With the December holidays firmly behind us, you might already be dreaming of your next escape.
May and June is largely considered “off-peak” season for most destinations, meaning fewer crowds and better prices! If you can afford to take time off during this time where there aren’t any bonus public holidays, here are a few ideas of where to go:
EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS:
May is the end of European spring and June is the start of their summer, so weather-wise, you’re in for a treat.
Lisbon:
May avg high: 22°C avg low: 13°C
Lisbon in May is warm and also a bit cheaper. High season for hotels in Lisbon doesn't begin until June, as you'd expect, so this is an ideal time to appreciate the city's charms. The Algarve area along the southern coast of Portugal is even nicer, and great for early-season visitors. It also happens to be a dream destination for golfers!
Turkey
May avg high: 22°C avg low: 12°C
The month of May is an ideal time for a holiday in Turkey. Istanbul itself still tends to be a bit cool, but the resort towns on the Mediterranean such as Antalya, and those along the Aegean like Bodrum, are nice and warm. The summer crowds have not yet arrived, so hotel prices are reasonable throughout the country.
CARIBBEAN
For travelers looking to relax in the sun, May is the perfect month to head to the Caribbean because high season is over, but the weather is still dry and perfect.
Prices at many of the resorts come down dramatically from their highs of earlier in the season. Independent and cultural travelers can do it cheaply by booking a hotel and exploring, but honestly, the best deals (where there is a great price to quality ratio) are at all-inclusive resorts such as Club Med.
Punta Cana
May avg high: 31°C avg low: 24°C
Punta Cana, on Hispaniola Island in the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant destination and is ideal for the active holidaymaker and water fanatics. It's a region known for a 32km stretch of beaches and crystal clear waters.
With a tropical climate the region has lovely warm weather all year round, with lots of sunshine and balmy seas making this the perfect beach holiday destination. May is the beginning of the rainy season in Punta Cana, but the wet weather won’t ruin your holiday as showers are usually short and sharp at this time of year.
Cancun
May avg high: 33°C avg low: 24°C
Cancún, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. A picture perfect destination for couples, families and friends - with so much variety for everyone. Cancun continues to enjoy pleasant and rather tropical weather throughout May, and is also a dry month (no rain!).
SOUTH AMERICA
Rio
May avg high: 28°C avg low: 19°C
With its location just inside the Tropical belt, the weather in Rio de Janeiro tends to be warm all year long, even during their “winter.” The rainy months are from December through April, so May is a perfect time for a visit. The beaches are packed with locals most of the year, including in May, so you'll have plenty of opportunities for “people watching” while you enjoy the otherwise gorgeous scenery.
ASIA
Bali, Indonesia
May avg high: 30°C avg low: 26°C
Being practically on the equator, the temperatures in Bali are steady all year long, with warm days and nearly-as-warm nights. The heavy rains fall between November and March, so May is a perfect time to head to Bali (before the summer crowds arrive!)