The Finest Time to Go to Greece & the Greek Islands (2023 replace)


The perfect time to go to Greece is determined by much more than simply the climate. When deciding when to go to Greece, you must also take into account what sort of vacation you’re in search of, the crowds, festivals, occasions and costs as properly.

Greece might be counted on to be lovely all yr spherical should you choose the best place and time to go to. The winter months within the northern areas of the nation might be fairly harsh, whereas within the southern Greek Islands reminiscent of Crete, winter might be fairly gentle and each sunny and heat.

I spent a while touring round Greece on a number of journeys, so I received to expertise the nation at completely different instances of yr. I noticed all 4 seasons and never solely encountered several types of climate, but additionally various numbers of vacationers.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece & the Greek Islands

When most individuals image Greece, they consider the Greek Islands. Nonetheless, travelling in Greece shouldn’t be solely about sand and turquoise blue water. As soon as the warmth of the summer time is over, autumn grips the land bringing heavy rains earlier than the biting chilly of the winter months set in.

On this put up about, I’ll clarify the most effective time to go to Greece primarily based on climate and kind of vacation. I’ll clarify when are the high and low vacationer seasons in Greece, and I’ll additionally describe what Greece is like month by month, all primarily based on my private expertise touring in Greece.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece General

I imagine that April is the most effective month to go to Greece, adopted by September. The spring and autumn months mix the most effective of Greece: good climate, however with fewer crowds and higher costs.

The perfect climate in Greece is from late Could to early October. That is the warmest time of the yr for each the mainland and likewise the Greek Islands. Throughout these months, all the nation is sunny and heat and likewise swimming turns into simpler because the waters heat.

In Could the ocean temperatures begin to rise and from July to the start of September, they’re at their warmest. That is the most effective time to go to Greece if you’re in search of sizzling climate and nice swimming situations.

Though it’s fashionable, August won’t be the most effective time to go to Greece due to the crowds. It’s excessive vacationer season all around the nation.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece Based mostly on Climate

Weather in Greece is part of when is the best time to visit

Selecting the most effective time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands will assist make sure that your journey is an unforgettable one. The climate in Greece varies a lot all through the nation, however on this put up, you’ll discover out all the things you might want to learn about the most effective time to go to Greece regardless of the place you’re heading.

When most travellers are attempting to determine what’s the greatest time to go to Greece, they’ll often consider the climate first. That’s solely pure! No person desires to be rained on throughout their total vacation. So we’ll begin this information with Greece climate.

Weather in Greece: Santorini Greek island

Spring: Mid-March to Mid-June

Spring in Greece is usually heralded as the most effective time to go to. The throngs of vacationers are but to reach and a peaceful peacefulness reigns all through this Mediterranean paradise. You possibly can have the greatest seashores in Greece all to your self!

Though it’s nonetheless just a little chilly on the mainland, from mid-April islands reminiscent of Crete, Santorini and Rhodes are basking within the sunshine. Lastly after the winter, the temperature of the ocean across the southern Greek Islands is heat sufficient for swimming.

Nonetheless, do pay attention to the Easter weekend. Greece is an especially spiritual nation and through Easter, locals usually have a good time by hitting the islands. Throughout this time it may well get very troublesome to seek out lodging if in case you have not booked far sufficient upfront.

The springtime is a superb time to plan a visit to the capital of Athens. The town experiences good temperatures throughout these months, but to really feel the scorching summer time warmth. Additionally, the vacationer hotspots will not be too crowded through the spring months.

READ MORE: 15 Cool Issues to Do in Zakynthos Greece

Summer season: Mid-June to Mid-September

With the arrival of summer time in Greece comes hovering temperatures and flocks of vacationers. That is when the climate in Greece is at its peak with day by day temperatures of 90 levels (32° celcius).

The summer time months are additionally when the vacationer business goes into overdrive, with tens of millions descending on the Greek Islands. However, with so many wonderful locations to go to in Greece, I don’t blame them for travelling to Greece!

☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Zakynthos

Right now of yr, all the nation is roofed in sunshine and the wine is flowing. The seashores are full and the oceans are splendidly heat. For these which might be heading right here for a seashore vacation and don’t thoughts the crowds, that is the time of yr for you.

