Things to Do in Zakynthos (Zante) in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Zakynthos (Zante)
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect beach weather with 23°C (74°F) highs - warm enough for swimming but not the scorching heat of peak summer
- Shoulder season pricing means 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to July-August peak rates
- Sea temperature reaches optimal 21°C (70°F) making it ideal for extended swimming and water sports without wetsuits
- Tourist crowds are 60% lighter than summer months - you'll actually get those Instagram shots at Navagio Beach without hundreds of people
Considerations
- Expect 10 rainy days throughout the month - afternoon showers can disrupt beach plans for 20-30 minutes
- Some seasonal beach bars and remote tavernas don't open until late May or early June
- Evening temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) requiring layers for sunset dinners and nighttime activities
Best Activities in May
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) Boat Tours
May offers the perfect balance - warm enough for comfortable boat rides across the 21°C (70°F) Ionian Sea, but without the suffocating July crowds. The famous shipwreck photos you see online are actually possible to take in May. Afternoon light hits the white cliffs perfectly around 3-4pm, and you won't be competing with 500 other tourists.
Zakynthos Town Walking and Cultural Tours
May's mild 23°C (74°F) temperatures make exploring the Venetian architecture comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. The town isn't packed with cruise ship tourists yet, so you can actually appreciate the Byzantine Museum and Solomos Square. Local cafes have their terraces open but aren't overwhelmed.
Blue Caves Sea Kayaking
The Ionian Sea in May is calm enough for beginners but still exciting. Water temperature of 21°C (70°F) means if you do tip over, it's refreshing rather than shocking. The blue illumination inside the caves is most dramatic during May's clear morning light between 10am-noon.
Turtle Spotting at Laganas Bay
May is the start of Caretta caretta turtle nesting season - you might witness the rare sight of mothers coming ashore in the early evening. The protected bay waters are perfectly warm for snorkeling, and turtle sightings are highest in late afternoon. This is nature tourism at its most authentic.
Keri Cliffs Sunset Photography Tours
May offers some of the year's most dramatic sunsets with clearer skies than summer's hazy conditions. The 14°C (57°F) evening temperatures mean you'll need a light jacket, but you can comfortably stay for the entire golden hour. The lighthouse area provides unobstructed views across the Ionian toward Kefalonia.
Traditional Village Cycling in Macherado and Volimes
May's moderate temperatures make cycling through Zante's mountainous interior comfortable - you won't overheat climbing to villages like Macherado at 400m (1,312 ft) elevation. Olive groves are lush from spring rains, and traditional tavernas in these villages are opening for the season with fresh local ingredients.
May Events & Festivals
Feast of Saint Dionysios
Zante's patron saint celebration involves a procession carrying the saint's relics through Zakynthos Town. The entire community participates with traditional music, local foods, and evening festivities. This is authentic Greek Orthodox culture, not tourist entertainment.