Greece in May

Greece › Visiting in May
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Naxos
• Where to Stay in Paros
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Where to Stay in Corfu
• Where to Stay in Rhodes

May is one of my favorite months to visit Greece, a time when the country is at its most beautiful and welcoming. It is the heart of a vibrant spring, a golden season when the winter rains have left the landscapes exceptionally green and blanketed in wildflowers. The weather is ideal, offering warm, sun-filled days without the intense heat of summer. This allows for comfortable exploration, whether you are climbing the Acropolis or hiking a mountain trail. The large summer crowds have not yet arrived, creating a cheerful but relaxed atmosphere across the islands and mainland. For sightseers, history buffs, and hikers May is the weather is nearly perfect. If you want sun and swimming early May might be a little chilly (though heat waves can hit any time of the month). Late May will provide more consistent beach weather.

Why May?

Perfect, Mild Weather: Days are consistently sunny and pleasantly warm, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor meals. Evenings remain cool and refreshing, ideal for enjoying dinner by the sea.

Lush, Blooming Landscapes: This is May’s signature feature. The Greek countryside is at its most colorful. Bougainvillea, poppies, and daisies are in full bloom against a backdrop of green hills, a sight that disappears by July. The Ionian islands and Crete are particularly spectacular.

Fewer Crowds, More Authenticity: The shoulder-season timing means you can experience iconic locations without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of August. This creates a more intimate and authentic travel experience, allowing for a more relaxed pace.

Athens: May is arguably the best month to visit Athens. The weather is perfect for exploring the Acropolis and the vast Ancient Agora without worrying about the heat. The city’s cafes and rooftop bars are buzzing with energy, but the crowds are manageable, allowing you to enjoy the city’s rhythm like a local. The primary con is that it is still a bustling capital city; for a pure beach holiday, you must head to the islands or the coast.

Santorini: Visiting Santorini in May means you get the legendary, jaw-dropping views without the peak season crowds, making it a photographer’s dream. The pleasant weather is ideal for hiking the scenic trail from Fira to Oia and for exploring the villages in comfort. The main drawbacks are that the sea is still chilly for swimming, and while cheaper than in August, it remains one of Greece’s most expensive destinations. Even in May book hotels well in advance.

Mykonos: May is great for seeing Mykonos at its most beautiful and relaxed. The iconic town, with its windmills and whitewashed alleys, is stunning and easy to explore before the summer masses arrive. The famous beach clubs are starting to open (all bars and beach clubs should be open by the end of May) and you can find excellent value on luxury hotels. The cons are the brisk sea temperatures and a nightlife scene that is still waking up; it is getting lively by late May, but not the full-throttle party of July.

Crete: Crete is an outstanding choice for May, as its southern location offers some of the warmest and sunniest weather in Greece. The island’s famous gorges, including the Samaria Gorge, are open for hiking in ideal conditions against a backdrop of lush spring scenery. The sheer size of the island means there is always something new to discover, from ancient palaces to mountain villages. The only cons are its scale, which requires a rental car and significant driving time to explore properly, and the fact the sea on the popular north coast is still coolish (but warming quickly).

Naxos: May is the best month for hikers and nature lovers to visit Naxos, as the island’s famously green interior are in full bloom. The long, sandy beaches are beautiful and empty, and the authentic mountain villages are a joy to explore. The downside is that the island is very quiet, with little or no nightlife, and the sea is still chilly.

Paros: The chic harbor of Naoussa is just starting to wake up in May, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful waterfront restaurants and boutiques without the intense crowds of summer. Paros strikes a great balance between beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and a stylish but relaxed atmosphere. Like its neighbors, the sea is still cool, and the nightlife is just beginning to stir.

Rhodes: The magnificent, walled Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is much more pleasant to explore in the mild weather and smaller crowds of May. This large Dodecanese island is one of the warmest and sunniest options at this time of year. Its main con is its location; it is far from the Cyclades, making it a destination in itself rather than an easy stop on an island-hopping tour.

