Month guide · Santorini · Greece
Santorini in May
What May is really like in Santorini: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 14.1 hours of daylight. Warm, sunny and green, ideal for the Fira–Oia hike; the sea is cool but swimmable by the end of the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 19°C (66°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Santorini: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with April (19°C (66°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:11
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:17
- Daylight
- About 14.1 hours
- Sea
- 19°C (66°F)
Spring (March–May). Wildflowers, mild sunshine and few visitors; services restart through April, and the sea is still cool.
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 June). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Santorini, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Kamari
Ancient Thera
Drive or take a taxi up the switchback road from Kamari, or hike up from Perissa early in the day.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Active
- Off the beaten path
Island · Nea Kameni
Volcano and hot springs boat trip
Boats from the Old Port below Fira cross the caldera to Nea Kameni, a young volcanic island where a path climbs over black lava to steaming craters.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Oia
Amoudi Bay
Book a waterside table for an early dinner and walk back up before dark, or take a taxi.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Free
Neighbourhood · Pyrgos
Pyrgos village
Pyrgos's lanes spiral up to the ruins of a Venetian castle, passing chapels and arched houses.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 23°C, lows near 16°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 Santorini?
One of the best months to visit Santorini. The other best months are June and September–October. Compare every month.
Santorini in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Santorini?
It is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Warm, sunny and green, ideal for the Fira–Oia hike; the sea is cool but swimmable by the end of the month.
+How warm is Santorini in May?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Santorini in May?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.