. Alongside natural phenomena, May is often a month of cultural celebration, with festivals, sports and local events in full swing, making for a colourful and immersive long-haul adventure.
Whilst the Northern Hemisphere is chasing the summer heat, the Northern Hemisphere is gradually creeping into its colder months. Whether you’re after a hot holiday, or somewhere more mild, read on for our recommendations of the best holiday destinations in May.
May Chapters:
| Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 7853 Miles |
| Journey Time | 15½ Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +1 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Kenya Airways, Air France, Virgin Atlantic |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, Tongabezi Lodge |
| Visit Victoria Falls |
Witness the world’s largest curtain of water at its best, with a trip to Victoria Falls this May. As the rainy summer season draws to a close in April, the falls are flowing at their greatest volume throughout May. This makes for an incredible spectacle, with the falls churning up an intense spray, and casting brilliant rainbows. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, witness the sheer power of one of the world’s natural wonders.
May’s temperatures are pleasant, as you avoid the intense summer heat in favour of more comfortable temperatures, generally in the 20°Cs. But make sure to pack suitably for the chillier evenings. Embark on a rainforest walk, offering an immersive experience of the falls. Wander through lush greenery and find numerous viewpoints to watch the falls in all its glory. Be prepared to be drenched by the mist and spray, however, so don’t forget to bring a raincoat, or embrace the soaking as part of the adventure!
Due to the intense spray, one of the best vantage points of Victoria Falls is from the sky. Take a helicopter tour for striking birds-eye views and a ‘pinch me’ flight over the falls. Soaring above a towering wall of mist, you can appreciate its sheer scale and power, rightfully claiming its place as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Alternatively, you can embrace your inner daredevil by bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge. Take a second to admire the views before hurtling towards the rumbling rapids of the Zambezi River: 111 metres of pure adrenaline.
For a slower paced experience, take a cruise on the Zambezi River. Beginning your journey around 5 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, you’ll have the opportunity to spot crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat. Zambezi River is also home to a range of bird species, and keep your eyes peeled for elephants, that can often be seen crossing the river. Sunset cruises can be particularly magical, with the opportunity to spot game and take in the spectacular golden skies.
Travel Tip: Although the famous Devil’s Pool is often closed when Victoria Falls are at their peak flow, venture to Angel’s Pool for a similarly exhilarating vantage point. Accessible with a tour from Livingstone Island, experience the breathtaking moment of looking over the edge at the thundering waters below.
| Bali, Indonesia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 7700 Miles |
| Journey Time | 18 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Hanging Gardens of Bali, Seminyak Beach Resort |
| Visit Bali |
With sheer natural beauty, rich heritage, and a spiritual, wellness-driven culture, Bali offers a little slice of paradise. May marks the transition to the dry season, making it the perfect time to visit, as you can enjoy a sunny 25 to 31°C, with lower humidity and fewer crowds. In May, the island’s natural scenery is often at its most vibrant, and it’s a great time to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, through colourful festivals and events.
May’s drier weather is ideal for exploring the island’s lush landscapes: from towering volcanoes to crystalline beaches, rugged jungles and cascading waterfalls. For an incredible sunrise, take the short trek up Mount Batur and soak up the views over the still-smoking Mount Agung… and you will have scaled an active volcano by 9am!
Bali is home to some breathtaking beaches, from Seminyak’s golden sands to the dramatic cliffs and bountiful surf of Uluwatu. Venture inland to explore Bali’s tropical jungle and beautiful waterfalls. Admire the majestic Tegenungan Waterfall, situated just 30 minutes away from Ubud, or for thrill-seekers, spend the day canyoning in Aling Gorge.
With fewer tourists than peak season, don’t miss the breathtaking Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and explore some of Bali’s sacred temples. Marvel at the magnificent Tanah Lot temple and its dramatic coastal backdrop and, known for its natural hot spring, explore the beautiful Tirta Empul temple, believed to hold holy power in its water.
For wellness enthusiasts, Bali’s Spirit Festival takes place each May in Ubud, celebrating Yoga, dance, music and wellness practices. The festival embodies the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana, which highlights the idea of living in harmony with our spiritual, social and natural environments. Bringing together world-renowned teachers, presenters and performers, hundreds of classes are offered daily.
Bali provides a culinary adventure, offering everything from traditional dishes to trendy vegan cafés. The Ubud Food Festival also takes place in May, showcasing vendors from across the island and beyond, even hosting Michelin-starred chefs. The night markets in Gianyar and Seminyak are a must visit and round off the evening by checking out Seminyak’s colourful nightlife and buzzing beach clubs.
