May Weather in Athens, Greece

Last updated: February 6, 2025

May in Athens offers a delightful Mediterranean experience, showcasing warm temperatures with a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). The month is characterized by minimal rainfall, totaling only 23 mm (0.9 in) over four days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for moderate humidity levels at 77%, which can make the heat feel more intense. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or relaxing in a café, the pleasant climate of Athens in May is sure to enhance your experience.

May Temperature in Athens

In May, Athens begins to embrace the warmth of late spring, showcasing a delightful spectrum of temperatures. With minimums rising to 10°C (51°F) and daytime averages reaching a comfortable 21°C (70°F), this month marks a significant shift from the cooler early months. The maximum temperatures can soar to a sizzling 36°C (97°F), hinting at the summer heat that is just around the corner. As the city basks in the sun, locals and visitors alike revel in the pleasant weather, making May an ideal time to explore the rich cultural landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods of Athens. Overall, May sets the stage for the thermal transition to the scorching summer, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

May Weather in Athens: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Athens, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec485154606977838376665952
Data source: Temperature data for Athens generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Athens

In May, Athens experiences a notable drop in precipitation, with only 23 mm (0.9 in) accumulating over just 4 days of rain. This decline follows the wetter months of January through April, where precipitation levels peaked, notably in January with 57 mm (2.2 in). The shift to drier conditions in May marks the beginning of the summer season, setting the stage for the hot, dry months that follow. As residents and visitors bask in the increasing sunlight, May's mild rainfall serves as a gentle transition, showcasing the city's vibrant blooms while hinting at the arid days to come.

May Precipitation Trends in Athens

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Athens, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5748394223339417304866
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Athens

May brings a slight uptick in humidity levels in Athens, Greece, with an average of 77%, making it one of the more humid months of the year. This increase follows a consistent pattern, as the city transitions from the cooler, drier winter months—where humidity hovers around the mid-70s—to the early summer months, which are drier. By June, humidity drops to 71%, and continues to decline through the peak of summer, reaching a low of 63% in August. Overall, May serves as a bridge between the rich humidity of springtime and the lighter, more arid days of summer, reminding visitors of the Mediterranean's lush vibrancy before the heat sets in.

May Average Humidity in Athens

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Athens, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec76%75%74%75%77%72%68%63%65%72%75%76%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Athens

In May, Athens witnesses a significant surge in UV intensity, with the UV Index reaching 10, categorizing it as very high. This increase marks a dramatic shift from the more moderate conditions earlier in the year; for instance, January and February featured a manageable UV Index of 3 and 4 respectively. As spring transitions into summer, the risk of sunburn rapidly escalates, reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. This trend continues through the following months, maintaining a consistent high index across June, July, and August. It's essential for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant during this period, prioritizing sun safety while enjoying the bright, beautiful days in the city. For more information on the UV Index, visit Athens UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Athens for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Athens in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3468101010108743
Data source: Athens May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Athens

As May rolls into Athens, Greece, the city basks in 398 hours of glorious sunshine, marking a delightful peak in the spring season. This moment of radiance follows a gradual ascent from the 200 hours in January, blossoming through the months with gradually increasing sunlight. From 328 hours in March to an impressive 346 hours in April, the city clearly comes alive as temperatures warm and flowers bloom. May seamlessly transitions into early summer, paving the way for June's peak of 409 hours, while August still offers a generous 396 hours of sunlight, highlighting the Mediterranean's enduring allure. This vibrant shift not only enhances outdoor activities but also sets the stage for an enchanting summer, as Athenians and visitors alike revel in the beauty of their sunlit surroundings.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Athens: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Athens experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec200h252h328h346h398h409h423h396h346h313h261h250h
Data source: Athens May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Athens During May

As spring unfolds in Athens, the likelihood of sunny weather surges, reaching a promising 70% in May. This increase from earlier months reflects a delightful trend towards brighter days, as the city prepares for the warmth of summer. With each passing month, the chances of sunshine steadily rise, peaking at an impressive 94% in July and 95% in August. By May, the sunshine is a welcome companion, making it an ideal time to explore the vibrant streets of Athens or relax in its stunning outdoor cafés. The transition from the cooler and cloudier days of winter, where chances remain below 60%, to the sun-soaked atmosphere of late spring signals a time of revitalization in this historic city.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Athens

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Athens throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Athens experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec45%58%57%55%70%71%94%95%77%57%40%51%
Data source: Athens May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Athens in May

As spring gives way to summer, May marks a delightful shift in daylight duration in Athens, Greece, offering 14 hours of brilliant sunlight. This steady increase from 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April reflects the city's vibrant transition into the warmer months. Following May, daylight remains consistent at 14 hours through June and July, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and leisurely strolls along the scenic streets. As the days start to shorten in late summer, the gradual decline in daylight softens into autumn's embrace, but May stands out as a pinnacle of brightness, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in its warmth and longer days.

