If you want an early summer holiday in Asia, or you’re planning a family holiday in the May school holiday, but you aren’t sure of the best places to visit in Asia in May and June. I have put this guide together to help you out because not all of Asia is ideal to visit during these shoulder months.
I have included May and June together in this post as I feel like many countries are similar during this period weather and crowd wise. May and June are good months to visit Asia before 2 things happen – the humid summer monsoon season starts, or, where it’s dry in summer in Asia – the school holiday summer crowds hit!
Where to travel in Asia in May and June
In this post, you’ll find ideas of where to go on holiday in Asia in May and where to go in Asia in June including countries that have all round good weather and festivities, and parts of certain countries that are recommended over other parts.
Weather in Asia in May and June
A good majority of Asia has hot, humid and wet summers which is why its best to go in the winter months of December and January time, however, there are a few pockets where good weather is the norm throughout April to September region (hint – Indonesia is one of the best pockets!)
I have focused this post on where to go in Asia in May and June based on better weather with less rain and super hot temperatures, however something to note is that there are positives to visiting in Asia when the weather isn’t as great.
Firstly, in many places monsoon is very heavy but the rain lasts for a short period only and then it stops, it’s not like in the UK where it constantly rains. And this hot and wet weather brings fewer tourists and therefore lower prices. So if these months are the only months you can visit Asia all year round, don’t fear, it can be a positive experience, you might just need to adapt your expectations a little bit depending on where you visit.
1. INDONESIA
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok, Java, Komodo/Flores, Sumatra
I was in Indonesia during the lockdown months which meant I spent all of May and June on the Gili Islands and I can’t recommend Lombok and the Gili Islands enough in Indonesia in May and June! The winter months in Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands bring rain whereas the summer months bring clear blue skies and May is the start of the summer and lovely weather.
In fact, for the best weather in this region, June is even better than May with it then getting even better in July and August.
Finally visit Bali in May or June, or if you want more of an adventure in Indonesia, good areas of Indonesia to visit are the Komodo Islands and National Park because of calm seas in May and June, so you can do a multi day trip and see Komodo Dragons alongside diving and snorkelling.
Java and Sumatra are also islands with good weather for travelling around in May and these two provide the ultimate off the beaten path adventure in Indonesia!
Related posts: Gili Islands Indonesia – Your Complete Guide To Visiting Gili! / DETAILED Packing List for Bali for Females. What to Pack for Bali! / BEST 2 Week Bali, Gili Islands & Lombok Itinerary!
2. EASTERN MAYALSIA
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Perhentian Islands, Tioman Islands
The Eastern side of Malaysia is extremely better to visit than the Western side in May and June. If you are looking for where to visit in Malaysia in May, the Perhentian Islands and Tioman Islands are the best.
I visited the Perhentian Islands in March a few years ago, they only open from March to September with ferries running at this time which shows they are the best place to go and they work well with a trip to Thailand since they are near the Thai border. The same is true for the Tioman Islands however they are on the east closer to Singapore. Both of these sets of islands are heavily visited by domestic tourists but they are not on the usual ‘backpacker trail’ or built up like Langkawi island in the west so they are great off the beaten path islands to visit in May and June in South East Asia.
Related posts: Travel GUIDE to Perhentian Kecil, the Small Perhentian Island! / How Much It Costs to Visit the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia!
3. BORNEO
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: All of the island is good
The island of Borneo is part Malaysia and part Indonesia but pretty much whole island has its dry season during May and June making Boreno one of the top places to visit in Asia in June or May.
Borneo is an island for adventure and wildlife, in Malaysian Borneo, Kinabatangan River is a standout for spotting orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys along its banks, while Danum Valley Conservation Area offers pristine rainforest and incredible biodiversity for guided treks.
For beach lovers, the islands around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park boast clear waters and excellent snorkelling conditions during these months. Over in Sarawak, Bako National Park combines coastal scenery with wildlife-rich trails, making it a great all-round stop. With fewer downpours and thriving ecosystems, May and June are ideal for experiencing Borneo’s unique mix of rainforest, wildlife, and tropical islands at their best.
4. EASTERN THAILAND
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Koh Saumi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Like Malaysia in May and June, the Eastern side of Thailand is best to visit and for touristy spots, this is the lower Gulf of Thailand islands where 3 popular islands sit – Koh Saumi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao.
