After months of researching my upcoming trips to Greece, I’ve discovered that timing is everything when visiting this Mediterranean paradise. The perfect Greek vacation depends greatly on when you go – affecting everything from crowds and costs to weather and water temperature.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the best time to visit Greece based on your travel style, budget, and interests. Whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping in the Cyclades, exploring ancient ruins in Athens, or hiking through mountain villages, I’ll help you choose the ideal season for your Greek adventure.
Greece Travel Seasons Overview
Through my research, I’ve identified four distinct travel seasons in Greece, each offering a different experience:
High Season (June to August)
- Weather: Hot and sunny (80-95°F/27-35°C), virtually no rain
- Crowds: Maximum tourists, especially on popular islands
- Prices: Highest of the year (hotels can be 50-100% more expensive than shoulder season)
- Availability: Advance booking essential (3-6 months for popular destinations)
- Atmosphere: Vibrant, energetic, all attractions and businesses open
Best for: Beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, those with fixed summer vacation schedules
Shoulder Season (April to May & September to October)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant (65-80°F/18-27°C), occasional rain
- Crowds: Moderate, with comfortable space at most attractions
- Prices: 30-40% lower than high season
- Availability: Some advance booking recommended (1-2 months)
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, authentic, most businesses open
Best for: Sightseeing, hiking, photography, balanced beach/culture trips, value-conscious travelers
Low Season (November to March, excluding Christmas/New Year)
- Weather: Cooler (45-60°F/7-15°C), more rainfall, especially December-February
- Crowds: Minimal tourists except in Athens
- Prices: Lowest of the year (up to 50% less than shoulder season)
- Availability: Many island businesses closed, limited ferry schedules
- Atmosphere: Local, authentic, peaceful
Best for: Athens exploration, mainland travel, budget travelers, long-term stays
Holiday Season (Christmas/New Year & Easter)
- Weather: Cool but festive
- Crowds: Primarily Greek nationals returning home
- Prices: Higher than regular low season
- Availability: Limited on islands, good in cities and mountain villages
- Atmosphere: Traditional, family-oriented, cultural
Best for: Cultural immersion, experiencing authentic Greek traditions
Best Time to Visit Greece by Type of Trip
Based on my research with travel experts and locals, here’s when to visit Greece depending on your travel goals:
Beach Vacation
- Ideal time: Late May to early October
- Sweet spot: June and September (warm seas without extreme heat or crowds)
- Water temperatures:
- May: 65°F/18°C (refreshing)
- July-August: 75°F/24°C (perfect)
- October: 72°F/22°C (still pleasant)
For beach-specific information, check out my guide to Best Beaches in Santorini Compared and the Greek National Tourism Organization’s beach guide.
Cultural Sightseeing
- Ideal time: April to May & September to October
- Sweet spot: May and early October
- Benefits: Comfortable temperatures for exploring ruins, fewer crowds at major sites, good photography conditions
The official Athens tourism website offers excellent information on visiting ancient sites and museums throughout the year.
Hiking and Nature
- Ideal time: April to June & September to October
- Sweet spot: May and late September
- Benefits: Wildflowers in spring, pleasant temperatures, green landscapes
For Santorini-specific hiking information, see my guides to Hiking in Santorini and Santorini Hiking Guide.
Budget Travel
- Ideal time: November to March (excluding holidays) & early April
- Sweet spot: March and November
- Benefits: Significantly lower accommodation prices, cheaper flights, local atmosphere
Skyscanner’s price calendar is an excellent tool for finding the cheapest flights to Greece throughout the year.
Avoiding Crowds
- Ideal time: Late October to early April (excluding holidays)
- Sweet spot: November and March
- Benefits: Tourist sites to yourself, authentic local experiences, no lines
Island Hopping
- Ideal time: Late May to early October
- Sweet spot: June and September
- Benefits: Reliable ferry schedules, all services operating, good weather without extreme heat
For planning island connections, Ferryhopper provides comprehensive ferry schedules and booking options. My Santorini Travel Guide offers insights for one of the most popular island destinations.
Greece Month-by-Month
After consulting numerous weather reports, tourism statistics, and traveler experiences, here’s my month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in Greece:
January
- Weather: 45-55°F (7-13°C), rainy in coastal areas, snow in mountains
- Crowds: Very few tourists except for ski areas
- Pros: Lowest prices, winter sports in northern Greece, authentic experience
- Cons: Many island businesses closed, limited ferry service, shorter days
- Good for: Athens exploration, skiing in mountain resorts like Arachova
The Greek National Tourism Organization offers information on winter destinations in Greece.
