Europe in May celebrates the onset of sunny months ahead. With flowers blossoming and outdoor activities picking up pace again, it is surely a wonderful time to be travelling within the continent. Safe to say, May is the calm before the storm - right before the crowds swarm in to enjoy their summer vacations, making it an even more viable destination for travellers looking for some tranquility and peace. Pleasant weather being just one of the brownie points - affordable accommodation, cheap flight tickets, open air festivals only scratch the surface of the merits in May.
10 Best Places to Go in Europe in May
Pack your bags for a holiday that you’ve been waiting to take, and take a look at ten of the best places to visit in Europe during May.
Munich, Germany
Average High: 19°C | Average Low: 8°C
A much sought after destination at any given point through the year, Munich comes alive especially around summer as tourists from all over the world stop by for its Frühlings fest in May. Although smaller than the iconic Oktoberfest, Frühlingsfest (Springfest) brings with it all the perks of the Oktoberfest, minus the crowds! This mini Oktoberfest fills the entire city with energy and enthusiasm and obviously lots of beer and dancing. For a slightly quieter time, take a stroll amidst its expansive beer gardens and sample some beer from some of the local breweries. With the pleasant weather cooperating with your elaborate plans, Munich in May is quite the terrific decision.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Average High: 18°C | Average Low: 12°C
What could be a better way of enjoying summer than to spend it on a beachfront? San Sebastian in Spain offers you all that, and more during the month of May. Take a relaxing vacation on one of the most beautiful bays of Europe, and enjoy the getaway you have always imagined of! What makes this destination perfect is the number of museums, breathtaking architecture and its one too many shopping hubs that dot its cityscape. Spain during the month of May also witnesses a bloom of wildflowers and lush greenery - the perfect time to hike with a view.
Stavanger, Norway
Average High: 15°C | Average Low: 7°C
A lesser known holiday destination that is slowly gaining popularity within travel enthusiasts is Stavanger. Known for its panoramic landscapes and verdant greenery, Stavanger is ideal for those who wish for a little adventure on their itinerary. While there are a few beaches along its coastline, Stavanger is widely preferred for its flora and fauna. Often popular with the trekkers, this destination also provides great opportunities for shutterbugs interested in taking home picture-perfect social media posts from their holiday. Blessed with a pleasant climate and hardly any snow, Stavanger in May is perhaps the much-needed offbeat holiday destination that you should put on your list.
Dublin, Ireland
Average High: 15°C | Average Low: 6°C
While Dublin is quite popular with tourists in summer, visiting in May will provide you some respite from the peak season crowds. With plenty of scope for fun activities around the city, you may find several cook-outs as well as food and music festivals taking place towards the end of the month. If you’re lucky, you may also have a chance to witness Phoenix Park (considered as one of the most beautiful parks of Europe) in its blooming phase during this time of the year. Catch a moment of silence at Dublin’s famous art district and stroll amidst its leafy suburbs — there’s something for everyone.
Porto, Portugal
Average High: 20°C | Average Low: 12°C
With its quintessential narrow, cobbled-stone lanes and charming houses, Porto in Portugal is considered as one of the most romantic destinations of Europe. Find yourselves making the most of the quaint by-lanes and the contemporary art at some of its famous museums. Hopping onboard a helicopter ride is also a sought after attraction in Porto, and explorers find themselves indulging in various adventure activities around the city. Visiting in May can spare you from the peak season crowds at Bolhao market, located in the heart of the city. In fact, you may find yourself being treated to a myriad of colours with the finest wine during this time of the year.
Montreux, Switzerland
Average High: 19°C | Average Low: 9°C
With sprawling, green meadows and fresh piney air, Montreux in Switzerland is quite popular with the tourists around the year. However, visiting it in May is the best time to watch these landscapes come alive with blooming trees and flowers. Take some time off to rejuvenate at the Lake, or simply catch a few pages of your favourite book at one of its quaint, road-side cafés — there will be no dearth of activities during this time of the year. With several other cities located in close distance, Montreux is also a great place to be if you’re looking for one-day trips around Switzerland.
Paris, France
Average High: 20°C | Average Low: 11°C
If you’ve always wanted to put Paris on your list, but didn’t want to battle the peak-season crowds, May is your month to travel to your dream destination. With little to no crowd during the beginning of the month, Paris could be a great destination to travel with your family or friends. Catch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge, or simply head over to Disneyland Paris to enjoy the park without any hassles. A boat ride down the Seine during this time of the year can also acquaint you to the city in a brand new light.
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Athens, Greece
Average High: 25°C | Average Low: 16°C
Discover one of the greatest civilisations in the world in all its glory. Athens is a great destination to choose if you’re travelling in the month of May, as the city offers affordable accommodation closer to the heart of the city. Apart from being a hub for history and art enthusiasts, May is a great month to enjoy shopping in Athens without the exhausting crowd that haunts the city otherwise. You may take a guided tour at the Acropolis, or could choose to use the hop on hop off bus which is convenient for travellers who wish to explore at their own pace.
London, UK
Average High: 18°C | Average Low: 10°C
A melting-pot of cultures, London is, perhaps, popular in every season. While it is almost impossible to avoid crowd, you can get lucky with off-season prices in the month of May. Whether you choose to hang around in one of its many boroughs, or decide to head over to Harrods for some afternoon-shopping — London has a lot to offer during the onset of summer. Look out for offers at the Warner Bros studio or the famous Tower Bridge that are easily available during this time of the year. Despite its unpredictable weather, London in May is a pleasant surprise waiting to be discovered.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average High: 18°C | Average Low: 5°C
Tourists flock to Amsterdam every year in summer to catch it blooming after a hiatus of winter. However, Amsterdam in May is not only quieter, but is less expensive as compared to its peak season. Make the most of your holiday by walking by some of its famous canals or by opting for a guided tour at the iconic Van Gogh museum. The month of May is also a great time to bike around the city, and catch it welcoming the spring season in all its glory. This is also an ideal time to catch some of its famous outdoor festivals taking place at its various parks and plazas.
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