Looking for the best places to go in May in the US? These are the places you want to travel to this month.

May is when temperatures warm up significantly. In some areas, that marks the time for wildflower blooms, while in other parts of the US (like Las Vegas), midday temperatures make it unbearable to be outside. We’ve narrowed down the best places to visit in May, considering the weather, the crowds, and special events.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: May 30, 2024

USA IN: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

5 Best Places to Visit in May in USA

1. Louisville, Kentucky

36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, map

Don’t Miss: The Kentucky Derby, Bourbon Trail, Waterfront Park
What to Eat: 610 Magnolia, CASK, Jack Fry’s,
Where to Stay: Find Hotel Deals in Louisville
Weather Avg: 56° / 78° F (Avg 9 Days of Rain)

May is the best month to visit Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” takes place on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival happens during the two weeks leading up to the festival with multiple events such as Thunder Over Louisville (a massive fireworks display), the Pegasus Parade, the Great Balloon Race, and many others.

You also get mild temperatures for outdoor activities and flowers blooming in various city parks and gardens. Even though you get an influx of people during the Kentucky Derby, the rest of the month is relatively quiet compared to the peak summer months.

May Events in Louisville: Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Festival (two weeks prior to Kentucky Derby), Bourbon and Beyond

See More: 15 Best Places to Visit in July in USA

2. Asheville, NC →

36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, map

Don’t Miss: 15 Best Hikes Nearby, The Biltmore Estate, These Photo Spots
What to Eat: Best Places to Eat in Asheville NC
Where to Stay: Best Places to Stay in Asheville NC
Weather Avg: 53° / 75° F (Avg 8 Days of Rain)

April and May in Asheville are a nature lover’s dream, with blooming flowers and perfect hiking temperatures. If you’re craving more nature, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a short drive away.

May is also a great time to enjoy the park’s beauty without the summer crowds.

If you don’t enjoy the outdoors, head into town to check out its amazing culinary scene and local photo spots. There are also several food, beer, art, and music festivals happening.

May Events in Asheville: Chihuly at Biltmore, Concerts on the Creek, Garden Jubilee Festival, Asheville Beer Week

See More: Ultimate Asheville Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in Asheville NC

3. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ →

S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, map

Things You Can’t Miss: Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Grandview Point
What to Eat: El Tavor Lodge Dining Room, Yavapai Cafe, Roughrider Saloon
Where to Stay: Search for Grand Canyon Hotel Deals
Weather Avg: 81° / 59° F

The Grand Canyon is another great US destination to visit in May. The weather isn’t too hot, you avoid the summer crowds, and wildflowers begin to bloom.

The longer days give you plenty of time to explore, and most hikes are open by May.

See More: 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May

4. San Diego, CA →

996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, map

Things You Can’t Miss: Balboa Park, Sunset Cliffs, Paragliding at Torrey Pines
What to Eat: Carnitas Snack Shack, Tacos El Gordo, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Where to Stay: Book a Hotel in San Diego (San Diego Hotel Deals)
Weather Avg: 60° / 69° F (Avg 0 Days of Rain)

San Diego is one of the best places to visit in May in USA, since it’s prime whale-watching season for gray whales migrating along the coast up to Alaska. Although you may get May Gray, where the mornings are foggy, it usually clears by mid-day. It strikes a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Overcast mornings can also give you cooler hiking temps (one of our favorite hikes).

May Events in San Diego: Cinco de Mayo, The Flower Fields, Gator by the Bay, Waterfront

See More: Ultimate San Diego Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Diego CA

5. Jackson Hole, WY →

532 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, map

Things You Can’t Miss: The Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole
What to Eat: Persephone Bakery, Hand Fire Pizza, Gather
Where to Stay: Search Jackson Hole Hotel Map
Weather Avg: 35° / 60° F (Avg 8 Days of Rain)

Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park‘s trails and roads start opening up more in May. As the snow melts, wildlife emerges as they search for food. Plus, you’ll be here before the summer crowds.

Later in May, wildflowers will start to bloom at lower elevations.

May Events in Jackson Hole: Old West Days, Jackson Hole Shootout, Million Dollar Music Fest, Old West Brew Fest

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming

Map of the Best US Places to Visit in May

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later