Month guide · Crete · Greece
Crete in May
What May is really like in Crete: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Lourakis, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Crete. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 14 hours of daylight. Warm, sunny and green, with the Samaria Gorge usually opening; the sea warms through the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 14 hours
- Sea temperature
- 19°C (66°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Crete: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with April (21°C (70°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:16
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:17
- Daylight
- About 14 hours
- Sea
- 19°C (66°F)
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers, Easter festivities and good hiking; the sea is cool until late May.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Battle of Crete commemorations around Chania (around 20 May)
- Samaria Gorge usually opens for the season (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.
Beach · Kissamos
Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa
Take the first boat or go by car early to see the lagoon from the viewpoint path before the crowds arrive.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Beach · Southwest Crete
Elafonisi
A protected island and lagoon in the southwest where crushed shells tint the sand pink in places.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Island · Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
Spinalonga
Take the short boat from Plaka, and allow time for a swim and lunch in Plaka afterwards.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Views
Castle · Rethymno
Rethymno Old Town and Fortezza
The Venetians built the Fortezza on a headland above Rethymno in the 16th century after pirate raids; inside are a domed mosque and wide views.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Architecture
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 15°C and 2 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Crete?
One of the best months to visit Crete, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are June and September–October. Compare every month.
Crete in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Crete?
It is one of the best months to visit Crete. Warm, sunny and green, with the Samaria Gorge usually opening; the sea warms through the month.
+How warm is Crete in May?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Crete in May?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.