I’ve been to these islands many times and they really offer so much and something different on each island. Koh Samui is very built up, it’s great for a family holiday where you want some luxuries, good roads, plenty of shopping and maybe some western brands, whereas Koh Tao is a laid back island perfect for snorkelling in May and June with amazing reefs, and Koh Phangan is the party island, its where the full moon party is held, although you can certainly visit Koh Phangan and not party, there are some amazing quiet beaches and its more of the ‘hippy island’, also great for families wanting to switch off.
Related posts: DETAILED Female Packing List For Thailand! What To Pack For Thailand! / EPIC 2 Week Thailand Itinerary
5. CENTRAL VIETNAM
– BEST IN: May
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang
For where to go in South East Asia in May, Vietnam is a great choice, especially if you focus on central Vietnam thanks to its dry season bringing long sunny days, low rainfall, and excellent beach conditions along the coast. June does become considerably hotter than June.
Da Nang is a great starting point, offering a mix of city life and wide sandy beaches, while nearby Hoi An is especially charming with lantern-lit streets and easy access to the coast. Further north, Hue is ideal for exploring imperial history and temples without the heavy rains of later months, and to the south, Nha Trang boasts some of the best beach weather in the country during this period, with calm seas and clear skies perfect for swimming and island hopping.
If Northern Vietnam is on your list like Hanio, Ha-long Bay and even high up in Sapa, consider going in early May for the best weather and experience.
6. CAMBODIA
– BEST IN: May
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Penh,
May is considerably better to visit Cambodia in than June and although the weather is not perfect throughout the country in May, you should avoid the Southern coastline and islands, there are pockets of good places to visit in Cambodia in May like Siem Reap where you visit the famous Angkor Wat, and central regions like Battambang and Phnom Penh which are good for countryside explorations and historic cities.
The weather in Cambodia in May does get progressively more wet as the month goes on so do expect some rain, but it is short lived rain and you benefit from shoulder season travel with fewer tourists and hopefully lower costs in May.
7. CHINA
– BEST IN: May
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Beijing, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu
My birthday is in May and one of the memorable countries I’ve spent my birthday in is China and I have to say that a trip to China is an incredible option when you’re looking at the best places to visit in Asia in May.
With visa entry becoming easier and its mega cities continuing to boom, it’s no surprise China is growing in popularity. Late spring brings mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and ideal conditions for exploring many areas of the country.
Beijing is a great option, we actually camped on the Great Wall of China in early May. I was in Shanghai for my birthday in May. Guilin & Yangshuo in the South are ideal in May for taking a Li River cruise, with lush green landscapes and the place where you can see panda’s in China – Chengdu is good to visit in May before the peak summer rains begin in June.
During my three-week trip, we experienced just how varied China’s climate can be — switching between shorts and t-shirts in some regions to jeans and a down jacket in others — but overall, it was a fantastic time to go.
Related posts: 10 Things To Know About Train Travel in China! / Camping on The Great Wall of China – What it’s Like & How You Can Do it!
8. JAPAN
– BEST IN: May and June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Mount Fuji
East Asia is a fantastic region to visit in May, especially if you’re planning around school holidays, I’ve been to Japan 3 times but I’m desperate to go with the whole family, and Japan easily stands out when looking at the best places to visit in Asia during May and June.
With mild spring temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable conditions, it’s perfect for exploring cities, temples, and natural landscapes. Cherry blossom season is mostly over, but this actually makes travel easier with fewer crowds and better hotel availability, though it’s still worth noting that Golden Week (early May) can bring busy transport and booked-out accommodation, so timing your visit around it is key.
May is more ideal than June to visit Japan, destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto offer a mix of culture and seasonal beauty, while Hakone is ideal for nature, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji. Across the country, you’ll find vibrant flower parks filled with wisteria and azaleas, along with great opportunities for hiking and cycling, making Japan one of the most rewarding and well-rounded places to visit in Asia in May.
If you are looking at Japan in June, the island of Okinawa with white sand beaches and perfect for snorkelling and diving is ideal in late June.
Related posts: 2 Week Japan Itinerary Perfect For Your First Trip to Japan! / Okinawa Travel Guide / 16 FREE Things To Do in Japan In Japan’s Most Popular Cities!
9. SOUTH KOREA
– BEST IN: May and June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Seoul, Busan, Jeji Island, Seoraksan National Park
I spent 10 days in South Kora in late May and early June and it was a great time and I highly recommend it for a holiday in Asia in May or June!
