Summer is just a month away, May might be when you want to start traveling. However, why wait for June when May is the perfect month to go on vacation with beautiful, sunny weather in most places.
Check out our list of the best credit card bonuses here.
Read below for more information on the top 10 travel destinations in May.
Jackson, Wyoming (USA)
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 32°F low |
| May Events | Elkfest Jackson Hole Old West Days Jackson Hole Rodeo |
This time of the year, Jackson, Wyoming offers wildflowers, animals awakening from hibernation, the re-opening of the national parks, and plenty of events.
There’s Elkfest, which is a weekend for all things elk. This includes the Jackson Hole Boy Scout elk antler auction, a chili cookoff, and educational gatherings. The Jackson Hole Old West Days comes with a parade, stage, coach rides, brewfest, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
May is also around the time mountain biking season starts, white water rafting is the best, and when Snow King Mountain TreeTop Adventure re-opens.
Stockholm (Sweden)
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 44°F low |
| May Events | May Day |
This is one of the driest times of the year in Stockholm and when the city’s bars and cafes start to open their terraces. Additionally, it’s the perfect time for fika, a coffee and cake break that’s a daily standard in Swedish culture.
Be sure to pack warm clothes if you want to explore Skansen, the world’s oldest outdoor museum with a: zoo, aquarium, gardens, restaurants, taverns, and bakeries. Plus, don’t miss out on Gamla Stan (old town), the Royal Palace, and the Vasa Museum.
It’s better to time your vacation around April 30th to May 1st to see the celebrations of Walpurgis Might and May Day. Both have parades, bonfires, music, and festivities.
Tampa, Florida (USA)
| Average Temperature | 88°F high; 71°F low |
| May Events | Tampa Riverfest |
Warm temperature in the 70’s to low 80s make May the perfect time to visit Tampa. There’s lots of outdoor activates to do like: Busch Gardens, historic Ybor City, boating, fishing, water sports, golf, and catching a Tampa Bay Rays game.
Tampa Riverfest is held along the Riverwalk in May with concerts, a wiener dog race, Taco Fest, and more entertaining activities.
French Riviera (France)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 51°F low |
| May Events | Cannes Film Festival Monaco Grand Prix |
Monaco is a small country on the Mediterranean side of the French Riviera and is popular for the rich and famous with luxury hotels, yachts, boutiques, and restaurants that cater to the exclusive tastes of their visitors. Additionally, you can gamble at the extraordinary Casino de Monte Carlo, and see the designer stores and opulent decor at the Metropole Shopping Mall.
The Monaco Grand Prix is held in may where Formula One cars race through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo to Monacco’s harbor.
If you’re already in the French Riviera, consider taking a side trip to Cannes, which is just an hour away. The Cannes Film Festival is held in May, so the city will be teeming with Hollywood stars.
Portland, Oregon (USA)
| Average Temperature | 68°F high; 48°F low |
| May Events | Cinco de Mayo Portland Rose Festival |
May in Portland is gorgeously mild, so the weather is perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with concerts, mariachis, food, drinks, and tequilla testing. Later on, the POrtland Rose Festival starts featuring fireworks, concerts, a scavenger hunt, and carnival-like entertainment over the span of 3 weekends.
It’s highly recommended that you take the time to visit Forest Park, Waterfront Park, Knot Springs, and Pittock Mansion.
London (England)
| Average Temperature | 65°F high; 50°F low |
| May Events | Photo London at Somerset House RHS Chelsea Flower Show |
May offers mild weather and blooming gardens to London, without all the big crowds of the high season. This month, the Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard will go back to their daily schedule, Photo London at Somerset House will bring a world-class photography exhibition to the British Royal Family, will feature flowers and landscape gardens.
There are lots of other things to do like going to a football (soccer) match, going to the theater, taking a sightseeing tour, and walking around London’s East End for the street art. It’s recommended that you get a London tourist pass, so you can save on admission prices to the city’s popular sites like the London Zoo, Madam Tussauds, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and more.
The Pacific Coast Highway, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 67°F high; 50°F low |
| May Events | Roar & Pour Wine Festival Shabang Music & Arts Festival California Roots Festival |
This is shoulder season in California. For the most part, the weather is nice, and the busy summer season is not completely there yet. It’s the perfect time to go road-tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Plus, if you time it right, you can catch one of the many festivals in a coastal town along the way. Some of the favorites are the Roar & Pour Wine Festival in Santa Barbara where you can stroll through the Santa Barbra Zoo and taste local wines. The Shabang Music & Arts Festival in San Luis Obispo with food trucks, artistic demonstrations, games, and more, and the 3-day California Roots Festival in Monterey which features reggae music.
Anguilla (British West Indies)
| Average Temperature | 85°F high; 78°F low |
| May Events | Anguilla Independence Day |
May is shoulder season in the Caribbean, which means the high prices and spring break crowds are gone, and it’s not hurricane season yet. With warm, sunny days, and a few showers every now and then, it’s the perfect time to visit Anguilla.
This small island is a great place to unwind and escape the hustle of everyday life. Plus, if you are there on May 30th, you’ll be able to see how the locals celebrate Independence Day with a parade and an around-the-island regatta.
Barcelona (Spain)
| Average Temperature | 74°F high; 60°F low |
| May Events | Spanish Grand Prix Primavera Sound Festival |
The weather in Spain is great in May since the days are longer, yet the extreme summer heat is not there yet. There are lots of events throughout the country this month. However, the best one is the Barcelona’s Spanish Grand Prix, a Formula One race, and the Primavera Sound Festival, a multi-genre music festival spread across 16 stages.
While you’re there, visit the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Barcelona Aquarium, see a flamenco show and indulge in some tapas and sangria.
Beijing (China)
| Average Temperature | 81°F high; 57°F low |
| May Events | Great Wall Festival Art Beijing Interwine Wine & Spirits Exhibition |
Beijing sees warm temperatures and not a lot of rain in the month of May. Perfect for exploring outdoor tourist attractions like the Summer Palace and the nearby Great Wall of China. Plus, if you like techno music, you won’t want to miss out on the Great Wall Festival early in the month.
Additionally, on the calendar is Art Beijing, which showcases contemporary, classic, design, and public art, and the Interwine Beijing International Wine & Spirits Exhibition, an event for professionals in the wine and spirits industry.
Best Credit Cards to Redeem for Flights
Here’s a list of the best credit cards to use while traveling. You’ll be able to redeem their points, miles, or use award flights.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion(R) Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you'll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together. Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card. Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. You'll earn: • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required. • $200 Delta Stays Statement Credit: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card Members can earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. • Receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. • Delta SkyMiles(R) Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. This card does come with a $650 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. • 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. • 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. • $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required. Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. $150 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Members can earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. This card comes with a $350 annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. • 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. There is a $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150) and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. |
 The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers earn a Companion Pass good through 2/28/26 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. |
 The United Explorer Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC |
The JetBlue Plus Card is the best rewards card for JetBlue frequent flyers. It offers bonuses on restaurant and grocery store spending, fast track to Mosaic elite status and a few other travel benefits.
This card offers 40,000 TrueBlue bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening your account. The value of these points are worth around $520.
Top Destinations by Month
Here’s a list of all the top destinations for all the months of the calendar year. Start building up your miles and points now to redeem them for award flights.
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in August (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
