best time to visit greece weatherwise

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

The Best Time to Visit Greece for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Affordable Prices

Greece is calling your name.

Greece has long beckoned travelers with its beauty. From the crystalline waters in the surrounding Mediterranean Sea and the rich historical sites that dot the nation's map to the divine cuisine and stellar hotels, the European country deserves a spot high on travelers' wish lists.

Travelers flock to Greece year-round, but some months are better to visit than others, especially if you're keen to explore beaches, avoid the masses, or score a deal on a hotel room. Here are the main tourist seasons to keep in mind:

• High Season:  June to September
• Shoulder Seasons:  April to May and October
• Low Season:  November to March

Ready to plan your trip? Here are the best times to travel to Greece, whether you're after good weather, affordable prices, or fewer crowds.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Best Times to Visit Greece for Smaller Crowds

Unsurprisingly, the most popular times to visit Greece are the late spring, summer, and early fall months. This is when the weather is ideal, and all the venues open their doors, inviting guests to stay, eat, and drink.

According to CEIC Data , Greece received 3.64 million tourists in June 2022. In July of the same year, that number rose to 5.27 million, and in August, a whopping 5.86 million enjoyed a Greek getaway, making it by far its busiest month to visit. Numbers dropped in the fall, with 4.56 million visitors in September and 2.75 million in October.

If you don't plan on hitting the beaches, consider a trip to Greece during the winter. While the weather is cooler (the average temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the crowds are much thinner. In 2023, around 635,000 people visited Greece in January, and a mere 572,500 came in February. In fact, the nation didn't crack one million visitors until April, making the winter much more manageable if you're trying to avoid crowds. However, many venues and hotels close for the winter, so search for accommodations in your intended destination — such as the best hotels in Mykonos — to see what's available and when.

Alessandra Amodio

Best Times to Visit Greece for Good Weather

If you're after warm weather but want to avoid the sweltering heat, plan a trip in late spring or early fall (April through June or September through October). In May, the average temperature in Athens, the nation's capital, ranges from a high of 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 61.5 degrees Fahrenheit. In June, things warm up to an average high of 82.6 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for taking a dip in the ocean.

In September, the average temperatures drop a little in Athens to a high of 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 69.6 degrees Fahrenheit. October is even chillier, with an average high hitting 71.4 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low around 62.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, it's cool, but nowhere near cold enough to feel uninviting. Just remember, the country is relatively large, especially if you include the best islands in Greece , so check your exact destination for average temperatures before booking.

Best Times to Visit Greece for Lower Prices

Visiting Greece on a budget is possible. All you need to do is plan accordingly. According to Skyscanner , the cheapest months to book a flight to Greece are October, November, March, and April. The website notes that July tends to be the most expensive month to fly to Greece, so it's best to avoid the middle of the high season if you're trying to save money.

While April is a less expensive month to fly, it's worth noting that hotel prices increase slightly during Greek Orthodox Easter, which sometimes falls at the end of April. The end of December and the beginning of January see a similar spike. Hotels tend to be pricey during July and August, so avoid these busy months if you're looking for lower room rates. Try late September if you want to book a stay at one of Santorini's best hotels , for example.

Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands

Again, the best time to visit depends on what you're after, but generally speaking, for the most delightful weather, plan a trip to the Greek islands in the late spring, early summer, or beginning of fall. Yes, you can visit in midsummer if you don't mind the heat (and being shoulder-to-shoulder with other travelers).

For example, in Santorini, the average high in July hits 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low is 73 degrees Fahrenheit. The upside is the ultra-warm water at this time of year, with an average sea temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In July, the island typically only experiences one or two rainy days, making your chances of basking in the sun pretty good.

September is considered one of the best months to visit the Greek islands, as the weather is still sunny and warm, and the crowds have thinned out. However, you'll want to research the island you plan to visit since temperatures vary across the archipelagoes.

Worst Times to Visit Greece

There's no bad time to visit Greece. However, July and August can be uncomfortably hot and humid — especially in Athens — with temperatures often soaring above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The capital city and Cycladic islands (including Mykonos and Santorini) are also at their most crowded and expensive during these months, so it's best to avoid midsummer if you're looking for more elbow room, lower prices, and a relaxed atmosphere.

On the flip side, January is the coldest month in Greece, with temperatures hovering around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While the cool weather is ideal for exploring historical sites, shops, and art galleries in Athens , it will likely be too chilly to swim in the ocean. If your dream vacation in Greece includes beach time, avoid visiting during the winter months.

Related Articles

Athens International Airport Guide

Cities to Visit

Neighborhoods to Explore

Day Trips from Athens

48 Hours in Athens

Top Things to Do

Top Temple Sites

Best Beaches

Mount Olympus

Ancient Greek Theaters

Foods to Try

Top Restaurants in Athens

Best Bars in Athens

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The Weather in Greece: Climate, Seasons, and Average Temperature by Month

TripSavvy / Monica Farber

Greece's weather is typically Mediterranean, with mild and often wet winters and dry summers. The northern part of the country can be very cold during the winters, even receiving snow in some areas. Winter is milder to the south. Despite wet winters, the country is mostly sunny throughout the year.

July and August are the busiest months, but they also have the most frequent transit schedules to more remote Greek islands and perfect weather for outdoor adventures and day trips. If you plan to explore the many natural wonders of Greece or want to enjoy an outdoor  Athens tour , schedule your trip from April to October, but if you want to swim, temperatures are warm enough from mid-May through September and, in the south, even to mid October.

Crowds decline during the cooler months November through March. While you can expect low prices, many island and coastal resorts will be closed, and transit schedules will also be at a minimum, making it harder to get around quickly.

Whether you're visiting one of the northern ski resorts in the winter or heading to a pristine Greek beach in the summer, knowing what to pack ultimately boils down to knowing what Greece's weather will be during your trip.

Weather in Popular Destinations in Greece

• Athens : Greece's capital has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and sometimes cold and wet winters. Temperatures average 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in August but can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). It is the hottest capital city in Europe.
• Santorini : The extremely popular island has a semi-arid climate with warm weather from May through September. It's also extremely dry; you can expect very little rainfall during the summer months. Winters are cool, but not freezing—temperatures average around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
• Thessaloniki : This port city has a Mediterranean climate, but experiences much greater temperature variations than other parts of the country, with winter temperatures occasionally dropping as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius) and snow falling on the northern plains. The city receives almost 300 days of sunshine per year.
• Corfu: This island in the Ionian Sea is still warm and dry during the summer but receives much more precipitation during the winter months than Santorini and other popular islands. Because of this, Corfu is covered with much more lush vegetation than other parts of Greece. Winters can be cloudy and sometimes gloomy, but never incredibly cold.
• Crete : Greece's largest island, Crete has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and often wet, and summers are sunny with very little rainfall. Most of the island's rain occurs during the winter months, from October through March.

Winter in Greece

If you're planning a Greek holiday vacation, December is the month to do it. Although winter has already set in, temperatures stay relatively warm in the coastal cities. If you're a fan of winter sports, visiting Greece in January is the height of ski season; however, after a brisk start with New Year's Day and Epiphany, the rest of January is relatively quiet in terms of events. In some years, Carnival season begins in February, which can liven up the month considerably. 

What to pack:  Pack a warm coat and clothing that can be layered to avoid getting too hot or too cold in January, Greece's coldest month. February gets progressively warmer, but you'll still need to bring sweaters, undershirts, and a light jacket if you plan to be outdoors. You also might need a heavier jacket if you're planning to catch the last of the ski season.

Spring in Greece

In March, early spring rains bring wildflowers as the weather begins to warm up. In April, the weather improves throughout Greece, while prices stay low. The sea may be too chilly for all but the most ardent swimmers, though. Since most schools around the world are still in session during this month, May offers an inexpensive and crowd-free experience during one of the best weather months of the year.

What to pack:  Temperatures are gradually warming up during the spring, but light layers are still recommended for the cooler nights. 

