Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Bali + Nusa Penida
Dry-season surf with shoulder-season calm.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
May · Pre-summer luxury
Where to Go in May: Ocean-Led Pre-Summer Escapes
Avoid peak European crowds with an ocean-led holiday.
May overview
The ocean in May
May is one of the most underrated months for ocean travel. Indonesia and the South Pacific are typically entering their best surf season, French Polynesia’s drier months begin, and Portugal’s beaches are still calm before summer.
Climate and conditions
Southern-hemisphere winter swells strengthen; the Maldives transitions toward the south-west monsoon. Atlantic Europe is warming.
For European travellers
Avoid peak summer prices and crowds. May bank holidays create natural long-weekend windows for Portugal.
Best-fit destinations
Where to go in May
-
- Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Mentawai Islands
The main season typically gets under way, often with quieter line-ups.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- South Pacific
Fiji
Fiji
Surf season and improving dive visibility.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- South Pacific
France (overseas collectivity)
French Polynesia
The drier season typically begins; south swells start to arrive.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- May to Dec
-
Maldives
Maldives
Transition month, often good value with manta activity starting on some atolls.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Dec
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Portugal
Quiet beaches and spring swell.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
Also often in season in May
Read next
Best Summer Surf Holidays for Europeans
Summer does not have to mean the same beach every year. Stay close to home, choose an Atlantic island or fly far for warm reef waves.
Fiji vs French Polynesia: Which Luxury Pacific Escape Is Better?
Two very different Pacific dreams: one built around the wave, the other around the lagoon.
Luxury Surf Resorts vs Surf Charters: Which Is Better?
A resort gives you a base. A charter gives you mobility. One question decides which is right for you.
Surf and Dive
Plan Your Next Ocean Escape
Shortlisted a destination for May? Read its destination page for surf, diving, freediving, luxury and planning notes.