Greece, Europe

Mykonos in May

Nearly everything is open by mid month, prices are reasonable, and Chora is calm. Swimming is bracing until late in the month.

GoodWarm, highs near 72F (22C), sea still cool

Mykonos windmills, Greece — MykonosPhoto: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

May is a good month to visit Mykonos. Nearly everything is open by mid month, prices are reasonable, and Chora is calm. Swimming is bracing until late in the month.

Weather: Warm, highs near 72F (22C), sea still cool
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What May is like in Mykonos

May is warm, with highs near 72F (22C), and nearly everything is open by the middle of the month. Prices are reasonable, crowds are light, and Chora is calm. The sea is still cool, and swimming is bracing until late in the month. In some years, Greek Orthodox Easter falls in early May.

It suits couples, families, and first-timers who want the island open without summer's crowds and prices. It is less ideal for anyone who wants warm water or the full party scene. For swimming, aim for June or September.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Mykonos this month.

Calm Chora

Most shops and restaurants are open, but the lanes are still easy to walk.

Sunset at Little Venice

You can get a seat at a waterfront bar for sunset without booking days ahead.

Reasonable prices

Hotels cost far less than in summer, so you can stay somewhere nicer.

What to pack for May

A light jacket for breezy evenings
Swimwear for brave dips
Sunscreen and a hat
Comfortable sandals

Our timing tip

Come in the second half of May, when almost everything is open and the sea starts to warm.

Book Mykonos for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Mykonos
Opens a hotel search for Mykonos in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Mykonos
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Mykonos
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Mykonos for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in May

Greek Orthodox Easter

April or early May, varies by year

Candlelit processions and midnight services in Chora's churches. Many businesses time their season opening to it.

Things to do in Mykonos

Full guide

Delos

Boats leave from the old port in the morning and the site has almost no shade. Go on the first boat, bring water, and note that strong winds can cancel crossings.

Tickets and tours →

Little Venice at sunset

Balconied houses right on the water facing west. Arrive an hour early for a seat, or watch from the windmills just above.

Tickets and tours →

The windmills of Kato Mili

The row of 16th-century windmills on the ridge above Chora. Early morning gives you them to yourself.

Tickets and tours →

Getting lost in Chora

Walk the lanes behind Matoyianni Street before 10am, when the shops are shut and the cruise groups have not arrived.

Tickets and tours →

Ano Mera and Panagia Tourliani

The island's inland village and its 16th-century monastery. A calmer slice of Mykonos with a village square lunch.

Tickets and tours →

Armenistis Lighthouse

A windswept headland in the northwest with views to Tinos. Best at sunset if Little Venice feels too crowded.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the cruise ship schedule before planning a day in Chora. On multi-ship days, do the town before 10am or after 6pm and spend the middle at a beach.
Go to Delos on the first boat of the morning. The site is exposed and hot by midday, and later boats are fuller.
Stay outside Chora, in Ornos, Agios Stefanos, or near Ano Mera, for calmer evenings and easier parking.
Book restaurants in Little Venice and the top beach clubs well in advance in July and August; in June and September, a day or two ahead usually works.

Know before you go

Mykonos is sharply seasonal. Most hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs operate from about late April to mid October, and many close entirely from November through March.
Delos is reached only by boat, and crossings are canceled when the wind is strong, which happens most often during the July and August meltemi.
Winter ferry schedules are much thinner and rough seas cause cancellations, so leave a buffer day before any onward flight.
Some big beach clubs open later and close earlier than the hotels; if a specific venue matters, confirm its season dates.

Mykonos in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Mykonos?

May is a good month to visit Mykonos. Nearly everything is open by mid month, prices are reasonable, and Chora is calm. Swimming is bracing until late in the month.

What is the weather like in Mykonos in May?

Warm, highs near 72F (22C), sea still cool.

Is Mykonos crowded in May?

Crowds in Mykonos are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Mykonos in May?

Greek Orthodox Easter (april or early may, varies by year).