2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Athens — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Athens. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7.7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

16°C

Rainy days

5days

Daylight

14.2h

Rainfall

20mm

Sunshine

12.3h/day

Humidity

56%

Moderate
Sun Strength

9.8

Very High
Wind

15 km/h (gusts 40)

Is May a good time to visit Athens?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:16

Sunset

20:29

14.2h daylight

Visiting Athens in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Minimal rainfall — great for outdoor plans
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in May

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Athens Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 14°C 7°C 8d (44mm) 7.3h
73% Humid
3.4 Moderate
Good
Feb 15°C 7°C 7d (33mm) 8.4h
71% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Good
Mar 17°C 9°C 7d (36mm) 9.7h
66% Humid
6.6 High
Good
Apr 21°C 12°C 6d (36mm) 11h
61% Moderate
8.5 Very High
Excellent
May Current 26°C 16°C 5d (20mm) 12.3h
56% Moderate
9.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 31°C 22°C 4d (18mm) 13.1h
50% Moderate
10.8 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 35°C 25°C 1d (7mm) 13.1h
42% Comfortable
11 Extreme
Good
Aug 34°C 24°C 2d (16mm) 12.5h
48% Comfortable
9.6 Very High
Good
Sep 29°C 21°C 3d (11mm) 10.9h
56% Moderate
7.6 Very High
Excellent
Oct 24°C 16°C 3d (26mm) 9.4h
65% Humid
5.4 High
Excellent
Nov 20°C 13°C 5d (37mm) 7.7h
71% Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Dec 16°C 10°C 8d (58mm) 7h
76% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Good

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5.610.Sep
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5.612.Apr
4.7

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Athens – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Athens

Birthplace of democracy, including ancient ruins, the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, vibrant tavernas, and Mediterranean warmth.

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What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Athens?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Athens?
May is typically excellent for visiting Athens, with average highs of 26°C and around 5 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Athens in May?
Evenings in Athens during May are mild at 16°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Athens in May?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C in May, we recommend: Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat, Sunglasses. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Athens in May?
Athens typically sees around 5 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Athens in May?
In May, Athens gets approximately 14.2 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Athens?
Yes, May is peak season in Athens. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Athens)

Last Updated: February 2026

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