Where's hot in May in Europe?

May is a fabulous time for catching some early sunshine in Europe. The Mediterranean welcomes warmer weather without the overwhelming heat of mid-summer, making it ideal for beach days, exploring historic towns or simply unwinding by the pool.

Here are some fantastic destinations to consider:

1) Southern Turkey

Average temperature: 26ºC

Daily sunshine: 10 hours

Flight time from UK: around 4 hours

Turkey's southern coast, especially Antalya, is gorgeous in May. Resorts like Kalkan and Fethiye offer picturesque harbours and lovely beaches. Further south, Antalya has luxurious hotels in Belek, Side and Kemer, sheltered by the Taurus Mountains, keeping the weather consistently warm.

2) Kos, Greece

Average temperature: 24ºC

Daily sunshine: 11 hours

Flight time from UK: around 4 hours

Kos is a personal favourite and perfect for soaking up sunshine and history. Explore Kos Town, where Hippocrates once taught, wander ancient ruins, and relax on stunning beaches. It's an island rich in culture, sunshine, and welcoming hospitality.

3) Malta & Gozo

Average temperature: 24ºC

Daily sunshine: 10 hours

Flight time from UK: around 3 hours

Malta and its charming sister island, Gozo, offer a mix of beautiful beaches and rich history. Ideal for both relaxation and exploration, Malta has impressive historical sites, while Gozo is fantastic for hiking, diving or cycling.

4) Cyprus

Average temperature: 24ºC

Daily sunshine: 10 hours

Flight time from UK: around 5 hours

Cyprus boasts some of Europe's warmest weather in May. The waters are pleasantly warm, perfect for swimming, and the vibrant town of Paphos offers bustling harbours, delicious seafood and incredible Roman mosaics.

5) Costa de la Luz, Spain

Average temperature: 24ºC

Daily sunshine: 10 hours

Flight time from UK: around 3 hours

Costa de la Luz combines amazing beaches with fascinating towns like Cadiz, Jerez, Granada and Seville (27°C). This less crowded coastline is perfect for those who want both beach days and cultural adventures.

6) Balearic Islands

Average temperature: 22ºC

Daily sunshine: 9 hours

Flight time from UK: around 2 hours

Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca come alive in May. Enjoy Mallorca's stunning Tramuntana Mountains, cycling routes and beaches without peak-season crowds. Ibiza offers peaceful coves and Menorca charms visitors with its pretty harbour towns.

Sunniest spots in Europe in May

Kos, Greece: 11 hours daily sunshine
Antalya, Turkey: 10 hours
Malta, Cyprus, Costa de la Luz: 10 hours

Lowest rainfall

Almeria, Spain (very dry)
Murcia, Spain
Valencia, Spain

Exciting festivals in May

Cannes Film Festival, France: Glamorous film premieres and celebrity spotting
Three Cities Festival, Malta: Historical celebrations, boat races and reenactments
Zagreb Marathon, Croatia: Popular city marathon through scenic streets
Queima das Fitas, Portugal: Vibrant university festival in Coimbra
Conquest of Istanbul, Turkey: Colourful parades and traditional performances
Flower Festival, Cyprus: Beautiful flower displays in the village of Agros
Venice Biennale, Italy: Celebrated art festival showcasing contemporary art