Cold wave blankets Greece with snow on Crete and storms in May

A cold wave swept across Greece at the start of May, bringing the coldest May‑beginning in decades. Snow fell on the island of Crete and hail was reported in the mountainous regions, catching thousands of tourists off guard.

The unusual weather also affected locals, with residents and visitors experiencing unexpected storms and freezing temperatures. While the cold conditions disrupted tourism, farmers noted that the early cold snap could benefit crops by providing much‑needed moisture.

Overall, the weather event highlighted the region’s vulnerability to sudden temperature shifts and the mixed impact on Greece’s tourism and agricultural sectors.