Corfu in May: weather and travel tips

Seeking a sunny spring break in Europe? Read on to find out about the weather in Corfu in May, along with insights into what to expect of costs and crowds at this time of year, and what to wear. Here we also provide food for thought through Greece itinerary suggestions that might just spark inspiration.

What’s the weather like in Corfu in May?

In short, the weather in Corfu in May means warm days, mild evenings, and less rain than you’ll experience in March and April. 

All of which makes the island a top destination to head to for a spot of spring sunshine, albeit with cooler evenings.

Temperatures in Corfu in May

With an average daily maximum of 24ºC, and average daily minimum of 15ºC, it’s fair to say Corfu is warming up in May.

At 19ºC, the sea might still be a little too cool for most folks to linger long in the water. 

For comparison, in April Corfu sees an average daily maximum of 21ºC, an average daily minimum of 11ºC, and an average sea temperature of 17ºC. 

Average rainfall in Corfu in May

The weather in Corfu in May typically sees an average monthly rainfall of 47mm. 

For context, note that March sees an average of 98mm of rain across the month, while April averages 74mm. Meanwhile, July — the driest month on Corfu — sees an average of just 9mm.

All in all, in the main you can expect dry, sunny weather, but come prepared for showers. 

For more detail on the weather in Greece, read up on when to go to Greece around the year, and find out details on the weather in Greece in May.

Is May a good time to visit Corfu?

May is a great time to visit Corfu if you’re hoping for a spring break with warm, sunny weather (as opposed to scorching hot conditions), and prefer to travel outside peak season, with all its crowds and hiked prices — more on that below.

Talking of hiking, May comes especially recommended if you’re into exploring the great outdoors. While being warm and generally sunny, it’s not prohibitively hot — all the better for trekking the island’s scenic trails.

Keen to uncover why Corfu is one of the best Greek islands? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip.

What about the crowds and cost?

If you’re looking to enjoy a quieter, cheaper trip to Corfu while the weather is warm, May (or September) might be your ideal month.

Though it sits in shoulder season, you’ll find most flight schedules are up and running in May, before the peak prices and crowds of summer high season come into play during the school holidays.

That said, though May is a quieter month, you should still book early to secure the best deals.

Mad-keen on a May trip, but undecided about Corfu? Discover some of the best places to visit in May.

Ready for your dream trip to Corfu?

Keen to visit charming Corfu? Before booking your perfect trip, browse our customisable Greece itineraries for more inspiration for unforgettable trips across the region. 

As with all Rough Guides’ trips, the itinerary ideas shared below can be customised to your exact taste and preferences, with a local expert on hand to take the hassle out of planning.

• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it. 
• Milos — an exclusive island idyll (9 days): for an alternate Greek Island experience, why not get to know the Aegean’s most exotic island while staying in a private luxury villa by the sea?
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens and the magic of Zagori, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

Top tip: our Greek Dreams trip takes in Athens, Corfu, Santorini, and Crete in luxurious style.

Festivals and events in Corfu in May

From country-wide religious ceremonies, to traditional village festivals, May offers culture vultures some seriously unforgettable events. Here’s a couple of highlights:

Orthodox Easter

In 2024, Orthodox Easter — a highpoint of the country’s calendar —  will be celebrated across Greece on 5^th May.

As purple represents mourning to the Greek Orthodox Church, this day sees Corfu’s churches decorated in purple ribbons, priests wearing purple vestments, and Corfu Town’s street lights emitting purple hues. 

Don’t miss seeing the cross on the Old Fortress turned purple, too. The result is quite magical.

Kassiopi festival

Held in the village of Kassiopi on 8^th May, the Kassiopi festival sees this traditional village honour the virgin Mary through an icon-bearing procession.

Come the evening, Kassiopi harbour hosts a celebratory event with music, dancing and much wine and feasting, with souvlakia (kebab sticks) and spit-roasted lamb sitting centre stage.

Tips for travelling to Corfu in May

Read on for a couple of trip-enhancing tips to help you make the most of your visit to Corfu in May.

What to wear in Corfu in May

Given that the weather in Corfu in May sees an average daily maximum of 24C, you’ll be wearing light summer wear during the day — floaty dresses, shorts and t-shirts, plus a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen to keep you protected.

As evening temperatures drop off a fair bit, you’ll still need a light jacket, pullover and longer attire.

We also suggest bringing a light waterproof jacket and brolly, just to have every eventuality covered. 

Consider staying somewhere with a heated pool

If you aren’t keen on braving the cooler sea, check-out accommodation options with heated pools. 

While this is something you might overlook — or can do without —  in July and August, May’s milder sea temperature might make it more of a must-have.

That said, if you’re not overly sensitive to cooler water, disregard this advice!

Walk the Corfu Trail

Being warm but significantly cooler than June, July and August, May is a top month to walk the scenic Corfu Trail. 

This 200 km walking route covers the island, and you can dip in and out of it, depending on your fitness levels and how much the beach keeps calling you!

Planning your May trip to Corfu

Love the sound of Corfu? Get yourself The Mini Rough Guide to Corfu. For more island inspiration, read, up on the best Greek Islands to start planning your trip.  

Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of planning, browse our customisable Greece itineraries, and talk to our local expert for a hassle-free booking experience.