I spent 10 days exploring Busan, Jeju Island, and Seoul, and it was such a great mix of city, coast, and nature. Like many destinations in Asia in May, South Korea is transitioning into early summer, bringing warm, mostly dry weather before the humid monsoon season arrives.
I had a mix of blue skies and a few cloudy days in late May, but overall it was consistently warm and perfect t-shirt weather for exploring and Jeju Island felt like a total summer holiday every day! For hiking in South Korea in May and June, check out Seoraksan National Park.
Related posts: 10 Day South Korea Itinerary – Seoul, Busan & Jeju Island! / How To See The Best of Jeju Island WITHOUT Hiring a Car? / 10 Things To Do in Busan | Busan COMPREHENSIVE Travel Guide
10. NEPAL
– BEST IN: May
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna region and Pokhara
May is the key month for climbing Mount Everest therefore May in Nepal is a busy season and a clear and great time to visit, when you visit the right areas.
The best places to visit in Nepal in May are the high altitude areas like doing the tough hike to Everest Base Camp for climbing, the Annapurna region and hike, Pokhara for adventure sports and Chitwan for wildlife spotting where you can spot Rhinos and Crocodiles in May.
You go to Nepal for an adventure holiday but if you are looking for where to go on holiday in Asia in May, Nepal will give you a holiday not to forget!
11. NORTHERN INDIA
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Himachal Pradesh – Manali, Dharamshala, Shimla. Rishikesh, Ladakh,
For where to visit in India in May or June, you want to head to the Northern regions where the weather is cooler with less rain. You will likely need to fly into Delhi or Mumbai to get to the North however these cities in May and June are very hot, humid with the monsoon season arriving in June so although you can spend a day or two sightseeing, just be prepared to sweat a lot and then be ready to get into a higher cooler climate.
The region of Himachal Pradesh is one of the best areas to visit in India in May, popular places like Dharamshala, Manali and Shimla which are a mix of hilltop stations for people to avoid the heat and cultural and activity hubs for hiking and climbing are ideal in these months. I was there in August and it was hot but nice which is similar for early summer too.
To go further North, consider a trip to Ladakh, this area offers rugged mountains, hiking and adventures. You can also visit Kashmir which in the summer months is beautiful and a total escape from the southern countries heat.
Related posts: Dharamshala Travel Guide for McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot & Bhagsu! / PERFECT 2 Weeks in India Itinerary For Your FIRST Trip!
12. NORTHERN PAKISTAN
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Hunza, Skardu, Kashmir
I have been to Pakistan twice in Autumn but the reasons the North is great to visit in Autumn are the same as the reasons to visit Northern Pakistan in Spring and therefore May and June.
You will need to travel into one of the lower cities like Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore to then travel up to the North and these cities are extremely hot in May and June with a wet season approaching however, once you reach the North you will have comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Hunza is now one of the top places to visit in Pakistan, you can do the fairy meadows trek and stay overnight there and then do a hike to Nangar Parbat which I did in October, then head further up to Karakoram Highway to Karimabad and the Passu mountains which are ideal for hiking in May and June.
Next to this is Skardu with plenty of outdoor adventures and the roads are opening in May after winter. Lastly for even more of a trip of a lifetime, the weather in May and June in Kashmir is beautiful with many locals escaping the city heat here.
Related posts: A 2 Week Pakistan Itinerary to Northern Pakistan & the Cities! / Pakistan Travel Advice. Things To Know BEFORE You Go to Pakistan!
13. EASTERN SRI LANKA
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Sigiriya
Sri Lanka experiences the ‘Yala Monsoon’ in May and June however it hits the south and western areas whilst the eastern areas stay mainly dry making eastern Sri Lanka one of the best places to visit in Asia in June.
I actually visited Sri Lanka in August a few years ago and I took the same advice to stick to the eastern side and I did have dry weather compared to when I headed to the south coast just to check it out and had 5 days of constant rain.
Arugam Bay is a hotspot on the east for its chilled out vibes, nice cafes and food surfing communities which I really enjoyed. Trincomalee is more remote and wild but I did a good snorkelling tour here and it was good to see a less busy part of the eastern coast. One of the famous sights of Sri Lanka is Sigiriya Rock and thankfully this is also one of the good places to visit in May and June and I stopped here first on my summer trip!
Related posts: Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on Your First Trip & Travel Tips! \ How To Get From Negombo to Sigiriya By Public Bus.