The occasion islands of Mykonos, Corfu and Los are in full swing and are a beacon for individuals who like to occasion. If nonetheless, it’s a extra relaxed vacation that you’re in search of, Skyros and Naxos are simply two of the gorgeous, extra quiet islands ready to be explored.

READ MORE: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information

Autumn: Mid-September to Mid-December

Autumn in Greece can be a pleasant time to go to. Though many image the climate in Greece as the identical all yr spherical, heading to the mainland in Autumn could quickly change your thoughts.

The countryside bursts into color with the leaves turning purple, brown and golden, altering the panorama fully. Go away the Greek Islands right now of yr and discover extra of mainland Greece for a distinct perspective of the nation.

Weather in Greece: sunset in the mountains

Autumn is the time of yr when the harvest begins. The vineyards are in full swing with grapes prepared for the taking. That is additionally an excellent time to get work as a picker as that is when the well-known Greek olives are harvested. If you’re a backpacker seeking to earn a couple of additional bucks ask within the villages and at native farms for work.

If you’re a meals lover (and who isn’t?), that is the most effective time to go to Greece.

Winter: Mid-December to Mid-March

Weather in Greece: a lightning storm in Athens

The climate in Greece in winter adjustments fully, particularly within the mountain areas of the nation. Ice and snow grip the excessive northern areas remodeling the land fully.

The coastal areas and Greek Islands expertise much less of winter than the northern areas, nonetheless sturdy winds and excessive humidity can provide the southern areas a biting really feel.

Tourism drops off fully through the winter. Gone are the tens of millions of vacationers, leaving solely the locals behind. That is the most effective time to go to Greece to see the nation because the locals do.

☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Corfu

That is one other time of the yr when Athens is a superb place to go to. The cafes are quiet and the vacationer spots such because the Acropolis and museums are eerily empty. The costs of all the things are additionally decrease throughout winter.

Nonetheless, if you’re planning a visit to the Greek Islands right now of the yr, it’s best to assume once more. Many of the ferries cease working through the winter, with lots of the bars, eating places and inns closing additionally.

The Greek Islands are abandoned right now of the yr. Actually solely the southern areas of the mainland are value visiting throughout winter.

Finest Time to Go to Greece by Sort of Vacation

Best weather in Greece

Not all holidays are created equal! That’s why I’ve damaged down the most effective time to go to Greece primarily based on what you may rise up to when you’re there. Whether or not you’re going for sightseeing, discount looking or seashores, we’ve received you lined.

Finest Time to Go to Greece for a Seaside Vacation

The perfect climate in Greece is in June, July, August and September, so that is the most effective time to go to to prime up your tan, lay on the seashore and swim within the ocean. That is the most effective time to go to Greece for assured sunshine.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece for Events

The summer time months are when the nightlife within the Greek Islands actually kick into gear. Islands reminiscent of Mykonos, Los, Corfu and Santorini start to bounce with the sound of DJ’s and revelers. From June till October is the most effective time to go to Greece to expertise the nightlife.

Finest Time to Go to Greece for Sightseeing

If you’re visiting extra for the tradition of one among Europe’s oldest civilizations, the climate in Greece will imply little. Really, the scorching summer time months could also be extra of a hindrance than a blessing. To keep away from each the warmth and the crowds, April, Could, October and November are the most effective time to go to Greece.

The months of June by means of to September are additionally nice for sightseeing, nonetheless, they’re hotter and much busier.

READ MORE: Chios, Greece: Unearthing the Magic of The North Aegean

Finest time to Go to Greece for Swimming

Swimming in Greece is sweet yr spherical, nevertheless it’s greatest in summer time. Runner-up greatest seasons for swimming in Greece are fall and spring.

Winter is okay should you don’t thoughts just a little cooler climate and typically wet days. However should you’re like me, you’re keen on swimming within the ocean within the rain!

Finest Time to Go to Greece for Mountain climbing

Spring and fall are undoubtedly the most effective instances to go mountaineering in Greece. Summer season might be too sizzling, and winter might be too wet.

Finest Time to Go to Greece for Snowboarding

Winter isn’t simply the most effective time to go to Greece for snowboarding, it’s the one time! Snow begins falling within the mountains of the central mainland in December and continues till April or typically Could.

