May Bucket List: 39 Epic Adventures to Check Off This Month

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If there’s one thing I know as a full-time adventurer, it’s that every month offers a new opportunity to chase unforgettable experiences, and your May Bucket List is not going to disappoint! 

This bucket list is designed to help you find the best experiences for this time of year—whether you crave adrenaline, cultural immersion, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

My mission? To help you conquer your adventure bucket list with expert tips, hidden gems, and the kind of inspiration that gets you booking flights instead of just dreaming about it. 

So grab your gear, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the 39 best things to do in May! 

Why Travel in May?

May is that magical in-between month where you get the perks of great weather, fewer crowds, and often lower prices—all before the peak summer rush kicks in.

Here’s why May is the perfect time to check off a few bucket list adventures:

Perfect Weather in Many Destinations

In the Northern Hemisphere, spring is in full bloom, offering mild temperatures and stunning landscapes.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the shoulder season, meaning pleasant weather without the summer heat.

Fewer Crowds, More Authentic Experiences

May sits right before peak tourist season in many places, meaning you can explore iconic destinations without the overwhelming crowds.

Think Machu Picchu with fewer hikers, Greek Islands without packed beaches, and European cities that still feel local.

Lower Prices on Flights & Accommodations

With summer vacations still a few weeks away, airlines and hotels often offer better deals.

Whether you’re booking a luxury escape or a budget-friendly backpacking trip, your money goes further in May.

Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders

Hike the Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic bucket list experiences, hiking the Great Wall of China in May offers ideal weather—cooler temperatures and lush green surroundings. 

Whether you choose the restored Mutianyu section or the rugged, wild Jiankou section, the views and history will leave you in awe.

Check out my experience hiking the Great Wall of China👇

Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands

Springtime in Scotland means lush green landscapes, blooming heather, and fewer tourists. 

Drive the North Coast 500 route for dramatic coastlines, fairy-tale castles, and maybe even a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster.

Hike to Fairy Meadows, Pakistan

Considered one of the most breathtaking places in the world, Fairy Meadows offers panoramic views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth. 

The trek is challenging but rewarding, and May’s mild temperatures make it the perfect time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

Sandboard in the Namib Desert, Namibia

Swap snow for sand and carve down the surreal dunes of Sossusvlei or  Swakopmund. Sandboarding here is an adrenaline rush like no other. 

May is in shoulder season so you might get better prices.

Looking to see what sandboarding is like? Check out my vlog!

See the World’s Largest Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland, Canada

May is peak season for spotting massive icebergs drifting down from the Arctic, creating a surreal and unforgettable seascape along the Newfoundland coast. 

Take a boat tour or kayak among these frozen giants for a truly unique adventure.

Witness the Baby Turtle Hatchings in Costa Rica

May is a magical time to see baby sea turtles make their first journey to the ocean. Visit Ostional or Tortuguero for a chance to witness this incredible natural event.

Dive the Great Blue Hole, Belize

One of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Great Blue Hole is a 400-foot-deep marine sinkhole filled with crystal-clear waters, stalactites, and diverse marine life. 

May is a fantastic time to visit because of temperature and the rainy season hasn’t kicked in yet. 

If you aren’t a fan of diving, you can fly over it like in this Belize tour.

Cultural Festivals & Unique Events

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, Mexico

Skip the Americanized versions of this holiday and head to Puebla, where the Battle of Puebla is commemorated with parades, traditional dances, and amazing street food.

Don’t forget to try mole poblano, the region’s famous dish.

Walk Through Japan’s Pink Moss Fields (Shibazakura Festival)

Forget cherry blossoms—May is all about the vibrant pink moss that carpets the fields at the base of Mount Fuji. 

Read More – Japan Bucket List

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is one of Japan’s most underrated natural spectacles, offering breathtaking floral landscapes with a perfect view of Japan’s iconic mountain.

Attend the Chelsea Flower Show in London

A dream for garden lovers, this event showcases stunning floral displays and groundbreaking garden designs.

