Athens Weather in May
During May, Athens experiences high daytime temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and cooler nights around 16°C (61°F). Some rainfall is typical during this period.
Rainfall in Athens in May
Rain is expected on roughly 5 days, totalling around 20 mm (0.8 in) for the month. The occasional light shower is possible, but rain is rarely an issue this month.
Temperature in Athens in May
May is a good time to be in Athens. Days are excellent, reaching 26°C (79°F), with nights around 16°C (61°F). This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. At 16°C (61°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in Athens in May
The month enjoys around 291 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.
Wind Speed in Athens in May
May has wind speeds averaging 1 m/s (2 knots). You can expect very gentle conditions with light air movement on typical days. Since this is an average, daily weather varies from perfectly still moments to some breezier days.
Average water temperature in May
At 18°C (64°F), the water is getting there, comfortable enough for most swimmers, though those used to warmer seas may still find it a touch cool.So this is a great month to visit if you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Greece, check out our Athens's climate page.
Athens Temperature in May
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Water Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Chance of Rain
16%
Precipitation
20 mm (0.8 in)
Rainy days
5 days
Humidity
56%
Windspeed
1 m/s (2 knots)
Sunshine
291 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Athens typically rise from around 23°C (73°F) at the start of May to approximately 27°C (81°F) by the end. Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 17°C (63°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Athens in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Athens spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Athens historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for Athens spans 1976 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Athens reached 36°C (97°F) (May 25, 1994).
- The coldest May day was on May 2, 2026, with a maximum of 14°C (57°F).
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in May was 6°C (43°F) (May 4, 1982).
Best Places in Greece in May
Find out more about the weather in Greece and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Greece in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Athens in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Athens in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Dry conditions mean you won't need to worry about rain protection. The water temperature sits at about 18°C (64°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Athens in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Greece, check out our Athens's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Athens climate overview or explore weather in Greece.
