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Holidays In May 2025/2026
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Great Breaks & Holidays In May 2025 & 2026
Spring and early summer are perfect times of year to head away and escape the day-to-day, especially before the peak summer holiday prices and while it's not too hot. That's why holidays in May in 2025 & 2026 could be the ideal getaway for you. Whether you fancy a quick city break in Paris, 7 nights on a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords or 2 weeks enjoying the sunshine of Greece or Turkey, take a look at our guide to holidays in May, including the best destinations and bank holidays.
Best Places To Go In May
Top Destinations In May
Fewer crowds, warm weather and often cheaper prices, travelling in May brings plenty of benefits, but choose your destination wisely, as certain parts of the world might have more tropical seasons. Places like the Canary Islands and Morocco enjoy sunshine and comfortable temperatures between April and June, while cities like Paris, Berlin and New York have much more enjoyable weather than the heat of July and August.
The UK
As the days get longer and the weather is much more mild, staying the UK is a great option if you don't fancy the stress of airports and are keen to explore more of the country on a staycation. Places like Scotland like the highlands and islands are truly beautiful in May with much less chance of rain, but lush green landscapes still on offer.
The Algarve
What makes the Algarve such a good destination in May? The tourists are only just starting to flock here so it's not yet packed with holidaymakers. The weather can be gorgeously sunny and yet not too hot, making days by the beach and alfresco dining in the evening perfect.
Norwegian Fjords
While winter time in the Nordics can often be a bit bleak, late spring provides a much better setting, and what better way to see the dramatic landscape and cute little towns. Cruise companies like P&O Cruises, NCL and Royal Caribbean all offer a range of cruises to the Norwegian Fjords from the UK.
The Bahamas
Just before the typical rainy and hurricane season, May in the Bahamas offers fewer tourists, slightly lower prices than December or January, yet still outstanding weather. Flying direct, you'll land in Nassau where some of the biggest resort hotels are like the Atlantis Bahamas (on Paradise Island), Margaritaville Beach Resort and the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
May Bank Holidays
There are generally two bank holidays in May, one at the start (Early May Bank Holiday) and one at the end (Spring Bank Holiday). With long weekends you get to use less annual leave, but demand increases and prices can skyrocket. If you're hoping to get away over one of these weekends, it's best to book early! The two bank holidays are:
2025
Monday 5th May - Early May Bank Holiday
Monday 26th May - Spring Bank Holiday
2026
Monday 4th May - Early May Bank Holiday
Monday 25th May - Spring Bank Holiday
School Holidays
School holidays in May can vary from area to area. The typical May half term holiday is a week, however, some schools often increase this to two weeks. Demand and therefore prices on getaways will be higher than other times of the year. Many hotels in places like Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria are only just opening up so there may be some deals to be had, and don't forget free child place offers, which can help save money too!
Holiday Types In May
Last Minute Breaks
If you're looking to escape around the bank holidays or half term holidays, it's definitely best to book this in advance to make sure you aren't disappointed. Book early and low deposits could even be possible, allowing you to pay the rest of the balance off over time.
All Inclusive Holidays
If you're conscious of money, going all inclusive can help with that. Knowing that pretty much all of your costs (if just staying within the confines of the hotel) are already paid for means you don't have to worry about spending much more, especially if things like airport transfers are included already.
Family Friendly Holidays
For a family friendly beach break, the weather in May in many European destinations is usually mild and enjoyable. The Balearic Islands, Cyprus and Malta are all great examples of this, and there are plenty of family hotels and resorts offering kids clubs, waterslides and much more too.
Villa Holidays
When visiting as a group outside of holidays, villa holidays in May might be more your thing. Tour operators like Jet2Villas and TUI even include car hire for your stay so you've got the freedom to get about, going shopping for food at your local supermarket, or head out and discover more of the destination. Villa prices are usually much less in springtime than the summer.
Book The Best Deals
Tour Operators
Keep an eye out for the best deals in May with top tour operators and travel agents like TUI, Jet2holidays and loveholidays, or speak with your local travel agent like Hays Travel or Kuoni. Booking a flight inclusive package that's ATOL protected is always recommended for your financial protection, but you may also find cheaper breaks when booking your flight and accommodation separately, like with easyJet or Ryanair with an apartment on Airbnb or Booking.com.
Finding Deals
There are always loads of deals and offers to keep an eye out for. From discount codes on Caribbean holidays to free child place holidays in Turkey, you'll often find something to help reduce the price of your getaway. In fact, free kids places are often available during the school half term holidays too.
Latest Holiday Offers For May
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