May is one of the most underrated yet rewarding months for international travel. The weather is pleasant in many countries, nature is at its best, and most destinations are still free from peak-season crowds. For travelers looking for comfort, value, and beautiful experiences, May offers the perfect balance between spring freshness and early summer warmth.

What makes May special is its versatility. Beach destinations enjoy sunny days without extreme heat, cultural cities feel lively yet relaxed, and nature destinations bloom with color. It’s also a great month for travelers who want better hotel prices, easier sightseeing, and smoother travel experiences before summer rush begins.

This guide covers some of the best places to visit in May across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. From tropical islands to historic cities, these best places to travel in May offer great weather, exciting activities, delicious food, and comfortable travel from India.

Table of Contents

• Sri Lanka
• Bali (Indonesia)
• New Zealand
• Uzbekistan
• Kazakhstan
• Azerbaijan
• Italy
• France
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the best places to go in May for travelers who enjoy culture, wildlife, and scenic diversity. While the south and west coasts begin seeing monsoon showers, the east coast remains sunny and calm. Cultural cities and national parks continue to offer excellent travel experiences.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens can visit Sri Lanka visa-free for short stays (like tourism/transit) by obtaining a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel, which grants a 30-day stay with double entry, but you need a passport valid for 6 months, confirmed return ticket, and funds; apply via the official ETA website, or get an on-arrival ETA if needed. 

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Flight Connectivity: Sri Lanka is well connected to India with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi to Colombo. Flight duration ranges between 3 to 4.5 hours, making it a convenient international destination.

Activities: In May, travelers can enjoy east coast beaches like Trincomalee, explore ancient cities such as Kandy and Sigiriya, and go on wildlife safaris in Yala and Minneriya. Cultural tours remain comfortable despite light showers in some regions.

Cuisine Options: Sri Lankan food is rich and flavorful, with dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti, and coconut-based preparations. Tropical fruits are widely available during this season. Vegetarian and Jain travelers will find plenty of options such as dal curry, vegetable curries, coconut sambol, rice dishes, and string hoppers, especially in cities and near temples.

Shopping Scene: Shopping in Sri Lanka includes handloom textiles, tea, spices, wooden handicrafts, and gemstones, with markets in Colombo and Kandy offering good value.

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Bali (Indonesia)

Bali is easily one of the best places to visit in May, thanks to dry weather, sunny skies, and fewer crowds. The landscapes are still lush from previous rains, making it a perfect time for beaches, temples, and outdoor adventures.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens typically use a Visa on Arrival (VoA), valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days, or get an e-VoA online before travel; for longer stays or specific purposes

Flight Connectivity: Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru connect to Bali directly or via one stop through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Average travel time is 9 to 11 hours, depending on the route.

Activities: May is ideal for beach relaxation in Seminyak and Nusa Dua, temple visits like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, waterfall tours, and rice terrace walks in Ubud. Surfing and yoga retreats are also popular.

Cuisine Options: Bali offers a mix of local Balinese cuisine, seafood, and international food, with cafes and restaurants everywhere. Dishes like nasi goreng and satay are widely enjoyed. Vegetarian and Jain travelers are well catered for, especially in Ubud, with plant-based cafes, tofu dishes, vegetable curries, and fresh fruit bowls readily available.

Shopping Scene: Shopping in Bali includes handmade crafts, silver jewelry, beachwear, home decor, and art, with local markets offering good bargains.

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New Zealand

New Zealand is among the best places to travel in May for nature lovers. May marks late autumn, bringing cool weather, fewer tourists, and stunning landscapes with fall colors across both islands.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand, typically a Visitor Visa for tourism/family visits (up to 9 months) or other types like Student/Work Visas, applied for online via Immigration New Zealand or VFS Global. Key requirements include a valid passport (3+ months beyond stay), proof of funds, return tickets, a clear medical/police record, and a genuine intent to leave, with documents like bank statements, ITRs, and a detailed itinerary needed.

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from India are not available, but travelers can reach New Zealand via one-stop flights through Singapore, Hong Kong, or Sydney. Travel time ranges from 15–20 hours depending on layovers.

Activities: May is perfect for road trips, scenic walks, visiting fjords, and exploring national parks. It’s also a quieter time for adventure activities and sightseeing.

Cuisine Options: Food in New Zealand focuses on fresh produce, seafood, cafe-style meals, and international cuisine, with excellent dining options in major cities. Vegetarian and Jain travelers will find vegetarian cafes, Indian restaurants, salads, soups, and vegetable-based meals widely available.

Shopping Scene: Shopping includes local wines, wool products, souvenirs, skincare, and handmade crafts, especially in cities like Auckland and Queenstown.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is one of the best places to go in May for cultural exploration. The weather is warm but comfortable, and spring flowers enhance the beauty of historic cities.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need a visa for Uzbekistan, but the easiest way is to get an e-visa online through the official portal (e-visa.gov.uz) for tourism, which usually allows a 30-day stay within a 3-month validity, requiring a passport scan, photo, and online payment. You can also use a 5-day visa-free transit if flying through, or apply for longer business/multiple-entry visas if needed, but the e-visa is most common for short trips.

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru connect to Tashkent, while other Indian cities can reach Uzbekistan via connecting flights through Dubai, Istanbul, or Almaty. Travel time averages 4–6 hours.

Activities: May is ideal for exploring Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, visiting mosques, madrasas, and bustling local bazaars without summer heat.

Cuisine Options: Uzbek food includes plov, bread, soups, and rice-based meals, offering hearty flavors rooted in tradition. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable plov, lentil soups, salads, flatbreads, and rice dishes, especially in tourist-friendly restaurants.

