April showers will soon give way to longer days, more frequent sunny weather, and warmer weather in May.
Last year, the average temperature in the UK in May was around 11°C; It rose to 25°C in North Wales by the end of the month.
We will probably see a similar trend this year; This means it’s best to prepare for sunny weather and showers.
While the weather in May in the UK is generally quite pleasant as long as you’re wearing a jacket, those looking for somewhere a little warmer can also get a tan from Europe’s various hotspots that promise to crank up the temperature.
From city breaks to gorgeous beaches, there are many European destinations just a few hours away. Fortunately, flights are quite affordable for now; But don’t wait too long.
For some inspiration, here are eight holiday destinations you can fly direct from London in May, all with average temperatures of 20°C or warmer.
Do you want to escape from the summer holiday crowds? Why not book a holiday a little earlier and visit these scorching hot spots in May instead?
Rhodes, 22°C
Londoners can fly direct to Greece from Stanstead, Gatwick and Luton in four hours for as little as £60 one-way.
Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is currently recording sunny days and temperatures above 20°C.
Known for its beaches, ruined churches and castles, this area has plenty to do and plenty of places to relax if all you want to do is do nothing.
Dive into the Mediterranean or enjoy delicious Greek cuisine while exploring Rhodes.
Formentera, 23°C
Often overshadowed by its party-loving neighbor Ibiza, Formentera is best loved for its long sandy beaches and clear waters, making it the perfect beach holiday island.
The Spanish island is ideal for snorkeling and sailing, with equipment rental and boat rental options available.
British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet offer direct flights to the island, and it takes just over two hours to fly there.
You are also generally exposed to higher temperatures than mainland Spain, although sometimes more unpredictable.
Madrid, 22°
If you’d rather escape the city, Madrid has the same Spanish warmth but also offers shopping, restaurants and other traditional comforts.
Spain’s capital gets even busier in May, as tourists flock to the cosmopolitan center to enjoy cultural attractions before the weather gets too hot.
The Prado Museum is known for its rich collections of European art, including works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters.
With daytime temperatures hovering around 22°C, nothing beats a pitcher of cool sangria and tasty tapas after you’ve ticked off all the galleries.
The streets of Madrid are a work of art in themselves, with a variety of architectural styles.
Lisbon, 22°C
If you love cream pies, breathtaking coastlines and a thriving city full of color and music, look no further than Lisbon.
As a coastal city, Portugal’s capital is remarkably rugged. However, the city’s sights are worth trying, with the pastel-coloured buildings of the Old Town providing a gorgeous backdrop.
There are plenty of gorgeous beaches just a stone’s throw from the city and plenty of history and culture to enjoy.
One-way flights are currently as cheap as £40 on Skyscanner, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beauty of Portugal next month.
Athens, 25°
Athens, the capital of Greece, is the perfect destination for holidaymakers looking for sunshine, culture and delicious food.
Athens was once the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire, which means there’s plenty of history to uncover, including the impressive Acropolis.
The sprawling city offers plenty of food and drink and there is easy access to other Greek islands. Even better, you’re almost guaranteed a full day of sunshine and a maximum temperature of 25°C.
Antalya, 26°
Our only non-European destination on this list, Antalya is also one of the hottest spots Brits can reach with an affordable flight from the UK.
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, but its southern coastline currently experiences the hottest temperatures.
For as little as £65, you can catch a direct flight to Antalya one-way in just over four hours.
This destination is all about luxury resorts, turquoise waters and enjoying a relaxing slice of paradise on the Mediterranean.
Fine, 20°C
Nice, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes region on the French Riviera, enjoys its location on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges.
Founded by the Greeks, Nice captures the same Mediterranean pace of life. This was the refuge of the 19th century European elite.
The city also has a long history of art; former resident Henri Matisse is commemorated by a collection of paintings at the Musée Matisse.
Rome, 24°
Italy has it all: gorgeous cities, gorgeous coastal regions, mountain escapes, and plenty of Aperol (an Italian bitter aperitif made from gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients).
Another ancient city ready to explore, Rome has the Colosseum, lively street life and the best Italian cuisine. Flights in May are around £30, making it one of the most affordable getaways on our list.
Italy’s capital is a metropolitan hub offering everything from spas to museums, galleries and bars. You can expect top temperatures of 25°C, making May the perfect time to explore the crowds that flock there during the summer months.
The Amalfi coast and Pompeii are also a day trip away.