There are a number of ski resorts in Greece north of Athens, together with Parnassos Ski Centre, the most important and best-known within the nation.

Finest Time to Go to Greece to Save Cash

Like most locations on the earth, the off-season in Greece is by far the most cost effective time of yr to go to. In the summertime months, all the things from meals and transportation to inns rise in worth.

Though the climate can’t be relied upon, absolutely the least expensive time to go to Greece is from December to April.

For affordable offers with the possibility of nice climate, the most effective time to go to Greece is Could, early June, late September and early October. Though good climate can’t be completely assured, the costs can.

READ MORE:  Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information

When Is Low Season in Greece?

weather in Greece-greek-island

Off-season in Greece is winter, when the climate in Greece is at its worst. Gray skies, wind and rain all accompany this time of the yr. From November to April there are restricted flights and ferries all through Greece and just a few inns and eating places open on a lot of the islands.

Nonetheless, should you actually want to go to the Greek Islands right now of the yr, there are nonetheless some choices out there. Santorini has year-round tourism and avoids the worst of the winter climate. Additionally, the island of Crete, which has its personal massive inhabitants, can nonetheless provide up an excellent time.

Past Santorini and Crete, visiting the Greek Islands in winter shall be a really quiet affair. Head to the mainland, extra particularly, Athens. The capital of Greece is a year-round vacation spot.

When Is Excessive Season in Greece?

Excessive season in Greece is late June to early September. In the course of the summer time months, the tourism business is in full swing. Ferries and flights are quite a few, the waters are heat, the climate in Greece is at its greatest and the seashores are full. Nonetheless, remember the fact that that is additionally when costs are at their peak.

Throughout these months, all the nation is hospitable and open for enterprise. For decent climate, lovely seashores and nice nightlife, the excessive season is the time to go to.

In Between Seasons (Shoulder Season)

The shoulder seasons in Greece are Could, early June, late September and October. Which means that they’re neither in excessive season nor off-season.

Throughout these months, all ferries and flights are operational and the entire inns and eating places are open. The summer time crowds are but to descend and the climate is sweet and heat, though not at its peak.

For these which might be in search of an excellent deal, that is the most effective time of yr to go to Greece.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece by Month

Weather in Greece, travel to Pyrgi Chios, Greece

Typically you merely have holidays at a sure time of the yr. I get it! Each time I am going to Greece it’s been a last-minute resolution, which suggests I discover myself frantically looking out what the nation shall be like at the moment. Right here’s a listing of the most effective instances to go to Greece month-by-month.

Greece in January

Climate in Greece in January could be a bit chilly.

The temperature in Greece in January hovers at a median of 12°C / 54°F with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F. This in all probability isn’t the most effective time to go to Greece for a seashore vacation, nevertheless it’s a good time for visiting websites in Athens just like the Acropolis when there are fewer crowds and it’s not too sizzling to stroll round.

Some festivals and occasions in Greece in January embody the Feast of Saint Basil’s (New Years Day). Greek folks have a good time Christmas with reward exchanges, feasting and events. There’s additionally the Epiphany on January sixth which sees processions all through the nation.

I used to be in Macedonia for this one yr and it was wonderful to see. Lastly, in January you may catch Greece’s largest pageant, Patras. That is their native Carnival with parades, floats, masquerades and loopy events.

Greece in February

Climate in Greece in February is just about the identical as January. It’s a bit chilly at 12°C / 54°F on common with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F. 

There are nonetheless fewer crowds in Greece in February and you’ll take pleasure in reductions even decrease than January as a result of it’s additional away from Christmas and Carnival. You may need to keep away from Mykonos and Santorini should you’re in search of nightlife and events as lots of the greatest golf equipment shut down in February.

The official finish of Carnival in Greece occurs in February and it’s generally known as Apokries. The three weeks of carnival attain its pinnacle on the ultimate Sunday earlier than Lent earlier than lastly ending on Ash Monday.

Greece in March

March in Greece is a part of the spring months which, for my part – together with fall – is the most effective time to go to Greece.

Temperatures start to rise in March with averages hitting 14°C / 57°F on common with a excessive of 16°C / 61°F and a low of 11°C / 52°F. Crowds are nonetheless much less now than in the summertime months and costs are nonetheless decrease as properly.

