2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Thessaloniki — 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 Thessaloniki. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. Sea temperature of 20°C is refreshing but swimmable.

6.5
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

14.4h

Rainfall

88mm

Sunshine

11.6h/day

Humidity

68%

Humid
Sun Strength

8.9

Very High
Wind

12 km/h (gusts 31)

Sea Temp

20°C 💧 Refreshing

Is May a good time to visit Thessaloniki?

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

20:38

14.4h daylight

Visiting Thessaloniki in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • 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

Events & Festivals

🎭
Thessaloniki International Book Fair
May (10 days) Cultural
🍽️
Thessaloniki Street Food Festival
Late May (5 days) Food & Drink

Recommended for This Weather

🏖️ Beach relaxation & sunbathing
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Thessaloniki Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 11°C 4°C 7d (53mm) 6.8h
76% Humid
3 Moderate
Good
Feb 14°C 5°C 7d (31mm) 7.6h
71% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 7°C 12d (82mm) 8.6h
71% Humid
5.8 High
Good
Apr 20°C 10°C 10d (74mm) 10.4h
68% Humid
7.7 Very High
Excellent
May Current 25°C 15°C 11d (88mm) 11.6h
68% Humid
8.9 Very High
Excellent
Jun 31°C 20°C 11d (60mm) 13h
65% Muggy
10 Very High
Excellent
Jul 34°C 23°C 4d (34mm) 13.2h
58% Moderate
10.3 Extreme
Good
Aug 34°C 22°C 7d (54mm) 12.4h
61% Moderate
8.8 Very High
Good
Sep 29°C 18°C 7d (39mm) 10.4h
65% Muggy
6.8 High
Excellent
Oct 23°C 13°C 5d (56mm) 8.4h
72% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 17°C 9°C 9d (67mm) 6.5h
78% Humid
3 Moderate
Good
Dec 13°C 6°C 10d (99mm) 5.3h
82% Very Humid
2.2 Moderate
Good

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthAugScore: 7.4

Where to Stay

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

Thessaloniki

Waterfront promenade with White Tower & waterfront and Ano Poli upper town,Byzantine churches, legendary street food, and nightlife.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. 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 Thessaloniki?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Thessaloniki?
May is typically excellent for visiting Thessaloniki, with average highs of 25°C and around 11 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 Thessaloniki in May?
Evenings in Thessaloniki during May are mild at 15°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 Thessaloniki in May?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C in May, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+. 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 Thessaloniki in May?
Thessaloniki typically sees around 11 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 Thessaloniki in May?
May is suitable for swimming in Thessaloniki, though the water may feel refreshing at first. Air temperatures average 25°C, and most swimmers find it enjoyable once they're in. Midday is usually the warmest time for a dip.
How many hours of daylight are there in Thessaloniki in May?
In May, Thessaloniki gets approximately 14.4 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 Thessaloniki?
Yes, May is peak season in Thessaloniki. 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