Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Athens, Greece beckons with a delightful blend of warmth and mildness, showcasing a maximum temperature peaking at 36°C (97°F) and a comfortable average of 21°C (70°F). The minimum temperature dips to a refreshing 10°C (51°F), offering cooler evenings ideal for exploration. Rainfall is minimal, with a total precipitation amount of 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 4 days, contributing to the vibrant spring bloom. The air carries a touch of humidity at 77%, creating a pleasant atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists to enjoy the city's rich history and stunning landscapes.
In May, Athens experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 10°C (51°F) at night to a sizzling 36°C (97°F) by day. This month marks a notable increase in warmth compared to the preceding months, as the average temperature rises to a pleasant 21°C (70°F). The shift from cooler spring temperatures to the hot summer ahead is evident, setting the stage for vibrant outdoor activities and longer days. With the transition in climate, May in Athens is not only about warmth but also about the joy of embracing the burgeoning beauty of the city, making it an ideal time for exploration and enjoyment.
In May, Athens experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, with just 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain falling over a mere 4 days. This marks a significant drop compared to earlier months like January and February, where rainfall was much higher. The shift towards drier conditions reflects the city's transition into the warmer summer months, as daily temperatures rise and outdoor activities become more popular. As the landscape basks in the sun, the limited rainfall in May lays the groundwork for the hot, arid months ahead, indicating a clear trend of decreasing precipitation as the year progresses.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Athens, Greece, experiences a slight uptick in humidity, averaging 77%. This marks an increase from the previous months—April held steady at 75%, while March dipped to 74%. The rise in humidity during May can often create a feeling of warmth, complementing the city's burgeoning outdoor activities. Following this peak, humidity levels drop in June to 71%, hinting at the drier summer months ahead. Overall, May serves as a bridge between the cooler, more humid winter months and the drier conditions of summer, making it an important time for both residents and visitors to enjoy the blossoming beauty of the city.
As May arrives in Athens, Greece, the UV Index reaches a notable 10, indicating a very high level of sun exposure risk. This surge from April's UV Index of 8 signals that sun safety should be a priority, with a burn time of just 15 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. The upward trend in UV levels from the earlier months highlights the importance of protective measures, as visitors and locals alike prepare for the intense Mediterranean sun. As summer approaches, understanding these UV trends is crucial for enjoying the sunny days responsibly. For more detailed information, check the Athens UV Index.
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As spring transitions into summer, May in Athens, Greece, shines particularly bright with an impressive 398 hours of sunshine. This month marks a significant increase from 346 hours in April, reflecting the city's gradual embrace of longer, sunnier days. Following this upward trend, June takes the lead with 409 hours, showcasing Athens' vivacious summer spirit. The joyful warmth of May also serves as a beautiful precursor to the peak summer months, where sunshine enthusiasts can revel in the city's brilliance as it begins to bask in sunlight for nearly 14 hours a day. The gradual climb in sunny days not only enchants locals but also lures travelers eager to experience Athens under its golden light.
As spring unfolds in Athens, May stands out with a boosted likelihood of sunny weather, reaching an impressive 70% chance of sunshine. This significant increase follows a gradual rise from the cooler months, where January's 45% gives way to February's 58% and March's 57%. By the time April rolls around, residents and visitors alike can expect more favorable conditions, with a chance of sun at 55%. The transition to summer becomes ever more pronounced in June, peaking at 71%, before exploding into the relentless sun of July and August, with chances soaring to 94% and 95%, respectively. Thus, May serves as a delightful spring gateway, offering a taste of the radiant summer ahead, making it the perfect time to explore the vibrant city under its sunlit skies.
As spring breathes life into Athens, May heralds a delightful peak in daylight duration, boasting 14 hours of sunlight that invite both exploration and relaxation. This month showcases a beautiful trend, as daylight steadily increases from January’s mere 9 hours to April’s 13 hours, culminating in the vibrant luminosity of May. Following this peak, the long sunny days gradually taper off, marking the transition into summer and then back into autumn, where daylight once again settles around 12 hours in September. This rhythm not only enriches the city’s atmosphere but also rejuvenates its inhabitants, making May an ideal time for enjoying the outdoors under the generous Greek sun.
As May unfolds in Athens, Greece, the gentle whispers of the wind mark a significant transition in the city's climate. With an average wind speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph), May stands out as one of the calmest months, following a steady decline from April's breezier 2.6 m/s (6 mph). This decrease in wind speed contrasts sharply with the lively gusts of January and February, which hover around 3 m/s (7 mph). As summer approaches, the winds tend to pick up again, especially in July with speeds surging back to 3.1 m/s (7 mph), indicating a seasonal pattern where spring breezes give way to the warmer, occasionally gusty days of summer. This trend not only highlights May as a month of tranquility but also a delightful prelude to the heat of the Mediterranean summer.
