Best Places to Cruise in May

Offering the ideal combination of spring awakening in the Northern Hemisphere, great weather conditions all around, and amazing value for informed tourists, May turns out to be among the most remarkable months of cruising.

As spring reaches full bloom and summer approaches, May presents unmatched opportunities to experience destinations during their most spectacular seasonal transitions. From Alaska's wildlife awakening to the Mediterranean's perfect sunshine, May provides access to some of the world's most compelling cruise destinations during their ideal conditions, making it an exceptional time for both cultural discovery and natural wonder exploration.

Alaska's Wilderness Awakening

May marks the beginning of Alaska's cruise season, with wildlife awakening from winter hibernation and dramatic landscapes emerging from snow cover. This month offers the perfect balance of comfortable weather and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities that make Alaska cruising truly spectacular.

Wildlife Viewing Excellence

May provides your best chance to watch orcas feeding and playing in the waters off Juneau and Ketchikan, while bears emerge to feast on salmon runs. The extended daylight hours, up to 19 hours in some areas, maximize wildlife observation opportunities and scenic viewing time.

Glacial Splendor and Scenic Cruising

May's clear weather conditions enhance Alaska's dramatic glacial landscapes, with Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier offering spectacular calving displays against brilliant blue skies. The dry, cool, and pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities from zip-lining at Icy Strait Point to hiking excursions.

Cultural Heritage Discovery

May's comfortable conditions make exploring Alaska's rich Native American heritage particularly rewarding, with visits to traditional villages and cultural centers enhanced by pleasant weather and extended daylight for comprehensive exploration.

Mediterranean's Cultural Immersion Highlights

May represents the Mediterranean at its absolute finest, with warm, sunny weather perfect for exploring the Acropolis in Athens or enjoying a cappuccino in a sunlit piazza in Rome. The region offers ideal temperatures, minimal crowds, and exceptional value before peak summer tourism arrives.

Greek Islands' Mythical Beauty

May brings the Greek Islands perfect conditions with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), crystal-clear waters, and blooming wildflowers creating postcard-perfect landscapes. The pleasant weather enhances exploration of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and pristine beaches without summer's oppressive heat.

Italian Riviera's Coastal Elegance

May showcases Italy's stunning coastline under ideal conditions, with comfortable temperatures making exploration of Cinque Terre's colorful villages, the Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffs, and Rome's historic treasures particularly delightful. Experience lavender fields in the south of France and the charming Amalfi Coast during this perfect spring season.

Spanish Mediterranean Magic

May delivers Spain's Mediterranean coast exceptional conditions, with Barcelona's architectural wonders and Valencia's cultural attractions enhanced by perfect spring weather. The comfortable temperatures make both cultural exploration and beach activities equally appealing.

Croatian Adriatic Jewels

May brings Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast ideal conditions, with Dubrovnik's medieval walls and Split's ancient palaces showcased under perfect spring sunshine, while comfortable temperatures make comprehensive exploration particularly rewarding.

Norwegian Fjords' Spectacular Awakening

In the Norwegian fjords, May brings longer days and waterfalls in full flow from spring meltwater, creating some of the year's most spectacular scenic cruising conditions. The dramatic landscapes reach peak beauty as the snow melts, revealing cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys.

Geiranger Fjord's Dramatic Beauty

May transforms Geiranger Fjord into a masterpiece of natural beauty, with the famous Seven Sisters waterfall and Bridal Veil Falls at their most spectacular flow rates. Also, the comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours enhance photography opportunities and scenic viewing.

Midnight Sun Experience

May brings increasingly extended daylight hours to Norway's northern regions, with some areas experiencing nearly 24 hours of daylight, maximizing scenic viewing opportunities and allowing for comprehensive exploration of coastal villages and natural wonders.

Baltic Sea's Historic Grandeur

May marks the beginning of the Baltic Sea cruise season, with comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours creating perfect conditions for exploring Northern Europe's historic capitals and cultural treasures.

Scandinavian Capitals Discovery

May brings ideal conditions to Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, with comfortable temperatures and extended daylight hours, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of these sophisticated cities' cultural attractions and historic sites.

Russian Cultural Immersion

May offers perfect conditions for exploring St. Petersburg's magnificent palaces and museums, with comfortable temperatures and the famous White Nights beginning to create extended daylight for thorough cultural exploration.

Caribbean's Shoulder Season Value

May represents the Caribbean's transition from peak season to summer, offering exceptional value while maintaining excellent weather conditions. The region provides perfect temperatures, decreased crowds, and outstanding deals on accommodations and activities.

Eastern Caribbean's Tropical Paradise

May brings the comfortable temperatures in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) to the Eastern Caribbean, with breezes providing natural cooling. The shoulder season timing offers excellent value while maintaining ideal conditions for both beach relaxation and cultural exploration.

Western Caribbean's Adventure Playground

May showcases the Western Caribbean's diverse attractions under perfect conditions, with Cozumel's diving sites at their clearest and most comfortable, while ancient Mayan ruins can be explored without the intense heat of summer.

Southern Caribbean's Pristine Beauty

May offers exceptional conditions in the Southern Caribbean, with islands like Aruba, Barbados, and Curaçao providing perfect weather, crystal-clear waters, and outstanding value during this shoulder season period.

So, Where is The Best Place to Cruise in May?

May emerges as one of cruising's most rewarding months, offering the perfect combination of spring's comfortable warmth, emerging summer light, and exceptional value across multiple world-class destinations.

• Alaska represents the ultimate May experience, with the wilderness awakening from its long winter. This unique period offers the best combination of active wildlife viewing, including bears emerging from hibernation, and lower pricing than the peak summer months. Experiencing the fjords and glaciers during their dramatic spring awakening creates a truly unique adventure.
• The Mediterranean delivers perfect spring conditions, offering a spectacular balance of ideal weather and manageable crowds. This exceptional timing provides significant value while showcasing ancient sites and coastal beauty under comfortable, pre-summer temperatures. The pleasant climate makes May prime for in-depth cultural exploration.
• Northern Europe’s historic splendor is at its peak, with comfortable temperatures and dramatically extended daylight hours creating perfect conditions for comprehensive cultural exploration. From cascading waterfalls in the Norwegian Fjords to the historic capitals of the Baltic, May provides an optimal window for discovery.
• The Caribbean offers exceptional shoulder season value during May, with comfortable mid-80s°F temperatures, decreased crowds, and outstanding deals on accommodations and activities. The transition period between peak and summer seasons provides perfect conditions for both beach relaxation and cultural exploration across Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean islands.

What really makes May special isn't just the comfortable temperatures or the longer days (though those are pretty great). It's that sweet spot timing when destinations are at their most authentic. You'll find yourself wandering Greek islands where the locals still outnumber the tourists, or watching wildlife in Alaska that hasn't been spooked by months of cruise ship visitors.

The Cruise Web has been helping travelers discover their perfect cruise adventures for over 30 years. Our Cruise Experts know these destinations inside and out and will help you figure out which May itinerary matches what you're truly looking for, not just what sounds good in a brochure.

Contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 or visit us at cruiseweb.com, and let's start planning something memorable.