Greece in Winter: Destination and Weather Tips

November to March is considered the winter season in Greece. But the core winter months are between December and February. In Athens, the average high winter temperature is 15 °C while the average low is 10 °C. Rainfall is also common, but they are usually short. The upper mountain regions of Greece are cold and see heavy snowfall during winter. The Greek islands are also cold and windy. In Corfu, for example, the average temperatures range between 7 °C and 16 °C. It gets warmer as you go south. Towards the end of March, the temperatures are noticeably warmer, and there is a hint of spring in the air, especially in southern Greece.

	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
Avg high	19°C (66 °F)	15°C (59 °F)	13°C (55 °F)	14°C (57 °F)	17°C (63 °F)
Avg low	12°C (54 °F)	9°C (48 °F)	7°C (45 °F)	7°C (45 °F)	9°C (48 °F)
Daylight hours	10	10	10	11	12
Rainy days	10	11	11	11	11
Precipitation	58 mm	98 mm	57 mm	47 mm	41 mm

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

Other related articles:
Greece in November
Greece in December
Greece in January
Greece in February
Greece in March

While the cold and wet conditions may deter many people from taking a trip to Greece in winter, there are several attractive reasons to visit the country. Here are some of them:

• Fewer crowds: With fewer tourists visiting Greece in winter, you will have all the majestic monuments and ancient ruins to yourself.
• Lower rates: As winter is the off-season in Greece, you can get exciting offers and discounts on your tours and accommodations.
• Winter festivals: Apart from Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, several events and festivals are held all around Greece during the winter season. These include the Patras Carnival, featuring colorful parade floats and boisterous street parties, and Kladaries, which celebrates shepherds’ way of life through feasting, dancing and bonfires. Thessaloniki International Film Festival also takes place in winter.

Greece in winter is a wholesome experience. You can spend more time at monuments, unhindered by tourist hordes, and explore towns and cities on foot when the sun is out. Here are some attractive destinations you should visit during your winter holidays in Greece:

1. Athens

One of the world’s oldest cities, the Greek capital is filled with archaeological wonders and superb museums and a cutting-edge contemporary arts and culture scene. As long as it does not rain, the winter weather is ideal for walking around and discovering Athens’ lesser-known monuments and trendy neighborhoods, strolling through its flea markets, and even going for nearby treks. Check out our tours to Athens here.

Major attractions: Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis Museum.

Pros:

• You can enjoy the museums and monuments without the tourist rush.
• Athens has relatively mild winter weather, perfect for exploring the city’s attractions.

Cons:

• As winter days are comparatively shorter, local museums and attractions may close early.

2. Peloponnese region

The Peloponnese region is an idyllic, though often overlooked, winter destination. Quaint villages like Stemnitsa and Trikala are at their prettiest during Christmas, with local tavernas serving delicious hot soup. The Peloponnese peninsula also has big-ticket historical sites and skiing centers.

Major attractions: Ancient Olympia, Corinth and Mycenae.

Pros:

• Winter is the best time to sample authentic Greek delicacies like Fasolada (bean soup), kourabiedes (almond butter biscuits) and melomakarona (Christmas honey cookies).
• You can enjoy sightseeing without crowds and long waiting lines.

Cons:

• Sudden rainfall could disrupt your travel plan.

3. Crete

A tour to Crete is all about lounging on beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters and partying through the night on open terraces. But that is in summer. Crete in winter is cold and wet, but that does not mean you cannot have fun on Greece’s largest island. This is the perfect time to visit museums and art galleries, stroll on near-empty coasts, and see majestic ruins.

Major attractions: Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos.

Pros:

• Hotel tariffs are much lower in winter.
• You can have the beaches to yourself as there are fewer visitors in winter.
• Seeing snowy peaks on an island is a unique experience.
• On sunny winter days, hiking is pleasurable.

Cons:

• Crete can be wet and windy in winter.

With these top destinations, your winter trip to Greece will create memories that last a lifetime.

Greece in winter has relatively mild weather that is not biting cold, so many activities are possible if you can dodge the rain. Visit world-class museums, or slip into a restaurant and slurp on a big bowl of psarosoupa (fish soup). Here are some of the top activities to do in Greece in winter.

• Go skiing: While Greece is not Europe’s leading skiing destination, it has many high-quality skiing sites where you can try your skiing skills or sign up for beginners’ lessons. Parnassos Ski Center is Greece’s biggest ski resort overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. It has two main areas for skiing, and the descents begin at 2,260 meters. Another popular skiing location is Seli Ski Center in Central Macedonia. 
• Explore the walking trails: The winter weather conditions of Greece might be unpredictable for embarking on a long hike, but you can always go on a short hike taking advantage of a clear day. There are plenty of delightful walking trails across the country. Hydra is built around the island’s main port in a style that blends with the surroundings. Winter walks along Hydra’s waterfront and uphill alleys are a lovely way to spend a winter day. Likewise, the island of Andros has a network of walks extending for 200 kilometers. Walk past lush landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and ancient walled terraces. Zagorohoria is another hikers’ haven, where you can walk through traditional stone villages connected by footpaths and see a secret side of Greek culture. Check out our walking tours in Greece.
• Discover historical sites: Athens may have some of Greece’s top historical sites, but there are other gems in different parts of the country. One of the pleasures of touring the historical sites in Greece in the winter season is getting the best views as there are no crowds. Visit the stunning monasteries of the Metéora, set amid an extraordinary range of cliffs and remnants of an ancient river. See Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games began in 776 BC. And get awed by the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena in Delphi.

From walking trails to skiing the slopes, Greece has a lot to offer during winter.

• Wet, windy weather is never far behind during a winter vacation in Greece, especially on the islands. So be prepared by packing the right kind of clothes.
• Ferry services are few and far between in winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Keep small change or coins handy for tipping waiters or for making minor purchases.

Greece in winter is not a stereotypical Mediterranean vacation. But if you take the plunge, you will discover many wonderful destinations and fascinating experiences. While rain and occasional snow can be a challenge, the weather is not extreme enough to disrupt your vacation.

Reach out to our travel experts to plan a customized trip to Greece to suit your interests and needs.