Travel Tip: Travel eco-consciously by bringing a reusable bottle with a filter, like a Lifestraw or Brita. This will reduce your consumption of single-use plastic from bottles and ensure you’re never without safe drinking water.
| Sydney, Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 10500 Miles |
| Journey Time | 23 Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +9 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Quantas, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines |
| What Hotels to Stay? | Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, QT Bondi |
| Visit Sydney |
Sydney is a city of contrasts, offering visitors an enticing blend of breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks and rich culture. As Australia’s autumn draws to a close, the city boasts sunny skies and a pleasant temperature of 12 to 20°C, making it the perfect time to explore the city by foot, and soak up a wealth of historic attractions without the crowds. In May, Sydney is abuzz with festivals and events, and it offers visitors an unmissable opportunity to experience some of Sydney’s wildlife.
Vivid Sydney kicks off in May, one of the city’s most anticipated events. Over 23 nights of festivities, Sydney bursts into life, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology. Some of the city’s iconic landmarks are transformed through captivating light installations, and a wealth of talks, music and food events are on offer.
May really is a cultural highlight, hosting both the Sydney Writers’ Festival and the Sydney Comedy Festival, which attract some of the world’s best storytellers and comedians, for a month of entertainment and celebration. With May falling outside of peak season, it is also the perfect time to explore Sydney’s historic landmarks, visiting the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens whilst they experience fewer crowds.
Stepping away from the lively city centre, Sydney offers rich wildlife and scenery. The Bondi to Cogee walk is the ideal way to explore Sydney’s striking coastline, offering breathtaking views without the intense summer heat. Although it is nearly winter, Sydney’s waters remain an average of 21°C throughout the month, so you can take a dip at iconic Bondi, or the less crowded Bonte and Tamarama beaches.
For those seeking a unique experience, and a close encounter with some of the city’s resident wildlife, don’t miss out on the Great Bat Count at Centennial Park. Volunteer to help count one of the largest urban bat colonies in the world, led by an expert guide. May also marks the start of the whale watching season, as humpback whales begin their Northern migration. Spot whales along the city’s beaches and lookouts, making for an unforgettable spectacle.
Travel Tip: For panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. The view is particularly striking at sunset, making for a magical spot to soak up Sydney’s scenery.
| Vancouver Island, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4447 Miles |
| Journey Time | 10 Hours to Vancouver + a short ferry |
| Local Time | GMT -8 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, Delta, Lufthansa |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Black Rock Ocean Front Resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort |
| Visit Vancouver Island |
With a rugged coastline, lush rainforest, majestic mountain ranges and pristine beaches, Vancouver Island’s spectacular landscapes are full of life in the Spring. Offering a peaceful escape from the lively metropolitan energy of the mainland, the island is a wildlife haven. Explore the diverse picture-perfect landscapes, and experience remarkable wildlife encounters. May on Vancouver Island is a feast for the senses, with farmers’ markets showcasing handcrafted treasures, artisan produce and local wine.
As the wildlife begin their seasonal migrations, through the sea and sky alike, May is the perfect time for animal encounters. Tofino boasts some of the best whale watching in the world, with the chance to witness majestic grey and humpback whales glide through the waves and breach dramatically. Don’t forget to look out for otters, sea lions and tufted puffins too! Vancouver Island is renowned for bear spotting, with tours offering the opportunity to watch black bears ramble and forage along the shorelines. The island’s rainforests, beaches and mudflats also attract almost 200 bird species each year, with bald eagles offering a particularly magnificent sighting.
Vancouver Island is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes. Explore Pacific Rim National Park, where scaling the challenging trails will be rewarded with views of Long Beach’s epic waves and the striking Broken Group Islands. Venture underground to explore subterranean waterfalls, ancient fossils, rock formations, and winding passages at Horne Lake Caves.
Explore Vancouver Island from the water on a kayak tour. Paddle round the Pender Islands, with its calm tides making it a great spot for all experience levels. Traversing through the Broken Group Islands is also spectacular by kayak. Alternatively, take in the scenery on two wheels, and hire a scooter or eBike to explore the island at your own pace.
Spring on Vancouver Island welcomes a wealth of farmers’ markets, that showcase local produce, baking and crafts. Winemaking is a well-honed craft on the island, with wine made with local berries since the 1920s. Embark on a wine tour, sampling some of the 30 intimate, family-run wineries littered between Comox Valley and Sooke.
Travel Tip: As Vancouver Island’s flora begins to burst into life, venture on a self-guided garden tour. Visit the colourful displays of Butchart Garden and the lush landscapes of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, before exploring Abkazi Garden’s historic charm, and Hatley Castle Garden’s majestic grounds.
| Colorado, USA | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4671 miles |
| Journey Time | 10 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | The Mining Exchange Colorado Springs, Historic Strater Hotel Durango |
| Visit Colorado |
As Colorado gradually makes its transition towards summer, and the sunny days begin to outnumber the chilly ones, May is a great time to visit. The drier weather and milder temperatures (6 to 22°C on average) lend themselves perfectly to exploring the state’s dramatic landscapes. Colorado in May offers a feast for the senses, with wildflower meadows bursting into colour, majestic waterfalls at their peak, and a bustling calendar of festivals and sports.
May is arguably the best time for hiking and camping, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Explore Colorado’s four national parks, each with unique landscapes. Rocky Mountain National Park is a spectacle of towering peaks and alpine lakes, where you may still get some snow, even in warmer May. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mesa Verde National Park preserves the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, that you can visit on a ranger-led tour.
Visit Great Sand Dune National Park, the highest sand dunes in North America, nestled amongst a diverse landscape of vast mountain ranges, and lush forest. The park boasts incredible stargazing, and the unmissable opportunity to sled or sandboard down the dunes (make sure to hire a board before entering the park). Black Canyon of Gunnison is a lesser-known national park, but offers a dramatic backdrop for camping and hiking, with sheer rock faces and narrow gorges.
As Colorado’s snow begins to thaw, the state’s waterfalls and rivers will be at their peak flow. Venture on foot to explore majestic falls or conquer Colorado’s white-water first-hand with an exhilarating rafting tour. In May, the rapids are at their highest and fastest flowing, making for an unforgettable experience.
Known as the mile-high city, due to its altitude, Denver is vibrant and hosts a thriving arts and culture scene. The Denver Arts Festival takes place in May, showcasing Colorado artists over a weekend of music, family activities and craft beer. Denver’s food scene is rapidly developing, with an array of renowned restaurants. Get stuck into the electric atmosphere of a Colorado Rockies baseball game, as they hold a busy calendar of fixtures throughout the month.
Travel Tip: Colorado’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so make sure to pack suitably for the colder evenings and chance of a sudden downpour.
| Zimbabwe | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 8115 Miles |
| Journey Time | 17 Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +1 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | British Airways, Air France, South African Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | The Hide Hwange National Park, Changa Safari Camp Lake Kariba |
| Visit Zimbabwe |
Although Victoria Falls is undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s best-known attraction, the rest of the country should by no means be overlooked, as it’s home to incredible national parks and an abundance of wildlife. Hitting the sweet spot between camp closures during rainy season, and the parks becoming crowded in the drier months, May is revered as the one of the best times for game viewing, so what better time to embark on your adventure?
In May, temperatures are pleasant, generally around 25 to 30°C during the day, and the vegetation is lush following the rainy season. May’s frequent thunderstorms make for an atmospheric experience, and clear the skies, often making for particularly striking sunsets.
For a great introduction to Zimbabwe, take a Rovos Rail journey, traversing stunning scenery as you journey from Pretoria, South Africa, all the way to Victoria Falls. You spend 3 or 4 nights on an elegant 1920s-style train, taking in the world as it passes you by. You’ll take an off-train excursion in Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, home to over 100 mammal species and a whopping 400 species of birds. You’ll have the opportunity for some incredible sightings of the big five, lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceroses, and perhaps the most enchanting, the 40,000 strong population of tusker elephants.
Mana Pools National Park is more off the beaten track, but is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts some spectacular landscapes, from thick forest to vast open plains. The name, meaning ‘four pools’, indicates the four watering holes which act as a gathering place for wildlife, often attracting elephants, buffalos, zebras and antelope. You can also catch sightings of the resident hippos and crocodiles.
Experience the tranquillity of Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. During your laid-back cruise, enjoy some spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and some incredible opportunities for game viewing and bird spotting. The lake is also famous for its population of tiger fish, attracting anglers from around the world.
Travel Tip: Wearing neutral clothing will help you to blend in with the bush on safari, but steer clear from camouflage! Wearing military style clothing isn’t permitted in Zimbabwe.
May holidays by Freedom Destinations
Grace is part of the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations, having recently returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and Thailand so far, but her travel wish list is far from complete!
