May is the month the Mediterranean properly opens up. Temperatures across southern Europe and Turkey climb into the low-to-mid twenties, the sea becomes genuinely swimmable, and prices are still meaningfully lower than the school holiday peak. Crete, the Algarve, Antalya and Corfu all deliver in May, each for different reasons.
See the Where’s Hot Each Month guide for the full year, or read on for the May detail.
| Destination | Avg Temp | Flights from UK | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crete | 24°C | 3.5 hrs | Beaches, history, pre-peak value |
| Algarve | 23°C | 2.5 hrs | Cliffs, beaches, walking, good value |
| Antalya | 26°C | 4 hrs | All-inclusive resorts, warmest option |
| Corfu | 23°C | 3 hrs | Lush scenery, beaches, quieter crowds |
Crete
Crete in May is close to ideal. Temperatures average 24°C, the sea reaches 20-21°C and is properly swimmable, and the island is green and fragrant in a way that July and August, when everything turns brown and parched, cannot match. The spring wildflowers are finishing, the Cretan countryside still has colour, and the long beaches are open without the summer density.
May is also significantly cheaper than June onwards. The big all-inclusive resorts in Hersonissos and Malia have opened, package prices are competitive, and flights from UK airports are considerably cheaper than the school holiday period. Independent travellers who prefer smaller towns and guesthouses will find May particularly rewarding: Chania and Rethymno, the two most attractive towns on the island, are manageable and well-priced.
The island’s gorges and coastal paths are also at their best in May before the heat makes walking uncomfortable. The Samaria Gorge is a standout. See our all-inclusive holidays guide for Crete resort options and what to expect in terms of pricing.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve in May is fully operational and very appealing. Average temperatures reach 23°C, sunshine runs to around nine hours per day, and the Atlantic coast beaches are accessible and varied. The sea sits around 18°C, which is swimmable but refreshing rather than warm. The beaches from Lagos westward to Sagres have a wilder, more dramatic character than the calmer sheltered bays around Albufeira and Vilamoura to the east.
May is the last month before European summer demand fully inflates prices on the Algarve. Early May in particular offers good value: the weather is reliable, accommodation is available and the area is genuinely uncrowded. For golfers, May is one of the best months as the courses are in good condition and tee times are easy to secure. Flights take around two and a half hours from most UK airports.
Check our Portugal travel guide for what to budget and where to stay across different parts of the Algarve. The western Algarve around Lagos and Sagres tends to be quieter and slightly cheaper than the central resort strip.
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya in May is the warmest option available from the UK without heading to long-haul destinations. Daytime temperatures average 26°C, the sea reaches 22°C, and the resort coast between Kemer and Side is in full operation. Turkey’s cost advantage over the Greek islands and Spain remains significant in May: a week in an all-inclusive resort around Belek or Kemer typically costs considerably less than a comparable package in Crete or Mallorca.
May is also before the intense July-August heat when temperatures can reach 38-40°C and outdoor sightseeing becomes difficult. For those who want to combine beach time with exploring the region, May is the best month: Aspendos Roman theatre, the old city of Antalya, and the Lycian Way coastal trail are all very accessible. Flights take around four hours from the UK.
Package and all-inclusive deals for Turkey in May are often very strong value. Check our all-inclusive holidays guide for Turkey resort options, and our flight booking guide for when to buy for the best prices.
Corfu
Corfu in May is at its most beautiful. The island’s famous olive groves and cypress-studded hills are still deeply green from the winter rains, the sea temperature has climbed to around 20°C, and the beaches are uncrowded. Average temperatures of 23°C make it warm enough for full beach days without the oppressive heat of August.
Corfu is more compact than Crete and easier to explore independently. The old town of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is genuinely impressive: a blend of Venetian, French and British colonial architecture that feels unlike anywhere else in Greece. The north of the island around Kassiopi and Roda has quieter beaches and smaller resorts than the busy south. Flights take around three hours from UK airports.
Package prices for Corfu in May are reasonable, and the island has a good range of accommodation from large beach hotels to small village guesthouses. See our June holiday guide if you are considering pushing your trip back a month for warmer seas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to go in May from the UK?
Crete is the standout choice in May: temperatures average 24°C, the sea is swimmable at around 21°C, and prices are noticeably lower than June and July. Antalya in Turkey offers even warmer conditions and outstanding value for money.
Is May a good time to visit Crete?
May is one of the best months for Crete. Temperatures reach 24°C, the island is green and fragrant, the beaches are open but uncrowded, and prices are significantly lower than the July-August peak.
How warm is Antalya in May?
Antalya in May averages 26°C, with sea temperatures around 22°C. It is one of the warmest Mediterranean destinations available in May at a reasonable price from the UK.
Is Corfu good in May?
Yes. Corfu in May averages 23°C and is at its most attractive: the olive groves and hills are lush and green, the sea is around 20°C, and the island is considerably quieter than August.
Is the Algarve warm enough in May?
Yes. The Algarve averages 23°C in May with around nine hours of sunshine. The sea reaches around 18°C, cool for some but swimmable. Beach days are reliable and prices are still lower than the summer peak.