Held in late May, it’s a chance to see the work of the world’s best horticulturists.

Experience the Cannes Film Festival in France

Rub shoulders with A-listers at the most prestigious film festival in the world.

Even if you can’t get a ticket to a screening, the atmosphere in Cannes is electric, with yacht parties, red carpet events, and exclusive afterparties.

Experience the Lantern Floating Festival in Hawaii

On Memorial Day, thousands of glowing lanterns are set afloat off the shores of Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu.

This peaceful ceremony, known as the Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival, honors loved ones who have passed, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene at sunset.

Celebrate Feria de Abril in Seville, Spain

Seville’s legendary April Fair (which often extends into early May) is an explosion of Andalusian culture. 

Expect flamenco dancers, horse parades, and colorful casetas (tents) where locals feast on tapas and dance until sunrise.

Attend the Festival of Roses, Morocco

Every May, the town of Kalaat M’Gouna bursts into celebration with its annual Festival of Roses. 

Wander through petal-covered streets, watch camel parades, and enjoy traditional Berber music in a town famous for its fragrant rose fields.

Experience the Electric Island Music Festival, Toronto, Canada

For music lovers, this one’s a dream. Every May, Toronto’s Electric Island Festival turns a remote island park into a pulsating dance music paradise. 

Picture world-class DJs, an epic location, and an open-air vibe that makes it one of the most unique music festivals in North America.

Adventurous Things to Do in May

Splash in Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

The weather is perfect in May—warm but not scorching hot! Late May is also peak water flow for Medano Creek. 

Don’t forget to rent a sandboard and carve down the tallest dunes in North America.

Sail the Greek Islands

May offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Sail around Santorini, Mykonos, or less-touristy islands like Milos and Naxos.

Explore Petra, Jordan

Step into the ancient world by visiting Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

The iconic Treasury, carved into red sandstone cliffs, is even more magical in May’s comfortable weather before the scorching summer heat arrives.

Stroll Through the Ruins of Baalbek, Lebanon

Few travelers know about Baalbek, Lebanon’s answer to the Roman Colosseum. With its grand temples and well-preserved ruins, this ancient site rivals the best of Rome. 

May’s cooler days make it an ideal time to wander through these mesmerizing ruins at your own pace.

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

May is one of the best months for the Inca Trail as it is at the start of dry season. 

It offers clear skies, lush greenery, and fewer tourists than peak season. Book your permits early!

I ended up doing a monster 7 day hike over Salkantay and the Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions (50+ miles and climbing to over 17,000 feet).

If your left eye just twitched reading that, don’t panic! They have some shorter hikes👇

Wander the Alhambra Palace, Spain

A masterpiece of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace in Granada is a breathtaking fortress filled with intricate tilework, grand halls, and lush gardens. 

May’s springtime bloom enhances the beauty of its Generalife Gardens, making it an unforgettable experience.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, California

One of the greatest road trips in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway offers endless coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. 

May is an ideal time to go, with wildflowers in bloom and fewer crowds before summer tourism peaks. Stop at Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu for the ultimate California adventure.

I would recommend some sort of self-guided audio tour:

Don’t want to drive yourself? No problem!

Food & Drink Experiences in May

Sip Champagne in the Vineyards of France

May is an excellent time to visit Champagne country, with vineyard tours, tastings, and blooming countryside views.

Taste Wine in Tuscany, Italy

Spring in Tuscany means new vintages, beautiful rolling hills, and fewer tourists in the famous wine regions like Chianti and Montepulciano.

Eat Your Way Through Tokyo’s Street Food Scene

May is a great time to explore Tokyo, from Tsukiji Outer Market’s fresh sushi to Harajuku’s quirky desserts.

Once, I had a giant (and I mean GIANT) cotton candy in Harajuku while wearing a kimono!

Bucket List-Worthy Hikes

Conquer Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Permits open for the season in May, making it one of the best times to tackle this epic hike.

I hiked Half Dome in September, but I wished I would have in late May for the chance to see better waterfalls along the way (Nevada and Vernal). 