Shopping Scene: Shopping highlights include silk scarves, ceramics, spices, carpets, and traditional crafts, all available at local markets.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is among the emerging best places to visit in May, with pleasant spring weather and fresh greenery. Cities and nearby mountains become accessible after winter.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism, business, or transit, with a total limit of 42 days within 180 days, but must have a passport with 6 months validity, return tickets, and proof of funds/accommodation; for longer stays, an e-visa or traditional visa from an embassy is required, necessitating an invitation letter and specific documents like financial proof and itinerary. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from India are limited, but one-stop flights are available via Dubai, Istanbul, or Moscow. Travel time averages 6–8 hours.

Activities: May is ideal for city tours in Almaty, mountain excursions, nature parks, and cultural sightseeing. Outdoor activities feel comfortable and scenic.

Cuisine Options: Kazakh cuisine features bread, soups, dairy-based dishes, and rice meals, along with international options in cities. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can rely on vegetable soups, rice dishes, salads, and Indian restaurants in major cities.

Shopping Scene: Shopping includes local chocolates, dry fruits, handicrafts, souvenirs, and fashion, mainly in Almaty.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is one of the best places to travel in May with warm weather and blooming landscapes. Baku blends old-world charm with modern architecture, making sightseeing comfortable.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need an e-Visa for Azerbaijan, applied for online via the ASAN Visa portal, requiring a passport valid for 3-6 months beyond stay, a photo, travel insurance, confirmed flights, accommodation proof, and bank statements showing funds, with specific employment/student docs needed for other visa types.

Flight Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi to Baku operate on select days, with one-stop options via Dubai also available. Travel time is 5 to 7 hours.

Activities: In May, travelers can explore Baku’s Old City, Flame Towers, Gabala’s nature spots, and cultural landmarks without summer heat.

Cuisine Options: Azerbaijani cuisine includes rice dishes, breads, kebabs, stews, and fresh herbs, offering balanced flavors. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetable plov, lentil soups, salads, and flatbreads, especially in urban restaurants.

Shopping Scene: Shopping highlights include carpets, handicrafts, souvenirs, local sweets, and traditional items from local markets.

Italy

Italy is one of the most loved best places to visit in May, offering perfect spring weather before summer crowds arrive. Cities and countryside look colourful and lively.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need a Schengen visa (Type C for short stays <90 days) or a National Visa (Type D for >90 days) for Italy, requiring a valid passport, application form, photos, confirmed flights/hotels, travel insurance, proof of funds (bank statements), and a cover letter explaining travel purpose, submitted via VFS Global, with biometrics required for first-timers. 

Flight Connectivity: Direct and one-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai connect to Rome, Milan, and Venice. Travel time ranges from 8 to 10 hours.

Activities: May is ideal for exploring Rome, Florence, Venice, countryside towns, and scenic walks, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

Cuisine Options: Italian food shines in May, with pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses, desserts, and regional specialties enjoyed at their best. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can easily find vegetarian pasta, pizzas, risotto, salads, and Indian restaurants across major cities.

Shopping Scene: Shopping includes fashion, leather goods, luxury brands, souvenirs, and artisanal products, especially in Milan and Florence.

France

France is one of the most elegant and best places to go in May, with blooming gardens and mild temperatures. Cities feel lively yet uncrowded.

Visa Norms: Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for France, requiring an application via france-visas.gouv.fr, a valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight/hotel bookings, financial proof (bank statements/ITRs), and a cover letter detailing your trip's purpose and itinerary. You'll submit documents, pay fees, and provide biometrics at a VFS Global center, typically 4-6 weeks before travel, but not more than 6 months out. 

Flight Connectivity: Flights from Delhi and Mumbai connect directly or via one stop to Paris. Travel time is 8 to 10 hours.

Activities: May is perfect for Paris sightseeing, cafe hopping, museum visits, countryside tours, and wine region exploration.

Cuisine Options: French cuisine offers breads, cheeses, pastries, desserts, and refined meals, with seasonal freshness. Vegetarian and Jain travelers can enjoy vegetarian French dishes, salads, breads, desserts, and Indian restaurants in major cities.

Shopping Scene: Shopping includes fashion, perfumes, luxury goods, cosmetics, and souvenirs, making France a premium shopping destination.

Final Verdict

May stands out as one of the best months to travel internationally, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better value. From beaches and cultural cities to scenic landscapes, these destinations cover every travel style.

The countries listed here are among the best places to visit in May for Indian travelers, with good connectivity, diverse food options, and comfortable sightseeing conditions.

Whether you are looking for budget-friendly trips, luxury European escapes, or peaceful nature getaways, these best places to travel in May offer memorable experiences before peak season begins.

If you are planning an international holiday in 2026, choosing one of these best places to go in May ensures smoother travel, richer experiences, and a more relaxed journey overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is best to visit in summer 2026?

For summer 2026, countries with cooler or pleasant climates are the best choice. New Zealand, Italy, France, and Kazakhstan offer comfortable weather, scenic landscapes, and great sightseeing. These destinations avoid extreme heat while delivering rich travel experiences.

Where should I travel in 2026?

2026 is ideal for exploring destinations that balance good weather and value. From tropical escapes like Bali and Sri Lanka to cultural hubs like Italy, France, and Uzbekistan, there are options for every traveler. Planning around seasons helps make the most of your trip.

What is the best travel destination in May?

May is perfect for destinations just before peak season. Italy, France, Bali, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan stand out with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes. It’s one of the best months for relaxed sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Which place is best for vacation in May?

The best vacation spots in May offer comfort and variety. Bali is great for beaches, Italy and France shine for culture and food, while Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan are ideal for mixed experiences. May allows you to travel smoothly without peak-season rush.

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Sri Lanka Packages for beaches and culture.

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