Heraklion (Crete) in May
In May, Heraklion (Crete) averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (26 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Heraklion (Crete): pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Heraklion (Crete)
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Heraklion (Crete) (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (23°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (21°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (29°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Heraklion (Crete)
Times shown for Heraklion (Crete) local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Heraklion (Crete) — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Heraklion (Crete)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Heraklion (Crete) in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Peak season) and Heraklion (Crete)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Heraklion (Crete)
Heraklion (Crete) is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Heraklion (Crete)
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Heraklion (Crete) — May
Across the year Heraklion (Crete)'s sea swings from 16.9°C (February) to 27.5°C (August) — May sits at 20°C.
Heraklion (Crete) in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 47°F | 65 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 70 mm | 10 | — |
| March | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 49°F | 75 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 53°F | 29 mm | 5 | — |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 60°F | 26 mm | 5 | — |
| June | 29°C / 83°F | 20°C / 68°F | 20 mm | 3 | — |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 4 mm | 1 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 14 mm | 2 | — |
| September | 29°C / 83°F | 20°C / 69°F | 22 mm | 5 | — |
| October | 24°C / 76°F | 17°C / 62°F | 33 mm | 6 | — |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 14°C / 57°F | 43 mm | 8 | — |
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 51°F | 68 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Heraklion (Crete) in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Heraklion (Crete) in May?
In May, Heraklion (Crete) averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion (Crete) in May?
May sees occasional rain in Heraklion (Crete), with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Heraklion (Crete)?
May is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Heraklion (Crete) in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Heraklion (Crete) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.