Best Time To Visit Greece
- Jan Avg Daily: 13 ° C Avg Nightly: 7 ° C
- Feb Avg Daily: 14 ° C Avg Nightly: 7 ° C
- Mar Avg Daily: 17 ° C Avg Nightly: 9 ° C
- Apr Avg Daily: 20 ° C Avg Nightly: 12 ° C
- May Avg Daily: 25 ° C Avg Nightly: 16 ° C
- Jun Avg Daily: 30 ° C Avg Nightly: 21 ° C
- Jul Avg Daily: 33 ° C Avg Nightly: 24 ° C
- Aug Avg Daily: 34 ° C Avg Nightly: 24 ° C
- Sep Avg Daily: 29 ° C Avg Nightly: 20 ° C
- Oct Avg Daily: 24 ° C Avg Nightly: 16 ° C
- Nov Avg Daily: 19 ° C Avg Nightly: 12 ° C
- Dec Avg Daily: 15 ° C Avg Nightly: 9 ° C
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
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 the cobbled streets. If you’re 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.
If you are traveling to Greece anytime soon, you have to find out what is the best time to visit Greece. After all, this will help determine what you can do in the country.
- Alexandra Donovan
- From Wales
Quick Facts
- Best Time to Visit Greece: April – May, September–October
- High Tourist Season: June – August
- Low Season: November – March
- All Seasons: April – May (spring), June – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
- The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder months of April – May (spring), and September – October. This is when the weather is most pleasant, and there isn’t too much of a rush.
- The high season in Greece is from June – August. The weather will be warm, and the transport system will be running in full swing, but the summer rush will be incredibly high.
- Winter in Greece might not be as cold as certain other parts of Europe, but a few places see snowfall, and a lot of smaller towns shut for the winter as well.
- If you want great value for money, it is best to travel during the shoulder months.
Greece’s beauty is one that has definitely stood the test of time. Whether it is the stunning architecture that has stood strong, despite countless wars, rampages, and weather problems; or the Greek attitude towards life, the country has continued to thrive. Recent economic misgivings have contributed to some problems within the country – but this makes it all the more important for you to contribute to the economy by traveling to this beautiful country.
No matter when you visit Greece, there will be something unique for you to do. With the exception of winter, it’s easy to travel around Greece. The weather will be pleasant, but the crowds might be quite high during the summer months.
Even though some parts of Greece do see snow during the winter months, if you’re restricting your travel to the larger cities, or can arrange your own mode of transport between areas, it won’t be a bad idea for you to visit Greece during winter as well. The cost of travel and accommodation would be much lower, after all!
Seasonal Overview
1. April to May – Spring / Good Season
April is the beginning of the holiday season when people finally hang up their winter coats and get ready to enjoy the sun. The weather will be absolutely stunning, with a crisp breeze and a bright sun most of the day. The weather will be extremely pleasant. While there would be an increase in tourists around Easter, and at the beginning of the season (who would not want to escape to the bright and sunny coast after the winter), the number of tourists does go down towards the mid and end of the season. Expect high prices during the Easter period.
- Avg. Temperature: 78 – 80° F / 26 – 27° C (in Athens)
- Rainfall: 2 – 18 mm
- Season: Spring
- Highlights: This is a great time for you to explore the country on foot, or by bike. Towards May, wildflowers start blooming in the countryside, so your bike ride will have a great view as well. For some, the waters might still be too cold for a dip. This is when the Sound and Light performances start in Athens, so keep a lookout for that. Orthodox Easter is celebrated with exceptional pomp and splendor in Greece, with lots of dancing, drinking, and dining.
- Our Recommended Tour: Athens For Foodies Tour: The Ultimate Culinary Experience
Our in-depth monthly guide:
Greece in April
Greece in May
2. June to August – Summer / High Season
The summer weather in Greece is particularly lovely. The weather becomes warmer, and the beach also becomes rather crowded around this time, now that the waters are warm enough. This is the one of the best time to visit Greece as there will be good connections on public transport, and the number of tourists will ensure that there are lively events happening in every pub, and beach you can find. However, the heat can get quite oppressive in some places.
The summer prices can double in some areas – especially in places like Athens, Santorini, etc. Book your tickets well in advance!
- Avg. Temperature: 92 – 93° F / 33 – 34° C (in Athens)
- Rainfall: 0 – 1 mm
- Season: Summer
- Highlights: If you want to visit the Samothraki and Thassos islands in the north – go between July – August, as they only accept tourists then. This is when to visit Greece if you want to have a good time, as there will be dozens of island parties all across the country. Do not miss out on the Athens and Epidaurus Festival that happens from June – August, where Western theater is celebrated through performances in famous locations – like the Epidaurus, and Odeon at Acropolis. The Wine Festival at Daphni is a must–visit for wine aficionados. Now that the waters are hot enough – head to Petani Beach, Navagio, or Xi Beach for a much –needed dip.
Our in-depth monthly guide:
Greece in June
Greece in July
Greece in August
3. September to October – Fall / Good Season
Fall is a relieving period in Greece, following the oppressive summer heat. The entire country gets softer – the seas become calmer, the light is soft, and the air becomes balmier. Much of the summer crowd leaves, leaving most of the islands emptier, and the tourist spots more visible. The prices would be lower during these months, compared to summer. However – keep in mind that transport options might reduce. There is also a chance of the weather in Greece getting wet in October.
- Avg. Temperature: 76 – 85° F / 24 – 29° C (in Athens)
- Rainfall: 15 – 27 mm
- Season: Fall
- Highlights: This is the best time to visit Greece if you want to visit Dodecanese or Crete, as the weather is exceptionally good during this season, thanks to the summer of Agios Dimitrios. This weather lends itself to the leisurely exploration of Greece’s many historical offerings – including Athens, Mykonos, Laconia, and more. You will be able to leisurely explore these locations, thanks to the lack of tourists.
Our in-depth monthly guide:
Greece in September
Greece in October
4. November to March – Winter / Low Season
The weather in Greece is mostly splendid, but the winter months can get a little unpredictable. There might still be a few fine, warm days, but in many areas, there is a chance of snow. The winter can get cold in a lot of places as well. Moreover, the country slows down during the winter months, with the transport options becoming skeletal. This would limit your travels to the islands. This is when to visit Greece if you want to take full advantage of the lower costs.
- Avg. Temperature: 54 – 67° F / 12 – 19° C (in Athens)
- Rainfall: 2 – 89 mm
- Season: Winter
- Highlights: You might not be able to visit a number of islands due to lack of transport, but this is still a good time to visit Rhodes, or the southern parts of Crete. Northern Crete, and Athens, along with the mountains will see some snow, as well. Christmas is celebrated with a lot of orthodox fervor, so you will be in for a traditional treat!
Our in-depth monthly guide:
Greece in November
Greece in December
Greece in January
Greece in February
Greece in March
Winter in Greece
