Where to Go Hiking in Europe in May

May is shoulder season. It's the month where (if you don't mind the odd bit of drizzle), then you can get out onto famous trails and experience them without the crowds. This is the shoulder-season, when trail towns are coming out of winter hibernation and getting ready for the busy summer ahead. But the bulk of the visitors won’t turn up for a couple of months yet, so locals tend to be a bit more relaxed - rested and recovered as they are ahead of the season.

The best places to go hiking in May are perhaps those places that sit between the seasons. The winter snow has retreated from valleys and foothills, though perhaps not from the peaks, creating landscapes of contrast and intrigue. The cooking heat of summer hasn’t quite yet arrived and the landscapes are bursting with life, colourful and wild. Trails are re-opening, flowers are blooming and rivers are running high and clear. With the longer daylight hours inviting hillwalkers to spend all day outdoors, this is the ideal time to take on a multi-day hike.

Along the Mediterranean, May offers warm seas, bright skies and ideal walking temperatures. Further afield, spring unlocks desert canyons, volcanic ascents and long-distance jungle routes.

This is a month for big journeys without big extremes. It’s a month for moving steadily, for breathing deeply, and for walking through landscapes which are still waking up after winter.

What’s the Weather Like for Hiking in May?

May is reliably one of the finest months to get out on the hiking trails - but conditions vary widely depending on where in the world you'll be visiting.

Across southern Europe, temperatures typically range from the mid-teens to mid or high-20s°C (60-83°F). The days are sunny but not oppressive, nights are cool, and spring rain has left the landscapes green and fertile (at least, in areas not covered in deserts or bulky rock). Coastal routes benefit from cooling sea breezes, while inland areas remain comfortably warm.

Of course, there's a big difference between northern Europe, where it can still be chilly and wet, and southern Europe, where things are a lot warmer.

There are commonalities, though. The winter cold has gone from most of Europe, the summer heat hasn’t yet fully arrived, and the hiking days are long and dry. May brings lush growth, warm air and vibrant landscapes popping with flowers and life.

Rain is possible everywhere in May, particularly in coastal and mountain regions, but it tends to arrive in short bursts rather than downpours. With flexible plans and good layers, May rewards hikers with some of the best conditions of the year.

Best Hiking Destinations in May

We're big proponents for travelling outside of peak season. Here are ten destinations where May offers near-perfect conditions - whether that’s desert trekking, coastal paths, volcanic ascents or long-distance jungle trails.

1. The Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

• Average daytime temperatures: 12-18°C (54-64°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 4-8°C (39-46°F)
• Best for: An alpine assault course

Slovakia’s High Tatras are a compact but dramatic mountain range of jagged peaks, glacial lakes and deep pine valleys, rising sharply along the border with Poland. Base yourself in the mountain villages and you’ll quickly find yourself among sharp limestone summits and wild spring trails.

Why hike here in May? May is when the Tatras begin to properly wake up. Snow still lingers high on the peaks, but lower trails open into bright green valleys, waterfalls run strong with meltwater, and the mountains of Slovak Paradise National Park feel fresh and quiet before summer crowds arrive.

Must-do trail(s): Hike the Sucha Bela gorge, one of the longest and most popular canyons in the national park. Continue through the Prielom Hornadu gorge and be sure to hike to the Piecky (Fireplace) Gorge as well.

What’s the weather like? Cool, crisp and changeable. Expect bright spells, lingering snow patches at altitude, and the occasional spring shower.

What to know before you go: Higher routes here may still require caution due to snow. Ladders connect some of the lower gorge trails here - so you'll feel like you've mixed a natural trail with a wild assualt course.

2. Picos de Europa, Spain

• Average daytime temperatures: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
• Best for: Limestone peaks and delightful gastronomy

The Picos de Europa rise suddenly out of the ocean on the coast of northern Spain. This fierce limestone range is made up of sharp ridges, deep valleys and old traditional villages which still live farm-to-table and observe the old ways. This is one of Spain’s wildest mountain landscapes, where humans and history live in hand in hand. The gorges make for terrific hiking, with vultures circling above.

Why hike here in May? May is peak spring in the Picos. The mountains are bright green, wildflowers cover the slopes, and temperatures are perfect for steep ascents without the heat of midsummer. It’s far quieter than later in the season.

Must-do trail(s): The Ruta del Cares, carved through a spectacular limestone gorge, is one of Spain’s great walks. Watch your step on this steep canyon walk.

What’s the weather like? Mild, fresh and occasionally wet, the Picos catch Atlantic weather, so short showers are always possible here at short notice.

What to know before you go: Trails can be steep and exposed in places. Good boots are essential, and waterproof layers are wise even in spring.

3. The Prosecco Hills, Italy

• Average daytime temperatures: 18-23°C (64-73°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 10-14°C (50-57°F)
• Best for: Gentle hiking, vineyard trails, food and wine

The only reason the lush greenery of the Prosecco Hills have been able to stay under the radar is that they happen to be situated between two of the Earth's great sites - Venice and the Dolomites - which rather steal the spotlight. But these hills, famed for their bubbly gold, are home to vineyards, medieval villages and quiet farm tracks. They make for dreamy hiking and cycling - with rewards to boot.

Why hike here in May? Vineyards glow, flowers line the paths, and temperatures are ideal for long days combining hiking and... well, prosecco.

Must-do trail(s): Follow a gravel path which climbs to the top of San Gallo Hill, once the site of a medieval castle.

What’s the weather like? Think mild, sunny and fresh.

What to know before you go: The terrain here is rolling but very much not flat. Don't exist it to be easy on a bicycle. E-bikes help smooth out the climbs.

4. The Fisherman's Trail, Portugal

• Average daytime temperatures: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
• Best for: Coastal hiking, sea cliffs, wild beaches

Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail follows the edge of the Atlantic along cliffs, dunes and remote beaches, tracing routes once used by local fishermen. This path never strays too far from the water, but when it does, it'll take you in-land to local communities still rooted in tradition. The walk ends at Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern point of the European continent, once thought to be the end of the world.

Why hike here in May? May offers warm days without summer heat, powerful ocean views, and quiet trails before the busy peak-season walkers arrive.

Must-do trail(s): This whole route is sensational. Perhaps the finest scenery is on the section between Porto Covo and Odeceixe.

What’s the weather like? Sunny with strong coastal winds.

What to know before you go: Exposed paths and sandy sections make trekking poles useful. Naturally, the seafood along the way is not to be missed.

5. The Coastal Trail, Albania

• Average daytime temperatures: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
• Best for: Coastal hiking, limestone mountains, quiet beaches

Albania’s Riviera blends rugged mountains with turquoise coves along the Ionian Sea. The trails run above empty beaches and through stone villages. While most of the tourists stay down on the beaches, you'll get the high mountains to yourself.

Why hike here in May? The sea is warming, trails are dry, and tourists are minimal. By summer, the coast fills quickly, but May retains its sense of discovery.

Must-do trail(s): The ridge paths between Himarë and Dhërmi are sensational.

What’s the weather like? Warm, sunny and breezy.

What to know before you go: Some routes are rocky and exposed. Carry water.

6. Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia, Italy

• Average daytime temperatures: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
• Best for: Coastal trekking, wild limestone cliffs, Mediterranean adventure

Selvaggio Blu is Sardinia’s legendary trek - a demanding route along the island’s remote eastern coastline, where limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise sea and narrow shepherd paths trace the rugged edges of the Mediterranean.

Why hike here in May? May is one of the best times of year for Selvaggio Blu. The days are warm but not scorching, the sea is beginning to soften into swimmable temperatures, and the trail is quieter than the summer months.

Must-do trail(s): The Selvaggio Blu is an all-in trail. Don't go in unprepared.

What’s the weather like? Warm, sunny and dry, with occasional coastal breezes.

What to know before you go: This is a serious trek, involving scrambling and exposed terrain. A guide is essential for safety, logistics and route-finding.

7. The Tarcu Mountains, Romania

• Average daytime temperatures: 14-20°C (57-68°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 6-10°C (43-50°F)
• Best for: Wildlife trekking, rewilding landscapes, off-the-beaten-path Carpathians

The Tarcu Mountains, in Romania’s southern Carpathians, are a landscape of vast forest, alpine meadows, quiet ridgelines and rolling mountains and hills. This is one of Europe’s most exciting rewilding frontiers. Back in 2014, the WWF reintroduced bison here - and those animals are now thriving. Hike in this area with a ranger, and you can track those bison and see their impact on the hills.

Why hike here in May? May is spring in this glorious green area, with everything that entails. Meadows are blooming with wildflowers and the wildlife is active. Temperatures are perfect for long hiking days and bison tracking.

Must-do trail(s): Trek into the rewilding zone with expert local guides, following signs of Europe’s largest land mammal across open highland pastures.

What’s the weather like? Mild and fresh, with occasional rain showers sweeping through the mountains.

What to know before you go: Bison are keystone species. The behaviour of these ecosystem engineers - knocking against trees, dropping fur and creating deep footprints - allows slower-growing trees to come up and benefits birds and frogs.

8. The Cairngorms, Scotland

• Average daytime temperatures: 12-16°C (54-61°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 6-9°C (43-48°F)
• Best for: Multi-day wilderness hiking, Highlands variety, long spring days

Scotland’s Summit to Sea is a journey that links Highland mountains to coastal landscapes. It's a true expedition through glens, lochs, forests and sea-fringed trails. Hike past iconic lochs, through old Caledonian forests and to the summit of Cairn Gorm (1244m), the Munro at the heart of the National Park.

