All-inclusive May

May is one of the best months for an all-inclusive holiday. Temperatures are rising rapidly, the days are long and many destinations already feel like summer without the crowds of July and August. Around the Mediterranean, more and more hotels are opening fully, terraces are full and seaside resorts are coming back to life. The sea is often still a bit chilly, but swimming in the pool, eating outdoors and sunbathing are already perfectly possible in many places.

May is popular with families because of the May half-term holidays. This leads to higher prices in family hotels, particularly in the Canary Islands, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Italy. If you travel outside the school holidays, May is often much quieter and more affordable. For couples and those seeking peace and quiet, this is a major advantage.

May is also the month when winter sports come to an end almost everywhere. Only high-altitude glaciers and a few areas with guaranteed snow remain attractive. For most travellers, the focus shifts to sun, the coast, nature, wellness and cities.

Why May is a great time for all-inclusive holidays

In May, you often get the best of both worlds. It’s warmer than March and April, but not yet hot. Hotels are coming out of the low season, but aren’t yet overcrowded. You can choose between the beach, the pool, walking, boat trips, culture and relaxing evenings outdoors.

All-inclusive holidays work very well in May because you’re travelling carefree early in the season. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and often snacks are all taken care of. That’s great with children, but also ideal for couples who don’t fancy having to look for somewhere to eat every evening.

The best May destinations within Europe and Turkey are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, the Turkish Riviera, the Algarve, southern Spain, Montenegro, Croatia and Albania. If you’re looking for really warm days, it’s best to head south. If you’re after peace and a great atmosphere, Italy, the south of France or the Croatian coast are also excellent choices.

Average temperature and rainfall in May by country

Spain

Northern Spain — Bilbao and the Basque coast. Average temperature around 15 to 16 degrees. Approximately 65 to 85 mm of rainfall. Bilbao is pleasant in May for exploring the city, enjoying the food and taking coastal walks, but the weather remains green and changeable.

Southern Spain — Southern Tenerife. Average temperature around 20.4 degrees. Approximately 1 mm of rainfall. Southern Tenerife is dry, sunny and reliable in May. One of the best choices for an all-inclusive sun holiday without extreme heat.

Portugal

Northern Portugal — Porto and the coastal region. Average temperature around 16 to 17 degrees. Approximately 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. Porto becomes much more pleasant in May, although rain remains a possibility.

Southern Portugal — Madeira, Funchal. Average temperature around 18 to 19 degrees. Approximately 20 to 35 mm of rainfall. Madeira is mild, green and quieter than many beach destinations. Ideal for walking, scenic views and comfortable all-inclusive hotels.

Cyprus

Northern Cyprus — Kyrenia region. Average temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees. Approximately 15 to 25 mm of rainfall. The north coast is warm in May and ideal for early days on the beach.

Southern Cyprus — Paphos and Limassol. Average temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees. Approximately 5 to 20 mm of rainfall. In May, Southern Cyprus is one of the best European choices for sun, sea and all-inclusive hotels.

Malta

Northern Malta — Mellieħa and St Paul’s Bay. Average temperatures of around 19 to 20 degrees. Approximately 10 to 20 mm of rainfall. Northern Malta is a lovely place to visit in May for the coast, swimming pools and quiet hotels.

Southern Malta — Valletta and Marsaxlokk. Average temperature around 20 degrees. Approximately 10 to 20 mm of rainfall. Southern Malta combines sun, culture, harbours and short distances.

Turkey

Northern Turkey — Istanbul and the Marmara region. Average temperature around 17 to 18 degrees. Around 30 to 45 mm of rainfall. Istanbul is a great choice in May for culture, outdoor cafés and city breaks.

Southern Turkey — Antalya, Lara and Belek. Average temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees. Approximately 25 to 35 mm of rainfall. The Turkish Riviera is a top choice for all-inclusive sun holidays in May. Resorts are in full swing and the summer heat hasn’t set in yet.

Austria

Northern Austria — Salzburg region. Average temperatures of around 13 to 15 degrees. Approximately 90 to 110 mm of rainfall. May is lovely for walks, spa breaks and mountain villages, but no longer suitable for regular winter sports.

Southern Austria — Carinthia and the Villach region. Average temperatures of around 15 to 17 degrees. Approximately 85 to 105 mm of rainfall. Carinthia is green in May, milder and lovely for lakes, spa breaks and nature.

France

Northern France — Nantes and southern Brittany. Average temperatures of around 14 to 16 degrees. Approximately 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. Mild, fresh and suitable for short breaks.

Southern France — Nice and the Côte d’Azur. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 35 to 55 mm of rainfall. On good days in May, the Côte d’Azur already feels like summer. Ideal for the seaside, towns and outdoor cafés.

