Where to Sail in May

October 21, 2024 9 min

May marks a pivotal time for sailing enthusiasts, sitting comfortably in the shoulder season of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and heralding the dry season in locales like Tahiti. It’s the best moment for sailors to experience diverse climates and pristine conditions across the globe.

At a Glance:

Tahiti and Procida are the best places to sail in May for families.
Antigua and Croatia are the best May sailing destinations for couples.
Corfu and Grenada are the best places to sail in May on your first yacht charter.
Whitsundays, Thailand and Sweden are not ideal for sailing in May and are better suited to other times of the year.

Are you looking for a spring vacation like no other? Yacht charters offer a unique way of exploring the world, allowing you to discover uninhabited islands, reach secluded beaches only accessible by boat and come face to face with beautiful marine life. There’s no better way to see the world than on a yacht charter, and May is the perfect time to set sail in many destinations.

The hardest decision you’ll need to make is where to set sail. In this blog, we’re giving you a helping hand by sharing our best places to sail in May for families, couples and first-time sailors to make the choice as easy as possible for you:

Best places to sail in May for families
Where to sail in May for couples
Sailing in May for the first time
Where to avoid sailing in May

From the rugged coast of Croatia to the palm-tree lined beaches of Grenada, let’s take a look at the best places to sail in May.

Best places to sail in May for families

The best places to sail in May for families are Tahiti and Procida.

Are you planning your next family vacation and struggling to find somewhere that has something for everyone? With the perfect blend of relaxing, exploring, cultural activities, watersports and quality time, yacht charters make brilliant family vacations.

Tahiti and Procida offer ideal conditions for family sailing in May. With moderate temperatures perfect for young children and a lineup of exciting seasonal events, these destinations promise an unforgettable family adventure on the seas.

Tahiti

Why is Tahiti one of the best destinations for sailing in May as a family?

May marks the start of the dry season in Tahiti which means families can look forward to beautiful temperatures, crystal clear waters and very little rain. The average temperature in Tahiti during May is 80°F, ideal for soaking up the sun, sailing to nearby islands and uncovering the magic of Tahiti as a family.
Do you want the ultimate sailing experience for the whole family? The Tahiti Pearl Regatta takes place annually in May and is a fantastic way for you to immerse yourselves in the wonderful world of sailing. Whether you want to take part in the race or cheer sailors on, the four-day event is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family to meet new people, and celebrate the art of sailing.
The water conditions in Tahiti in May are exceptional. Calm, clear and warm, they are ideal for families who love snorkeling, scuba diving and watersports. Some of our favorite snorkeling spots in French Polynesia include Motu Ofetaro in the Raiatea lagoon and Coral Garden in Taha’a.

Whether you’re planning your annual family sailing trip, celebrating a special occasion or setting sail with the entire extended family, we know you’ll love sailing around Tahiti in May. Build a quote, book your Tahiti yacht charter and check out our Tahiti sailing itinerary today.

Procida

Why is Procida one of the best places to sail in May for families?

This is Procida’s shoulder season, before the peak months of June, July and August so it’s ideal for families who want quieter crowds and lower costs. Visiting Italy during the shoulder season is ideal if you have very young children who aren’t in school yet, or older children who aren’t bound by school terms.
May is cooler than the peak months but still enjoys warm temperatures, making it great for families with very young children who may not cope in the heat of the high season. The average temperature in Procida during May is 69.8°F, perfect for relaxing and unwinding on the golden sands of Silurenza Beach. Learn more about the best beaches in Italy, from Procida to Sardinia and Sicily.
The sailing conditions in May in Procida are exceptional, so families can spend their days island hopping, snorkeling and exploring the treasures of Naples! Find out more about where to sail in Italy and use our Procida sailing itinerary for inspiration on where to discover first. Will you uncover the wonders of Ponza, Capri or Palmarola?

Are you ready to set sail on a relaxing yacht charter around the Tyrrhenian Sea in May? Build a quote and book your idyllic Procida sailing charter today.

Where to sail in May as a couple

The best places to sail in May as a couple are Antigua and Croatia.

Are you looking for a romantic spring escape? Perhaps you’re getting married early in the year and are planning your honeymoon. You may even be celebrating a milestone such as an anniversary or birthday. No matter your reasons, there’s no better time to go sailing as a couple than in May.

Antigua and Croatia are idyllic for couples in May, whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity. These destinations provide the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories aboard your private yacht charter.

Antigua

Why is Antigua one of the best destinations for sailing in May as a couple?

December-April is the most popular sailing season in Antigua so May offers couples a more tranquil, quiet experience. On the other hand, humidity and rainfall increases from June onwards so May is the perfect month to go to Antigua for the best of both worlds. Find out more about the best time to sail in the Caribbean.
For couples who want to immerse themselves in local sailing culture, Antigua Sailing Week usually takes place at the end of April into the start of May. There are fiercely fun sailing events held all over the Caribbean throughout the year. Learn more about the best places to sail in the Caribbean.
Like all the other destinations in this blog, May ensures the sailing conditions, weather and visibility are exceptional in Antigua. This is great for adventurous couples who want to spend their days scuba diving, snorkeling and exploring unspoiled treasures. Take a look at our blogs on the best beaches in the Caribbean and best diving spots in the Caribbean to find out where you can spend your days sunbathing, snorkeling and relaxing in Antigua.