Average Daylight Hours in Athens for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Athens throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 50m10h 46m11h 58m13h 11m14h 14m14h 44m14h 28m13h 33m12h 23m11h 10m10h 6m9h 33m
Data source: Athens daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Athens

In Athens, the month of May experiences a gentle easing in wind speed, averaging at 2.4 m/s (5 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. This decline follows a gradual trend from April, which recorded slightly stronger breezes at 2.6 m/s (6 mph). As spring transitions into summer, the wind patterns highlight a notable decrease in gustiness, notably contrasted with the more vigorous winds that often sweep through the earlier months, peaking at 3.2 m/s (7 mph) in January. The moderation in May’s winds sets a serene stage for outdoor activities, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the warm, stable weather before the more blustery months of July and September return. This trend reflects Athens' typical seasonal shift, where the winds slow down in the heart of spring, offering a pleasant contrast to the summer's heightened breeziness.

Average May Wind Speed in Athens

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Athens, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.23.02.92.62.4 m/s1.83.12.73.03.13.03.5
Data source: Athens May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Athens Compares to Other Months

The weather in Athens changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Athens and find detailed weather information for every month.

In May, the weather offers a pleasant range of temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). This month experiences moderate humidity at 77% and light precipitation, with 23 mm (0.9 in) over four rainy days. In contrast, January tends to be much warmer overall, with a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F), reaching extreme highs of 43°C (109°F). Notably, January is drier with only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, accompanied by lower humidity at 63%. For more detailed information, check out Athens weather in January.

May and February present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a mild 10°C (51°F) at night to a warm 36°C (97°F) during the day, with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month experiences higher humidity at 77% and approximately 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days. In contrast, February is considerably hotter, with nighttime temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and daytime highs reaching a scorching 43°C (109°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). February boasts virtually no precipitation, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) recorded over the entire month, and a lower humidity of 63%. For more details, check out Athens weather in February.

In comparing the weather between May and March, March tends to be warmer overall, with average temperatures reaching around 28°C (83°F) and maximums peaking at 43°C (109°F). In contrast, May offers a more temperate climate, averaging 21°C (70°F) with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation also differs significantly, as March experiences no rainfall, while May sees around 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days, contributing to higher humidity levels of 77% compared to March's 63%. For more detailed insights on March weather, visit Athens weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, May typically experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), while April features warmer conditions with a minimum of 19°C (66°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a high reaching up to 43°C (109°F). Additionally, May sees slightly more precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over four days, compared to April, which has minimal rainfall of just 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rainy days. The humidity in May is also higher at 77%, compared to April’s more comfortable 63%. For more details on April's weather, check out Athens weather in April.

May and June exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. May typically sees temperatures ranging 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) and relatively high humidity at 77%. The month experiences some rain, with precipitation totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over about 4 days. In contrast, June brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a scorching maximum of 43°C (109°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, June is much drier, recording only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over no rainy days and lower humidity at 63%. For a more detailed look at June's weather in Athens, you can visit Athens weather in June.

May and July present quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a mild 10°C (51°F) at night to a warm 36°C (97°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). The month sees about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation across 4 days and relatively high humidity at 77%. In contrast, July is much hotter, with minimum temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and soaring up to a maximum of 43°C (109°F), averaging around 28°C (83°F). July is notably drier, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, accompanied by lower humidity levels of 63%. For a more detailed look at the weather, you can check out Athens weather in July.

May and August present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cooler 10°C (51°F) to a warm 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month experiences moderate precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in) over about 4 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 77%. In contrast, August is significantly hotter, with temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) to a sweltering 43°C (109°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). August is drier, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation throughout the month and no rainy days, alongside lower humidity at 63%. For more details, you can explore Athens weather in August.

May and September present distinct weather profiles. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a sizzling maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F) and a notable humidity level of 77%. Rainfall is relatively minimal, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over about four days. Conversely, September experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a peak reaching 43°C (109°F). This month boasts even drier conditions, with just 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation and zero rainy days, along with a lower humidity of 63%. For more details on September weather, you can check Athens weather in September.

May and October present distinctly 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 of 21°C (70°F). The month also sees about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days, combined with a higher humidity level of 77%. In contrast, October boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and a maximum of 43°C (109°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). Notably, October experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rainy days, and humidity drops to 63%. For more information, check out Athens weather in October.

In May, temperatures range from a comfortable minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month experiences moderate humidity at 77% and sees around 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days. In contrast, November is notably warmer, with temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and peaking at a scorching 43°C (109°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). Notably, November has a much lower precipitation level of just 4 mm (0.2 in) and no rainy days, along with reduced humidity at 63%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check Athens weather in November.

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). The month experiences about 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over four days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 77%. In contrast, December boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and a maximum reaching 43°C (109°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is significantly lower at just 4 mm (0.2 in) and occurs on no days, resulting in a more comfortable humidity level of 63%. For more details on December weather, you can check Athens weather in December.

Compare Athens's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Athens

As spring fades into summer, May in Athens welcomes a delightful shift in weather, with warm temperatures inviting both locals and visitors to explore the city's rich history. With averages around 21°C, the days are comfortably balmy, contrasting sharply with the cooler months of the year. While the city may experience brief spells of rain—averaging just 23 mm over a few days—it remains predominantly sunny, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. The humidity at 77% adds a touch of tropical warmth, setting the stage for the vibrant atmosphere that begins to flourish. As you prepare for your May adventure, explore more about what Athens has to offer throughout the year by visiting Athens Climate.