May bank holidays in Latvia are the first opportunity of the year for a warm charter tour, and many Latvians use the long weekends to escape spring greyness. In 2026 Latvia has several May holidays: 1 May (Labour Day) and 4 May (Independence Restoration Day), plus regular weekends. The three best May destinations from Riga: Turkey (ideal temperature, from €350), Bulgaria (season opener, from €199) and Egypt (hot but great sea, from €319). Important: May dates are popular — booking 2+ months ahead is essential.
May Holidays 2026: Dates and Opportunities
- 1 May (Friday) — Labour Day. Combined with the weekend: 3 days off (1–3 May).
- 4 May (Monday) — Independence Restoration Day. Together with the previous weekend: a long holiday stretch from 1 to 4 May (4 days).
This combination makes early May perfect for a 7-night charter — depart 26 April or 1 May, return before or after work resumes.
Turkey in May: Ideal Temperature (from €350)
May is one of Turkey's best months — air 25–30°C, sea 21–24°C, sunny without summer scorching. Fewer tourists than June-August, uncrowded beaches, and early-season prices.
May prices: 4* AI from €350–450/pp, 5* AI from €499–599/pp. Departures around 1 May are 10–20% pricier than mid-May.
Resorts: Antalya/Lara (26–30°C, fully operational), Alanya (slightly warmer, cheaper), Side (historic, peaceful), Kemer (pine forests, mountains, fresh).
Key advantage: Not too hot (compared to 38–40°C in July), ideal for families and active travellers planning excursions.
Bulgaria in May: Season Opening (from €199)
Bulgaria's beach season only begins in May — air 20–25°C, sea 17–20°C (still cool for swimming but fine for sunbathing). Late May is better than early May. The advantage: extremely low prices and nearly empty beaches.
Prices: 3* with breakfast from €199–249/pp, 4* AI from €279–349/pp.
Good for: Budget holidays with sunshine and walks, not necessarily swimming. Great for exploring old Nessebar and Varna. By late May the sea warms to 20–21°C.
Egypt in May: Hot but Great Sea (from €319)
Egypt in May is already summer — air 32–38°C, sea 24–26°C. Swimming and snorkelling are excellent, but midday sunbathing can be too hot. Best plan: morning and evening at the beach, afternoon at the pool or air-conditioned room.
Prices: Sharm from €319–399/pp, Hurghada from €339–429/pp. May isn't peak season in Egypt — good prices.
Good for: Divers, snorkellers, couples who handle heat. Less suitable for families with small children due to heat.
Comparison Table: May 2026
| Destination | Price from | Air temp | Sea temp | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | €350 | 25–30°C | 21–24°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ideal |
| Bulgaria | €199 | 20–25°C | 17–21°C | ⭐⭐⭐ Still cool |
| Egypt | €319 | 32–38°C | 24–26°C | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hot but great sea |
How to Get the Best May Price?
Book in February-March. May dates are highly popular. Best hotels (5* AI in Turkey) can sell out by March.
Flexible dates. Departing 1 May can be 15–20% pricier than 3 or 5 May. Shifting by ±2–3 days can save €50–100 per person.
Compare destinations. Turkey in May can be cheaper than in August; Bulgaria in May is at its absolute minimum.
FAQ
Is 1 May a good time to fly to Turkey?
Excellent. The May Day weekend is ideal for a 7-night tour — air already 25–28°C, sea 21–23°C, sunshine guaranteed. No summer scorching, but warm enough for swimming and sunbathing. Hotels are fully operational.
Can you swim in Bulgaria in May?
In early May the sea is still cool (17–19°C) — comfortable only for the hardy. By late May (after the 20th) it warms to 20–21°C. Hotel pools are a good alternative. May in Bulgaria is better for sunbathing and excursions than swimming.
How far ahead should I book a May tour?
At least 2 months, ideally 3. May dates are among the most popular in the charter season (alongside Midsummer and early August). Turkey 5* hotels can sell out by March. Bulgaria has better availability, but top hotels also go quickly.
Is May cheaper than summer?
Yes, May prices are 15–30% lower than July-August. Turkey 4* AI in May: €350–450 vs summer €499–650. Bulgaria's gap is even larger. Exception: exact 1 May departure dates, which can be in high demand.
Best May destination for couples without kids?
Turkey (Side or Kemer) — romantic, uncrowded, excellent 5* hotels. Or Egypt (Sharm) — snorkelling and desert excursions. Both offer excellent May value.
Does it rain in Turkey in May?
Minimal. May on the Antalya coast is nearly rain-free — on average 2–3 rainy days per month, usually brief afternoon showers. 85%+ of days are sunny. May is one of Turkey's most meteorologically stable months.
What if good hotels are sold out for May?
Broaden your search — try different dates (5–12 May often cheaper and more available than 1–8 May). Consider alternative resorts (Alanya instead of Antalya) or lower star ratings — a good 4* can beat an average 5*.
Are there child discounts on May tours?
Yes, same as other times — under 2 minimal fee, 2–12 years 30–50% off. May sometimes has "child goes free" deals as operators try to fill early-season flights.