Greece needs no introduction. This Mediterranean country has been dazzling travellers with both its ancient sites and sun-kissed islands for decades. And if you are figuring whether May is a good month to visit Greece, ask yourself if you enjoy local attractions and amenities without peak season crowds. Also, if you are looking for warm, sunny weather before peak summer heat, then May is a great month to explore Greece.
We spent 2 weeks in Greece during late May and early June. Greece weather in May was pleasant. It was also less crowded than in the summer months of June, July and August which are high season and can be very hot in the afternoons. If you are looking for weather, travel tips, best places to visit, things to do in Greece in May, you have come to the right place.
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Weather in Greece in May
In late May, Greece typically experiences mild to warm weather with average daytime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). This is a pleasant time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can expect an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day. The evenings remain mild, perfect for al fresco dining and sunset views over the Mediterranean. May also sees a significant decrease in rainfall compared to earlier months, with most regions experiencing minimal precipitation.
Greece is a large country and the islands are spread over a vast area, so of course there are regional variations. Northern and Mountainous regions tend to be slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It was perfect hiking weather while visiting Meteora during our Greece trip. The southern parts like Athens and Crete island have warmer temperatures.
As for the sea temperature, the waters around Greece in May start to warm up but can still be a bit chilly for swimming.
What to wear in Greece in May
If you are visiting the Greece mainland from June until September, do note that the ancient sites would be quite warm. So dress in light, airy cotton or linen clothes. The rocks at these ruins reflect light, so don’t scrimp on sun protection. And you will need comfortable walking shoes or sandals with a good grip. I would not attempt to climb and walk around the massive site of Athens Acropolis or Mycanae in Peloponnese regions in flip-flops / slippers.
Apart from summer clothes, note that the early morings and evenings can be cooler in May. Also if you are visiting northern parts of Greece, you will need to bring a light jacket and long pants. I did find the men and women to be quite elegantly dressed at fine-dining restaurants. Men wore linen pants and shirts and the women wore everything from short skirts to flowing dresses.
We did several easy to challenging hikes in Greece, both on the mainland and on Greek islands. So hiking shoes and trekking pants were packed. Check out my complete packing list for Greece in spring or summer months.
What to expect regarding crowds and cost
May marks the beginning of the tourist season in Greece, with tourist crowds gradually increasing as the month progresses. This month offers travellers the perfect window to explore Greece’s iconic sights and hidden gems without feeling overwhelmed by tourists. The crowds are far less than peak summer months of July and August, and so is the heat.
While popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are not uncrowded, these crowds are notably thinner compared to the peak summer months. May is a great month to visit the popular islands, so plan a trip to Santorini and Mykonos.
May is not low season so you are unlikely to get lower prices on hotels and activities, however the availability and pricing will be better than peak summer months.
Best places to visit in Greece in May
Visit the capital city
Athens get really hot in late June, July and August. So May is a good month to visit its ancient wonders including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Wander around Plaka and Monastiraki areas for eating, shopping for Greek souvenirs, and people watching.
Explore the Peloponnese region
Enjoy quaint fishing villages and ancient sites like Epidaurus and Mycenae in the Peloponnese region. Nafplio is not to be missed. We managed only a day trip from Athens to the Peloponnese, but this region is best explored on a longer road trip.
Explore the Northern part of Greece
May is a good time to explore more of the greece mainland regions. Visit Thessaloniki and explore the city’s rich Byzantine heritage. See the awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering rock formations in Meteora. Meteora offers some of the best hiking trails in Greece with spectacular views. You can add a trip to Delphi on your way to Meteora.
Hike Mount Olympus, home to the ancient Greek pantheon and one of the famous natural landmarks in Greece. Or enjoy hiking and outdoor activities in Pindus mountains.
Enjoy the Greek Islands
The islands are all open to tourists from April onwards. May is a good time to visit the famous island of Santorini and enjoy its jaw-dropping caldera views with lesser crowds. Or if you prefer to enjoy the charming street life in Chora town of Mykonos without jostling with hundreds of people. Mykonos as compared to Santorini offers plenty of sandy beaches great for families.
We visited Crete over 4 days and discovered the Minoan Palace of Knossos, explored the Venetian towns of Chania and Rethymno, hiked the Samaria Gorge, and enjoyed beaches like Elafonissi. Barring hiking, Crete has plenty of things to do all year round.
