by April showers will soon lead to longer days, more frequent sunny spells, and warmer weather in May.
Last year, the average UK temperature in May was around 11℃ — rising to 25℃ in north Wales at the end of the month.
We’re likely to see a similar trend this year, which means it’s best to prepare for sunny spells and showers.
While the UK weather in May is usually quite pleasant as long as you’re wearing a jacket, those looking for somewhere warmer can boost their tan from some European locations that promise the heat to increase.
From city breaks to stunning beaches, there are plenty of European destinations just a few hours away. Luckily, flights are pretty affordable right now – but don’t wait around.
To give you some inspiration, here are eight holiday destinations you can fly direct to from London in May, all with average temperatures of 20℃ or higher.
Want to avoid the summer holiday crowds? Why not book your holiday earlier and visit these awesome locations in May instead?
Roads, 22 ℃
From as little as £60 one way, Londoners can fly direct from Stanstead, Gatwick and Luton to Greece in under four hours.
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodonic islands in Greece, is already recording sunny days and temperatures above 20℃.
Famous for its beaches and various ruined churches and castles, there is plenty to do and plenty of places to drop by if you just want to do nothing.
Take a swim in the Mediterranean, or enjoy some delicious Greek cuisine while exploring Rhodes.
Formatting, 23 ℃
Often overshadowed by its party-loving neighbour, Ibiza, Formentera is loved for its long beaches and clear water, making it the ultimate beach holiday island.
The Spanish island is ideal for snorkelling and sailing, and equipment hire and boat charters are available.
British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet 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 gets busier in May as tourists flock to the cosmopolitan center to soak up the cultural sights before it gets too hot.
It is famous for its rich collections of European art, including the Prado Museum works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
With daytime temperatures around 22℃, nothing beats a cool jug of sangria and some tasty tapas after you’ve ticked off all the galleries.
The streets of Madrid are an art in themselves, with different architectural styles to match.
Lisbon, 22 ℃
If you like custard tarts, stunning coastlines, and a thriving city full of color and music, look no further than Lisbon.
For a coastal city, the Portuguese capital is extremely hilly. However, the views of the city are well worth the effort, with the pastel buildings of the Old Town a stunning backdrop.
There are many gorgeous beaches just a stone’s throw from the city – and plenty of history and culture to enjoy.
One-way flights are as cheap as £40 on Skyscanner right now, 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 vacationers looking for sunshine, culture, and delicious food.
Athens was once at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire, which means there’s plenty of history to uncover, including the impressive Acropolis.
There is plenty of food and drink available in the sprawling city, and other Greek islands are easily accessible. Even better, you are almost guaranteed full days of sunshine and highs of 25℃.
Antalya, 26 ℃
Antalya is our only non-European destination on this list, and is one of the hottest places Brits can get to with an affordable flight from the UK.
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, but most of the heat is already on its southern coast.
For as little as £65, you can catch a direct one-way flight to Antalya in just over four hours.
This destination is all about the luxury resorts, turquoise waters and simply switch off and enjoy a relaxing slice of paradise on the Med.
Beautiful, 20 ℃
As the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Nice enjoys its location on the steep shores of the Baie des Anges.
Founded by the Greeks, Nice takes the same pace of life in the Mediterranean. It used to be the backdrop of the European elite of the 19th century.
The city also has a long artistic history, and former resident Henri Matisse is remembered through a collection of paintings at the Musée Matisse.
Rome, 24 ℃
Italy has it all: stunning cities, stunning coastal regions, mountain getaways, and plenty of Aperol (a bitter Italian apéritif made from caraway, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients).
Another ancient city ready for you to explore, Rome has the Colosseum, a vibrant street life, and some of the best Italian cuisine. Flights in May are around £30, making it one of the most affordable travel routes on our list.
The Italian capital is a city hub, offering everything from spas to museums, galleries to bars. You can expect highs of 25℃, making May a great time to explore the crowds during the summer.
The Amalfi coast and Pompeii are also a day trip away.