March is a superb time to go to Athens, Peloponnese and different mainland locations. It’s additionally the most effective instances to go to the Greek Islands.

For occasions, that is once you’ll see the annual half-marathon in Athens the place 20,000+ runners race by means of the streets of the capital. Feast of the Annunciation (Greek Independence Day) additionally takes place in March. Religiously, Greek Orthodox perception is that that is the day when Gabriel instructed Mary she’d be giving beginning to God’s Son, Jesus. Typically Easter will fall in March as properly.

Greece in April

April might be the most effective time to go to Greece general, rivaled solely by possibly September as the proper month to be in Greece.

April in Greece is nice. The seashores heat up a bit with the climate. There’s hardly any rain and the air begins to heat up on the Med. You possibly can anticipate averages of 16°C / 61°F with highs of 18°C / 64°F and lows of 13°C / 55°F.  There are greater than 11 hours of sunshine within the day in April and fewer than 14 millimetres of rain on most islands.

Crowds choose up significantly round Easter / Holy Week however except for that, it’s not too crowded in Greece. The Worldwide Movie Competition occurs in Greece in April, as does the Technopolis Jazz Competition (each within the Athens). The Feast of St George is widely known on April twenty third on most years, which is a sequence of Greek Orthodox ceremonies usually held in monasteries and church buildings. This can be a good time to feast and dance in holy locations.

Greece in Could

In Could in Greece, temperatures start their incline into the summer time months. Greece in Could is heat with averages of 20°C / 68°F with highs of 23°C / 73°F and lows of 17°C / 63°F. There’s often 12 hours of sunshine per day and solely 3 days of rain on Santorini! This can be a nice time to go to Greece.

So far as holidays, festivals and occasions go, you may catch Salsa Spring Competition and the Corfu Seaside Competition in the beginning of the month. Could Day can be a vacation within the nation.

Greece in June

June and July is the most effective time to go to Greece for seashore holidays. It’s heat sufficient across the nation now to swim within the sea, in truth… you’ll need to.

With highs of 28°C / 81°F, lows of 21°C / 50°F and a median day by day temperature of 24°C / 75°F, this can be a nice time to go to the Greek Islands.

Summer season is in full swing which suggests it’s sizzling and beginning to get crowded. You possibly can skip a number of the crowds should you go to Greece in early June, however come mid-late June and there shall be lots of vacationers and vacationing Greeks across the total nation.

Festivals and occasions embody the 5-day lengthy European Music Day which has classical, orchestral and an array of various music genres. There’s the Athens and Epidavros Open Air Competition which takes place underneath the Acropolis and on the Theater of Epidavros. This pageant goes on for 3 months, so whether or not you’re in Greece in June, July or August, it’s best to be capable of see a part of it.

For those who’re in Greece in June you can too see the Miaoulia Competition which consists of dancing, parades and live shows which have a good time the Struggle of Independence. Lastly, June hosts Greece’s Navy Week to have a good time its lengthy nautical historical past at many maritime ports all through the nation.

Greece in July

For those who don’t thoughts crowds, July is the most effective time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands particularly.

It’s sizzling in July with highs reaching 29°C / 84°F. July can be a really dry time to go to Greece. In Santorini for instance, there’s solely usually someday of rain in July and fewer than 8mm on the island all through the month! Athens hits its highest temperatures of the yr in July, so it won’t be the most effective time to go to Greece for historic websites just like the Acropolis.

Festivals in July are in full swing as properly. You possibly can hit up Hippocratia in Kos which runs by means of all the summer time. It contains live shows, theatre and artwork reveals. The self-explanatory Hydra Puppet Competition takes place on the island of Hydra and Sani Competition is hosted by the Sani Resort in Thessaloniki.

Greece in August

Simply as sizzling as July and simply as crowded, August is one other summer time month the place you’ll need to be on the islands. Temperatures nonetheless hit highs of 29°C / 84°F and rainfall is abysmal, with many islands recording so little rain that many graphs present no rain in any respect yr.

The perfect factor to do in Greece in August is to go to the seashore with a towel, some sandals and a bottle stuffed with sunblock. It’s additionally an excellent time to take a look at the Aegina Worldwide Music Competition which hosts just about each kind of music you may consider from around the globe.

