Greece sees record cold May with snowfall across mountains

A rare cold snap struck Greece in early May 2026, bringing heavy snowfall to mountainous regions such as Mount Parnitha, Mount Parnassos, and the Kalavryta range. Temperatures fell to unprecedented levels for the season, with the 24‑hour average on 1 May recorded at 13.3 °C in Athens, ranking among the four lowest in the past 136 years. The maximum temperature on 2 May was 15.2 °C, the lowest ever recorded for that date since records began in 1890.

The event matched conditions last seen in May 1987‑88 and approached the coldest May day documented in 1944. Meteorologists noted the extreme deviation from typical May weather, attributing the phenomenon to a strong cold air intrusion and highlighting its rarity in the context of ongoing climate change. No serious disruptions were reported, and residents took the opportunity to enjoy the unusual snow-covered landscape.