Wondering about the best time to visit Greece? We’ve got you covered with a full month-by-month breakdown, plus answers to common questions like “When is Greek weather at its best?”
Ready to start planning today? Connect with Fora and our expert advisors will help you with everything from identifying the best time to visit Greece to finding you the best places to stay in Greece. Even better, we’ll score you awesome hotel and travel perks at no extra cost.
Before we discuss the best time to visit Greece, a quick Greece climate overview
Before we get to the best time to go to Greece, we should cover a quick climate overview so you’re able to put that info in context.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, and July is its warmest month
Outside of the mountainous region to the north, Greece’s winters are mild and comparatively wet while summers tend to be sunny, hot and dry. Spring and fall are usually temperate, although some areas (particularly the islands) can get a little chilly at night.
July and August are Greece’s hottest months, with the average temperatures hovering between 85–95℉.
Greece’s rainy season extends from December to February (but it depends on the region)
Greece’s rainy season has slight variations depending on the region, but most precipitation occurs between December and February (this includes snow in the mountains). Summer sees minimal rainfall across the country.
Planning a trip to Greece? Your Fora Advisor can help you decide the best time to go to Greece for agreeable weather (and build you an awesome Greece itinerary).
The best times to visit Greece: month-by-month guide
Curious how Greece changes month to month? Read on for a full breakdown.
Visiting Greece in January & February
January and February are Greece’s coldest months, with daytime temperatures hanging around 50–60℉. These are the best months to visit Greece’s beaches. However, this period can be a great time to explore major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki without the crowds.
On another note, January and February are certainly the best months to visit Greece’s ski resorts.
Planning a trip to Athens? Check out our guide to how many days in Athens you need or the coolest Athens boutique hotels. Then, connect with Fora to plan and book your stay.
Visiting Greece in March & April
March marks the very beginning of Greece’s travel season along the Mediterranean coast and the Greek Isles. Rainfall gradually becomes less and less common as the weeks progress, and by late April, temperatures typically hover in the mid-to-high 70s or low 80s.
This is a great time to visit Greece if you’re intent on touring cities or exploring the country’s natural scenery. Crete and Santorini, for example, both have fairly temperate weather during this period and the bulk of the crowds are still a month or two away. It can get cold at night, but there are fewer travelers to compete with.
The only downside is that many beaches may still be a little too cold to enjoy consistently.
Also check out our guides to where to stay in Crete or the best places to stay in Santorini, if you’re curious.
Going to Greece in May & June
May and June see an uptick in traffic and the weather is consistently comfortable across most of Greece. This is typically Greece’s most verdant period, too — arguably making May and June the best time to visit Greece for hiking.
Greece nightlife hubs like Mykonos and Zakynthos typically see a sharp rise in travelers by early June.
Even though May and June are officially considered shoulder season, our Fora FAM trip to Greece was held during this period, and we had an absolute blast.
Visiting Greece in July & August
Greece travel hits a fever pitch in July and August. Virtually all the major destinations are at their busiest, especially Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos. The weather is consistently hot and rainfall is rare (i.e., perfect beach weather).
If you’re intent on visiting Greece in July or August but eager to avoid the worst of the crowds, islands like Milos and Paros aren’t nearly as crowded. Better yet, many Fora Advisors actually prefer these destinations because of their authenticity.
Want to know where to stay in Paros or where to stay in Milos? Connect with Fora. We’ll help you plan and book your dream island getaway.
Going to Greece in September & October
September brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds as schools around the world reopen. This can be one of the best times to visit Greece for families because the weather’s still great for beach days and excursions. And it’s not so crowded that you need to constantly mind the little ones.
By October, the landscapes take on golden hues, with rolling vineyards and olive groves creating a picturesque backdrop.
A lot of Greek island resorts shut down for the season around this time, but there are still options throughout the country.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your family trip with Greece (and check out our guide to the best Greek islands for families in the meantime).
Visiting Greece in November & December
November is the low season for travel, but this can still be a great time to visit Greece if you don’t mind colder weather. The upside is that many of the experiences are much more authentic, and you typically won’t run into many crowds (outside of the holiday season). If you’re visiting as a culture junkie, this can actually be one of the best times to go to Greece.
November and December can also be the most affordable times to visit Greece, but note that some resorts and hotels shut down during these months.
Best time to go to Greece: FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Greece for good weather?
“Good weather” is a little subjective. But many travelers love the refreshing combination of the cool Mediterranean seas and the hot, dry weather that runs from late June through the end of August.
If you want milder weather, May and June, then September and October, experience cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall.
What’s the most popular time to visit Greece? When can you avoid crowds in Greece?
July and August are the absolute busiest months to go to Greece, while November and December usually see the least amount of travelers.
Don’t forget: when you book and plan your trip with Fora, we’ll give you all the intel you need to decide when to take your vacation.
What’s the most affordable time to go to Greece?
Generally speaking, November through February are the most affordable months to visit Greece. It’s worth highlighting that hotel options in the Greek Isles diminish around this time, though.
When’s the best time to visit Greece for swimming & watersports?
For most travelers, the Mediterranean is warm enough to enjoy as early as March or April, and through September or October.
What are the best months for a Greece honeymoon or couples’ trip?
It depends. Many of the best resorts in Greece for couples slash availability or shut down in the low season, so your options may be limited to the warmer months. That said, if you’re looking for more of a cultural experience, Greece can be fun to visit all year round (see our guide to the best Greek islands for couples).
Book & plan your trip with Fora to uncover your best time to visit Greece
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to get started.
We’ll help you determine your best time to visit Greece. And if you have a limited window to travel, we’ll make sure you make the most of it.
Our help isn’t limited to when to go, either. Wondering about the best places to visit in Greece or where to go in Greece for the first time? We can hook you up with all the intel you need. Even better, when you book your accommodations with us, we can score you awesome perks at no extra cost.
Not sure Greece is the right destination for you? Maybe these other places will resonate better: