Greece Hit by Rare Cold Snap as Frost Grips Nation Before Summer

Saturday, 2 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Unusually cold weather swept across Greece on Saturday, May 2, bringing winter-like conditions just weeks before summer. Temperatures dropped as low as -3°C overnight and in the early morning hours, with frost recorded in several areas. This follows May 1st (Protomagia, or Labour Day), a public holiday when many Greeks traditionally spend time outdoors celebrating the arrival of spring. For visitors in Crete, while coastal and low-lying areas remain milder, higher elevations such as the Lassithi Plateau and mountain villages can experience sharp overnight cold. If you are traveling inland or to mountainous regions, bring a warm layer even in early May. Daytime temperatures at beach resorts should be more comfortable, but evenings can be cooler than expected. Check local forecasts before heading into the mountains.