Best time to cruise · Best time to go

Greek Isles cruises in May

The islands are green and fragrant, poppies dot the archaeological sites and highs reach the mid-70s °F (23–25°C). The sea warms to the upper 60s °F (about 20°C) by month’s end, bracing but swimmable for the brave. Beach bars and tavernas are fully open, and Santorini and Mykonos are lively without the summer crush.

Best time to go
Avg high 74°F
14 hrs daylight

Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greek Isles in May: Best time to go

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, May brings average highs around 74°F (23°C) and lows near 64°F, with about 0.9 inches of rain over the month and roughly 14 hours of daylight.

Verdict: Best time to go
Season: April to early November; best late May–June and September
Average high / low: 74°F / 64°F
Rainfall (month): 0.9 in
Daylight: About 14 hours
Typical cruise length: 3 to 7 nights from Piraeus; 7 to 12 nights on wider Eastern Med routes

What to pack: warm-weather clothes with layers: shorts and light pants, a sweater or light jacket for breezy evenings on deck, and comfortable walking shoes.

How May compares with the rest of the year

No regular sailings
Shoulder season
Good time to go
Best time to go

Greek Isles in April Greek Isles in June

Greek Isles weather in May

Average monthly weather in Greek Isles cruise ports
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F (°C)	5814	5915	6216	6720	7423	8228	8731	8831	8328	7624	6820	6216
Low °F (°C)	5111	5211	5312	5814	6418	7222	7625	7725	7323	6719	6116	5513
Rain in (mm)	4.4112	2.564	2.564	1.026	0.923	0.821	0.39	0.411	1.436	1.948	3.486	3.897
Daylight (hrs)	10	11	12	13	14	15	15	14	12	11	10	10

Average daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall for 2015–2024 from NASA POWER for the area around Greek Isles cruise ports, adjusted to sea level; daylight is calculated for mid-month. Real weather on any given day varies.

May weather port by port

Port	Avg high	Avg low	Rain	Daylight
Athens	79°F	62°F	0.7 in	14 h
Santorini	70°F	66°F	0.7 in	14 h
Mykonos	68°F	65°F	0.8 in	14 h
Rhodes	73°F	67°F	0.7 in	14 h
Heraklion, Crete	74°F	66°F	0.7 in	14 h
Chania (Souda Bay), Crete	76°F	65°F	0.6 in	14 h
Corfu	72°F	64°F	1.6 in	14 h
Kuşadası (for Ephesus)	83°F	60°F	1.0 in	14 h
Patmos	70°F	65°F	0.8 in	14 h
Nafplio	82°F	61°F	1.1 in	14 h
Katakolon (for Olympia)	70°F	65°F	1.1 in	14 h
Argostoli, Kefalonia	71°F	65°F	1.0 in	14 h

Average daily highs and lows, 2015–2024, from NASA POWER, adjusted to sea level. Rain is the average monthly total.

Other great cruise destinations in May

See every destination for May, with a port weather map →

Greek Isles in May: FAQs

Is May a good time to cruise Greek Isles?

Yes, it's one of the best months. The islands are green and fragrant, poppies dot the archaeological sites and highs reach the mid-70s °F (23–25°C). The sea warms to the upper 60s °F (about 20°C) by month’s end, bracing but swimmable for the brave. Beach bars and tavernas are fully open, and Santorini and Mykonos are lively without the summer crush.

What is the weather like on a Greek Isles cruise in May?

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, May brings average highs around 74°F (23°C) and lows near 64°F, with about 0.9 inches of rain over the month and roughly 14 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.

What should I pack for a Greek Isles cruise in May?

Pack warm-weather clothes with layers: shorts and light pants, a sweater or light jacket for breezy evenings on deck, and comfortable walking shoes. Check your cruise line's dress code for evenings.

When is the best time to cruise Greek Isles?

April to early November; best late May–June and September. The best months are usually May, June, September.

Where else can I cruise in May?

May is also a top month for Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal, Galápagos Islands.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: NASA POWER climate data.