Summer in Greece

Combining the best of spring with warmer summer temperatures and still a bargain, June is the ending of the spring bargain "shoulder" season, meaning it's your last chance to catch some great deals on a cheaper vacation. Also the name of a favorite movie shot in Greece, the "high season" consists of the months of July and August and features the highest prices, best travel schedules, biggest crowds, and sweltering temperatures. July is one of the warmest months of the year and one of the most expensive at the shops; August is another hot, busy month in Greece. The August 15th Greek Orthodox holiday Assumption of the Virgin Mary is huge, often confusing travel schedules for the days preceding and immediately following the feast, so plan for extra travel time on your trip during mid-August.

What to pack:  A bathing suit, hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing are essential in the hot months of July and August.

Fall in Greece

September is a great month for the budget-minded, independent traveler because it's the beginning of another shoulder season in the country. Warm weather lingers most years into the first half of October while shop and tourist attraction prices slowly begin their decline into the shoulder season of late fall. November brings cool, mostly clear weather.

What to pack:  Fall is warm, making it a great time to visit. Pack similarly to summer, bringing lighter clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat. If you visit later in the season, a sweater will be useful for increasingly chilly nights.

Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate, which lends itself to mild and often wet winters and dry summers.

The coldest month in Greece is January, with an average temperature of 55 degrees Farenheit.

The warmest month in Greece is July, with an average temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

Weather in Pensacola: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Sao Paulo: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

What's the Weather Like in Vancouver?

Weather in Iceland: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Best Time to Visit Macao

September in Greece: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Weather in Oman: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Morocco: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Best Time to Visit Greece

Weather in Scandinavia: Climate and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Southern China: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Denmark: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Finland: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Israel: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Weather in Portland, Oregon: Climate, Seasons, and Average Temperature

Weather in Ireland: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The best time to go to Greece

Jul 3, 2023 • 6 min read

Greece’s most significant spiritual holiday, Orthodox Easter, takes place in either April or May ©Hector Christiaen/Shutterstock

Greece is famed for its crystalline seas, ancient attractions, and warm hospitality.

Summer is when most travelers choose to explore its countless islands , while spring and fall are the best times of year to marvel at the myriad of archeological sites dotted around the country.

Winter can be cool and occasionally rainy but for those conscious about budget or interested in seeing how the locals live, the vibrant capital of Athens still delivers history, culture, and good times in spades, even when the sunshine starts to fade.

Whether you’re dreaming of the southeast Mediterranean nation’s dreamy beaches , ancient allure, or buzzing city life, these are the best times to visit Greece.

May to October is best for island-hopping

Orthodox Easter, Greece’s most significant spiritual holiday, lands in April or May and unofficially debuts in the island-hopping season. In the final month of spring, the seas only just start to lose their winter chill and are still too cool for swimming, at least by local standards. In May, the average daily high is a warm 77°F and days are normally sunny.

Keep in mind that the deep cobalt waters of the Aegean, in the north and south, take longer to warm up than the shallower, turquoise seas of the Ionian , west of mainland Greece. The further south you sail through the Aegean archipelago, the hotter it gets, at least on land, and so the longer the warm weather season. Islands such as Rhodes and Crete are ideal for a sunny shoulder season getaway in May, September, or October when beaches are empty of schoolkids (with the exception of UK mid-term holidays).

June affords the longest days of sunshine, peaking in the second fortnight. It’s also an opportune time for your first, refreshing dip of the summer. July and August are the busiest months of the year on the islands, so expect high airfares, peak season hotel rates, crowded beach bars, bustling main towns, and packed restaurants in popular destinations like Mykonos , Santorini , and Paros , among others. Southern Europeans, including Greeks retreating to their second homes, gravitate toward the islands at this time of year.

July and August are also the hottest and driest months in Greece, with average temperatures often exceeding 86°F, and there is the potential for stifling heatwaves. Thankfully, the Meltemi, a welcome north wind that makes its appearance mostly between June and September, tempers the heat. Still, if you’re intent on visiting during July and August, be sure to book a good six months or more in advance to secure slightly better airfares and hotel rates.