14. MALDIVES
– BEST IN: May or June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: North Malé Atoll, Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll
Another destination to consider when looking at the best places to visit in Asia in May and June is the Maldives, and while it’s not peak season, that’s actually part of its appeal. These months fall within the start of the southwest monsoon, so you can expect a mix of sunshine, humidity, and short tropical showers rather than constant rain. In reality, this often means a few heavy bursts of rain followed by clear skies, and plenty of warm, beach-ready weather in between.
This time of year in the Maldives can feel more relaxed too with fewer crowds and better value for luxury resorts compared to the high season which is why I had to include it on this list even if it’s not technically the best time go to!
Where you stay makes a big difference in these months, North Malé Atoll is one of the most accessible and offers stunning resorts with great snorkelling, while Ari Atoll is especially popular for diving and the chance to spot whale sharks year-round. For something a bit quieter, Baa Atoll, is known for its rich marine life and becomes increasingly active heading into summer.
15. MONGOLIA
– BEST IN: June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Gobi Desert, Khuvsgul Lake
Another destination to consider when looking at the best places to visit in Asia in May and June is Mongolia! A much more off-the-beaten-path option that’s perfect if you’re after wide open landscapes and unique cultural experiences and these months are great to visit!
May June time mark the transition from spring into early summer, bringing milder temperatures after the long, harsh winter and making travel far more comfortable. You can still expect some cooler days and chilly nights, especially in May, but overall it’s a great time to explore without the peak summer crowds. The landscapes begin to turn greener, wildlife becomes more active, and it’s an ideal season for experiencing Mongolia’s vast, untouched scenery.
In terms of where to go, Ulaanbaatar is usually the starting point, offering a mix of modern life and traditional culture, while Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is an easy escape into rolling hills, rock formations, and nomadic camps just outside the city. For something more remote, the Gobi Desert is surprisingly accessible in these months, with clearer skies and comfortable conditions for exploring sand dunes and dinosaur fossil sites. You can also head to Khuvsgul Lake, one of the country’s most scenic areas, where the ice begins to melt and the surrounding landscapes come to life.
With fewer tourists, dramatic scenery, and a strong sense of adventure, Mongolia stands out as one of the most unique places to visit in Asia in May and June.
16. KAZAKSTAN
– BEST IN: May and June
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Almaty, Big Almaty Lake, le-Alatau National Park, Charyn Canyon
Moving onto Central Asia, May and June are known as the best months to visit Kazakstan and tourism here is slowly increasing so now is a great time to check out this lesser known vast country and see its dramatic landscapes, modern cities, and wide-open steppe.
As the harsh winter has passed and the intense summer heat hasn’t yet arrived. In May, you’ll find mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fresh green scenery, while June brings warmer, more stable weather that’s perfect for exploring. You can still get some variation depending on the region — cooler in the mountains and warmer on the steppe , but overall it’s a really comfortable time to travel with plenty of sunshine.
In terms of where to go in Kazakstan in May or June, Almaty is a great base, surrounded by incredible nature including Big Almaty Lake and the hiking trails of the Tian Shan Mountains, which are especially beautiful in late spring and early summer. For something more unique, Charyn Canyon offers dramatic desert-like scenery that’s best explored before peak summer heat, while Astana (Nur-Sultan) provides a completely different experience with its futuristic architecture. With green landscapes, comfortable weather, and fewer tourists than many other destinations, Kazakhstan stands out as one of the most unique and adventurous places to visit in Asia in May and June.
17. UZBEKISTAN
– BEST IN: May
– BEST AREAS TO GO: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
I went to Uzbekistan in late April 2 years ago and this is a country that is really starting to boom in tourism with so many historic cities and part of the Silk Road, it’s another country to visit soon before it becomes too well known!
It was warm and getting on hot when I went in April, so I do suggest May to visit as temperatures are typically very pleasant for sightseeing. By June and then going into the summer, temperatures are soaring and its a very dry hot heat, although early mornings and evenings are then a good time to explore.
In terms of where to go, the capital, Tashkent, provides a mix of modern life and cultural sites, making it a great starting point. Samarkand is a highlight, known for its incredible Islamic architecture and the iconic Registan Square, and Bukhara offers a traditional feel with its preserved old town, mosques, and markets. We travelled to all 3 in a relatively easy way using trains and buses over 6 days.
With comfortable weather, rich history, and stunning architecture at every turn, Uzbekistan easily stands out as one of the best places to visit in Asia in May and June.
Related posts: What to Wear in Uzbekistan As a Tourist! Inside and Outside of Tourist Attractions!
I hope this has helped you with ideas for where to go in Asia in May and where to go in Asia in June!