When is the best time to visit Greece? What is the weather like in Santorini during summer? When is the most affordable month to travel to Athens?
I've got your back. Read on for a month-by-month breakdown of when to go and where to stay. Even better, when you book with me, you'll unlock awesome perks at no extra cost.
Consider Greece’s climate
Let’s talk climate. Greece has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. July and August are Greece’s hottest months, with temperatures hovering anywhere between 85 to 95 degrees.
Spring and fall are usually temperate, although some areas (particularly the Greek islands) can get a little chilly at night. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, try to avoid the rainy season, which extends from December to February. While Greece’s rainy season might have slight variations depending on the region, you can count on these winter months as being the wettest.
The best times to visit Greece: month-by-month guide
Curious how Greece changes month to month? Read on for a full breakdown.
January & February
January and February are Greece’s coldest months, with daytime temperatures hanging around 50 to 60 degrees. In short, if you’re looking to hit up the white-sand beaches of Mykonos or Paros, these months are your best bet. The same goes for Greece’s major cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki, as this time of year draws travelers to the beaches, leaving the cities a little less crowded. If you’re a snow bunny over a sun worshipper, January and February are also the best months to visit Greece’s ski resorts.
March & April
March marks the beginning of Greece’s travel season, which draws hordes of travelers to the Mediterranean Coast and Greek Isles. In March, the rainfall starts to lessen, and the temperatures begin to slowly rise to a balmy but not stifling 70 degrees. As the early start to the high season, March and April are the ideal time to visit Greece, especially 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 from clogging up the cobbled streets. While it can get cold at night and may be too cold to go swimming, it’s worth it for fewer crowds.
May & June
Once we get into May and June, we start to enter what is largely considered Greece’s shoulder season. During these months, the country sees an uptick in traffic while the weather remains consistently comfortable across most of Greece. This is typically Greece’s most verdant period, too, which makes May and June the best time to visit Greece for hiking and other outdoor activities. For those keen on exploring Greece's nightlife, hubs like Mykonos and Zakynthos typically see a sharp rise in travelers by early June.
July & August
Come July and August, Greece hits a fever pitch. Travelers pour in from around the globe, flocking to the Greek islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos. The summer months give way to ideal summer weather, with hot temperatures and minimal rainfall making for perfect (albeit crowded) beach days.
If you intend to visit Greece in July or August but are eager to avoid the crowds, islands like Milos and Paros are excellent alternatives. Many people actually prefer these destinations because of their authenticity.
September & October
September brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds as schools around the world reopen, and summer vacations draw to a close. September is arguably one of the best times to visit Greece, especially for families looking for quieter beach days and easy excursions that little ones can enjoy.
By October, the Greek landscapes take on dazzling golden hues, with the countryside, vineyards and olive groves creating a picturesque backdrop. It’s worth noting that many Greek island resorts shut down for the season around this time, but there are still plenty of hotel options throughout the country.
November & December
November brings the low season for travel, with few crowds and colder weather. But don’t let that deter you, as November can still be a great time to visit Greece. Without the crowds, many experiences on offer prove more authentic, without hordes of selfie sticks blocking your view. If you want to explore cities like Athens, this is also a great time of year to check out the ancient Greek temples and get your culture fix. But beyond fewer crowds, the real reason to come to Greece during the off-season is pricing. During this low travel season, travelers might find a trip to Greece to be most affordable.