Italy

Northern Italy — Liguria and the Italian Riviera. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 55 to 75 mm of rainfall. Liguria comes alive and is very pleasant in May.

Southern Italy — Sicily, Palermo region. Average temperatures of around 19 to 21 degrees. Approximately 20 to 35 mm of rainfall. Sicily is warm and atmospheric in May, perfect for an all-inclusive holiday combining sun, culture and food.

Switzerland

Northern Switzerland — Basel region. Average temperatures of around 14 to 16 degrees. Approximately 75 to 95 mm of rainfall. May is ideal for exploring the city, visiting museums and going on short trips.

Southern Switzerland — Ticino and the Lugano region. Average temperatures of around 16 to 18 degrees. Approximately 140 to 170 mm of rainfall. Ticino has a mild, Mediterranean atmosphere, but May can be wet.

Germany

Northern Germany — Hamburg region. Average temperature around 12 to 15 degrees. Approximately 50 to 65 mm of rainfall. Hamburg is much livelier in May than in winter.

Southern Germany — Freiburg and Baden-Württemberg. Average temperature around 15 to 17 degrees. Approximately 75 to 95 mm of rainfall. Freiburg is one of the mildest regions in Germany. Ideal for nature, city life and wellness.

Czech Republic

Northern Czech Republic — Liberec and the Giant Mountains. Average temperatures of around 12 to 14 degrees. Approximately 60 to 80 mm of rainfall. May is better for hiking than for winter sports.

Southern Czech Republic — České Budějovice region. Average temperature around 14 to 16 degrees. Approximately 55 to 75 mm of rainfall. Southern Czech Republic is peaceful, affordable and ideal for nature and small towns.

Slovenia

Northern Slovenia — Kranjska Gora. Average temperature around 12 to 15 degrees. Approximately 100 to 130 mm of rainfall. The mountains are turning green and are lovely for walking.

Southern Slovenia — Portorož and Piran. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 60 to 80 mm of rainfall. In May, the Slovenian coast is lovely for sea views, wellness and relaxing hotels.

Andorra

Northern Andorra — Ordino and the Arcalís region. Average temperatures of around 7 to 10 degrees. Approximately 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. The snow is melting at lower altitudes. Ideal for mountain air and peaceful hotels.

Southern Andorra — Andorra la Vella. Average temperatures of around 11 to 14 degrees. Approximately 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. May is ideal for wellness, shopping and walking.

Greece

Northern Greece — Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki. Average temperatures around 20 to 22 degrees. Around 35 to 45 mm of rainfall. Chalkidiki is an attractive destination for beaches and hotels in May.

Southern Greece — Crete, Heraklion and the Chania region. Average temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees. Approximately 15 to 30 mm of rainfall. In May, Crete is one of the best Greek destinations for all-inclusive sun holidays.

Croatia

Northern Croatia — Istria, Pula and the Rovinj region. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 55 to 75 mm of rainfall. Istria really comes to life in May.

Southern Croatia — Dalmatia, Split and the Dubrovnik region. Average temperatures of around 18 to 21 degrees. Approximately 50 to 70 mm of rainfall. Dalmatia is lovely in May for exploring historic towns, boat trips and sea views.

Bulgaria

Northern Bulgaria — Varna region. Average temperatures of around 16 to 18 degrees. Approximately 40 to 55 mm of rainfall. The coast is becoming more appealing, but the sea is still a bit chilly.

Southern Bulgaria — Burgas and the southern coast. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 40 to 55 mm of rainfall. The south coast is slightly milder. More and more hotels are opening as summer approaches.

Albania

Northern Albania — Shkodër region. Average temperatures of around 20 to 22 degrees. Approximately 80 to 110 mm of rainfall. Northern Albania is mild, green and varied.

Southern Albania — Sarandë and Ksamil region. Average temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees. Approximately 45 to 70 mm of rainfall. In May, Southern Albania is an attractive destination for its beaches, clear waters and affordable hotels.

Montenegro

Northern Montenegro — Kolašin region. Average temperatures of around 11 to 14 degrees. Approximately 90 to 120 mm of rainfall. The mountains are green and peaceful.

Southern Montenegro — Budva and Bar region. Average temperatures of around 19 to 21 degrees. Approximately 70 to 95 mm of rainfall. In May, the coast is a lovely place to enjoy sea views, old towns and hotels.

The Netherlands

Northern Netherlands — Wadden Sea coast and Groningen region. Average temperatures around 12 to 15 degrees. Approximately 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. Ideal for visiting the islands, cycling and short breaks.

Southern Netherlands — Limburg and the Maastricht region. Average temperatures of around 15 to 17 degrees. Approximately 55 to 70 mm of rainfall. South Limburg is one of the most pleasant regions in the Netherlands in May.