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to lesser-known gems like Milos, Paros or Naxos, where secluded beaches, authentic culture, and untouched natural beauty abound. There are several Greek islands suited for a family trip.
There are islands like Corfu and Rhodes whose old towns are UNESCO World Heritage sites. With its fortresses, palaces, labyrinthine streets, and unique geography, Corfu Old Town is a focal point for visitors to the island. The Acropolis of Lindos is an ancient archaeological site located in the village of Lindos on Rhodes Island.
Things to do in Greece in spring / early summer
In May, Greece offers a blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak summer season, and an opportunity to explore both the mainland and the islands.
Visit the ancient ruins
Too many ancient sites in Greece to be covered in one trip! Athens is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with several ancient sites including the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, and more. You need at least 3 days in Athens to explore the main tourist points.
Delphi is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece and a popular day trip from Athens. Epidaurus and Mycenae are famous ancient sites in the Peloponnese region.
Greek landmarks are not just on the mainland but scattered across the islands. Some notable ones include Knossos Palace in Crete, Windmills of Mykonos, archaeological site of Delos, archeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini, Grand Master Palace in Rhodes, and many more.
Go hiking
The pleasant weather in May is great for hiking in Greece. Meteora is a haven for adventure lovers. You can find hiking trails all over this landscape for all difficulties. Tourists flock to Mount Olympus region to explore its pristine landscapes, hike its rugged trails, and immerse themselves in its rich history and mythology. Samaria National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the White Mountains of Crete. I hiked the famous Samaria Gorge in May, a moderate to challenging trail with a length of about 13 km.
Go island hopping
You can take a sailing cruise to explore several islands before the summer rush. Or get familiar with the ferry system and visit 2/3 islands by yourself.
Relax at beaches
Beaches are not crowded if you visit Greece in May. But do note that the ocean is not warm for swimming. As for the sea temperature, the waters around Greece in May start to warm up but can still be a bit chilly for swimming. The average temperature ranges from 63°F – 68°F (17°C to 20°C). The water does feel refreshing though in afternoon hours with the sun beating down.
Try local cuisine
Sample mouthwatering Greek cuisine at traditional tavernas, savouring dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood.
Events and Festivals in Greece in May
May is a month with a few festivals in Greece. Attend events like the Athens Epidaurus Festival, or the Athens Street Food Festival. Athens – Epidaurus Festival is an annual arts festival that takes place in Athens and Epidaurus, from May to October.
There are religious occassions as well in the month of May. The Day Of The Holy Spirit is celebrated in Greece, it is the day the Holy Spirit asked the Apostles to teach Christianity to the world. The feast takes place 40-50 days after Easter. Feast of Saints Constantine and Helen commemorates Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire, and his mother Saint Helen. Churches hold grand services, and believers light candles and pray for the saints’ blessings.
Summary: Visiting Greece in May
Pros
May marks the beginning of the tourist season in Greece, with fewer crowds than peak summer season.
Weather is pleasant for sightseeing and hiking, it is a dry month with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Good rates may be available for hotels and resorts, so book ahead.
Cons
The ocean around Greece in May starts to warm up but can still be a bit chilly for swimming.
Have I convinced you to visit Greece in May?
Planning a trip to Greece? Check out –
Itinerary Suggestions: Greece 2 week Itinerary, Greece mainland itinerary, Greece with kids: A 10-day Itinerary
Greece mainland places: Athens in 3 days, Athens Day Trips, Complete Guide to Meteora
Greek islands: Crete Greece Itinerary, 3 days in Santorini, One day in Mykonos, Beautiful Greek islands for a family holiday, Santorini vs Crete, Santorini vs Mykonos
And finally, the Famous Greek Landmarks and a packing list for Greece
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I visited Greece in April and May a few years ago and the weather was gorgeous. Not to hot, so I think it a great time to visit Greece.
May is absolutely my favourite time to visit Greece, when the islands aren’t too hot and crowded. I did find Skiathos a bit changeable last year tho because it’s further north.
This is really helpful, thank you! The weather in May sounds perfect to visit the cities. I’m not bothered about it being too cold to swim.
You’ve convinced me to explore Greece. I’ve been wanting to go but kind of never knew where to start. I found the itineraries very helpful.
It is a very large country with so many beautiful islands that figuring which ones to go to becomes challenging. Hope you get to visit soon.