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Greece weather in May: temperatures, sea and rain
In May Athens averages 16–25°C, with about 4 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 18–20°C. Warmest place in the table: Athens (up to 25°C). Thessaloniki: 13–25°C.
Temperatures, sea and rain in May
| Place | Temp (min–max) | Sea | Rain days | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 16–25° | 18° | 4 | 15 |
| Thessaloniki | 13–25° | — | 6 | 50 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 16–24° | 19° | 2 | 15 |
| Rhodes | 18–24° | 20° | 2 | 25 |
| Mykonos (Cyclades) | 17–22° | 18° | 3 | 15 |
| Santorini (Cyclades) | 17–23° | 19° | 2 | 15 |
Long-term averages in Celsius, from Climates to Travel (Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion: 1991–2020). “Rain days”: days in the month with precipitation. The source gives no sea temperature for Thessaloniki. These are averages, not a forecast: any year can bring heatwaves, cold spells or storms.
The sea in May: can you swim?
Possible, if you don't mind cool water: 18–20°C on average. Warmest in Rhodes (20°C) and Crete (19°C).
What's open and on in May
- In Mykonos all hotels and restaurants are open by mid-May, and Santorini's beach towns open for the season. (SantoriniDave)
- The Athens Epidaurus Festival runs from May to October. At the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, performances are on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August. (Wikipedia)
Holidays and events
- 1 May 2027 · Holy Saturday + May Day This year May Day falls on Holy Saturday. The government sometimes moves the holiday – we will update when announced.
- 2 May 2027 · Orthodox Easter Sunday Greece's biggest holiday. Almost everything closed.
- 3 May 2027 · Easter Monday Most shops closed.
Greek holidays: full calendar
What to pack in May
- Summer clothes for the day and a light layer (sweatshirt or thin jacket) for evenings and boat trips.
- Sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Plan your trip
Common questions
What is the weather like in Greece in May?
In May Athens averages 16–25°C, with about 4 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 18–20°C. Warmest place in the table: Athens (up to 25°C). Thessaloniki: 13–25°C.
Can you swim in the sea in Greece in May?
Possible, if you don't mind cool water: 18–20°C on average. Warmest in Rhodes (20°C) and Crete (19°C).
How many rain days are there in Greece in May?
Athens has about 4 rain days on average in May. Most rain days in the table: Thessaloniki (6).
Where is warmest in Greece in May?
By the averages in the table, Athens: up to 25°C by day. Coldest is Thessaloniki and the north: 13–25°C.
What should I pack for Greece in May?
Summer clothes for the day and a light layer (sweatshirt or thin jacket) for evenings and boat trips. Sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
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Sources
Information checked on 4 October 2026. Dates and opening hours change, so check before you travel.
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