For many people, May is the most beautiful month to travel. In the Mediterranean it is warm but not yet hot, nature is in bloom, and the big summer holiday crowds are still a long way off. In the eastern Mediterranean the sea is already pleasant for swimming. On top of that come several public holidays, which make for long weekends in 2027.
Warm destinations in May
| Destination | Daytime air | Sea | Flight from Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallorca | 23 °C | 18 °C | approx. 2 hrs |
| Algarve | 22 °C | 17 °C | approx. 3 hrs |
| Malta | 23 °C | 19 °C | approx. 2.5 hrs |
| Crete | 25 °C | 20 °C | approx. 3 hrs |
| Antalya | 26 °C | 21 °C | approx. 3.5 hrs |
| Cyprus | 27 °C | 21 °C | approx. 4 hrs |
| Canary Islands | 24 °C | 20 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Red Sea | 32 °C | 26 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Seychelles | 30 °C | 29 °C | approx. 11 hrs with a change |
| Mauritius | 26 °C | 26 °C | approx. 12 hrs with a change |
Approximate averages. Towards the end of the month it warms up quickly in the Mediterranean.
Swimming in the eastern Mediterranean
The further east, the warmer the sea. On Cyprus and the Turkish Riviera around Antalya and Side, the water is already over 21 °C by the end of May. The air is summery and warm, and you can sit outside until late in the evening. The hotels are not yet as full as in the summer holidays, and prices are much lower.
Crete is green and in bloom in May. Walks through gorges such as the Samaria Gorge are especially lovely now, because it is not yet too hot. The sea is around 20 °C, enough for many people for a refreshing swim. It is similar on Rhodes and the Cyclades.
Mallorca, the Algarve and Malta
On Mallorca the swimming season starts in May, even if the sea is still cool at around 18 °C. If you like walking, cycling or strolling through Palma, the weather is now ideal. On the Algarve in Portugal the Atlantic is fresher, but the coast with its golden cliffs and coves is especially beautiful in the spring light.
Malta is a good choice for anyone wanting to combine culture and the sea. Valletta, the old towns inland and the coves of Gozo can be explored in pleasant temperatures.
The Red Sea and the Canary Islands
On the Red Sea, May is already very warm, and the water is around 26 °C. That is ideal for a beach holiday, but it gets hot at midday. The Canary Islands are a safe choice as always, with plenty of sunshine and a mild climate, and the sea slowly warms up to around 20 °C.
Long-haul destinations: the Seychelles and Mauritius
May is one of the best times for the Seychelles. The wind changes, and the sea is usually calm and very clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. On Mauritius the southern winter begins. It gets a little cooler and drier, but the days stay warm and sunny.
At other long-haul destinations, on the other hand, the wet season begins. In the Maldives and on Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, the monsoon sets in, with heavy showers and higher waves. In the Caribbean it gets more humid, and the hurricane season officially starts in June. Prices there are often much lower at this time, though.
Dubai: too hot for many
In Dubai, daytime temperatures in May climb to 36 °C and more. By the pool and in the air-conditioned shopping centres that is no problem. For trips into the city or the desert, though, it is tiring. If you want to experience Dubai, it is better to go between November and April.
Tips for May
- Book early for the holidays: short-haul destinations are in demand around Ascension Day and Whitsun.
- Head east: if you want to swim, fly to Cyprus, Antalya or Crete.
- Pack sun protection: in May the sun is almost as high as in midsummer.
- Use the shoulder season: many hotels offer lower prices in May than from June.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
