Greece in September: Perfect For Island-Hopping

Greece’s weather in September is characterized by hot days at the beginning of the month. However, temperatures start to fall towards the end of September. Athens’ average temperatures hover between 27 °C and 20.9 °C during this time of year, while on the lovely island of Mykonos, a popular tourist destination, the average stays at around 23.2 °C. You might encounter some rain during your stay in the capital city. However, chances of showers are less in places like Peloponnese and the Cyclades.

For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Greece.

September is an excellent month to visit Greece. Below are a few reasons why.

• Post-peak-season rates: If you are traveling to Greece in the latter half of September, you can get some good discounts on hotel tariffs and airfare. This is because the peak tourist season ends after mid-September.
• Island-hopping: Make the most of your stay in Greece with a trip to its islands. Make sure to visit Santorini, Naxos, and Milos as they are among the top-rated island destinations in Greece and the weather in September is perfect for island-hopping.
• Beaches aplenty: There are many heavenly beaches like Navagio on Zakynthos island and Messina’s Voidokilia Beach to choose from during a vacation in Greece in September. Plus, sea temperatures off the Greek coast are ideal for a swim during this time of year.
• Fine wine: September is the time of olive and grape harvest in Greece. It is just the right excuse to visit scenic wine-producing regions such as Naoussa, Attica, and Thessaly.
• Celebrations: September is packed with wonderful events and festivals. Some of the top picks are the Aegina Fistiki Festival, an ode to the pistachios grown in Aegina that is accompanied by dance and music; Aeschylus Festival, a tribute to ancient Greek drama; and the International Music Festival in Santorini, which features classical music and opera performances by international artists.

September is a season of adventures in Greece. Make the most of pleasant weather conditions as you go hiking through the Samaria Gorge. Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Lousios-Alfios River and kayak down the Sporades. Lovers of watersports will enjoy scuba diving in the Northern Aegean, while culture vultures can head out to discover the museums and monuments of Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Marvel at the towering columns of the Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens and see the birthplace of democracy in Agora. Explore Delphi and soak up the mysterious vibes of its temples and mountainside ruins.

Make your way to the Meteora region, another visual delight with its otherworldly rock formations, eerily beautiful landscape, and medieval monasteries perched on hilltops. Island-hopping is mandatory in Greece in September, and Santorini has a magnetic pull that puts it in an entirely different league. As you approach the island by boat, an awe-inspiring crescent of cliffs and a white cluster of houses greet you. The island itself is full of delights: Enjoy a catamaran cruise around the island; swim in the warm waters off its coast and watch a mesmerizing sunset from the top of a hill.

Corfu, with its pastel villages, aristocratic houses, and olive groves; and Naxos, with its endless powdery sand beaches, are some of the other much-loved islands that you can add to your September bucket list. To experience a very different side of Greece in September, head to Thessaloniki, a historic gateway to the east that has been part of Greece for barely one hundred years. Soak up the noise and color of its bazaar, discover the city’s unique Ottoman architecture, and have a dreamy breakfast in its old town.

September is a month of outdoor adventures in Greece. Therefore, make sure that you carry a sturdy pair of walking or trekking shoes. Shades are handy to ward off that late summer glare.

There are tons of exciting things to do and see in Greece during September. We highly recommend a 7-day stay in Greece. If you need more information on how long to stay in the country, check out our guide on how many days you should spend in Greece. Our local travel experts in the country can help you with a customized itinerary if you are interested.

You don't have to look anywhere else to book your trip to Greece in September.