The best places to visit in May

It is not as popular as Rome, Milan, or Venice, but if you want to really immerse yourself in local life, Turin is one of the top choices.

One of the best things about visiting Turin in May is the weather: it is pleasantly cool, with temperatures of approximately 20°C, making walking around a pleasure. The city has one of the most extensive collections of Baroque, Renaissance, Rockoco and Neo-classical architecture in the world.

Turin is a foodie city, and it is also 50 km from the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement, Bra. Truffles, cheeses, wines, and chocolates are all popular, but the native Bicerin cannot be missed. This hot drink is made in a round glass with espresso, chocolate, and whole milk expertly layered within.

It is easy to forget that Turin was the original capital of Italy. However, many tourists are genuinely surprised to learn about the former house of the Italian royal family, the House of Savoy, which always reminds them of the city’s political and cultural significance.

May is the best month to visit Mykonos. The temperature was pleasantly warm—during the day, it hovered closer to 23 degrees Celsius, although it slightly decreased in the evening to 16 degrees Celsius. The evenings with cool sea breezes are perfect for exploring narrow, winding streets with white houses and blue-domed churches.

There is plenty to do on Mykonos, besides the beaches and Aegean waters, you can also explore a lot of historical relics. For example, do not miss the iconic 16th-century windmills in Chora, which offer a beautiful view of the town and sea.

The local cuisine is delicious and straightforward. For food, it is best to try moussaka, made with eggplants, mince, and bechamel sauce, and tyrokafteri, a spicy cheese spread.

One unknown fact is that Mykonos is a paradise for fans of contemporary art. Many art galleries abound in the city center, which exhibits artists from all over the country and abroad.

Chiang Mai in May is worth visiting because of the Visakha Bucha Day – one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar. This holiday commemorates the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of Buddha in Nirvana.

It is marked by saffron-clad monks bearing candles, flowers, and incense from early morning processions all over the city leading to the temples. It is a sight to behold. There is a more pragmatic thing that makes Chiang Mai in May attractive – it is just the beginning of the green season.

May is a lovely month to explore the nearby mountains and countryside with sprawling green rice terraces and lush wildlife. Most people are unaware that Chiang Mai is home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon.

Let’s not forget about the food scene. Everyone knows about Pad Thai and green curry. Few people, however, are privy to khao soi—a coconut noodle soup, a staple in the country's north, that is a must-try.

May in Yosemite is a revelation to travelers breaking away from their routines. As spring’s grip tightens, the snow-covered areas of Yosemite start to thaw. Chains of waterfalls are then freed, running at a velocity that no other season can match. The Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, roars back to life, its mist forming rainbows in the sunlight- residents and tourists hear its echo across the valley.

Fans of flora are spoiled with numerous beauties – the meadows are filled with wildflowers blooming, painting the area in red, blue, yellow, and violet against a backdrop of green. The spectacle is complemented by delicate dogwood flowers resembling nature’s snowflakes.

May also marks the start of the national park’s guest programs. Ranger guides, who teach tourists everything about Yosemite’s geology, history, and wild nature, appear. Black bears come out of hibernation and can be found looking for food near trees or meadows. Multiple migratory bird species also return to the national park, providing a melodic background for peaceful wilderness.

Summer crowds invade Yosemite during the summer, but May attractions have few guests. This gives the impression of isolation and room to roam, allowing you to enjoy the national park away from the crowds.

Canada may sound cold for many people, but Montreal in May is a different scene. As the winter starts to recede, the numerous parks and gardens in the city brightly blossoms in cherry trees and tulips. Mount Royal Park, which offers an impressive view of the city and the St. Lawrence River, offers picnic spots and an ideal setting for a light evening walk – the park’s designer also came up with Central Park in New York.

Montreal locals, who are multilingual and speak both French and English, are very welcoming, and their cuisine reflects this. Street vendors, local restaurants, and cafes set up shop on the roads as temperatures rise above 60, serving their tasty cuisine, including mouthwatering poutine and a wide array of artisanal bread and pastries.

Throughout May, Montreal hosts several festivals. The Festival TransAmériques is international, with acts of great dance and theatre from artists across the globe. Similarly, Montreal Museums Day, which occurs late in May when about 30 Montreal museums open for everyone for free, is a must-attend for art and history lovers. However, you must come with a good raincoat as May has occasional showers. Nevertheless, the cultural dynamism that Montreal displays in May is worth experiencing.