The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Crete. Temperatures rise (25°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (6% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. This is one of the best times of year to visit Crete.
May ranks 4 out of 12 months in Crete. Compared to April: +4°C daytime, 5 pts fewer rainy days, +1.8h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
11°
Sea
19°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.9h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 43
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Crete is June (9.7/10), 0.7 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Crete
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Crete
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Greece
🗣️LanguageGreek
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 15°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 33%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Crete ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
GreeceTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.7 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
35.24°N · 25.01°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Crete?
June is the best month with 29.0°C highs, 20.0°C lows, 11.9h of sunshine and 2.0% rainy days. The months of June & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Crete get in June?
Crete averages 11.9 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.7/10.
What is the rainiest month in Crete?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Crete in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 20.0°C, while afternoon highs average 29.0°C.
Is Crete good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Crete scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 9.7/10.
When should you avoid Crete?
January is the most difficult month to visit Crete, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Crete in May?
In May, the sea averages 19°C in Crete: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Crete in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Crete (high), with about 13.9h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.