Since this hike is a little sketchy, I would consider hiring a guide or going with a company👇

Trek Through the Lofoten Islands, Norway

With mild weather and midnight sun approaching, May is a stunning time to hike to views like Reinebringen.

Be warned, it might still be a little chilly during this time so I would aim to visit in late May.

If it is too chilly to hike, you could always take a cruise!

Hike the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii

This breathtaking but challenging 11 mile backpacking trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is a true bucket list adventure! 

Check camping permits and permits required for hiking past Hanakapi’ai Valley.

Summit Mount Fuji Before the Crowds Arrive

While the official climbing season starts in July, experienced hikers can tackle Mount Fuji in late May before the summer rush. 

Snow may still be on the upper trails, so gear up properly (and hire a guide), but the stunning sunrise views over Japan make it totally worth it.

Plus, you get a winter mountaineering experience.

Hidden Gems & Underrated Bucket List Experiences

Sleep Under the Stars in the White Desert, Egypt

Most travelers visit Egypt for the pyramids, but few venture into the surreal landscapes of the White Desert. 

May is the start of summer, making it perfect for an overnight camping experience among ghostly white rock formations sculpted by the wind. 

You may get some heat, but it is nothing compared to the middle of summer. 

With zero light pollution, the stargazing is next-level!

Explore the Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

Tucked away in Puerto Princesa, this UNESCO-listed underground river is one of the longest navigable subterranean rivers in the world. 

May’s dry weather makes for a smooth boat ride through eerie limestone caves filled with stalactites, bats, and hidden chambers.

Discover the Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru

Skip the crowds at Machu Picchu and head to the lesser-known Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. 

These floating islands, constructed from layers of totora reeds, are home to indigenous communities with a fascinating way of life. 

May offers great weather and clear skies for exploring the highest navigable lake in the world.

Go Ice Caving in Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier

Most travelers think ice caves are only accessible in winter, but in May, the tunnels in Langjökull Glacier remain open, offering a mesmerizing experience inside bright blue ice chambers. 

It’s a stunning and unique way to experience Iceland beyond its waterfalls and hot springs.

Hike Through the Otherworldly Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

This national park is home to a bizarre limestone forest, filled with razor-sharp pinnacles, hanging bridges, and hidden caves. 

May marks the start of the dry season, making it the perfect time to explore this remote, almost alien-like landscape.

Spot Narwhals in Nunavut, Canada

If seeing a real-life unicorn of the sea is on your bucket list, May is the time to head to the Arctic waters of Nunavut. 

As the ice begins to break up, narwhals migrate through the region, offering one of the best (and rarest) wildlife encounters on Earth.

Explore the Abandoned Village of Kayaköy, Turkey

Nestled near Fethiye, this eerie ghost town was abandoned in the 1920s and remains frozen in time. 

Wander through empty stone houses and churches, then hike up for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. 

May’s pleasant temperatures make it the ideal time to explore without the summer heat.

Extreme Adventures To do in May

Skydiving Over Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken’s snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes make for an epic skydiving backdrop in May.

Not into skydiving? Go paragliding instead! 👇

Go Canyoning in Madeira, Portugal

Jump, slide, and rappel through waterfalls in one of Europe’s best canyoning destinations.

Try Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Sandboarding down an active volcano? Yes, please! Cerro Negro is the only place in the world where you can do it.

Final Thoughts: Make May an Unforgettable Adventure

Every month brings new opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and experience the world in a way that makes your heart race and your soul sing. 

May is no exception. Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, camping under star-filled skies, or exploring hidden corners of the world, these adventures are waiting for you to say yes.

As a full-time adventurer, I know firsthand that the best experiences don’t happen by accident—they happen when you make them a priority. 

So don’t just bookmark this list or file it away for someday. Choose one (or more!) of these experiences, make a plan, and take action. Your next great adventure is closer than you think.

So, where will May take you? Drop a comment, share your plans, and let’s make this month one for the bucket list books! 

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