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The Best Places to Travel in May 2025!

May is the unsung hero of travel months—the perfect sweet spot between spring and summer. You get great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices before the peak season madness hits. But beyond that, some destinations are truly at their best in May, offering epic festivals, unique natural events, and once-a-year experiences. If you’re thinking of taking a trip, here’s why you should book one of these spots ASAP!

Greece – The Best of the Greek Islands Without the Crowds

Vathy, Ithaca is a perfect Greek island to visit.

If you want to experience Greece without the summer chaos, May is the month to go. The islands are open for business, but you’ll skip the cruise ship hordes and overpriced peak-season rates. Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are still buzzing but way more relaxed, while lesser-known gems like Naxos and Milos are absolute paradise this time of year. Bonus? The Mediterranean is warm enough to swim, but you won’t be melting in 100-degree heat.

Japan – Peak Fuji Season & Late Cherry Blossoms

Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the back.

Think cherry blossom season is over? Not quite! Northern Japan—like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps—is still bursting with sakura in early May. But the real showstopper? Mount Fuji’s climbing season unofficially kicks off, and the views are stunning. Plus, May means perfect hiking weather, golden-green rice fields, and fewer tourists compared to April’s sakura madness.

Read more of my guides to Japan:

Morocco – Spring Blooms & Comfortable Desert Adventures

Nina in Moroccan desert

May is one of the best months to explore Morocco because it’s warm but not yet unbearably hot. The Sahara Desert is still comfortable for camping, and cities like Marrakech and Fes are buzzing without feeling suffocating. Even better? The Atlas Mountains are covered in spring flowers, making it an amazing time for trekking. If you want that classic Morocco experience without melting under the summer sun, this is the time to go.

READ MORE: Everything Morocco!

Italy – The Best Time for Wine & Outdoor Dining

A male chef preparing the bases for stone baked Italian pizza for customers to try - a great thing to do in Europe.

Italy is always a good idea, but May is chef’s kiss perfection. The vineyards of Tuscany and Piedmont are at their greenest and most gorgeous, and it’s the perfect time for wine tastings before summer prices spike. Down south, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily are warm enough for beach days but haven’t been overrun with tourists yet. And let’s be honest—Italian food just hits different when you can eat outside without sweating through your shirt.

Costa Rica – Wildlife at Its Peak (And Cheaper Prices!)

A racoon chilling in a tree in Cahuita National Park.

May is the secret best time to visit Costa Rica because it’s the start of the “green season”, meaning lush rainforests, fewer tourists, and incredible wildlife. It’s also prime time for sea turtle nesting on the Pacific coast and great surf conditions on both coasts. Plus, since May is the start of the rainy season, you’ll get cheaper prices without dealing with downpours every day.

Read more about Costa Rica:

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