The Best Places to Visit in May for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide

Peak travel season isn't in full bloom yet, making May an ideal month for a romantic getaway.
Porte de Paris
Photo: Evan Lang / Getty Images
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
by
Beth Ann Mayer
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
Beth Ann Mayer
The Knot Contributor
  • Beth Ann writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, including venues, honeymoons and planning advice.
  • Beth Ann is a lifestyle freelance writer, with bylines on healthline.com and parents.com.
  • Prior to freelancing, Beth Ann was a writer and editor for Long Island Pulse Magazine.
Updated Nov 30, 2023
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For many, May is the last month of the shoulder season. Summer unofficially starts in the US on Memorial Day, it doesn't begin in earnest around much of the Northern Hemisphere until late June. Often (but not always), bustling summer destinations are less crowded during this month. So where are the best places to travel in May? If you're hoping for 70-and-sunny honeymoon weather or an anniversary trip full of sightseeing, May vacations can offer either or both.

With the weather warming even in the chilliest US states (but still far from triple-digit peaks), you could argue that May is the best month for a vacation on home soil. In fact, a road trip is a worthy option for a May vacation. Some of the best countries to visit in May have all-inclusive resorts (one of the top 2024 travel trends) set right on a beach, allowing couples to make an early splash. Other top spots include European countries, including France, where the rumors are true: Paris is a sight to behold each spring. Whether you're hoping to find the best honeymoon destinations in May or simply a spot for a quiet romantic getaway, there's a destination for you. These 12 ideas will get your wheels turning.

Paris, France

Jardin du Luxembourg with the senate palace in Paris and flowers in bloom
Photo: Artur Debat / Getty Images

The best place to travel in May is relative, but relatively few people have issues with Paris this time of year. Spring is utterly stunning in Paris, and pairs can expect to see and smell white and cherry blossoms as they take in the city's iconic sights. The weather gets warmer in May, and the days are longer—you'll enjoy approximately nine hours of sunlight. Pack an umbrella. It's still spring, and an afternoon shower isn't unusual. Still, it's a pleasant, breezy month to climb the Eiffel Tower and stroll the Champs-Élysées hand in hand. (Pro tip: Pack a cardigan and do it at night to see the glistening lights.) To say the Louvre Museum is a worthy spot for a rainy afternoon is an understatement.

Things to Do: Skip the line at the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Louvre Museum, Harry's New York Bar, Versailles Palace, Orsay Museum, The Catacombs of Paris, dinner cruise and a day trip to Belgium.

Places to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon, Hôtel Signature Saint Germain des Prés, Sinner Paris, Hotel Bastille Paris, Ritz Paris, Hotel Saint-Louis en l'Isle, Hotel des Grands Boulevards, Le Grand Mazarin, Hôtel Jacques De Molay and Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel.

Bermuda

Rocky Shores Near Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay
Photo: Photo by Scott Dunn / Getty Images

May is the start of peak beach season in Bermuda. Warm sunshine and sparkling turquoise waters set the stage for water sports and lounging around with toes in the sand. But with US kids still in school, the month is prime time for a quieter, adults-only escape. To ensure that's the case, couples can find their share of adults-only resorts, where beach access and vistas are part of the deal and offerings like candlelit dinners are designed with the 18+ crowd in mind.

Things to Do: Beach days (Horseshoe Bay Beach, Elbow Beach and Warwick Long Bay Beach), nightlife on Front Street, Blue Hole Park, Crystal and Fantasy caves, and snorkeling.

Places to Stay: Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa, Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa, Royal Palms Hotel, Rosewood Bermuda, The St. Regis Bermuda Resort and Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club.

The United Kingdom

UK, Northern Ireland, County Antrim, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Aerial Drone view
Photo: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Pairs hoping for a go-go-go romantic getaway can embark on a memorable one through the United Kingdom, checking off Britain, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all in one trip. Layers and an umbrella are still good to pack (a year-round travel tip for UK guests). Still, temperatures begin to inch toward the 60s—you might get to enjoy fish and chips al fresco after visiting Buckingham Palace for a truly anglophile experience. Edinburgh's rolling hills and medieval architecture make it a gorgeous—albeit slightly challenging—place to explore by foot. Meanwhile, the stunning coastline and landmarks in Wales and Northern Ireland provide awe-inspiring views and history lessons.

Things to Do: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Langdon Abbey, shop at Harrods, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle tour, London Bridge, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry tour from Edinburgh, skip the line at Edinburgh Castle, tour South Wales, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Titanic Belfast, Mussenden Temple, set-jet on a Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway full-day tour from Belfast and Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle and Dark Hedges tour.

