MayMay is a month of shifting seasons and big contrasts in weather. Clear skies hold in some regions, while others begin to stir with the season’s first storms. Weather varies dramatically across Asia. It’s prime time for South Korea, Japan and Borneo, but the start of wet season in Southeast Asia. However, if you’re clever with where you travel, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand aren’t completely off the cards (in fact, Vietnam is one of our top picks this month). Borneo hits its stride with plenty of wildlife out and about in jungles , forests and along rivers. South Korea is in full spring bloom – good for temple visits, forest walks and cultural festivals. Malaysia’s east coast has calm and clear seas. Just be mindful of rising humidity and short afternoon downpours in some destinations. South Korea Best for exploring national parks and citiesMay is one of our favourite months to visit South Korea. Mild temperatures and mostly clear skies make it a great time for walking in nature, exploring historic temples, and taking road and rail trips between cities and coastlines. Flowers bloom across the country – roses, royal azaleas and peonies – while Buddha’s Birthday brings temples and streets to life with lanterns, parades and performances, particularly in Seoul. Down south, places like Busan and Jeju Island are comfortably warm, with long, sunny afternoons perfect for sightseeing and coastal walks . With plenty of daylight and a lively festival calendar, May combines nature and culture at their springtime best.See South Korea May hits that sweet spot between Korea’s freezing winters and humid summers. The weather’s just right – clear, warm and comfortable – perfect if you want to hike in Korea’s national parks or take it easier, strolling through Seoul’s palace gardens." Vietnam Best for walks and beach timeIn the north, rice terraces are lush and at their brightest green and trekking conditions are comfortable before the rains really set in. Central Vietnam has hot, dry weather around Hoi An, Danang and Hue – excellent for relaxing on the beach. Down south, wet season begins – but mornings are still bright and clear, with most showers falling late in the day. Celebrations for Buddha’s Birthday add a festive atmosphere to temples across the country and if you’re in central Vietnam during a Hue Festival year, fireworks, music and parades bring the city to life.Visit Vietnam Borneo Best for walking (and cruising) on the wild sideDry jungle trails, low rivers and settled weather create ideal conditions for walks, boat trips and beach downtime. Wildlife is easier to spot – orangutans often feed near riverbanks, proboscis monkeys gather in mangroves, and you might even glimpse pygmy elephants on quieter inland paths. It’s also a great time to hike the cooler foothills around Mt Kinabalu, where bird calls echo through the forest. Towards the end of the month, Kaamatan – Sabah’s rice harvest festival – brings music, dancing and open-house celebrations to towns and villages across the region, adding a festive note to your travels.Explore Borneo Malaysia Best for sunbathing, snorkelling and swimmingMay is a standout month for east coast Malaysia, with calm seas and clear visibility making it ideal for snorkelling around islands like Redang and Tioman or simply lazing on the beach. Inland, the Cameron Highlands offer cooler air, scenic walks and vibrant fruit stalls – rambutan, mangosteen and lychee start to fill the markets at this time of year. Afternoon storms inland bring freshness to the air and usually pass quickly. For a mix of coast, highlands and city culture, May offers excellent variety and fewer crowds.Visit Malaysia Also Recommended in May LaosIn Laos, things take time – and that’s the appeal. The landscapes are raw, the pace is gentle, and the experiences feel personal. If unhurried travel in wild, beautiful places sounds like your kind of trip, we can’t recommend it enough. ThailandMore visited than Paris or New York, Thailand isn’t short on attention. Maybe it’s the energy of Bangkok, the calm of Khao Sok, or the street food – quick, fiery and downright addictive – but whatever it is, it makes people return. CambodiaArt-filled cities, unspoilt rainforest, and coastlines that still feel like a secret. But it’s the people who really stay with you. Come to Cambodia, hear their stories – and leave with a few of your own. SingaporeCompact and multilingual, Singapore is easy to explore – with rainforest parks, hawker stalls, and considered city design. Travel here, and see how precision is all part of its personality. Speak with a destination specialistFriendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you do.Get in touchDownload a brochure The rest of the year JanuaryFrom the snowy slopes of Pyeongchang to the sun-warmed coastlines of Cambodia and Thailand, January is a brilliant time across many destinations in Asia. FebruaryFrom Thailand’s warm, dry beaches to hiking the limestone peaks of rural Laos, February is one of the most reliable months for travel across Southeast Asia and India. For those craving a colder escape, Japan’s snow-covered north delivers deep winter. MarchMarch is one of the best months of the year for a holiday in Asia: dry conditions and clear travel routes in many of the most popular destinations. AprilFrom Songkran water fights in Thailand to cruising along Borneo’s rivers, April in Asia is alive with movement, colour and wildlife. MayMay is a month of shifting seasons and big contrasts in weather. Clear skies hold in some regions, while others begin to stir with the season’s first storms. JuneJune is a month of contrast across Asia – while rains arrive in some regions, others hit their prime with calm seas and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. JulyJuly is spectacular in Borneo, Malaysia and Thailand. Many other Asia destinations are in their monsoon season, or very hot and humid. AugustAugust isn’t the easiest month to travel in some Asia countries and regions. But, hone in on the right areas, and you’ll find dry weather, rich greenery and fewer fellow tourists. SeptemberMuch like August, September sees a mixture of weather across Asia – some destinations are warm and sunny – others are incredible hot and wet. OctoberOctober is a golden window of travel for many Asian destinations – skies clear, humidity fades and landscapes shift into vivid autumn oranges and post-wet season greens. NovemberAcross many destinations in Asia, November brings crisp air, dry days and plenty of opportunity for a cultural adventure. DecemberDecember is a brilliant time for travel to many Asia destinations: dry, warm and celebratory.