It’s additionally the month of the Feast of The Assumption of the Virgin, a nationwide celebration that takes place on the fifteenth of the month. There’s additionally the Olympus Competition on the base of Mount Olympus in Pieria the place you’ll discover live shows carried out in an historic theatre.

Free Earth Competition additionally takes place in north Greece in late summer time/early fall, which celebrates for 7 days with live shows, events and dancing.

Greece in September

The beginning of September in Greece remains to be thought of excessive season, so don’t anticipate this to be greatest time to go to Greece if you wish to keep away from the crowds or discover reductions. However the climate begins to chill down and the crowds begin to skinny close to the top of the month.

Temperatures hover round 23°C / 73°F on common, whereas there’s a slight uptick in wet days (solely 2 on most islands with lower than 8 millimetres all through the month).

September is an efficient month for festivals, with the Aegina Fistiki Competition going down in Aegina, the Aeschylus Competition at Eleusis (22 km / 14 mi from Athens) and the Worldwide Music Competition kicking off in Santorini. For the latter, crowds descend on the tiny island so ensure you pre-book your lodging for this 2-week interval.

Greece in October

October is formally fall in Greece, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good time to go to. The busy summer time crowds have dispersed and now that everybody’s again at school or at work, you may once more begin to have some elements of the nation to your self. It’ll nonetheless be tremendous busy on the principle islands and in Athens, however undoubtedly not as a lot as in July and August.

The climate is cooling as properly in October, with highs reaching simply 23°C / 73°F, lows as cool as 18°C / 64°F and a median day by day temperature of 20.5°C / 69°F.

Festivals in Greece in October embody the Chestnut Competition which takes place on the final weekend of October in Crete. This pageant is known for nice people music, dancing, partying and naturally, chestnuts. 

Across the nation, you may see celebrations for Ochi day which embody parades, church providers and re-enactments of the nation’s refusal of give up to Mussolini within the Forties.  

In Santorini, in October you may participate in The Santorini Expertise which sees guests competing in swimming and working.

Greece in November

There are hardly any crowds in November and the ocean is once more changing into a bit too chilly to swim in for many travellers. The typical temperature dips to simply 16.5°C / 62°F and it not often will get hotter than 19°C / 66°F.

November is the most effective time to go to Greece for reductions as lots of the inns and tour operators are attempting to squeeze the final little bit of revenue out of the season earlier than it ends.

Occasions in Greece in November embody the Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels which takes place on November eighth. There’s additionally a Music Showcase in Thessaloniki which boasts glorious Greek up to date music live shows and on the twenty fifth of November, there are events and parades celebrating St. Andreas Title Day in Patras.

Greece in December

December is without doubt one of the coldest instances of the yr in Greece, with averages dipping to six°C / 42°F in northern cities like Thassos, and it not often will get hotter than 16°C / 61°F in southern islands like Crete.

There are fewer vacationer crowds in December, however many Greeks come dwelling from abroad to have a good time Christmas and New Yr with their households. Apart from these two major occasions in December, there’s additionally the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December sixth and Kladaries on December twenty third.

FAQs Concerning the Finest Time to Go to Greece

Have a fast query about when the most effective time to go to Greece is? Check out the next FAQs.

What’s the least expensive time to go to Greece?

The most cost effective instances to go to Greece are from December to April. The climate’s not nice, however the costs are low.

What month is hottest for Greece?

August is often the most popular month in Greece. July can get extremely popular too.

What’s the greatest month to go to Athens?

I’d say the most effective months to go to Athens are within the spring and fall, so March-Could and September-October. It’s not too sizzling and there aren’t as many vacationers as in the summertime.

What’s the wet season in Greece?

Wet season in Greece is from October to March, with a lot of the rain within the winter.

Is Greece higher in summer time or winter?

It is determined by what you’re curious about. For those who’re extra curious about tradition (and smaller crowds), winter is healthier. For those who’re extra curious about good, rain-free (however sizzling) climate, summer time in Greece shall be higher for you.

Pack Your Luggage for Greece!

So there you may have it, now when is the most effective time to go to Greece, relying in your wants.

The climate in Greece is gorgeous for a lot of the yr, which makes the nation one of many world’s #1 journey locations. I hope that this has answered all your questions and that you could now go forward and ebook your excellent vacation.

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