April showers will soon give way to longer days, more frequent sunny spells, and warmer weather in May.
Last year, the average temperature in the UK in May was around 11℃ — rising to 25℃ in north Wales at the end of the month.
We’ll probably see a similar trend this year, meaning it's best to prepare for sunny spells and showers.
While UK weather in May is usually quite pleasant as long as you’re wearing a jacket, those looking for somewhere a little warmer can also top up their tans from several European hotspots that promise to up the heat.
From city breaks to stunning beaches, there are plenty of European destinations just a few hours away. Luckily, flights are also quite affordable for now — but don’t wait around.
To offer some inspiration, here are eight holiday destinations you can fly directly to from London in May, all with average temperatures of 20℃ or higher.
Fancy avoiding the summer holiday crowds? Why not book a little earlier holiday and visit these scorching hotspots in May instead?
Rhodes, 22℃
From as little as £60 one way, Londoners can fly from Stanstead, Gatwick, and Luton directly to Greece within four hours.
The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is already recording sunny days and temperatures above 20℃.
Known for its beaches and various ruined churches and castles, there’s plenty to do and many places to unwind if all you want to do is nothing.
Take a dip in the Mediterranean, or enjoy some delicious Greek cuisine while you explore Rhodes.
Formentera, 23℃
Often overshadowed by its party-loving neighbour, Ibiza, Formentera is most loved for its long beaches and clear water, making it the ultimate beach holiday island.
The Spanish island is ideal for snorkelling and sailing, with equipment rentals and boat charters available.
British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet all offer direct flights to the island — and it takes just over two hours to fly there.
You also often get higher temperatures than mainland Spain — although they are sometimes more unpredictable.
Madrid, 22℃
If you prefer a city escape, Madrid has the same Spanish warmth but also offers shopping, restaurants, and other traditional comforts.
The Spanish capital becomes busier in May as tourists flock to the cosmopolitan centre to soak up the cultural sights before it gets too hot.
It’s well-known for its rich collections of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
With daytime temperatures of around 22℃, nothing beats a cool jug of sangria and some delicious tapas after you’ve ticked off all the galleries.
The streets of Madrid are art in themselves, with various architectural styles lining them.
Lisbon, 22℃
If you like custard tarts, breathtaking coastlines, and a thriving city full of colour and music, look no further than Lisbon.
For a coastal city, the Portuguese capital is remarkably hilly. However, the city’s sights are well worth the workout, with the pastel buildings of the Old Town providing a stunning backdrop.
There are several gorgeous beaches just a stone’s throw from the city — and plenty of history and culture to enjoy.
One-way flights are currently as cheap as £40 on Skyscanner, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beauty of Portugal next month.
Athens, 25℃
The Greek capital of Athens is the perfect spot for holidaymakers looking for sunshine, culture, and delicious food.
Athens was once the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire, meaning there’s plenty of history to uncover, including the impressive Acropolis.
The sprawling city offers food and drink galore, and there is easy access to other Greek islands. Even better, you’re almost guaranteed full days of sunshine and highs of 25℃.
Antalya, 26℃
Antalya is our only non-European destination on this list, and it’s also one of the hottest spots Brits can reach with an affordable flight from the UK.
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, but its southern coastline is already experiencing the most heat.
For as little as £65, you can catch a one-way direct flight to Antalya in just over four hours.
This destination is all about the luxury resorts, turquoise waters and simply switching off and enjoying a relaxing slice of paradise on the Med.
Nice, 20℃
As the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Nice enjoys its position on the Baie des Anges’ pebbly shores.
Founded by the Greeks, Nice captures the same Mediterranean pace of life. It used to be a retreat for the 19th-century European elite.
There’s also a long history of artistry in the city, with former resident Henri Matisse remembered through a collection of paintings at Musée Matisse.
Rome, 24℃
Italy has it all: spectacular cities, amazing coastal regions, mountain escapes, and plenty of Aperol (an Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients).
Another ancient city ready for you to explore, Rome has the Colosseum, vibrant street life, and some of the best Italian cuisine. Flights in May are around £30, so it’s one of the most affordable getaways on our list.
Italy’s capital is a metropolitan hub, offering everything from spas to museums, galleries to bars. You can expect highs of 25℃, making May a perfect time to explore the crowds flock there in the summer.
The Amalfi coast and Pompeii are all a day trip away as well.
