Weather in Corfu in May

How May compares

May is the 6th warmest month of the year in Corfu and ranks 111th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Greece it is 31st of 44 (Greece in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Corfu is 3.8°C warmer by day and 7.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Corfu peaks at 20.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 23.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 34 days top 25°C and 1 in 500 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.2°C; one night in ten drops to 13.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 30.5°C (2020-05-16) and the coldest night 9.6°C (2016-05-03).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 51 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2019 with 133 mm, the driest 1997 with 6 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 19.3°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.3°C to 20.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (25.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:26 and sets about 20:47 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 43%.

Is May a good time to visit Corfu?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Corfu on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Comfortable days, with a layer for evenings

May's warmth is more suited to walking and sitting outside than to anyone who wants consistently hot afternoons. The warmer days reach 23°C or more, but that is not the everyday expectation. With about 8 hours of sunshine within 14.2 hours of daylight, there is plenty of scope to spend time outdoors without fitting everything around midday. Pack light clothes for sunny spells, plus a jumper or light jacket for later. Average night lows are 16°C, with the colder nights dropping to around 14°C or below, so clothing that feels right in the afternoon may not be enough after dark.

Treat swimming and dry weather as bonuses

The sea is the main catch if swimming is central to your holiday. At an average of 19.3°C, it is bracing rather than comfortably warm; the May range of 18°C to 20°C does not change that basic judgement. A short dip may appeal if you tolerate cool water, but do not assume you will want to linger. Rain also needs room in your plans. Carry a light waterproof and avoid making every day depend on staying dry. May works better for travellers who can switch between outdoor time and a sheltered break than for those expecting uninterrupted days in swimwear. Use sunny spells when they come.