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Greece in May: Your guide to weather, events & travel

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 11, 2025

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There’s something about Greece in May that feels almost cinematic. The sun softens the marble of ancient temples, olive trees sway in the breeze, and the scent of grilled octopus and wild oregano drifts from seaside tavernas. Spring is in full swing, with clear skies, blooming terraces, and open-air tavernas setting the stage for slow, joy-filled days.

Whether you're wandering sunlit ruins, sipping Assyrtiko on a quiet island, or following the footsteps of myth through Crete and Naxos, May invites you to travel without the summer rush. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you string together the perfect mix of moments featuring highlights like chartering a private boat for island-hopping and reserving a table with a view just in time for golden hour.

Is May a good time to visit Greece?

Absolutely — May hits that sweet spot just before the high-season rush. Exploring Greece in May is ideal if you enjoy warm days, light breezes, and space to move around at your own pace. In Athens and Crete, you’ll find highs in the upper 70s, weather that’s perfect for open-air museums and shaded café terraces. The islands feel fresh and peaceful, with temperatures in Santorini and Paros hovering in the low 70s. If you head north to Thessaloniki or inland villages, cooler temperatures and blooming hillsides make for perfect morning walks and slow, scenic drives.

As you wander, you’ll notice Greece shaking off the quiet of winter. On May 1, flower wreaths appear on doors, and locals picnic in olive groves to celebrate Protomagia. Cultural life begins to stir too, with early performances of the Athens Epidaurus Festival inviting you to watch live theatre under the stars.

While the sea is still cool for swimming, this is a time to enjoy the rhythm of Greece without the rush. You’ll find peaceful coastlines, fewer tourists at major sites, better hotel rates, and ferries that aren’t packed to capacity. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you build a trip that flows with the season, yet remains unique with VIP touches like a front-row seat at an ancient theater performance in Athens and a private wine tasting in the blooming hills outside Thessaloniki.

High temperature
77°F / 25°C
Low temperature
63°F / 17°C
Rainfall
0.8 in / 20 mm
Sun & daylight
10 hours / 14 hours
Seasonal tips

- Ideal travel month

- Long daylight hours

- Warm but not hot

- Bring layers for evenings

- Great for outdoor events

Where to go in Greece in May

Nafplio
With its neoclassical mansions and palm-lined promenade, Nafplio feels tailor-made for May. The first capital of modern Greece, this seaside town comes alive with spring markets and alfresco dining in flower-filled squares. It’s a beautiful base for exploring nearby ruins like Mycenae or the ancient theater of Epidaurus, where performances begin in late spring.
Naxos
In May, Naxos is a quiet gem where green hills still bloom and the beaches are all but empty. This is the moment to wander through olive groves, sip citron liqueur in the old town, and catch golden hour at the Temple of Apollo’s Portara — all without the summer crowds.
Crete’s wine country (around Heraklion)
Spring is the perfect time to head inland, where Crete’s vineyards burst into life. Just outside Heraklion, you’ll find winding roads, sleepy villages, and family-run wineries pouring local varieties you won’t find outside Greece.
Amorgos
For something slower and more soulful, consider Amorgos — a Cycladic island known for its dramatic cliffs, ancient monasteries, and untouched feel. May is when the island is at its most peaceful, its hiking trails green and fragrant.

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Things to do in Greece in May

Event
Location
Timing
Athens Jazz Festival
Annual jazz festival featuring international and local artists
Athens
Late May
Santorini Arts Festival
Arts festival with exhibitions and performances across Santorini
Santorini
May
Corfu Spring Film Series
Spring film series screening classic and contemporary films
Corfu
May weekends
Thessaloniki Street Food Fest
Street food festival offering diverse culinary delights
Thessaloniki
Mid-May
Rhodian Flower Parade
Parade celebrating Rhodes’ vibrant floral traditions
Rhodes
Early May
Pelion Herb Foraging Walks
Herb foraging walks exploring Pelion’s natural remedies
Mount Pelion
Mid–Late May
Aegina Literary Weekend
Literary weekend with readings and discussions in Aegina
Aegina
Late May

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