- Updated on: 2024-04-28
The weather on the island follows the typical Mediterranean climate pattern: we always have humid cool winters and dry and hot summers. And it is precisely May in Santorini that usually gives us the feeling that summer has already come to us on the island, summer is here and now!
Despite the formal belonging of this month to the spring season, the air temperature at night and during the day is already kept at more than comfortable levels. The sea is also warming up, leading to an increase in the number of people bathing at some of our beaches.
However, May still experiences significant weather changes. Notably, the first half of the month differs noticeably from the second half.
What is the weather like in Santorini in May
In early May, the weather in Santorini can be unstable, with occasional cool, overcast, and rainy days. However, in the second half of May, the situation on the island improves significantly, with consistently sunny and warm, or even hot, days.
The air and water temperature in May in Santorini is quickly rise to summer values, reaching up to +24 degrees and +22 degrees respectively
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The air and water temperatures in the sea are increasing daily. In May, the thermometer shows temperatures of +18 to +20 degrees at night and +23 to +25 degrees during the day. In late May, temperatures in Santorini can reach up to +30 degrees!
Now for the details.
Air temperature in Santorini in May
The weather in Santorini in the first half of May is more influenced by cold air masses, but compared to the previous month, the air warms up both noticeably stronger and noticeably faster.
The average temperature in May in Santorini is about +21 degrees, which at first glance may seem cool. In fact, it will probably feel hotter: firstly, there is quite a lot of sunshine, secondly, there is almost no shade, and thirdly, the winter winds are over and the autumn winds have not yet begun. In addition, if you look at the temperature summary chart, you’ll notice that the temperature will rise even more significantly next month, thanks to the rapid warming of May:
During the month of May, Santorini’s nights are often cool. However, this is not guaranteed every year. The average air temperature at night does not drop below +18 degrees Celsius, and in the second half of the month, it stays above +20 degrees Celsius:
Everyone perceives the temperature differently, but in our opinion it’s a good idea to bring something a little warmer to wear. This will come in handy during the evenings at the beginning and end of May.
The graph displays air temperature observations in Santorini during May. Daytime temperatures are represented in orange, and nighttime temperatures are shown in blue:
The weather in May in Santorini is still not the most stable, and if we talk about serious deviations from the norm, several records come to mind. For example, the record temperature during the day in May was +34 degrees (in the shade!), and the coldest night in May was marked by +7 degrees!
However, these are records and anomalies. In normal years, the weather in May is typically summery. It invites you to relax on the beaches, go on excursions in Santorini or sail in the nearby waters.
Water temperature in Santorini in May
In May, the sea temperature warms up to a comfortable +18…+20 degrees Celsius for swimming. Additionally, shallow and black sand beaches tend to be even warmer:
In May, the average water temperature in Santorini is +19 degrees. It’s a bit cool, but perfect for a hot day!
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The chart below displays the sea temperature statistics for May in Santorini from previous years:
Sunny days and precipitation in Santorini in May
In May, the time between sunrise and sunset lasts for over 14 hours. This month is known for its brightness, with most days being either cloudless or mostly sunny. While the first week may have variable cloudiness, the sky usually becomes completely clear towards the middle of May.
At the beginning of the month the sun rises on the island at about 6:20, while the sunset in Santorini in May can be viewed at 20:00. Towards the end of the month the time changes: you have to wake up early, because the sunrise is around 6:00, while the sunset will be a little later – approximately at 20:30.
Rains in Santorini in May
Rains in Santorini during May are almost unrealistic: cloudy days, yes, perhaps, but no rain during the whole day. On average, there is only one rainy day in May:
The amount of precipitation is almost minimal – in May we get only about one centimeter of rain:
Rainfall in Santorini in May is still rare, but not impossible, especially at the beginning of the month
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
What can be useful for holidays in Santorini in May
May is a great month to visit the island, a kind of “golden mean”: it is already warm enough, but there is no exhausting heat and scorching sun yet. Both air and sea temperatures are already comfortable, and in May you can freely devote the first half of the day to a beach holiday in Santorini, and leave the second half for excursions, so that in the evening you can return to one of the west coast cities to watch the sunset.
Are you planning a holiday in Santorini in May? Or are you already on the island? We are happy to help you organise your vacation! Check out tips, services and offers:
