2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Santorini — 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 Santorini. Warm weather with highs of 19°C—great for outdoor activities. Rainfall is rare, so you can leave the umbrella at home. Wind can be noticeable, especially in exposed areas—bring a windbreaker. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. At 19°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.8
GoTripzi Score Great

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

Avg High

19°C

Avg Low

18°C

Rainy days

2days

Daylight

14.1h

Rainfall

6mm

Sunshine

12.4h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

10.4

Extreme
Wind

29 km/h (gusts 38)

Sea Temp

19°C ❄️ Cold

Is May a good time to visit Santorini?

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

06:13

Sunset

20:18

14.1h daylight

Visiting Santorini 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

Santorini Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 15°C 13°C 11d (58mm) 8.1h
70% Humid
3.7 Moderate
Good
Feb 14°C 12°C 7d (36mm) 8.9h
70% Humid
5.1 High
Good
Mar 15°C 13°C 7d (36mm) 10.3h
71% Humid
7.2 Very High
Good
Apr 16°C 15°C 2d (8mm) 11.5h
76% Humid
9 Very High
Good
May Current 19°C 18°C 2d (6mm) 12.4h
80% Very Humid
10.4 Extreme
Excellent
Jun 23°C 21°C 0d (2mm) 13.3h
80% Very Humid
11.4 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 25°C 24°C 0d (0mm) 13.1h
78% Humid
11.4 Extreme
Good
Aug 25°C 24°C 0d (2mm) 12.6h
80% Very Humid
10.2 Extreme
Good
Sep 24°C 23°C 0d (1mm) 11.3h
76% Humid
8.3 Very High
Excellent
Oct 21°C 20°C 2d (7mm) 9.9h
74% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Nov 19°C 17°C 4d (24mm) 8.7h
73% Humid
4.2 Moderate
Good
Dec 16°C 15°C 10d (61mm) 8h
72% Humid
3.3 Moderate
Good

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5.612.Oct
5.6

Where to Stay

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

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Santorini

Iconic caldera sunsets with Oia sunset viewpoint and Catamaran cruise around the caldera, white-washed villages, volcanic beaches, and cliffside luxury.

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What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions.

Warm Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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

Planning a trip to Santorini?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Santorini?
May is typically excellent for visiting Santorini, with average highs of 19°C and around 2 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 Santorini in May?
Evenings in Santorini during May are mild at 18°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 Santorini in May?
With highs of 19°C and lows of 18°C in May, we recommend: Comfortable walking shoes. 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 Santorini in May?
Santorini typically sees around 2 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.
Can you swim in Santorini in May?
Swimming in Santorini during May is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 19°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Santorini in May?
In May, Santorini gets approximately 14.1 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 Santorini?
Yes, May is peak season in Santorini. 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

More Santorini Guides

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