Belgium

Northern Belgium — Belgian coast. Average temperature around 12 to 15 degrees. Around 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. Cool, but lovely for walks on the beach and spa breaks.

Southern Belgium — the Ardennes and the Spa region. Average temperatures of around 12 to 15 degrees. Around 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. The Ardennes are green, peaceful and ideal for nature holidays.

United Kingdom

Northern United Kingdom — Cornwall and Devon. Average temperature around 13 to 15 degrees. Around 50 to 65 mm of rainfall. Mild, green and atmospheric.

Southern United Kingdom — Brighton and the south coast. Average temperature around 13 to 16 degrees. Approximately 40 to 55 mm of rainfall. Ideal for coastal towns and short breaks.

Iceland

Northern Iceland — Akureyri region. Average temperature around 5 to 8 degrees. Around 30 to 45 mm of rainfall. May is drier and better for nature trips.

South Iceland — Reykjavík and the south coast. Average temperatures around 6 to 9 degrees. Approximately 40 to 60 mm of rainfall. The south coast is ideal for road trips, nature and hot springs.

Estonia

Northern Estonia — Tallinn region. Average temperatures of around 10 to 13 degrees. Approximately 35 to 50 mm of rainfall. Tallinn is much more pleasant in May than in winter.

Southern Estonia — Tartu region. Average temperature around 12 to 15 degrees. Around 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. Southern Estonia becomes green and peaceful.

Latvia

Northern Latvia — Vidzeme region. Average temperature around 12 to 15 degrees. Around 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. May is a good time for nature and tranquillity.

Southern Latvia — Riga and Jūrmala region. Average temperatures of around 13 to 16 degrees. Around 40 to 55 mm of rainfall. Riga and Jūrmala are the best choices for city and seaside breaks.

Lithuania

Northern Lithuania — Šiauliai region. Average temperatures of around 13 to 16 degrees. Approximately 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. Spring is clearly in the air.

Southern Lithuania — Vilnius and the Druskininkai region. Average temperatures of around 14 to 17 degrees. Approximately 50 to 65 mm of rainfall. Ideal for wellness, city breaks and nature.

Hungary

Northern Hungary — Budapest region. Average temperatures of around 17 to 19 degrees. Approximately 55 to 70 mm of rainfall. Budapest is very pleasant in May thanks to its bathhouses, terraces and hotels.

Southern Hungary — Pécs and Villány region. Average temperature around 18 to 21 degrees. Approximately 60 to 75 mm of rainfall. Southern Hungary is warm, peaceful and ideal for wine regions and wellness.

Romania

Northern Romania — Cluj-Napoca region. Average temperature around 15 to 17 degrees. Approximately 65 to 85 mm of rainfall. Ideal for city life and nature.

Southern Romania — Bucharest and the Danube Plain. Average temperature around 18 to 21 degrees. Approximately 65 to 80 mm of rainfall. Southern Romania is warm and affordable.

Serbia

Northern Serbia — Novi Sad and Vojvodina. Average temperatures of around 18 to 21 degrees. Approximately 60 to 75 mm of rainfall. Warm, affordable and ideal for city breaks.

Southern Serbia — Niš region. Average temperatures of around 19 to 22 degrees. Approximately 55 to 70 mm of rainfall. Southern Serbia is one of the warmer options in the Balkans in May.

Slovakia

Northern Slovakia — High Tatras. Average temperatures around 9 to 12 degrees. Around 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. Better for hiking than skiing.

Southern Slovakia — Bratislava region. Average temperatures around 16 to 19 degrees. Around 55 to 70 mm of rainfall. Bratislava is ideal for a short city break in May.

Poland

Northern Poland — Gdańsk region. Average temperatures of around 11 to 14 degrees. Around 45 to 60 mm of rainfall. The coast remains cool, but is suitable for city breaks.

Southern Poland — Kraków and the Zakopane region. Average temperatures of around 15 to 18 degrees in Kraków, lower in Zakopane. Around 70 to 90 mm of rainfall. Kraków is lovely for culture in May, Zakopane for walking and the mountains.

Which all-inclusive holiday is best for May?

For a real early taste of the sun, choose Southern Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Cyprus, Crete, Rhodes, Sicily, Malta, Antalya, Southern Portugal or Southern Spain. For affordable destinations where the beach season is just getting underway, consider Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Croatia. For peace and quiet, nature and wellness, Madeira, Slovenia, Austria, South Limburg, the Ardennes and Iceland are worth considering.

May is the month when you can already get that summer feeling without the worst of the crowds. Head south if sunshine is a priority. Choose a hotel with good outdoor areas, a heated swimming pool and recent reviews from the spring. That way, you’ll get the most out of this travel period.