Weather in Athens varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Athens, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, the weather in Athens is characterized by warm temperatures, with averages reaching 21°C (70°F) and highs peaking at 36°C (97°F), creating a pleasant atmosphere ideal for outdoor activities. The month sees minimal precipitation, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) spread over about four days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 77%, making it feel more tropical. In contrast, January presents a starkly different climate, with average temperatures dropping to around 9°C (48°F) and lows plummeting to -4°C (25°F). This month experiences more precipitation—57 mm (2.2 in)—over approximately seven days, and the humidity remains slightly lower at 76%. For more detailed insights into January weather, you can visit Athens weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month sees limited rainfall, accumulating just 23 mm (0.9 in) across about four days, while humidity hovers around 77%. In comparison, February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum of 20°C (68°F). This month is wetter, receiving 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation over approximately eight days, and features slightly lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed information, you can check Athens weather in February.
May generally presents warmer and more humid conditions compared to March. The average temperature in May reaches a pleasant 21°C (70°F), with highs soaring up to 36°C (97°F) and minimums of 10°C (51°F). In contrast, March offers cooler temperatures, with an average of only 12°C (54°F), and highs peaking at 23°C (74°F), alongside nighttime lows dropping to freezing at 0°C (32°F). While May has relatively low precipitation levels at 23 mm (0.9 in) over about four days, March sees slightly more rainfall at 39 mm (1.5 in) across five days. For a closer look at March weather specifics, visit Athens weather in March.
When comparing the weather in April and May, May generally exhibits warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). In contrast, April experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to an average of 15°C (60°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, May has less precipitation, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days, while April sees 42 mm (1.6 in) throughout 5 days. Both months have a relatively high humidity level, with May at 77% and April at 75%. For more details on April weather, visit Athens weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, May typically offers warmer average temperatures with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). It experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging 23 mm (0.9 in) over four days, and maintains a high humidity level of 77%. Conversely, June sees a noticeable rise in temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 25°C (77°F), reaching up to a maximum of 38°C (101°F). Rainfall slightly increases to 33 mm (1.3 in) across five days, while humidity drops to 71%. For a more detailed look at June's weather, check out Athens weather in June.
May and July display distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition into summer. In May, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 10°C (51°F) to an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). Rainfall is modest, with 23 mm (0.9 in) over four days, coupled with relatively high humidity at 77%. In contrast, July brings significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (67°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F), soaring to a maximum of 42°C (108°F). Precipitation in July is less frequent, with only 9 mm (0.4 in) over two days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 68%. For more specific insights on July's climate, you can check out Athens weather in July.
In May, temperatures in Athens range from a cool 10°C (51°F) at night to a warm average of 21°C (70°F) during the day, peaking at a scorching 36°C (97°F). This month receives about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days, and the humidity averages a high 77%. In contrast, August experiences noticeably warmer weather, with minimum temperatures around 19°C (66°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum reaching a sweltering 43°C (109°F). Notably, August is characterized by very little rainfall, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) recorded over the entire month and no rainy days, coupled with a lower humidity of 63%. For more details on the summer climate, check out Athens weather in August.
May and September both feature warm temperatures, but there are notable differences between the two months. In May, the minimum temperature starts at 10°C (51°F) and can rise to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences a higher humidity level at 77% and receives about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days.
In contrast, September offers slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum reaching 37°C (98°F); the average temperature is around 24°C (76°F). This month has lower humidity at 65% and experiences less precipitation, totaling 17 mm (0.7 in) over just two days. For a closer look at what to expect, check out Athens weather in September.
May and October showcase distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from spring to autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F), making it a considerably warmer month. The humidity is relatively high at 77%, and the light rainfall totals about 23 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days. In contrast, October presents cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), averaging around 19°C (66°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 30 mm (1.2 in) but remains consistent with rain occurring over the same number of days. Overall, October offers a milder climate with lower humidity at 72%, providing a refreshing shift from the warmth of May. For more details, check out Athens weather in October.
May and November present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). This month typically has low precipitation of just 23 mm (0.9 in) over about 4 days and a relatively high humidity of 77%. Conversely, November sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The month is wetter, receiving 48 mm (1.9 in) over approximately 7 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 75%. For a more detailed look at what to expect during this month, check out Athens weather in November.
In May, the weather is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 21°C (70°F). The month sees limited precipitation, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) over about 4 days, and a humidity level of 77%. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, with lows dropping to 1°C (34°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). This month is also wetter, recording 66 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall across about 9 days, while humidity remains relatively consistent at 76%. For more details on December weather, visit Athens weather in December.
As May arrives in Athens, the city experiences a delightful transition into warmer weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. With temperatures averaging a comfortable 21°C (70°F) and peaks soaring to 36°C (97°F), visitors can enjoy the sunny days while taking in the vibrant scenery. Unlike the chillier months, May boasts significantly lower precipitation, resulting in only 4 rainy days throughout the month, allowing for more uninterrupted sunshine. However, the 77% humidity can add a touch of warmth, reminding travelers to stay hydrated as they soak up the history and culture of this ancient city. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, check out Athens Climate.