What May feels like in Heraklion
For Heraklion, May is late spring on the calendar. Afternoons reach about 25.1°C (77.2°F), about 5.8°C (10.4°F) below the July peak: warm enough for short sleeves. Nights fall to about 15.7°C (60.3°F), a clear 9.4°C (16.9°F) below the afternoon, still comfortable outdoors. Humidity averages 62%, drier than usual here: hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Heraklion in May
Rain turns up on about 6 of 31 days; wet days bring about 5.9 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella, close to the city's usual 6.5 mm.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year; afternoons are 4.2°C (7.6°F) warmer than in April, with about the same rain. Temperatures keep climbing into June, to about 29°C (84.2°F), and it gets drier.
May in Heraklion: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years May averages 24–26°C (75–79°F) in the afternoon, with 8–72 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 5 in an average May.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest May | 2013 | 28.3°C (82.9°F) | 46 mm | 3 |
| Coolest May | 2023 | 21.8°C (71.2°F) | 72 mm | 15 |
| Wettest May | 2007 | 25.2°C (77.4°F) | 84 mm | 10 |
| Driest May | 2021 | 25.9°C (78.6°F) | 0 mm | 0 |
Odds across years
In 8 of 20 years, May had 7 or more rainy days. In 4 of 20 years, it had under 15 mm of rain. In 3 of 20 years, the average high reached 26°C (78.8°F) or more. In 5 of 20 years, it stayed below 24°C (75.2°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Heraklion in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights, so bring layers you can add or remove.
Sunglasses
Sun comes and goes, but sunglasses are still worth a place in your bag.
What to wear in Heraklion in May
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 18°C (64°F): light clothes with a thin layer to start.
- Afternoon, around 25°C (77°F): light, breathable clothes are enough.
- Evening, around 20°C (69°F): add the thin layer again.
Cooler year or hotter year
In a cooler year like 2023, May highs averaged 21.8°C (71.2°F), so a light extra layer is worth packing. In a hotter year like 2013 they reached 28.3°C (82.9°F), so keep your clothes light.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 1 wet day in a week, with about 5.9 mm (0.2 in) on that day.
- Light, breathable clothes
- A thin layer for the morning and evening
- Sunglasses and a light hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Heraklion in May?
Afternoons average 25.1°C (77.2°F) and nights about 15.7°C (60.3°F), warm by most people's standards; it is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Heraklion in May?
Not especially: about 6 rainy days (36 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Heraklion in May?
Pack versatile layers and sunglasses, plus a layer for cool mornings and evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting Heraklion?
June scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#3 of 12 vs #5). June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.