Why hike here in May? May is one of the finest months for hiking in Scotland. The days are long, the hills are green, and - crucially - the midges have not yet reached their summer peak.

Must-do trail(s): Climb Cairn Gorm, the mountain that gave its name to the national park. It's one of the most iconic mountains in Britain.

What’s the weather like? It's highly changeable. You can have sunshine one moment and rain, wind and hail the next. Come prepared.

What to know before you go: Pack waterproofs, warm layers and expect all four seasons in a day. It's still worth packing some midge spray, too.

9. Mallorca, Spain

• Average daytime temperatures: 20-24°C (68-5°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
• Best for: Coastal hiking, wellness, limestone mountains

The Tramuntana mountains rise sharply from the Mediterranean, threaded with ancient stone paths. Far from the all-inclusive resorts and sun-loungers the island is known for, this is where you'll find peace, serenity, and the true Mallorca.

Why hike here in May? Spring flowers blanket the hills, temperatures are ideal for hiking and yoga, and trails are quieter than in summer.

Must-do trail(s): Tackle the Three Peaks of the Tramuntana: an incredible circular day hike with 360º views to Menorca, Ibiza and mainland Spain.

What’s the weather like? Warm, dry and bright. Delightful.

What to know before you go: Sun exposure can be high, so bring protection.

10. The Via Dinarica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Average daytime temperatures: 18-23°C (64-73°F)
• Average nighttime temperatures: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
• Best for: Mountain hiking, wild landscapes, quiet trails

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers deep forests, alpine ridges and traditional villages, largely untouched by mass tourism. On the Via Dinarica trail - which stretches right through the Balkans - you get to experience a true wilderness in pure peace. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a place rich in culture (and burek) but it's also simply beautiful. There are high mountains, stunning ridges and virgin forests.

Why hike here in May? Snow has retreated from most trails, rivers run full, and wildflowers brighten mountain meadows.

Must-do trail(s): Routes in the Dinaric Alps and around Lukomir village - one of the most remote villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What’s the weather like? Mild with occasional rain.

What to know before you go: Trail markings can be sparse, so get a guide.

What to Pack for Hiking in Europe in March

Of course, what you should pack depends entirely on where you're going. But here’s an example kit list for a snowy trip to go hiking in Europe in May. We’ve taken it from our Hike the Wild Trails of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast trip page:

Bags

• Soft overnight duffel bag or luggage
• Daypack (25-30 litres)
• Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack

Clothes

• Light jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Fleece jacket or similar
• Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
• T-shirts
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Sleepwear
• Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
• Sandals

Other

• Sand or running gaiters (to keep loose rocks out of your shoes; optional)
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Universal travel plug adapter
• Power bank or solar charger
• Passports (and visas)
• Travel insurance documents
• Ear plugs
• Insect repellent
• Suncream
• Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
• Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
• Quick-dry towel
• Alcohol hand-gel
• Reusable water bottle x2 litre

You should adjust for humidity, altitude and exposure depending on destination.

FAQs

Is May a good month for hiking?

Yes, May is one of the best months of the year for hiking, offering long days, mild temperatures and quieter trails. It's in the shoulder-season in Europe, meaning that the climate is good, locals are more relaxed and availability is better too.

Do I need a guide for hiking in May?

For deserts, volcanoes, long-distance routes and culturally complex regions - yes, a guide is always a good idea. If you're doing serious adventure travel, a guide can be essential for safety, but even on easier routes, they offer a huge amount of added value, both in terms of navigation in wild places and in cultural education.

Are mountain trails fully open in May?

Lower and mid-altitude trails usually are, as the snow will have melted (if it was ever there). Snow can linger higher up, so check your destination before leaving.

Are mountain hiking routes snow-covered in May in Europe?

In the lower vallies, you can bank on most of the snow in Europe having melted in May - though there will be some exceptions. At higher levels, on the mountain passes and peaks, there is a chance you will still encounter snow, and some peaks in particular may be inaccessible without proper winter gear. When in doubt, get a guide. Lower altitude routes in southern ranges should have thawed out, but conditions vary widely depending on elevation and recent weather - and climate change is making it increasingly tough to predict what will happen when.

Do I still need winter gear for hiking in Europe in May?

It's unlikely you'll need winter gear for hiking in Europe, unless you're tackling a snowy mountain top. The colder end of the spectrum is in the north of Europe. So if you're visiting Scandinavia or Scotland, you'll still need to wrap up warm. Ask your guide and consult the kit list for the relevant trips for specific advice.

Where are the warmest places to hike in Europe in May?

The warmest places to hike in Europe in May include the Canary Islands, southern Spain, southern Portugal and Crete. These regions offer daytime temperatures between 17°C and 22°C (63°F to 72°F) with mild weather and clear trails. You'll also get enjoyable temperatures in mainland Italy and Greece.

Inspired? Check out our hiking holidays in Europe in May!