Where to go on vacation in May: 12 destinations for an affordable getaway

May is a special month when many popular resorts are just beginning to awaken from their winter slumber, and the weather is already warm enough to enjoy a beach vacation. At this time, you can often find fewer tourists on the coasts, meaning more chances to calmly explore local attractions and enjoy your favorite leisure activities. At the same time, more favorable prices for flights and accommodation make May a very attractive month for travel.

May departures offer a wide choice of destinations. Charter flights to Turkey, Egypt, and other countries are launched from Minsk and Moscow, and some regions can be reached by regular flights with convenient connections. At the same time, travel time is often short, and the time difference is minimal or non-existent, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your vacation the very next day after arrival.

In this article, you will find detailed information about popular and less obvious options for a beach vacation in May. I will share impressions, practical tips, and logistics nuances to answer the main question: "Where to go to the sea in May?" I hope these recommendations will help you decide on a destination and inspire you for future trips.

Why go to the sea in May? 

The May season is a transitional time when in most 'summer' resort areas it is already warm enough for sunbathing and swimming, but the peak tourist season has not yet arrived.

Perfect weather and moderate heat

In May, many coastal regions delight with sunny weather and air temperatures around +20…+28 °C. In some countries, the sea warms up to +20…+24 °C, which is already comfortable for swimming, especially towards the end of the month.

Affordability

May is considered the 'pre-season,' so prices for hotels and tour packages are often lower than in June–August. For Belarusians and Russians, 'last-minute tours' and attractive offers for charter flights are available.

Fewer tourists

While the main flow of vacationers prefers July–September, May allows you to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. There are no long queues for excursions, and it's easy to find a free spot on the beach.

Start of the beach season

In many countries, May is considered the time for opening beaches, launching seasonal entertainment, and festivals.

If you are looking for a beach vacation in May in terms of price, climate, and lack of crowds — May is indeed one of the best options. Add to this the convenience of departure from Russia and Belarus: charter flights and special flights to resort areas appear in most major airports, and the choice of destinations gradually expands.

Popular and non-obvious destinations for a beach vacation in May

Let's move on to specific locations suitable for a beach vacation in May, taking into account visa requirements, weather, and flight availability from Belarus and Russia.

Turkey (Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, etc.)

Weather: in May on the Mediterranean coast +25…+28 °C, the water warms up to +20…+22 °C, even warmer by the end of the month.

Accommodation: from budget apartments to all-inclusive hotels. Prices in the off-season are still pleasant, especially with early booking.

Excursions: you can combine a beach vacation with a trip to Istanbul or Cappadocia. From Antalya and other resorts, day trips to historical attractions are available.

Relevance: Direct charters operate from Minsk and Moscow. Discounts and 'last-minute deals' are common.

Egypt (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh)

Weather: In May, air temperatures are +28…+33 °C, sea temperatures around +24…+26 °C. An excellent choice for those who love warm water.

Accommodation: Hotels of various categories, a robust 'all inclusive' industry.

Entertainment: Be sure to try diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea. Excursions to Cairo and Luxor are also popular.

Safety: The situation is more stable by 2025, but always check the Foreign Ministry's recommendations before traveling.

Georgia (Batumi, Kobuleti and the entire coast)

Weather: In Batumi in May, air temperatures are +18…+25 °C, sea temperature around +18…+20 °C. The water isn't the warmest, but many tourists start the swimming season.

Features: Famous Georgian hospitality, delicious food (khinkali, khachapuri, Adjarian dishes), mountain excursions.

Accommodation: Many affordable guesthouses, good-value apartment rentals. Tourists are often attracted by the combination of sea and mountain landscapes.

Excursions: Mountain villages of Svaneti, national parks, wine tours to Kakheti.

Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Tivat)

Visa Regime: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus can enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days with a tourist voucher (individual or group) or an invitation.

Weather: +22…+25 °C, water +19…+21 °C in the Adriatic Sea.

Advantages: Scenic mountains, clean sea, a relaxed pace of vacation. Ideal for those who value nature and dislike hustle and bustle.

Logistics: Direct flights are usually available from Moscow; from Minsk, charters or connecting flights are possible.

Sightseeing: Budva Old Town, Bay of Kotor, Tara River Canyon.

Cyprus (Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras)

Visa: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus can enter Cyprus without a pre-arranged NATIONAL CYPRIOT visa if they have a valid Schengen multi-visa category 'C'.

Weather: In May, air temperatures are +24…+28 °C, water around +20…+22 °C. It gets even warmer by the end of the month.

Features: The island is famous for its 'Blue Flag' beaches, Ayia Napa's nightclubs, and the calmer resorts of Protaras.

Prices: Higher than in Turkey, but there are good-value package tours.

Entertainment: Water parks, historical sights, diving, gastronomic tours.

Greece (Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Halkidiki)

Visa: Citizens of the Republic of Belarus require a Schengen visa, a national Greek visa, or a visa from another Schengen country.

Weather: In Crete and Rhodes in May, air temperatures are +24…+27 °C, water +19…+21 °C. The sun is gentle, not yet as scorching as in July.

Infrastructure: A developed network of hotels and apartments, affordable car rentals, many excursion routes.

Cuisine and Culture: Be sure to try Greek salad with local feta, seafood, and visit ancient ruins.

Cons: Visa formalities are required, sometimes taking time and incurring additional costs.

UAE (Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah)

Weather: In May it's already very hot — air temperatures +35…+40 °C, water +28…+30 °C.

Highlights: high level of service, shopping, architecture (Burj Khalifa, hotels on Palm Jumeirah).

Prices: can be above average, but there are early booking offers and discounts from tour operators.

Excursions: desert safari, museums and cultural sites in Abu Dhabi, theme parks.

Israel (Eilat, Mediterranean Coast)

Visa: visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days).

Weather: in Eilat +30…+35 °C, sea (Red Sea) +24…+26 °C. On the Mediterranean coast in May it's cooler.

Highlights: combination of beach holidays and pilgrimage routes (Jerusalem, Bethlehem), high-level infrastructure.

Prices: generally higher than in Egypt, but the service is different and more 'European'.

Safety: it's always relevant to follow the news and recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Spain (Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol; Canary Islands)

Visa: Schengen.

Weather: on the mainland +20…+25 °C, water +17…+19 °C (there can be cool days). In the Canaries, the climate is mild year-round: +23…+25 °C, water about +20…+22 °C.

Prices: often higher than in Turkey or Tunisia, but there are last-minute deals and 'early booking' offers.

Entertainment: Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona, amusement parks (PortAventura), excellent gastronomy.

Logistics: from Moscow, there are charter and regular flights. From Minsk, there may be no direct flights, so you'll have to fly with connections.

Exotic Destinations (Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bali)

Thailand: in May, the rainy season may start in Phuket, but sometimes the weather is stable and sunny. You need to track the specific location.

Vietnam: May is warm (+28…+32 °C), but precipitation is possible. Visa-free for up to 30 days.

Sri Lanka: May is the inter-season period, with possible heavy rains in the southwest, while the east coast (Pasikuda, Trincomalee) is drier. An ETA visa is required in advance.

Bali (Indonesia): in May the rainy season ends, the weather improves. Water +28…+29 °C — perfect for swimming.

Prices and logistics: tickets to Asia can be expensive, and the flight is long. For Belarusians, transit often goes through Moscow or other hubs.

Less Obvious Options Closer to Home

Abkhazia: the Black Sea warms up by the end of May to +18…+20 °C.

Azerbaijan (Baku, Caspian Sea): in May the weather is often comfortable, but the Caspian is not always perceived as a 'resort' sea.