You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beach holidays in May. In Europe, southern coastlines like those in Cyprus or the Greek islands are starting to warm up, but the summer crowds have yet to arrive. There are still ample opportunities in long-haul destinations — the Seychelles, for example, or the Dominican Republic — though you’ll need to consider your options a bit more carefully. Middle Eastern favourites such as the UAE start to become uncomfortably warm in May, while parts of southeast Asia will be bracing for the monsoon season. Need more ideas? Here are some of the best beach destinations to book for May.
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1. Turkey
While some of southern Europe still sees chilly days and patches of drizzle in May, southern Turkey is heating up. In the coastal resorts of Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Marmaris, you’ll find daytime temperatures of around 25C, a sea warm enough to swim in and very little rainfall. You’ll also snap up some bargains on beach hotels and villas in this already affordable nation, just over four hours’ flight from the UK.
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Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort, is in buzzy Bodrum and has access to a private beach.
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2. Dominican Republic
Much of the Caribbean stays warm and not too humid into May, with fewer tourists meaning cheaper prices than in the first quarter of the year. The Dominican Republic is especially affordable, with temperatures from the mid-20s up to 30C, few showers and warm, swimmable waters. Most package holidays from the UK go to Punta Cana, and this is where you’ll find the best deals, but look around Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete for some of the most dazzling beaches.
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Iberostar Selection Coral Bavaro is a good-value all-inclusive by the white-sand Bavaro beach.
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3. Cape Verde
This group of islands just off the Senegalese coast stays warm throughout the year, but May is a lovely time to visit. Temperatures typically range from 20C to 26C — balmy, but not scorching. There’s very little rain and the sea is around a swimmable 23C. Cape Verde is further afield but great package deals can be snapped up a few months ahead; Tui flies direct to Sal island in just under six hours while easyJet operates seasonal flights to the island in May.
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The authentic Hotel Morabeza sits on golden Santa Maria beach.
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4. Cyprus
Lying to the east of Greece, close to Turkey, Cyprus reaches a daily maximum temperature of 27C in May — and the island has plenty of resorts and villas to bask in. The south coast, around Limassol and Larnaca, sees some of the warmest days, while Paphos to the west is closest to the island’s archaeological marvels. Direct flights from the UK take around four and a half hours; cheaper options with budget airlines typically start from the end of March.
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Mediterranean Beach Hotel is a great seafront choice near Limassol, with a choice of five restaurants on site.
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5. Andalusia, Spain
One of the earliest parts of mainland Spain to warm up in spring, southern Andalusia sees temperatures of 25C in May (dropping off to the mid-teens in the evenings, so bring a jacket). Gorgeous beaches El Palmar, Playa de los Muertos and Calahonda are still relatively uncrowded, with hotels still affordable this far ahead of peak summer. On cloudier days, take in cultural hotspots Seville, Malaga or Granada.
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Adults-only El Oceano is a good-value beachfront hideaway close to La Cala de Mijas, located between Marbella and Fuengirola.
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6. Kos, Greece
South and east of most of Greece’s islands, close to the Turkish mainland, Kos is renowned for getting toasty by spring and staying warm into autumn. Sunny days reach highs of 24C, dropping to around 16C come evening, and a glut of stylishly designed hotels with glamorous pools have affordable rates this early in the season. Southern bays such as Kardamena and Magic Beach tend to be most sheltered.
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Ikos Aria is an ultra-stylish spin on the family all-inclusive.
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7. Malta and Gozo
These southern Mediterranean specks are also bathed in mid-20s sunshine come May, with very low rainfall. Though the pretty, historic capital Valletta is worth a day’s visit, you’ll find Malta’s beaches around Bugibba, Qawra, Sliema and Mellieha, with plenty of boats across to smaller Gozo with its wilder beaches and turquoise lagoons. Fewer tourists in spring make it a glorious time to explore these islands.
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The Westin Dragonara in St Julian’s has two private beaches and generous pool areas.
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8. Bali
May kicks off the beginning of Bali’s dry and settled season, which runs until August. You can lounge on beaches here all year round, but arriving in May will help dodge the peak-season crowds, which tend to arrive in June. For something secluded, avoid beach resorts very close to the international airport — southeastern Karangasem and northern Pemuteran have some of the best bays.
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Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort is in a naturally beautiful setting on the unspoiled northeast coast.
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9. Tenerife
The Canary Islands are warm and welcoming come May (you’ll even get some good temperatures here as early as March and April). Daytimes tend to see around 25C, cooling to the mid-teens by night, with the best heat in the southern half of the island. If you’re weighing up April versus May, it’s worth knowing that rainfall in Tenerife tends to halve in the latter.
Make it happen
The luxe Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama has heated pools and a sheltered beach for early season.
Read our full review of the Ritz-Carlton Tenerife Abama
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• Read our full guide to the Canary Islands
10. Seychelles
These idyllic, white-sanded Indian Ocean isles are drenched in sunshine during May, with little rain and a comfortable breeze — meanwhile, their honeymoon-perfect rivals, the Maldives, are moving into their wet season. Low winds mean snorkellers will find the seas around the Seychelles calm with excellent visibility, while the highest temperatures are at a reliable, tropical 28-30C — the ideal escape for true paradise beaches in late spring.
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Story Seychelles is a blissful design hotel on Mahe Island’s pretty Beau Vallon beach.
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11. Mauritius
May marks the start of the “winter” season in Mauritius, with fewer rains and more sunny days. But while it’s cooler, it’s by no means cold — daytime temperatures will still average in the high 20s. The west coast, especially towards the south of the island, has long stretches of pristine sands where you’ll find sprawling luxury resorts. The north coast tends to be a bit more rugged, with a better selection of budget-friendly resorts. Boutique hotels near Le Morne, Flic en Flac and Grand Baie are popular too.
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Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel & Spa is a gem on the north coast, with access to a small sandy beach and free shuttle service to nearby Grand Baie.
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12. Agadir
Direct flights from London will get you to Agadir in just four hours, where the expansive coastline has made it a popular alternative to nearby Essaouira. You’ll still be able to learn to surf, with Morocco’s Atlantic coast providing beginner-friendly waves in front of resort hotels geared towards the fly-and-flop crowd. But there are also waterfront restaurants by the marina for long lunches and day trips inland for desert tours.
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Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir has a prime beachfront location, though arguably its outdoor pools are even better.
• Best hotels in Agadir
• Read our full guide to Morocco
