Visiting Greece in May: Everything You Need To Know
In this guide you’ll discover everything you need to know about the weather, demand, pricing, and the best things to do in Greece in May.
Thinking about a trip to Greece and wondering if May is a good time to go? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Greece in May — from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.
Greece Weather in May
May in Greece means the island vibe is waking up, the weather is warming steadily, and you’ll find a very agreeable mix of spring and early summer conditions.
- Daytime highs typically reach 77 °F (25 °C) across much of the country.
- In places like Athens and southern islands such as Crete you might see highs up to 81 °F (27 °C).
- Nighttime lows often hover around 64 °F (18 °C).
- Rain tends to drop: many coastal & island locations get around 0.4‑0.8 inches (10‑20 mm) of rain for the month; mainland slightly more, around 1.0‑1.6 inches (25‑40 mm).
- The sea begins to warm, making coastal and island visits very comfortable for strolling beaches (though swimming may still feel refreshing rather than warm).
In short — you’ll get warm, sunny days with comfortable evenings and fewer rain interruptions.
Not A Member? ✈️
Save 40%-95% On Flights With Jetsetter Alerts Airline Mistake Fare & Flash Sales Alerts!
Greece Sunrise & Sunset in May
Longer daylight hours mean you’ll have more time to explore, relax, and soak in the views.
- Sunrise will generally be around 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. (depending on island vs mainland).
- Sunset moves toward 8:15 p.m. by month’s end.
- You’ll enjoy roughly 13 to 14 hours of daylight, giving you solid windows for morning outings, beach time and evening dinners under the open sky.
May Is Shoulder‑to‑High Season in Greece
Here’s how travel demand, prices and crowds tend to behave in May — and what you should expect.
- May is moving into peak travel season — it’s no longer a low‑season month, but it’s not yet full summer rush.
- Demand: You’ll find many visitors arriving, especially toward late May, but many places are still pleasantly relaxed compared to July/August.
- Pricing: Flights and accommodations often cost more than winter/early spring, but you’ll likely get better value than full summer.
- Crowds: Tourist numbers at major spots will increase, especially on popular islands and in Athens — but you’ll still often beat the crush.
- Booking tip: If you travel in early to mid May, you’ll likely find a sweet spot of good weather + manageable crowd levels + relatively attractive pricing.
Best Things To Do in Greece in May
May offers a fantastic mix—comfortable weather, blooming landscapes, and the island rhythm kicking back into gear. Here are the top activities and why they work this month:
- Explore Athens & historic sites — With warm but not scorching temps, it’s a great time to stroll through the Acropolis, ancient Agora, and city neighbourhoods without heat‑fatigue.
- Island hopping & beach time — Many islands are active in May, and while the sea may still be slightly cool, beach walks, sunning and light water activities are very enjoyable.
- Wildflower season & countryside drives — In May the countryside is blooming and landscapes lively—ideal for exploring rural Greece or the lesser‑visited islands.
- Outdoor dining & café culture — Warm evenings mean dinner on terraces, sipping local wines and taking in the Mediterranean atmosphere feels perfect.
- Smaller crowds, early season benefits — You’ll have more flexibility with accommodation, fewer long lines at sites and a more relaxed pace of travel.
Discover Other Months To Visit Greece
Jetsetter Alerts
Jetsetter Alerts
Jetsetter Alerts
Jetsetter Alerts