Places to Stay: The Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place, London, The Rookery, The Waldorf Hilton, London, Fingal, Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh, The Balmoral Hotel, The Caerwylan, Castle House B&B and AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast.

Ireland

Scenic View Of Cliffs Of Moher, Liscannor, Ireland
Photo: mikroman6 / Getty Images

Travelers with time to spare can combine Ireland with their UK vacation or make an adventure to the Emerald Isle a standalone romantic getaway. You might start in the bustling city of Dublin (and consider it your home base for the trip). The Guinness Factory, while a very touristy attraction, has toast-worthy 360-degree vistas of the capital city that beg to be seen, especially by first-time visitors. Elsewhere, castles, cliffs, coastline and countryside make the country a gorgeous spot for a long and lovely drive. Five-star accommodations in castles make for a fairy-tale setting.

Things to Do: Guinness Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Howth coastal bus tour, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Blarney Castle and Stone, a food tour and Kilkenny Castle.

Places to Stay: Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, Kilronan Castle, Ashford Castle, The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection, Oranhill Lodge, Park House Hotel and The Merrion Hotel.

Greece

View across turquoise sea, Voutoumi Bay, Antipaxos
Photo: David C Tomlinson / Getty Images

Sunny skies, mild 50-to-70-degree temperatures and glistening blue waters make Greece one of the best places to visit in May for couples seeking a seaside escape. Whether you're hoping to adventure back in time in the capital of Athens or unwind on the pink-colored sands of Elafonisi in Crete (or both), the Mediterranean country has a destination for you. To be as crystal clear as the sea, the water isn't usually warm enough for a dip, but the views and mild temperatures make it ripe for dreaming of warmer, true-blue beach days ahead back home. What's more, the day trips (or stays) in seaside locales still feel more intimate and quiet in May.

Things to Do: Explore Athens by foot, enjoy a more intimate, private tour of Athens, take a cooking class, tour Lefkada in a 4x4, Chios private shore tour, half-day Delos tour and sunset views of Little Venice, Mykonos.

Places to Stay: King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (Athens), Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (Athens), Mykonos Theoxenia (Mykonos), Verina Astra (Sifnos), Andronis Arcadia (Santorini), Calilo Resort & Spa (Ios) and Blue Palace Resort and Spa (Crete).

Morocco

Wide shot of swimming pool and lounge chairs at Moroccan desert camp
Photo: Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

This North African country along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is a worthy adventure for jet-setting couples looking for spring appeal and waterfront surroundings when searching for where to travel in May. April showers bring May flowers (and lush greenery and warming temperatures) to Morocco. Blooms aside, mountains, deserts, historic sights and cultural diversity courtesy of Berber, Arabian and European influences make the country one that needs to be experienced to be believed.

Things to Do: Casablanca, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert tours on camelback, souk tour, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and Caves of Hercules.

Places to Stay: Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, L'Hotel Marrakech, Villa Joséphine, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Mamounia Hotel and Casablanca Marriott Hotel.

New York, New York

Spring Central Park. Manhattan
Photo: ANDREY DENISYUK / Getty Images

The ground has officially thawed by this time in New York City, making it one of the best places to visit in May in the US. "The City That Never Sleeps" truly comes alive as the weather warms, inviting outdoor dining even along busy streets, al fresco happy hours on rooftops, Central Park strolls and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing sans heavy coats. If traveling around Memorial Day weekend, consider a trip out east to the Hamptons, where stargazing has a different meaning.

Things to Do: See a Broadway play, Times Square, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Bronx Zoo, dine at Gage and Tollner, Museum of Modern Art, Natural History Museum, dinner cruise, peruse Fifth Avenue shops, take a one-day guided sightseeing tour, helicopter tour and Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Places to Stay: The Plaza Hotel, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, The Carlyle, The Mark Hotel, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, Archer Hotel, The Ludlow Hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York and The Algonquin Hotel, Times Square, Autograph Collection.

Grenada

Town in Grenada
Photo: Kayla Sawyer / Getty Images

Grenada enjoys tropical climates year-round, but May is one of the drier months for the Caribbean country. For couples already in a summer state of mind, it's one of the best countries to visit in May. Peak season here typically ends in April, so couples may score better deals on accommodations and quieter days by resort pools. All-inclusive resorts make it a top spot for a honeymoon destination—there's no need to plan every meal when your bill for fine-dining restaurants on site is included with your stay. In fact, much of your getaway can take place at the resort, where beach access, water sport equipment and spa treatments are also available for couples.

