May is one of the best months to plan a trip to Florida because this place is simply phenomenal to visit all year long. It’s not too hot, it’s not too warm for the rainy season, and not too many people are around because the schools are still in session. You’ll get sunshine, crowds of people will be smaller, and you’ll also see a lot of fun events all over the state. There are beaches, theme parks, wildlife, discovering charming towns, or do you like all of that?
In this article, let’s see the best places to visit in Florida this May and why you should add these places in your list of visits.
1. Miami – Cool Beaches and Hot Culture
Miami specializes in palm trees, turquoise water, and a large, personality-packed city. The heat hasn’t really begun to rise, but it’s not too hot to go out and explore most of it.
The colorful lifeguard towers and white sands that make up South Beach or the fun-filled Ocean Drive, where your stroll will take you through lively restaurants and bars, are all to choose from, with how you enjoy your day. The Art Deco District is also perfect for photos, and Wynwood Walls, on the other hand, if you wanna see entire buildings covered with huge murals.
Feeling hungry? Little Havana is a great place to dive into the Cuban food, where you’ll find hand-rolled cigars, amazing Cuban sandwiches, with live salsa music.
Why visit in May? The prices are at + or less than winter and spring break season, but it is quieter than it should be for those times of year. And the weather is just perfect to spend beach days as well as to explore the city.
2. Orlando – Theme Park Heaven
You can go to Orlando and be famous if you’re famous for it, so to speak, and depending on who you are traveling with, this is the place to be. The best part? May isn’t as packed as it gets in the summer, and temperatures are tolerable.
Thruster magazine’s list of four ‘Best Is Better’ locations in the U.S. for the spring positions Walt Disney World as magical year-round, but Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival in May also features gorgeous floral displays, butterfly gardens, and food booths from around the world. If you go to Universal Orlando, you can ride the VelociCoaster or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without waiting for long during the summer.
Instead, your best bet is to visit the park on weekdays to avoid local weekend crowds and buy your park tickets in advance for the best deals.
3. Tampa – Fun, Food, and Beaches
There is a perfect combination of city life with outdoor fun in Tampa. The Tampa Riverwalk streets are parks, restaurants, and cultural stops like the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum.
Clearwater beach is just a short drive away and it’s a top-ranked beach in the U.S. Preferably that’s May, warm water, soft white sand, go parasailing, paddleboarding, or whether you be chilling on a beach chair with a cold drink.
Bonus: The summer kickoff of the season is wrapping up in late May with the Tampa Margarita & Music Festival, where we enjoy live bands, great food, and margaritas (oh, I knew it).
4. Island Outposts Key West – Island Vibes and Sunset Views
If this is Key West, you left your watch behind and free-fell. It is a character, color, and charm island city. It’s also at the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and provides for a fun photo op by the iconic marker.
Duval Street is lined with unique shops, all are outdoor bars, and some have live music. Take a sip of Hemingway’s Rum Punch from his marina bar and drop into Ernest Hemingway’s House, or opt for a boat tour, or just find a seat on the pier and watch the best sunset in the world.
The Key West Songwriters Festival takes place in early May, don’t miss it. The concert is a multi-day event with live performances from top musicians and rising stars all over the island.
5. Everglades National Park – Nature and Wildlife
Wanting more of an adventurous sort of thing? If you want to visit one of the most unique places in the U.S., then Everglades National Park is one of your top priorities. Swamps, marshes, mangroves, wildlife (alligators, manatees, turtles, and tons of birds) all live in it.
It’s the tail end of the dry season in May, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy the wildlife gathering in. Go on an airboat tour and zip around the wetlands, or go kayaking through the mangrove tunnels for something less aggressive. Don’t forget the bug spray, wear light clothes, and apply sunscreen. Pro tip.
6. St. Augustine – Oldest City with Coastal Charm
If you enjoy history and beautiful views, St. Augustine will be a wonderful place for you to visit. It is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., and even now has an old world feel with cobblestone streets, historic fort,s and colonial architecture.
Head to the Castillo de San Marcos for a tour, ghost tour, spooky spot, or just wander through the quaint shops and cafes. Head to St. Augustine Beach to rest in the sun after.
May makes sense for being in London: The weather is perfect for strolling the streets, not as hot or crowded as summer.
7. Sanibel Island – Chill Beaches and Seashells
If you’re after peace and quiet, Sanibel Island is the place to be. It is famous for its seashell-covered beaches, and it has that laid-back atmosphere. There are no big crowds and not much nightlife to speak of here — just calm, natural beauty.
There you can rent bikes to ride on palm-lined paths, go kayaking, or watch birds, otters, and more while visiting the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge. You must also not forget to go on a beach walk—Sanibel is one of the best places in the world for shell hunting. In May, it is perfect, it’s warm, sunny, and not yet overwhelmed by tourists.
8. Destin – White Sand and Emerald Water
Destin is a beach town in the Florida Panhandle that’s perfect for families and couples who want to enjoy some relaxation and undisturbed waters. The color of the water here is so beautiful, green, and the sand is so soft it feels like sugar.
Take a dolphin cruise, go jet skiing, and go deep-sea fishing. Sunset stroll, fresh seafood, live music, the Harbor Boardwalk is a great spot.
Why visit in May? At the nice, Hawaiian beach, the weather is perfect beach weather, and you won’t get hit by the summer vacation crowds in June.
FAQs
1. Is May a good time to go to Florida?
Yes, May is often considered one of the best months to visit Florida due to pleasant weather, fewer crowds compared to peak seasons, and various events happening statewide.
2. What is the weather like in Florida in May?
The weather in Florida during May is generally sunny and warm, but not yet as hot and humid as the summer months. It’s also before the peak of the rainy season.
3. Are the beaches in Florida crowded in May?
Generally, Florida beaches are less crowded in May compared to the winter and spring break seasons, as schools are still in session.
4. Is it cheaper to visit Florida in May?
Yes, travel and accommodation prices in Florida during May are often more affordable compared to the busier winter and spring break periods.
5. What is there to do in Orlando in May?
Orlando in May offers pleasant weather for enjoying theme parks like Walt Disney World (including Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival) and Universal Orlando with potentially shorter wait times.
6. Is May a good time to visit the Everglades?
May is a good time to visit Everglades National Park as it’s the end of the dry season, making wildlife viewing easier.
7. What should I pack for Florida in May?
Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially for the Everglades), and comfortable shoes for walking.