Corfu: The Ionian island of Corfu is breathtakingly beautiful in May, when the entire island is exceptionally lush, green, and covered in wildflowers. The elegant, Venetian-influenced Old Town is perfect for exploring in the pleasant spring temperatures. The cons are that the sea is among the coolest in Greece this early in the season, and there is a higher chance of a rain shower compared to the southern Aegean islands.

Smaller Islands & Other Groups: May is the good time to explore beyond the most famous names. In the Cyclades, Milos offers a spectacular volcanic coastline that is best explored by boat before the summer winds pick up. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, has a grand, year-round culture and architecture that is distinct from its neighbors. Ios is quiet and beautiful, offering a glimpse of its fantastic beaches before the summer party crowd arrives. In the nearby Saronic Gulf, islands like Hydra and Spetses are an easy and wonderful getaway from Athens. But for all of these islands, be prepared for a just-opening vibe. Active and friendly but maybe a little too quiet for some.

The Mainland: Do not overlook mainland Greece in May. The mild weather is perfect for a road trip to the country’s monumental archaeological sites. You can wander the ancient grounds of Delphi and Olympia for hours in comfort. A visit to the monasteries of Meteora is breathtaking against a backdrop of green spring scenery. The Peloponnese peninsula is magnificent in May; a drive through the stark Mani Peninsula, for example, is made special by a temporary carpet of grass and wildflowers.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventure: For active travelers, this is the best month to visit, without question. The mild temperatures are perfect for hiking, cycling, and sea kayaking. The trails on islands like Crete and Naxos, or through the mountains of the mainland, are at their most beautiful.

Beaches and Swimming: The beaches are pristine and peaceful in May. The sea, however, is still cool from the winter, averaging 18-20°C (64-68°F). It is a brisk and refreshing temperature, fine for a quick swim but not for long, lazy soaking. For the warmest water, head to the southern coast of Crete or the Dodecanese islands like Rhodes.

History and Culture Without the Crowds: The comfortable weather is a huge asset for history buffs. You can spend hours exploring the vast ruins of the Acropolis and Ancient Agora in Athens without suffering from the debilitating heat of summer.

The Culinary Scene: May is a fantastic time for food lovers. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is the season for tender local lamb, fresh artichokes, wild greens (horta), and the first sweet cherries and peaches of the year.

Booking, Prices, and What’s Open: May is a shoulder-season month that offers excellent value. Flights and hotels are significantly cheaper than in July and August. Book two to three months ahead for the best deals. By mid-May, virtually all hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are open for the season.

Getting Around: Flights and Ferries: The transportation network is in full swing. Domestic flights between Athens and the major islands are frequent and save valuable time. The ferry system operates on a near-summer schedule, with reliable connections for any island-hopping itinerary.

What to Pack: Layering is key. Pack t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses for warm, sunny afternoons. However, you must also bring a light jacket, a sweater, or a fleece for the cool evenings, which can be breezy. Proper comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable for archaeological sites. A light rain jacket or umbrella is also a wise inclusion.

What to Be Aware Of: If Greek Orthodox Easter falls in May, as it does in some years, you will encounter a major national celebration. It is a fantastic cultural experience with candlelit processions and feasts, but be aware that it can involve widespread business closures. Also, remember that the sea temperature is cool, and some seasonal services on the smallest islands may still be in the process of ramping up during the first week of the month.

For Couples: May is one of the most romantic months. The beautiful scenery, stunning sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere are perfect for a honeymoon or a quiet getaway.

For Families: The weather is ideal for families with young children, as it is not oppressively hot. The beaches and sites are less crowded, making for a more relaxing experience. In early May the water could be too chilly for swimming but will warm significantly by the end of the month.

For Active Travelers: This is the prime time for hiking and outdoor adventure, with perfect temperatures and beautiful green landscapes.

For History Buffs: The comfortable weather allows for long, in-depth exploration of Greece’s unparalleled archaeological sites without the physical strain and crowds of summer.