We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Style Nails The 15 Best May Nail Colors That'll Have Everyone Complimenting Your Nails Transition from spring to summer with these pretty polishes. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough Sadik is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on April 8, 2024 Photo: Courtesy Olive & June May exists at that perfect intersection between spring and summer, right when flowers are at peak bloom and just before the temperatures rise to stifling heights. When it comes to picking your manicure of the month, the range is similarly vast and full of fun shades to consider. Pastel blues, lavenders, and pinks are still wholly appropriate, but fiery coral reds and creamy whites are seeking to come back into the fold. Whether you're choosing a versatile neutral or vibrant color, we've got plenty of inspiration to get you excited for the season ahead. Here are the best May nail colors to try out this month. The Hottest Nail Colors For Summer 2024, Guaranteed To Make A Splash 01 of 15 Essie Peach Side Babe PHOTO: Essie $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Ulta This peachy pink is the perfect answer to those who aren't quite as fond of or ready to break out reds and corals. 02 of 15 OPI Mexico City Move-mint PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon View on Beyondpolish.com View on Opi.com You can't go wrong with a creamy, opaque mint blue that feels more interesting than nude-pink, but still subtle enough to be versatile. 03 of 15 OPI Cajun Shrimp PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta May is certainly an acceptable time to bring this iconic OPI color back to your fingers. The perfect not-too-orange and not-too-pink coral is always a good idea. 04 of 15 Essie Fiji PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target You can expect a bit more pink vibrance in this classic shade than in many other pinky neutrals such as Bubble Bath or Ballet Slippers. 05 of 15 Essie Lilacism PHOTO: Ulta.com $7 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target Come May, pastels are still going strong from the spring, and this creamy lavender color will be reminiscent of the bright flowers blooming all over. 06 of 15 Sally Hansen Soak At Sunset PHOTO: Ulta $8 at Amazon $8 at Walmart $11 at CVS For those aching for beach time and a subtle tanned glow, this sunset-inspired shade will certainly get you in the mood and flatter any semblance of an outer glow you've got. 07 of 15 Olive & June RP PHOTO: Olive & June View on Oliveandjune.com For those who aren't quite ready to commit to ultra-light neutrals and creamy white colors, this taupe shade is super versatile and fades flatteringly into the background. 08 of 15 Essie Geranium PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Target Let your nails be reflective of the blooming season with this vibrant orange-coral red that is consistently a best-seller in the summer—and for good reason. 09 of 15 OPI Bubble Bath PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Ulta Sometimes, you're just craving a classic that you know you won't get sick of, and this beloved OPI pink-nude will always deliver. It's not too pink, nor too opaque. 10 of 15 Olive & June Lavender Stems PHOTO: Courtesy Olive & June View on Oliveandjune.com There are many different variations of pale pink to choose from. Instead of going with the usual candy baby pink, consider this lavender-toned baby pink that is just unique enough to catch eyes. 11 of 15 Essie Butler Please PHOTO: Essie $8 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $9 at Walmart Royal blue seems to be the new red this year, and May is just on the cusp of the robust summer season to justify making a bold splash. 12 of 15 Olive & June Mermaid Hair PHOTO: Olive & June View on Oliveandjune.com Perhaps it is time to embrace the "your nails but better" trend with an ultra-sheer wash of iridescent color. The name itself is fitting for the beginnings of summer. 13 of 15 OPI Funny Bunny PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $12 at Ulta There is always a time and place for going back to the basics. If you're attending any May events, this classic OPI color always makes for a standout neutral. 14 of 15 Essie Penny Talk PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $9 at Walmart $10 at Ulta Rose gold and copper nail colors aren't slowing down, and what better to make you feel absolutely polished than a fun metallic manicure? 15 of 15 OPI 7th & Flower PHOTO: OPI $12 at Amazon $10 at Walmart While everyone else sticks with pale pink, go bolder with a vibrant raspberry shade that feels like the perfect alternative to red or coral. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit