Sunshine may have arrived in the UK but May remains unreliable, with the temperature fluctuating throughout the month. However, May is a great time to jet off on a holiday to Europe, and if you’re looking for some last-minute sunshine, there are five destinations which have been named among the best on the continent for glorious spring weather.
Seville, Spain
Seville is known for its glorious weather, offering highs of up to 16C during the winter months. In May, things are starting to hot up in the Spanish city, with average highs hitting up to 27C.
With just three days of rain and 10 hours of sunshine each day on average, according to the Met Office, Seville is a glorious destination if you want to soak up the sunshine.
The city is known for its beautiful buildings, home to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral whose bell tower spans more than 100m. It’s a great option for a city break, with three days offering plenty of time to visit some of Seville’s most famous sites.
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is recognised as the “capital of tourism” in Turkey, nestled on the southwest coast with stunning Mediterranean shorelines. The destination offers mild temperatures year-round, but the thermometer begins to creep up significantly in May, with average highs of 24C which are set to soar a further five degrees into the summer months.
With just two days of rain on average in May, it’s a great option for sun-seekers.
There are countless hotels and resorts scattered along the coastline, perfect for relaxing around the pool or spending a day at the beach. Antalya’s beaches are renowned as some of the best in Turkey, promising soft sand and warm water.
Crete, Greece
Temperatures in Crete range between 18C and 24C in May, which means most days are warm enough to enjoy time outdoors without being overwhelmingly hot. At night the temperature can drop a little, so if you’re enjoying dinner or drinks outdoors, be sure to pack a cardigan or light jacket.
According to the Met Office, Crete experiences an average of 10 hours of sunshine each day and just 13mm of rainfall for the entire month.
Hersonissos is one of the most popular beach resorts in Crete, with plenty of hotels and resorts, bars, restaurants and beaches. The area is also home to CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos, Watercity Waterpark Crete and Aquaworld Aquarium.
Malta
Malta is located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, meaning it enjoys some lovely weather throughout the year – especially in the summer months. Though May is not the hottest month in Malta, it is a great time of year to soak up the sun without being too hot.
Malta enjoys average highs of 24C in May and just one day of rain on average. It’s a destination littered with history, home to an array of Neolithic temples, its cliffs packed with fossils, and a coastline home to several shipwrecks.
The capital city of Valletta is great for those who want to experience some of Malta’s culture, with charming streets and stunning architecture, including the impressive St John’s Cathedral.
St. Julian’s is perhaps the most popular destination for package holidays, with a selection of hotels and resorts to enjoy. It is known for its beaches, bays, restaurants and bars.
Cyprus
With gorgeous waters and lots of hotels and resorts to choose from, Cyprus is a fantastic holiday destination – and it has some of Europe’s nicest weather in May.
Temperatures range from 18C to 26C on average, gradually increasing as the month goes on.
During the day, the weather is perfect for days exploring the island or lounging on the beach without it feeling too hot. Cyprus experiences just three millimetres of rain in May, and according to TUI, there is a 75 percent chance of a perfect sunny day.
