Month guide · Athens · Greece
Athens in May
What May is really like in Athens: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dimboukas, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Athens. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 14.2 hours of daylight. One of the best months: warm days, long evenings and the first beach days on the Riviera before the summer heat.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 20°C (68°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Athens: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with April (20°C (68°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:14
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:28
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
- Sea
- 20°C (68°F)
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers on the ancient hills, Orthodox Easter celebrations and comfortable sightseeing temperatures; the sea stays cool until late May.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Open-air cinemas start their season (usually May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Historic site · Thiseio
Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus
Enter from Adrianou Street in Monastiraki and climb to the Temple of Hephaestus for a view of the Acropolis across the Agora.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Outdoors
- Kids
Viewpoint · Kolonaki
Mount Lycabettus
At about 277 metres, Lycabettus is the highest point in central Athens, crowned by the small white chapel of Agios Georgios.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Active
Viewpoint · Koukaki
Philopappos Hill
Come at sunset or early morning, and wear trainers: the paths are uneven stone.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Acropolis
Areopagus Hill
This bare marble outcrop just below the Acropolis entrance was the seat of the ancient court of Athens, and a bronze plaque records the sermon St Paul preached here.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 16°C and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Athens?
One of the best months to visit Athens, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April, June and September–October. Compare every month.
Athens in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Athens?
It is one of the best months to visit Athens. One of the best months: warm days, long evenings and the first beach days on the Riviera before the summer heat.
+How warm is Athens in May?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Athens in May?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.