5 warm travel destinations where you can already enjoy a summer vacation without traveling far

If you’re not just looking for sunshine but truly warm temperatures in May, you might still be disappointed closer to home. Luckily, there are plenty of warm travel destinations in May that you can reach quickly – without a long-haul flight.

The sun is always shining somewhere in the world — the only question is how far you have to travel to find it. But not everyone has the time or budget for a long-haul trip. The good news: there are plenty of warm travel destinations in May that are quick and easy to reach. Perfect for a long weekend or a spontaneous getaway and ideal for soaking up some early sunshine while it’s still chilly at home. Here are a few places that are especially worth it.

The most beautiful warm travel destinations in May

Marrakech, Morocco

Das Hotel La Mamounia in Marrakesch

I visited Marrakech for the first time in 2022 and was already surprised before I even left: 35°C in March! It’s hard to believe you can reach such intense summer heat in under four hours from, in my case, Germany. To be on the safe side, I packed sweaters and long trousers alongside light dresses, but didn’t need them once. It was consistently hot during the day, and even at night temperatures rarely dropped below 20°C. My tip: definitely book a hotel or riad with a pool. In these temperatures, a quick way to cool off every now and then is absolutely essential.

Temperatures in spring: up to 35 °C

Flight time: 3.5 hours (from Frankfurt)

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Canary Islands, Spain

Eine Bucht auf der Insel Lanzarote

Among the most popular islands of the Canary Islands are Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife. Even though it’s not yet extremely hot in May, you can usually expect pleasantly warm temperatures between 20 and 25°C. Ideal for escaping spring at home. The islands are perfect for active days: whether hiking, exploring, or simply wandering through charming villages. It’s best to think about what you want from your trip and choose the island that fits you best. On Tenerife, for example, you can climb the impressive Pico del Teide volcano or relax on one of the many beaches. Fuerteventura is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially kitesurfers, thanks to its constant wind. Gran Canaria is particularly family-friendly, with countless beaches, beautiful promenades, and great food. Lanzarote, on the other hand, stands out with its unique volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and scenic hiking trails.

Temperature in spring: up to 25 °C

Flight time: approx. 4.5 hours from Germany

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Hurghada, Egypt

In Egypt, temperatures climb well above 20°C even in spring. Here you can not only bask in the sun, enjoy great food, and truly unwind, but also swim in the Red Sea. The water temperature reaches around 23°C as early as April and May, which makes Hurghada a real paradise for divers and snorkelers. Just off the coast, a vibrant underwater world awaits — without having to travel all the way to Thailand, the Maldives, or the Great Barrier Reef. It’s best to book a package holiday so everything is included and you’re covered by the tour operator.

Temperatures in spring: up to 28 °C

Flight time: 4 hours (from Munich)

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Mallorca, Spain

Die Bucht von Portals Vells

In spring, Mallorca is already wonderfully warm, with mostly sunny weather. While the Mediterranean Sea can still be a bit too cool for swimming, it’s perfect for soaking up the sun. During the day, shorts, dresses, and t-shirts are definitely the way to go. Summer season starts as early as April, and most restaurants and cafés reopen, so you can finally sit outside again and enjoy the island atmosphere. This time of year is especially ideal for exploring nature and going on hikes. Everything is in bloom, the landscapes are lush and green, and the island isn’t overcrowded yet. By the way, you can find the most beautiful hiking trails in western Mallorca here.

Temperatures in spring: around 22 °C

Flight time: approx. 2.5 hours from Germany

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Madrid, Spain

If you’re more in the mood for a city break than a beach holiday, you’ll find plenty of warmth and sunshine in Madrid as early as May. Temperatures already reach around 25°C in spring, and the best way to enjoy it is in one of the countless cafés, restaurants, or on rooftop terraces. While the Spanish (it seems) do this all year round, it’s especially enjoyable when the weather is this warm. The best way to experience the city is to hop from one tapas bar to the next and explore the city in between. Tip 1: Wear comfortable shoes and book a walking tour to discover the sights. Tip 2: Spend an evening in an authentic flamenco bar. Tip 3: Try the world-famous churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. Tip 4: Be sure to book a table at SAU in the Lavapiés district. They have incredibly good food in a really cool atmosphere. I’m pretty sure these guys will get their first Michelin star soon – so go before it gets too hyped.

Temperatures in spring: up to 25 °C

Flight time: 2 hours 40 minutes (from Frankfurt)

Have fun on your next trip :-)