Weather in Crete in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Crete and ranks 53rd of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Greece it is 6th of 44 (Greece in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Crete is 8.7°C warmer by day and 7.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Crete peaks at 25.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.6°C or more. About 51% of days top 25°C and 1 in 8 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.7°C; one night in ten drops to 12.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 37.6°C (2020-05-20) and the coldest night 9.9°C (2019-05-08).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 29 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2007 with 84 mm, the driest 1999 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 62%.

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 9.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:15 and sets about 20:17 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 28%.

Is May a good time to visit Crete?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, manageable rain and long sunny days. The best months for Crete on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days, with a cooler side after dark

Expect enough warmth for shorts and short sleeves during the day, but do not assume every afternoon will be hot. Around 51% of days reach 25°C, while 12% reach 30°C, so May can suit travellers who want warmth but would rather avoid relying on intense heat. On hotter days, move more active plans away from midday and keep shade and water handy. Evenings need a different approach: the average night low is 15.7°C, and the coldest 10% of nights fall to 12.7°C or below. Pack a jumper or light jacket and some long trousers, particularly if you expect to sit outside after dark.

Plenty of sunshine, but the sea is still bracing

With about 9.9 hours of sunshine out of 13.9 hours of daylight, May gives you plenty of scope to spend time outside without packing every plan into the middle of the day. Rain is still part of the picture, with about 4 rainy days, so a light waterproof and flexible plans are sensible. That does not make it a poor choice for an outdoor holiday; it means sunshine is not a guarantee. Swimming is the bigger compromise. The sea averages 19.3°C, with a year-to-year range of 18°C to 20°C. If you dislike a chilly entry or want to linger in the water, May is less convincing than its daytime warmth suggests.