Things to Do: Full-day tour to Concord Waterfall, a chocolate factory, a rum distillery and Grand Etang, snorkel cruise and sunset and Champagne cruise.

Places to Stay: Sandals Grenada (couples only), Spice Island Beach Resort, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, Mount Cinnamon Hotel and Beach Club Grenada and Royalton Grenada, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.

Belize

Overwater bungalow and jetty at sunset, Belize
Photo: Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

Hot, dry weather and lots of sunshine makes Belize a worthy contender for "best place to visit in May." The small Central American country along the Caribbean Sea goes big on views. In addition to the sparkling waterfront, Belize's landscape also includes lush jungles. Ancient Mayan sites provide chances for day trips that go heavy on history, breaking up a string of beach days (if the sand and sea somehow get old). All-inclusive resort packages allow for breezy romantic getaway planning.

Things to Do: Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye, Great Blue Hole, dive to see reefs like the Belize Barrier Reef (favorite spots include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, which is part of the reserve), Cayo District and take a fishing and snorkeling tour with a cookout.

Places to Stay: Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection, Cayo Espanto, Pelican Reef Villas Resort, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Turneffe Island Resort, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Blancaneaux Lodge and St. George's Caye Resort.

Rhode Island

Empty chairs on beach against sky during sunset,Newport,Rhode Island,United States,USA
Photo: Fei Huang / Getty Images

Spring truly blooms in Rhode Island in May. Though the northeast state is prone to cold and rainy weather in March and April, temperatures are more predictable (in the 50s and 60s) come the year's fifth month. Still, they're cool enough to enjoy a chowder (sans sweat) or ice cream (the sweet treat will rectify any chill). Foodie favorites aside, the smallest state in the US is packed with places to travel in May. For instance, Newport is home to Gilded Age mansions, and Providence is a bustling college town with artsy pockets. Though too cold to swim, miles of coastline provide stunning views from the hotel; car windows during road trips; or a quiet, still off-season excursion to Block Island.

Things to Do: The Breakers, Newport Gilded Age mansion tour via trolley, Atlantic Beach Park, Green Animals Topiary Garden, Block Island, Blithewold Mansion and Garden, Roger Williams Park Zoo and Crescent Park Looff Carousel.

Places to Stay: The Chanler at Cliff Walk, The Dean Hotel, Providence Marriott Downtown, Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, Beech Tree Inn and Cottage, Brenton Hotel, The Bayberry Newport, Castle Hill Inn and The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection.

Fiji

Sunset in Taveuni, Fiji
Photo: Douglas Peebles / Getty Images

April marks the end of Fiji's wet season, while June is the start of the most popular period to visit. May is smack dab in the middle and brings drier weather, plenty of sunshine, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to the South Pacific. Fiji is truly one of the best places to travel in May for couples with a case of wanderlust and a large budget. Technically an archipelago of more than 300 islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the most populated. But there's no one-size-fits-all way to enjoy Fiji. Stunning natural beauty includes rugged terrain mixed with palm-lined beaches with pristine lagoons. Reefs make it a hot spot for underwater adventures, too. Many hotels and resorts offer couple-centric packages, such as spa treatments for two designed to give skin TLC after a harsh winter.

Things to Do: Day cruise, King's Road in Viti Levu, Bouma National Heritage Park, Malamala Beach Club, river tubing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Places to Stay: Six Senses Fiji, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island, Nanuku Auberge Resort, Fiji and Sheraton Denarau Villas.

Seychelles

Anse Source D'Argent - the most beautiful beach of Seychelles. La Digue Island, Seychelles
Photo: Aleh Varanishcha / Getty Images

May through October is the dry season in this archipelago of more than 100 islands in the Indian Ocean. This time of year, the southeast trade winds make it one of the best places to visit in May for couples who want to sail. Not surprisingly, Seychelles has its share of beaches and coral reefs. Couples can also explore nature reserves and spot one of the resident tortoises. Mahé makes a good home for island hoppers and those who want to see the capital of Victoria and take in mountain rainforests full of lush botanicals and wildlife.

Things to Do: Take a private island tour; snorkel, visit Anse Volbert, Anse Lazio or Anse Marron, and enjoy a semi-submarine tour in Saint Anne Marine National Park.

Places to Stay: Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, Mango House Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Club Med Seychelles.

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