'Wind surfing' - Attribution: May is the month when summer knocks on Crete's door. It's one of the best months weather-wise, reliably warm, mostly dry, and not yet too hot. Average high temperatures reach about 23–24 °C (73–75 °F), especially in late May, and lows are around 15–16 °C (59–61 °F). Early May might start off a bit cooler, but by the end of the month afternoon temperatures often hit the mid-20s °C. Rain becomes quite rare – historically, after the first week of May the chances of rain drop significantly. The rainfall for May is only about 15 mm, so day after day tends to be sunny or partly sunny. Expect 9 to 10 hours of sunshine daily, giving you long daylight for activities. The notorious summer winds (the Meltemi northerlies) have not fully kicked in yet, so seas around Crete are often calm in May, which is great for boating or ferry trips to smaller islands.
Nature is still green from the spring, especially in early May – you'll catch the tail end of the wildflower season in the higher elevations or north-facing slopes, while lower areas start to turn golden as grasses dry out later in the month. The sea temperature becomes more tolerable for swimming, rising to about 19 °C (66 °F) by late May. Many visitors (and locals) do start swimming in May, especially in the second half or in shallow, sheltered bays where the water warms faster. Beaches are now inviting, with soft warm sands, and still relatively uncrowded – it's like having the best of summer without the masses.
Practical tips: May is ideal for outdoor activities of all kinds. It's considered one of the best months for hiking – the weather is sunny but not too hot, perfect for tackling trails such as the Samaria Gorge which usually opens in early May. Pack summer clothes along with a light sweater or jacket for cooler nights, especially if you venture into the mountains. You won't need heavy waterproof gear, just a light rain jacket or umbrella in case of an unexpected shower. May evenings are wonderfully mild – perfect for dining outdoors by the sea. By late May, all tourist services, including beach bars and water sports, are up and running, and seasonal flights ramp up, making travel to Crete very convenient.