By September, Greece’s seas have thoroughly warmed through and school holidays are over, meaning that you’ll have more room to yourself at that idyllic beach and a peaceful night’s sleep. Airfares and hotel rates are also more affordable. As a result, it’s now one of the most popular months of travel for those who want to enjoy a more relaxing island or mainland holiday.

By about mid-October, Greece’s seas start to pick up swell, and air temperatures begin to fall, while the majority of hotels stay open until the end of the month. It’s still an excellent time of year to visit, as long as you come prepared, with warmer clothing for cooler evenings.

See the ancient sites in spring or fall

From the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum dating to the times of Alexander the Great in Macedonia to the Minoan-era Palace of Knossos in Crete , ancient marvels and historical monuments liberally dot the landscape, wherever you journey throughout Greece. Stonebuilt temples, palaces, and castles act like a magnet for sunlight, so the best times of the year to plan your history geek-out is March, April, or October. The weather is comfortably cool and the crowds are noticeably thinner. As an added bonus, you can expect to pay less for flights and accommodation .

Layers of clothing, such as short-sleeve shirts and a light fleece jacket, are vital to ward off the chill but also to peel off as you hike between ruins and landmarks. Pack a water-resistant jacket and hiking shoes because showers are a real possibility, while March also brings occasional snowfall in mountainous mainland areas such as Central Greece .

Scratch below the surface of Greece’s archaic attractions and museums by booking a small group or private tour, led by a state-licensed guide. Rather than wander around the sacred ancient temples of Delphi on your own, seek out an on-the-ground expert, many of whom are also qualified archeologists or historians. It’s not just about the specific details they impart but the fascinating anecdotes you would never find in a history book. The best guides are usually booked up in the height of summer, so take advantage of their availability and deep knowledge by scheduling a visit in March, October, or November.

Fall and winter are the best times to experience Athens like a local

Greeks, the majority of whom live in Athens, return to base no later than October to resume their normal routines. But that doesn’t mean the city goes quiet. Quite the contrary.

You’ll still be able to sit outdoors at cafes and restaurants and soak up the insouciant vibes of city life. At the same time, the queues to visit the Acropolis and other ancient sites around town disappear, Monastiraki’s flea markets are quieter, and it’s easier to snag a table at a rooftop restaurant for dinner with views of an illuminated Parthenon .

And November and December, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period, offer some of the most tempting airfare and hotel deals to be had. Between November 1 and March 30, entrance fees at ancient sites and state-run museums, like the treasure-filled National Archaeological Museum , are significantly reduced, making a December vacation a more appealing option for families on a budget.

Temperatures are still comfortably warm in November, with average highs of around 65°F. In December, the mean temperature drops to about 58.46°F, and average monthly rainfall hovers around 65mm. As winter takes hold, Athenian night owls congregate indoors at bars and clubs in inner-city Gazi, Keramikos, and Metaxourgio , where they listen to alt-rock bands, notable jazz artists on tour, and electronic music.

Best of all, Athens regains its true identity. Whether you’re walking the cobblestoned streets of old town Plaka on a Sunday afternoon, checking out the bookshops in the intellectual Exarhia neighborhood or even scaling the verdant heights of Lycabettus Hill (the city’s best vantage point for views of the capital’s vast urban sprawl) you’ll find yourself among locals going about their day-to-day lives. Most Greeks, particularly younger generations, will take every opportunity to dust off their English skills, so don’t be shy to strike up a conversation and ask for insider tips.

This article was first published Apr 29, 2021 and updated Jul 3, 2023.

Explore related stories

Jun 25, 2024 • 7 min read

There's more to Mykonos than meets the eye.

Jun 21, 2024 • 9 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 7 min read

May 31, 2024 • 4 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

Feb 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Change location

• UK / International
• Call toll-free until 5:30pm EDT
• 617-223-4521 617-223-4777 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

When is the best time to visit Greece?

• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Greece is outside the busy summer peaks, during spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October). Temperatures are warm but not stifling, and you’ll find that destinations are open but still relatively quiet.

The period from November to February tends to be colder, but city attractions remain open and are pleasantly quiet. Summer brings steamy, hot weather and hordes of visitors at the main sights and on the islands.

• Make an inquiry
• Request a brochure

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Greece

Visiting Greece in January - February

The year in Greece begins with cool temperatures and damp weather in some areas. Meteora and the Delphi area can even see snow. For the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are closed down for the winter. But, cities like Athens remain open for business, and major sights are pleasantly uncrowded.

Events & Festivals

• Epiphany on January 6 is celebrated by local priests blessing major bodies of water, and a chill-inducing tradition in which adventurous Greeks leap in to retrieve a cross thrown in by the priest in the hope of good fortune for the coming year.

Visiting Greece in March

March marks the beginning of spring across the country. Although it’s still low season in most places, and many island destinations are yet to open, attractions across the mainland are open and much quieter than they will be in a few weeks’ time.

• Greek Independence Day is celebrated on March 25 throughout the country with military parades and traditional folk dress and music.
• March usually falls almost entirely within Lent and, starting with Clean Monday at the end of February or beginning of March, Orthodox Greeks traditionally observe this time by abstaining from meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

Visiting Greece in April

Most years, the highlight of April is Greek Orthodox Easter, which occurs near the end of the month or in the first few days of May. The weather at this time is excellent for sightseeing or hiking, with plenty of sun and mild temperatures averaging around 68°F.

• The celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, culminating on Easter Sunday, are usually the highlight of the month and mark the most important holiday of the year.

Visiting Greece in May

One of the best times to visit Greece, May is a good month to travel if you’re looking to experience both the cities and the islands. While sea temperatures can still be chilly, the weather is usually warm enough for swimming, and it’s not too hot for touring the cities. May marks the month when all the island destinations open fully for the summer season.

Visiting Greece in June

June sees temperatures rising and crowds increasing but, overall, it’s a very pleasant time to be in Greece. Everywhere is open, the sun is warm, and plenty of festivals are taking place across the country.

• Beginning in June and lasting throughout the summer, the Athens and Epidavros Festival showcases performances, including Greek plays, in ancient and modern venues across both cities, including the Theatre of Epidavros.

Visiting Greece in July - August

The heat of summer in July and August brings temperatures that can run north of 100°F and plenty of sunshine with very little rain. At this time of year, the cities can feel oppressive under the unrelenting sun and sights get extremely crowded, but it’s a good time for water activities, if you don’t mind the coastal towns and islands being busier.

• The Feast of the Assumption on August 15 is a national public holiday, when people return to their hometown to enjoy the festivities.

Visiting Greece in September

September is a great time to visit Greece. The weather remains hot throughout the month, sea temperatures stay warm, and visitors start to thin out as children go back to school. While the main sights are still busy, September is usually better for touring compared with hotter and more crowded July and August.

Visiting Greece in October

Visiting in October represents a good-value time to go, when you can enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. The islands start to wind down ahead of winter, but usually stay open until the end of the month. In central and northern areas, leaves turn to their autumnal hues.

• Ochi (or Ohi) Day on October 28 commemorates the date in 1940 when the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said ohi (no) to Mussolini’s demand for the Axis forces to occupy parts of Greece.

Visiting Greece in November - December

The final two months of the year bring cooler temperatures to Greece. Island destinations close down for the winter, while historical sites across the mainland remain quietly open.

• Christmas, while not as important as Easter, is celebrated on December 25 as a joyful holiday shared with family.

Greece Climate Guide

Why travel with audley.

• 100% tailor-made tours
• Fully protected travel
• Established for over 25 years
• 98% of our clients would recommend us

Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Greece, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

Request our brochure

Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Greece

Athens & the Peloponnese

9 days from $5,930pp

Athens & the Greek Islands tour

12 days from $9,895pp

Exploring classical Greece: Five essential destinations

Santorini to Nafplio: The best Greek islands, beaches, and coastal towns