Greece in August: The Perfect Summer Wave
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.
Greece Weather in August
There is nothing subtle about the weather in Greece in August. Of all summer months, now is the hottest and the driest time. The country's capital, Athens, has an average temperature that ranges from 34°C during the day to 24°C in the evening. Seek refuge at any nearby beaches to cool down under a shade or plan your hikes and outdoor excursions in the early morning or late afternoon to dodge the heat. The water temperature is around 25°C, which is the warmest of the whole year, fit for swimming and other water-based activities.
Crete in August is extremely hot with an average high of 31°C. However, there is a chance that the mercury will climb up to 38°C. Same with other islands like Rhodes, Kos, and Mykonos. Southern islands will be inevitably hotter than North Aegean and Ionian islands like Corfu and Thassos, where the daily highs peak in the late 20s.
To know other wonders Greece has in store for you for the rest of the year, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Greece.
Weather in Greece in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 13 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 34 | 29 | 24 | 19 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 55.4 | 57.2 | 62.6 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 91.4 | 93.2 | 84.2 | 75.2 | 66.2 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 44.6 | 44.6 | 48.2 | 53.6 | 60.8 | 69.8 | 75.2 | 75.2 | 68 | 60.8 | 53.6 | 48.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 57 | 47 | 41 | 31 | 23 | 11 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 53 | 58 | 98 |
Why Visit Greece in August
A lot of travelers avoid August as it is the busiest, priciest, and hottest month in Greece. But then what allures the tourists so that nearly 5.45 million of them throng the country in August? The answer lies below.
- Island-hopping: With ferries in full swing, jumping from one island to another is a breeze. Whether they are the popular ones like Mykonos and Santorini or remote ones like the Dodecanese group of islands, nothing is out of reach. And if you are wary of the dry northerly winds of Meltemi disrupting the ferry services, switch to flights. Islands like Skiathos and Skyros open up their domestic airport during summer. Plus, you can find international flights that take you directly to islands like Rhodes, Kos, and Karpathos.
- Range of activities: From climbing Mount Olympus, the mythical abode of gods, to scuba diving in Santorini, from kayaking the turquoise sea around Milos Island to witnessing the awe-inspiring historical grandeur of Athens, Greece is a cornucopia of countless activities in August.
- Party time: If you are looking for a vibrant and pulsating nightlife, Greece in August is for you. DJs from all over the world hit the Greek Islands to begin a party season that even leaves Ibiza sizzling with envy. Party at pubs or clubs overlooking the stunning beaches at islands like Corfu, Mykonos, Paros, and Zakynthos, or hunt down a secret beach rave if that is more your thing. Rest assured, Greeks definitely know how to keep their guests entertained.
- Festivals in August: Summertime in Greece is ideal to set out on a cultural quest. In northern Greece, you can sample theatre and music at the Olympus Festival. For a theatre festival with a difference, there is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival with shows held in the historic backdrop of Epidaurus and Odeon in the Acropolis of Athens. Celebrate the magical transformation of Greece with the August Full Moon Festival. If you are a fan of classical music, then you must attend a concert at the Molyvos International Music Festival.
Where to go and what to do
Greece boasts of some of the best beaches in Europe, and August is the time to enjoy them all. From the serene beach of Plaka in Naxos to the throbbing nightlife of Mykonos's Paradise Beach, you will find one to suit your every mood and travel needs. For a taste of authentic Greek island life, scoot to Santorini. Go for a waterfall walk in Mount Saos or chase some adrenaline high with canyoning or mountain biking. Dance till dawn at any of its beaches and eat scrumptious rustic Mediterranean meals to make up for lost calories. For an intense summer experience, a visit to Crete is a great choice. Swim in the natural pool of the Giola Lagoon, or opt for water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, or parasailing at beaches like Golden Beach and Potos Beach. You might also want to go to the Daphni Wine festival held in a picturesque pine-wood park during your tour of Athens.
For a vacation with a healthy dose of vitamins, Greece in August is what the doctor prescribes! Yes, there will be crowds. But there are also off-the-radar, summer-only islands, and secluded beaches in popular islands where you can escape throngs of people. Yes, the temperature in Greece in August is scorching, but there is a sea all around to dip in and cool off. Prices can get scary, but nothing that a little prior planning cannot curtail.
Let our local travel experts bring out the best of Greece in August by crafting the perfect customized trip for you. 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. So, wait no longer to start planning your trip to Greece in August.
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