Where's hot in May for a last-minute holiday?

If the UK’s unpredictable weather has got you craving hotter climes abroad, we’ve rounded up six destinations to inspire a last-minute escape. 

Discover quieter resorts along the Costa del Sol, or fly and flop on the idyllic shores of Barbados. For something different, look to Albania for historic towns, vast mountainscapes and empty beaches.

We also recommend an Italian escape, island hopping in Croatia, and a city break in Singapore.

Check with booking.com to easily compare and find accommodation deals.

Booking.com is the top-rated hotel-booking site in our survey and received five stars for its flexibility. Most bookings can be cancelled at short notice without penalty. The only way to be sure you've found the best rate is to call or email the hotel directly.

Where’s hottest in Europe for May?

Costa del Sol, Spain

Average maximum temperature: 23°C

The Costa del Sol is one of the hottest regions in Spain in May.

Beyond its sandy beaches and golf resorts, Malaga offers an array of outdoor activities - from walking routes and jeep tours to rock-climbing, caving and bungee jumping further inland.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, head to Marbella for glamorous beach resorts, high-end restaurants, shopping malls and yacht-lined marinas - you may even spot a celebrity or two.

Check with booking.com to find and compare accommodation deals in the Costa del Sol.

Find a Costa del Sol holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Hays, Jet2, Kuoni, Trailfinders, Saga.

Croatia

Average maximum temperature: 21°C

Enjoy Croatia’s scenic national parks and historic beach towns without the crowds in May.

Dubrovnik and Split are ideal bases for exploring the islands off the Dalmatian coast, as well as having plenty of attractions of their own. Discover 16th century architecture, museums, and parks in Dubrovnik and view it all from a cable car ride to the top of the hill.

Korcula and Zadar are the hottest parts of Croatia in May with average temperatures of 22°C. Known as little Dubrovnik for its medieval old town, Korcula is also home to unspoilt beaches and acres of vineyards and olive groves.

If you're staying in the north, visit the fishing port town of Rovinj to find cobbled streets and colourful houses spilling over the hill, crowned by an 18th century basilica.

Search booking.com for accommodation deals in Croatia.

Find a Croatia holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Hays, Jet2, Kuoni, Trailfinders, Saga.

Sicily, Italy

Average maximum temperature: 21°C

Home to Mount Etna and relics of ancient Greece, Sicily’s strong connection to its past is one of the top reasons to visit.

To unwind on a beach with views of Mount Etna, base yourself in either Taormina, a pleasant 21°C in May, or Catania, which can reach highs of 24°C. From there, you can do a day trip to one of the island’s most popular ancient sites -  the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento (2 to 2.5 hours by car).

Alternatively, stay in the capital of Palermo, with its 12th Century royal cathedral, catacombs, theatres and museums. Temperatures here hover around 21°C. Elsewhere, the mercury reaches 19°C in Cefalu and 23°C in Syracuse.

Check with booking.com to easily compare and find accommodation deals in Sicily.

Find a Sicily holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Hays, Jet2, Kuoni, Trailfinders, Saga.

Albania

Average maximum temperature: 23°C

Whether you're craving a cultural city break, an active walking holiday or some relaxation on the beach, Albania has it all. You'll likely find fewer crowds and lower prices too, compared with more popular European destinations.

With highs of 24°C, the port city of Durres is one of the hottest parts of Albania in May. As the country's oldest city, there's plenty of historic architecture to explore including its Roman amphitheatre and 9th century church with its mosaic covered walls. Durres is close to the country's capital, Tirana.

The Accursed Mountains (aka the Albanian Alps) connect Albania to its Balkan neighbours, Kosovo and Montenegro, and offer walking and cycling routes past sleepy villages and pristine lakes.

Looking for something less active? Take your pick of beach towns from Vlorueb and Palasueb in the north to Sarandueb and Ksamil in the south. All average a comfortable 23°C in May.

Go to booking.com to find where to stay in Albania.

Find an Albania holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Trailfinders, Saga.

Long-haul destinations to visit in May

Barbados

Average maximum temperature: 31°C

With highs of 31°C and nine hours of sunshine per day, May is the month to soak up some vitamin D before the rainy season.

In the capital of Bridgetown, you'll find dreamy beaches as well as a wide range of hotels, restaurants and bars. Simply relax on the warm sand or opt for snorkelling, surfing or diving, before enjoying the catch of the day by sunset.

Compare accommodation offers on  booking.com for your holiday to  Barbados.

Find a Barbados holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Hays, Kuoni, Trailfinders, Saga.

Singapore

Average maximum temperature: 31°C

Singapore’s harmonious blend of nature and modern architecture attracts millions of visitors each year. Nowhere showcases this better than Gardens by the Bay, a series of artistic structures with magnificent gardens, trees and plants forming part of the installations.

Below the city’s modern high rises, you'll find many cultural influences - from traditional Chinese temples and mosques, to historic neighbourhoods such as Geylang, the old Malay quarter (now the red light district), Chinatown and Little India.

As a global city it celebrates a range of festivals. Time it right this May and you can experience the celebration of Gautama Buddha's life, when Buddhists mark the occasion with spectacular lights, music, food and dancing.

Check with booking.com to easily compare accommodation deals in Singapore.

Find a Singapore holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider: Kuoni, Trailfinders.

Know before you go

Some countries may still have Covid-related entry requirements, so check gov.uk before booking. Remember, travel restrictions can still change at the last minute, so always follow the latest guidance from the FCDO. If you can, try to book your holiday as a package through a provider with flexible booking policies to reduce the hassle, should your trip get cancelled due to Covid restrictions or strikes. Travel insurance is a must and the good news is the best cover isn't always the most expensive.

Weather data from Weather2travel.com.