When to Visit Greece

It’s no mystery that Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. After all, it was the seat of power and knowledge for millennia, and some of that charm still permeates its cobbled streets. If you are not too crazy about the culture and the stunning architecture, you don’t have to worry – there is plenty of natural beauty to go around as well, from rolling hills to sparkling blue seas. The best time to visit Greece depends on your preferences, including weather, crowd levels, activities, and budget. This guide will walk you through the offerings of each season, helping you make an informed choice before you embark on your trip to Greece.

Greece conjures the image of sunny coasts, azure waters, and sailboats gliding under a radiant sun. However, few are aware that the country is a lovely place to visit almost throughout the year, including in the winter when its mountains are decked in white and peaks glisten in the morning sun.The weather in Greece in January can get a little unpredictable, with parts of the country receiving snow. Plus, this is the coldest month in the country, and traveling to Greece at this time of the year can limit your travel options if you plan to visit its islands, since finding transport could be difficult (though not impossible). That being said, this is the time to take full advantage of low-season rates and pack some splendid destinations in your itinerary — from the atmospheric Old Town of Rhodes to Athens with its ancient architecture and Byzantine churches.

Greece in February might not be suitable for the perfect Instagram post. The sky is overcast, the weather chilly with frequent bouts of rain, and snow can be seen as far down south as Peloponnese and Crete. But do not disapprove of the destination just yet! Greece in February is a beacon for budget travelers who are excited by out-of-the-box experiences. Now is the time for a crowd-free cultural exploration of Athens and to indulge in the gastronomic capital of Thessaloniki. While snow seekers can ski down the intimidating slopes of Mount Parnassus, sun-seekers can still find some warmth and relief in the southern islands of Rhodes and Crete. Safe to say, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit when on a trip to Greece regardless of during which month you are visiting. 

Touring Greece in March comes with many perks. It is the end of winter, and although visitor numbers start to increase, the country is not yet crowded. The weather begins warming up this month and you can expect several mild sunny days during your stay in the country. Discover the highlights of the country like the Acropolis of Athens and Delphi at your own pace, without the distraction that comes with tour groups all around.The weather in Greece in March is also ideal for an island getaway, especially if you plan to visit popular places like Santorini and Mykonos, which travelers inundate during the peak summer season.

As you peel off the seasonal layers of a destination, it can dazzle with diversity – and Greece is no different. The summer months of July and August might make it a popular beach holiday destination, but traveling to Greece in April reveals charms of a different kind. The onset of spring sees the country in a kaleidoscopic display of colors. Nature rolls out a carpet of wildflowers on islands like Crete and Paxos as colorful local festivals like St George’s Day are celebrated in Skyros and other villages. Weather in Greece in April has the mainland and islands enjoying warmish to pleasant daytime temperatures with cool nights and occasional brief spells of light rain.

The weather in Greece in May ticks all the boxes for a dream vacation. It almost feels like summer, but not quite; there is very little rain and days are filled with blue skies and lots of sunshine. Yet, it is not the peak tourist season in the country, making it easier on your wallet.Take advantage of the ideal weather in May to discover the delights of this remarkable country. Enjoy the nightlife of Zakynthos and admire the lovely beaches of Mykonos. Revel in the vibrant colors of Thessaloniki’s main bazaar, Kapani, and get awed by the fascinating landscape around Delphi. You will never run out of things to do when you are visiting Greece.

The weather in Greece in June is warm enough for a proper beach vacation. The country sees very little rain during this time of year, the skies are a beautiful blue and you can enjoy long, bright days. If you visit Greece at the beginning of the month, you are unlikely to encounter massive crowds, since the peak summer rush starts around the end of the month.Make the most of your stay in Greece in June with visits to destinations like Santorini, Naxos, and Milos. Admire the archaeological wonders of Athens; Explore Thessaloniki and find out why it, with its strong Ottoman influences, is a place like no other; and enjoy the brilliant food and wine scene of Tinos, an island in the Cyclades archipelago.

