Weather in Greece in May

May climate overview

Daytime highs across Greece in May run from 19.3°C (Skiathos Town) to 26.0°C (Skala). In Skala about 63% of May days reach 25°C. Nights average 16.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Skiathos Town fall to 15°C or below.

Rainfall in May

Expect around 5 rainy days (1 mm or more) in May, with Santorini the driest (2 days) and Thassos the wettest (9 days). The wettest May at Skala between 1991 and 2020 was 1991 with 50 mm; the driest was 1999 with 3 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 19.0°C around Greece in May - warmest at Kiotari (19.9°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 9.5 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 14.0 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

May against the rest of the year in Greece

May is the 6th warmest month of the twelve in Greece. It is 4.1°C warmer than April and 4.2°C warmer in June. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (13°C).

Which part of Greece in May?

• Most sunshine: Kefalos, 10.6 h a day.
• Driest: Santorini, about 2 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Kiotari, 20°C.
• Hottest: Skala, 26°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Skiathos, 19°C.

What to pack for Greece in May

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (17°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 19°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in May

Within 1.5°C of Greece's May daytime average: Hammamet (24°C, sea 19°C), Gran Canaria (23°C, sea 20°C), Ibiza (23°C, sea 18°C), Benidorm (23°C, sea 18°C), Alanya (23°C, sea 21°C). See the full ranking for May.

Where to go for warmer days

For warmer weather, Skala stands out at 26°C by day, while Crete is a good choice at 25°C. Sissi, Hersonissos, Stalis and Koutouloufari also average 26°C, making them sensible options if you prefer warmer afternoons. Athens matches Crete at 25°C, so choosing the city need not mean giving up daytime warmth. At the cooler end, Skiathos Town averages 19°C: better suited to travellers who dislike heat than those prioritising sunbathing. These are averages, not a promise for every afternoon. In Skala, 63% of days exceed 25°C, so warmer conditions are common without being something to count on throughout your stay.

Expect cool swimming and cooler evenings

May suits time beside the sea better than it guarantees comfortable swimming. The country sea average is 19°C, also the figure for Crete, Skala and Athens, while Pefkos is cooler at 18°C. If you feel the cold easily, treat a swim as optional rather than the centre of your plans. Warm afternoons can also give way to noticeably cooler evenings: Skala drops to an average of 15°C at night, and Crete to 16°C. Pack light daytime clothes, something to cover up from the sun and a jumper or light jacket for sitting outside after dark. Daytime warmth alone is not a reason to leave layers behind.

Plenty of sunshine, but leave room for rain

Greece averages 9.5 hours of sunshine a day in May, giving you plenty of scope for outdoor plans. Rain is still part of the picture, with 5 rainy days across the month on average. Skala has 3, while Crete, Sissi and Hersonissos have 4, making them useful choices if keeping rain interruptions down matters to you. That does not guarantee a dry stay, so bring a light waterproof and keep plans flexible. In the warmer destinations, put more active outings into the cooler parts of the day if midday heat bothers you, and keep sun protection handy even when the air feels mild.