Where to go on holiday in May: from Malawi to the Lake District

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A panorama over Munich's Marienplatz (Joerg Lutz)

From Buddha’s birthday in Nepal to Munich’s lesser-known beer bash, this line-up of fun-filled destinations have more than just fine weather going for them.

Here are May’s most enticing travel hotspots.

Malawi

Meet elephants at Majete National Park in Malawi (Marcus Westberg)

Step aside Tanzania – its smaller, landlocked neighbour has been stealing the spotlight of late, emerging as a hotspot for luxury eco-lodges and innovative conservation efforts. Visiting at the start of dry season, your chances of spotting big game get a real boost: lion prides were recently introduced to Liwonde National Park and Majete, cheetahs and giraffes are other burgeoning new residents, and all wildlife enthusiasts will have heard about the groundbreaking 500 Elephants translocation, supported by none other than Prince Harry. Kuthengo Camp (from £283 per night) is one of the most raved-about accommodation openings. If you’re excited about Disney’s live-action Lion King release, there’s no better time to go wild and spy the Big Five.

Average temperature in May: 19°C

Flight time: 12h 55m (via Addis Ababa)

Lake District, UK

The Samling, a boutique in the Lake District (The Samling)

Cumbria’s jaw-dropping landscapes were once a magnet for Romantic poets; these days, it’s gourmands who are hot-footing it to this corner of the UK. The Samling Hotel (rooms from £230) serves a fine dining tasting menu with Lake Windermere shimmering beneath the glass-walled dining room, while The Forest Side (from £229) wows guests with its 10-course locally sourced feasts – what’s more, its newly-launched foraging experience lets guests join the chef in scouring fell tops and fields for fresh ingredients. Alternatively, after roaming the craggy, sheep-filled countryside, there’s no better place to soothe aching limbs post-hike than the thermal spa experience at The Brimstone Hotel (from £350).

Average temperature in May: 10°C

Train to Oxenholme, Penrith or Windermere

Memphis, USA

The bright lights of Beale Street in Memphis (iStock)

Blues and barbecue – it’s the perfect pairing, any Tennessee resident will tell you. The month-long Memphis in May festival pays tribute to these two local passions with the World Championships of BBQ taking place, and world-renowned acts playing to crowds on Beale Street. Of course, Memphis is a music-lovers paradise any time of year, home to Elvis’ lavish pad, Graceland; the legendary Sun Studios where B B King and Johnny Cash once recorded albums; and the fascinating Stax Museum of American Soul Music. When it comes to eating out, get your slow-cooked, spicily seasoned ribs fix at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous or Corky’s.

Average temperature in May: 22°C

Flight time: 12hr 20m (via Chicago)

Munich, Germany

Munich's Marienplatz (Sigi Mueller)

Everyone’s heard about the annual knees-up of Oktoberfest, but did you know that Munich throws another beer-fuelled extravaganza each May? Fruhlingfest (meaning ‘Springfest’) runs until 8 May and is a riot of beer stands, carnival rides, music and fireworks, only with smaller crowds and warmer weather. Win-win. The sunnier setting may also make you inclined to try one of the city’s quirkiest pastimes: river surfing. The Eisbachwelle, at the edge of English Garden, is the famed spot where torrents of water gush out from under a bridge, enticing wet-suit clad surfers to hop in.

Average temperature in May: 18°C

Flight time: 1hr 50m

Nepal

The infinity pool at Tiger Mountain Lodge (Tiger Mountain Lodge)

Buddha’s birthday is a big deal in Nepal; each region and minority group marks the occasion in its own special way. For the most impressive celebrations, head to Lumbini, birthplace of the Enlightened One, for 12 May. Its flag-adorned gardens and monasteries are a major pilgrimage centre year-round but are particularly atmospheric now. After your fill of chanting, parades and gilded statuary, the Himalayas beckon for some R&R – soaking up the jaw-dropping views before the June rains sweep in. Mountain Kingdoms has launched an 11-day walking and wellness holiday departing this month, where you can find your Zen with activities like salt therapy and pottery workshops (from £3,145pp including international flights, some meals and local guides).

Average temperature in May: 30°C

Flight time: 11hr 20m (via New Delhi)

Melbourne, Australia

The clutch of skyscrapers in Melbourne's CBD (iStock)

Winter is coming to Oz this month, which means… wine, wildlife and culture galore to brighten the days down under. There’s the Grampians Grape Escape, a weekend of sampling Victoria’s best vintages (4-5 May), and 100-day art fest Melbourne Winter Masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria from 24 May. Ocean giants also start cruising along this stretch of coast – take a day trip to Phillip Island to spot humpback and southern right whales breaching, a true bucket-list experience (the penguins are pretty cute, too).

Back on terra firma, the Adelphi is the city’s original boutique design hotel (rooms from £147), sitting pretty among the cocktail bars and street art of trendy Flinders Street, and with its own dessert-themed restaurant, Om Nom. In this neighbourhood, there’s plenty to entertain rain or shine – from must-see museums like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image to hip eateries Supernormal or Chin Chin.

Average temperature in May: 17°C

Flight time: 21hr 15m (via Singapore)