With two bank holidays in May (we'd like to say a big thanks to whoever arranged that), it's the perfect opportunity to make the most of your annual leave and book in a serious break. At this point in the year, we're after somewhere majorly sunny, where we can relax, and hopefully soak up a bit of culture while we're at it. So where is hot in May?
Thankfully, at this point in the year, everywhere is pretty warm, with Europe starting to defrost after a cold winter and far flung destinations experiencing their peak hot weather before the monsoon seasons begin.
So whether you're after a quick flight to somewhere sunny for a long weekend, or looking to book in two weeks to a long haul destination where you can really unplug and explore somewhere new, these are our eight favourite destinations that are reliably hot throughout May.
Mexico
Average temperature: 37.5 degrees
Hours of sun: 11 hours
Flight time from London: 10 hours 35 minutes
If you're looking to soak up some serious heat, eat the best tacos of your life and drink margaritas until the sun goes down, then you need to be heading to Mexico. For chilled out vibes head to the island of Holbox which is currently experiencing temperatures of 36 degrees or for a faster paced experience, filled with culture and great food try out Mexico City.
Bangkok, Thailand
Average temperature: 34 degrees
Hours of sun: 8 hours
Flight time from London: 11 hours 40 minutes
While there is so much to explore in Bangkok, be wary, it will be extremely hot while you're viewing temples and palaces in the day time. If you can, we'd recommend relaxing in the day, and leaving your exploring to the evening where you can watch the city go by on a river cruise or taste the culinary delights of Thailand with a trip to the famous street food markets.
Florida, USA
Average temperature: 31 degrees
Hours of sun: 10 hours
Flight time from London: 9 hours 30 minutes
May is one of the best months to visit Florida, schools are still in session, so if you're planning a trip to Disney, it's not as crowded as peak summer season and you can still enjoy the glorious temperatures outside. And while a visit to Orlando, Florida is always high on our list, there's also so many other places to explore in Florida too. The Gulf Coast is next up on list as is a trip to the Florida Keys, which is the best place to spend a few relaxed days soaking up the many museums and trying your hand at paddle boarding.
Barbados
Average temperature: 30 degrees
Hours of sun: 9 hours
Flight time from London: 8 hours 50 minutes
The birthplace of Queen Rihanna? Yeah we don't need to be asked twice to head to Barbados. May is one of the sunniest months for this Caribbean island, with temperatures often reaching well over 30 degrees. If you're not planning to spend all your time lounging on the white sand beaches, then there is plenty to explore on the island, from hiking trips, to jeep tours, to incredible caves as well as getting off the island with sunset cruises and scuba diving.
Cuba
Average temperature: 30 degrees
Hours of sun: 8 hours
Flight time from London: 10 hours
If Cuba is on your bucket list, May is one of the best times to go as it's the sunniest time of year for the island. An experience unlike any other Cuba is rich in history and culture, as well as home to breathtaking landscapes, including nine Unesco World Heritage Sites. You can't visit Cuba without a trip to Havana, which is best explored on foot or by bicycle so you can take your time exploring the city. And of course you'll need to try a mojito which is said to have been invented in Cuba. Further afield there's plenty of relaxing beaches to spend your time on.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Average temperature: 27 degrees
Hours of sun: 9 hours
Flight time from London: 4 hours 15 minutes
Hours laying by the pool, with a stack of books and cocktails on repeat sound like your kind of break? Yep, us too. Thankfully you can head on a quick flight to the Canary Islands, and get all that sun in Lanzaraote. As well as lounging by the pool, there's so much to explore on this volcanic island, including the Timanfaya National Park where you can take a coach trip and view the dormant volcanoes. And for interior lovers, you need to check out César Manrique's house, which is an incredible piece of architecture built with volcanic rock.
Bodrum, Turkey
Average temperature: 27 degrees
Hours of sun: 10 hours
Flight time from London: 4 hours 5 minutes
While much of Europe is still warming up in May, Bodrum in Turkey is already in the high 20s, making it ideal to spend a few days if you're in need of some vitamin D. Bodrum is a town on the south west coast, and has a chilled relaxed vibe to it, with relaxation being a key priority for any trips you take there. There's also plenty of boat trips to take, delicious seafood to try and ancient historical sites to explore.
Marrakech, Morocco
Average temperature: 26 degrees
Hours of sun: 10 hours
Flight time from London: 3 hours 35 minutes
Right now it seems our entire Instagram feed is spending their annual leave on trips to Morocco. And with Marrakech currently experiencing temperatures in the low 30s, it makes it the perfect place to travel for a long weekend. On a short trip you can pack a lot in, with a visit to the souks, a Hammam experience and a visit to the iconic Jardin Majorelle. Read our full guide to Marrakech here.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
