A rare cold snap brought snow, hail and gale-force winds across Greece over the weekend, transforming landscapes from Crete to northern regions into winter scenes—before temperatures are expected to surge to near-summer levels later this week.
On Sunday, May 3, snowfall blanketed mountains and even low-lying areas, with significant accumulation recorded on Mount Parnitha, Mount Penteli and Mount Parnassus, as well as in parts of Attica. Authorities closed Parnitha Avenue from the cable car point upward due to hazardous conditions.
Snow across the country
Snowfall extended from central Greece to the south, with a winter landscape reported in Baros in the Tzoumerka mountains and in the Peloponnese. In Kalavryta, the ski resort—recently closed for the season—reopened informally as visitors returned to enjoy fresh snow, engaging in snowball fights despite the calendar reading May.
On Mount Parnassus, snow reached around five centimeters, while temperatures dropped to -2°C, forcing drivers to use snow chains.
Northern regions recorded particularly low temperatures. In Seli, snowfall continued overnight, creating a landscape more reminiscent of Christmas than early May. Meteorologists noted that temperatures have dropped to their lowest levels for this time of year in approximately 30 years.
Readings included -4°C in Seli, -3°C in Lailias (Serres), -1°C in Florina and Nevrokopi, and 2°C in Kozani. On Mount Parnitha, temperatures hovered just above freezing at around 1°C.
Crete and central Greece hit by hail
Unusual conditions were also recorded in Crete, where snow covered the ground in Anogeia. In Heraklion, heavy hailstorms followed sudden downpours.
Similar scenes unfolded in Karditsa, where intense hail turned roads white within minutes.
Rapid return to warmer weather
The wintry spell was to be short-lived however. According to meteorologists, temperatures will begin rising from Monday, with a sharp increase expected throughout the week.
By Friday, thermometers could reach up to 30°C, marking a swift transition from winter-like conditions back to late spring—and even early summer—weather.
