tourism

Crete braces for winter-like May Day weather with rain and thunderstorms

Monday, 27 April 2026/CretaOne/1 
Crete is experiencing an unusually cold and wet May Day (May 1st), with meteorologist Thodoris Kolyadas forecasting a winter-like weather pattern across the island. Visitors should expect rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, with a notable drop in temperatures compared to typical late April conditions. Tourists planning outdoor activities, beach visits, or excursions for the May 1st public holiday should prepare accordingly. Pack a waterproof layer and closed-toe shoes, and consider postponing hikes or boat trips until conditions improve. Road surfaces may be slippery, so drive with caution, particularly on mountain routes in the interior of the island. The unsettled weather is expected around the holiday period, so check local forecasts daily and build flexibility into your itinerary. Conditions are likely to improve as the week progresses.