Home to beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and friendly locals, a tour to Greece are on the list of most travelers. And July is the perfect time to visit the country! The weather during this month is hot and sunny and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. However, pleasant weather conditions also mean that the country experiences a large number of tourists. Include some hidden gems to avoid the crowd and discover the laid-back side of the country.

With an enviable coastline of 13,676 kilometers and a dry, sunny Mediterranean clime, Greece is the first choice of many when it comes to a beach break during European summer. From the white sandy beaches of Ios Island to the red and black beaches of Santorini, or even a pink one in Elafonisi in Crete, a shade card of bewildering beaches is there to explore. Greece in August is at the peak of the summer season and, with soaring temperatures, now is a perfect month to swim and sunbathe. And as nights settle, wild island parties break out, inviting you to unwind and make the most of your Greek vacation.

Be it a culture vulture, beach bum, or an island-hopper, the weather in Greece in September allows for a wholesome travel experience regardless of your preferences. The beginning of September is still a high tourist season in the country. However, later in the month, crowds start to dwindle and prices begin to drop along with temperatures.Make the most of plummeting prices and falling mercury with a sightseeing tour of Athens. Browse through the collection of its museum, see its ancient monuments, and discover lively neighborhoods like Monastiraki. Spend some time island-hopping as you explore Corfu and Cephalonia or go on a road trip from Athens to Patras. It would be safe to say that your trip to Greece in September won't be without exhilarating activities. 

Whether picking olives in Kalamata or digging your toes deep into the black sand at Santorini, a trip to Greece in October is an attractive holiday escapade. After the scorching months of July and August, the country heaves a sigh of relief as the pleasant weather takes over in October. The tourist crowd retreats, the sun is kinder, and winter rains are still a month away. With fewer people, fantastic water temperature, clear skies, and lower rates, Greek Islands like Mykonos, Corfu, and Kefalonia beckon budget travelers. Enjoy their myriad highlights like the beautiful Balkan lakes, historical fortresses, internationally acclaimed boutiques, and picturesque alleys.

Greece makes for a great destination throughout the year. Though the weather in Greece in November gets a little chilly, you will still encounter lovely warm days on your trip to Greece as it is just the beginning of winter. November is a low tourist season in Greece, which means you can get some really cool deals on hotels and air travel. Be it a sightseeing tour of Athens, cave exploration in Kefalonia, and a hiking trip to the monasteries of Meteora, there are tons of activities to enjoy in Greece in November.

December might not be the most popular month of the year to take a trip to Greece, but there are certainly bonuses to visiting in the low season. While December is the wettest month of the year and you should expect fair use of your raincoat, the weather is generally mild, although a bit unpredictable. Tourist destinations are less crowded if you are planning on taking a trip to Greece in December, so you can go to the more popular spots without waiting in long queues. If you don’t mind damp weather and lower temperatures, Greece in December is a great winter destination.

Greece’s ancient history and Mediterranean climate fire the imagination like no other country. In the winter season, between November and March, you get to see a different side of Greece. Though you may not get to enjoy popular summertime activities like island-hopping and sunbathing on scenic beaches, a tour to Greece in winter still offers many exciting things to do and places to see. Ski on Mount Parnassus, see ancient ruins in Crete and enjoy the winter festivals. And with fewer tourists, you will explore the sites and attractions in a crowd-free environment.

Greece basks in warm Mediterranean sunshine throughout the summer months of June to August, making it the perfect destination for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Summer in Greece is also the peak season for the country, meaning larger crowds and higher prices. The Greek Islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas are the ideal summer destinations to visit. Santorini's iconic sunsets, Mykonos's vibrant nightlife, and Crete's rich history are a few highlights here. But do not overlook lesser-known gems like Naxos, Milos, and Zakynthos. Read on to find out what your trip to Greece in the summer has in store for you.