Deep off-season in May is largely characterized by the onset or intensification of very hot pre-monsoon conditions, or the full force of monsoon/heavy rainy seasons in tropical and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It also includes parts of the Southern Hemisphere entering deep winter where tourism significantly declines. Traveling during this time means facing significant weather challenges, but in return, you’ll find the absolute lowest prices and minimal crowds (outside of highly specialized niche interests).

Main Regions for Deep Off-Season:

Indian Subcontinent & Southeast Asia (Extreme Heat / Onset of Monsoon):

• • India (Northern Plains, Central India, Rajasthan, East Coast), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka (southwest coast), Philippines, Timor-Leste, Malaysia (West Coast), Thailand (Andaman Coast), Southern Vietnam: These regions are generally experiencing intense pre-monsoon heat and humidity, or the early onset of monsoon rains, leading to discomfort. Travel can be challenging, with heat advisories, and the start of heavy downpours.

• • Singapore & Brunei: Typically very hot and humid with frequent heavy showers, making it less desirable than drier periods.

African Continent (Extreme Heat / Onset of Rainy Season):

• • West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Mauritania, Eritrea, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire): Many parts of West and Central Africa are experiencing intense heat, often combined with the onset of their rainy season, making travel uncomfortable due to high temperatures, humidity, and potential road issues.

• • Equatorial Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Cameroon): These regions experience heavy and consistent rainfall, high humidity, and often difficult travel conditions due to the equatorial climate.

Americas (Onset of Rainy Season / Hot & Humid):

• • Central America (e.g., Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala’s Pacific Coast & Highlands) and most of the Caribbean (e.g., Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula/Caribbean Coast): May marks the general onset of the rainy season, bringing increasing heat, humidity, and daily afternoon downpours. While hurricanes are not typical in May, the weather is often less desirable for beach-focused travel than the dry season.

• • Northern South America (e.g., Colombia (Amazon/Andes), Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador (Pacific Coast/Amazon)): Many of these regions see the onset or strengthening of heavy rainy seasons, characterized by high humidity and consistent rainfall, making outdoor activities less appealing.

Southern Hemisphere (Deep Winter – specific niche):

• • Antarctica: While not truly deep winter in the way July/August are, May marks the closure of the expedition cruise season and the complete return of ice, making it inaccessible for tourism until late spring.