Are you dreaming of crystalline waters, powdery sands and brilliant blue skies? Book your May yacht charter in Antigua and say hello to true romance. Build a quote and use our Antigua sailing itinerary for inspiration.

Croatia

Why is Croatia one of the best places to sail in May for couples?

As with all our other Mediterranean destinations, May is part of the shoulder season in Croatia so it’s ideal for couples who want peace and privacy. You’ll find that the beaches are more tranquil during this time, offering an exclusive experience that feels like a blissful escape from reality. Learn more about the best beaches in Croatia.
If you’re an adventurous couple, you’ll love spending your days island hopping and uncovering the treasures of remote islands and secluded beaches. The sailing conditions are very calm in May and the weather isn’t as hot as June, July and August (though still warm) which makes exploring a breeze. Find out more about where to sail in Croatia as a couple.
While May isn’t in the peak of the high season, it does mark the start of the tourist season so you’ll find more shops, cultural attractions and popular hotspots will start to open longer and there are more activities on offer.

Whether you want to explore the wonders of Dubrovnik or experience the charm of Agana, choose when to sail in Croatia and book your Croatia yacht charter today.

Where to go sailing in May for the first time

The best places to sail in May as a beginner sailor are Corfu and Grenada.

We understand that planning your first ever yacht charter can feel overwhelming as you want to find somewhere that has great visibility, calm sailing conditions and line-of-sight navigation, while ensuring there’s plenty to do and explore once you arrive. However, that’s where we come in! Each of our world-class sailing destinations has everything you need to create the perfect conditions for a magical first yacht charter.

If you’re setting sail in May, and want to find a destination that ticks all of these boxes and more, look no further than Corfu and Grenada, ideal for first-time sailors because of their beautiful temperatures, exciting sailing grounds, and sensational natural beauty.

Corfu

Why is Corfu one of the best destinations for sailing in May as a beginner?

May is in Corfu’s shoulder season so experiences less crowds, allowing first-time sailors to hone their skills with less people on the waters. This is true of the whole of Greece, including our other base in Athens. Learn more about the best places to sail in Greece.
Despite not being in the peak season, May still has beautiful temperatures and steady winds that make sailing a breeze for beginner sailors. It’s also the perfect weather for sunbathing on golden sands and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Find out more about the best beaches in Greece.
Cuisine is one of the best parts of sailing in Greece and May brings a lot of delicious seasonal food. After all, no sailing charter is complete without experiencing some of the world’s finest food! Alongside local seafood and year-around classics, May is berry season so you can expect fresh fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and loganberries.

Are you looking forward to exploring the treasures of the Mediterranean on your first yacht charter? Find out more about the best time to sail in Greece, book your Corfu yacht charter and plan your Corfu sailing itinerary today.

Grenada

Why is Grenada one of the best places to sail in May for the first time?

May is renowned for clear, calm waters, steady winds and fantastic visibility which is ideal for sailing in Grenada as there are countless opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving and meeting marine life. Want to admire the beauty of the marine environment while also protecting it? Learn more about our eco-friendly sailing tips and sustainability policies.
There are lots of cultural events and celebrations happening in Grenada across May which is great if you want to experience the local culture for the first time. Some of the most popular events include Grenada Chocolate Fest and Dive & Conservation Fest.
November-April is the peak season in Grenada, while October and May are part of the shoulder season. During this time, you’ll still be able to enjoy incredible weather and sailing conditions, but without the crowds so you can experience Grenada to its fullest.

Want to escape to the stunning Caribbean for your first ever yacht charter in May? Step into paradise with a Grenada sailing vacation. All that’s left to do is build your quote and start planning your relaxing Grenada sailing itinerary today.

Where to avoid sailing in May

While there are many incredible destinations for sailing in May, there are some that are better suited to other times of the year:

Thailand – April and May are the hottest months of the year so it can feel very humid. Locals tend to prefer sailing in June and July, while others enjoy December-March as it’s cooler. Either way, May isn’t the best if you don’t like the heat. Learn more about sailing in Thailand.
Sweden – The sailing season in Sweden starts from June so conditions might not be optimal in May. Sweden is unique as it experiences only 3 hours of darkness in June, July and August. This makes it ideal for sailing as you can spend more time out on the water, so if you can hold off until the summer to visit Sweden, then do.
Whitsundays – Much like we mentioned in our ‘where to sail in April’ blog, October-May is ‘stinger season’ so there’s more chance of being stung by a box jellyfish during this time.

Conclusion

Discover the serene waters of Tahiti or the vibrant shores of Antigua this May. Each destination offers unique adventures perfect for any sailor. Ready to set sail? Explore our range of yacht charters and find your perfect May getaway.

Whether you’re setting sail with family, friends or as a couple, our sailing destinations offer something extraordinary for everyone. You have the freedom to choose whether you embark on a bareboat, skippered or crewed charter and can climb aboard one of our world-class Sailing yachts or state-of-the-art Power yachts.

Whatever you decide, we know you’ll have the time of your life and you uncover the treasures that lie beneath the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond. If you have any questions about the best places to sail in May or any of our destinations, please get in touch today.