February
- Weather: 45-57°F (7-14°C), similar to January but slightly warmer
- Crowds: Still very quiet
- Pros: Carnival celebrations (Apokries), winter sales, authentic experience
- Cons: Similar to January, still rainy season
- Good for: Cultural experiences in larger cities, photography without crowds
March
- Weather: 50-60°F (10-16°C), decreasing rainfall, spring begins
- Crowds: Beginning to increase slightly
- Pros: Wildflowers start blooming, Greek Independence Day (March 25)
- Cons: Still cool for swimming, some island services limited
- Good for: Hiking, mainland exploration, early spring photography
April
- Weather: 55-65°F (13-18°C), spring in full effect
- Crowds: Moderate, increasing around Easter
- Pros: Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations (date varies), wildflowers, green landscapes
- Cons: Sea still cool for swimming, can be windy in Cyclades
- Good for: Cultural experiences, hiking, sightseeing, photography
For information on Greek Orthodox Easter traditions, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website.
May
- Weather: 65-75°F (18-24°C), sunny with occasional brief showers
- Crowds: Building but still comfortable
- Pros: Perfect temperatures for sightseeing, beaches becoming pleasant, lower prices than summer
- Cons: Water may still be cool for extended swimming
- Good for: Best all-around month for combined sightseeing/beach trips
May is an excellent time to explore Traditional Villages in Santorini before the summer crowds arrive.
June
- Weather: 75-85°F (24-29°C), consistent sunshine
- Crowds: Busy but not peak
- Pros: Warm sea temperatures, all services open, not as hot as July/August
- Cons: Prices increasing, popular sites getting crowded
- Good for: Beach vacations, island hopping before peak crowds
July
- Weather: 80-95°F (27-35°C), hot and dry
- Crowds: Peak tourist season
- Pros: Perfect beach weather, vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals
- Cons: Highest prices, crowds at popular destinations, heat can be intense
- Good for: Beach focus, nightlife, island parties
If you’re visiting during this hot period, check my guide on What to Pack for Greek Islands for essential summer items.
August
- Weather: 80-95°F (27-35°C), hottest month
- Crowds: Maximum (especially first two weeks)
- Pros: Warmest sea temperatures, cultural festivals, vibrant atmosphere
- Cons: Extreme crowds, highest prices, intense heat, many Greeks on vacation
- Good for: Beach vacations if you don’t mind crowds, cultural festivals
The Hellenic Meteorological Service provides detailed weather forecasts for planning summer trips.
September
- Weather: 75-85°F (24-29°C), warm and stable
- Crowds: Decreasing after first week
- Pros: Warm sea, fewer crowds than summer, pleasant evenings
- Cons: First week can still be busy and priced like August
- Good for: Perhaps the best overall month to visit for balance of good weather and fewer crowds
September is ideal for visiting Santorini Sunset Spots Without Crowds.
October
- Weather: 65-75°F (18-24°C), some rain possible
- Crowds: Low except at major sites
- Pros: Pleasant temperatures, autumn colors in northern Greece, lower prices
- Cons: Some island services begin to close, sea cooling down
- Good for: Sightseeing, photography, hiking, value travel
October is perfect for exploring the Akrotiri Archaeological Site without summer crowds.
November
- Weather: 55-65°F (13-18°C), increasing rainfall
- Crowds: Very few tourists
- Pros: Fall colors, olive harvest, authentic experiences
- Cons: Many island businesses closed, limited ferry service
- Good for: Athens and mainland cities, cultural experiences, budget travel
December
- Weather: 45-55°F (7-13°C), coolest month with rain
- Crowds: Low except during Christmas/New Year
- Pros: Christmas decorations and traditions, winter ambiance
- Cons: Shortest days, coolest temperatures, island limitations
- Good for: City experiences, Christmas markets, mountain villages
For winter travel in Greece, Weather Spark provides detailed historical weather data to help with planning.
When to Visit Popular Greek Destinations
Different regions of Greece have their own ideal visiting times. Based on my destination research:
Athens
- Best time: March to May & September to November
- Why: Comfortable temperatures for exploring ancient sites, fewer tourists
- Avoid if possible: July and August (extremely hot for sightseeing)
The Acropolis Museum website provides visitor information for planning your Athens trip.
Santorini
- Best time: May to June & September to October
- Why: Beautiful weather, fewer crowds than summer, perfect for photography
- Avoid if possible: August (overcrowded, especially in Oia)
For comprehensive information, see my Santorini Travel Guide and 10 Hidden Gems in Santorini.
Mykonos
- Best time: June & September
- Why: Beach weather without extreme crowds, nightlife in full swing
- Avoid if possible: Mid-July to August (unless crowds and parties are your priority)
The official Mykonos tourism website offers seasonal information for visitors.
Crete
- Best time: April to June & September to October
- Why: Pleasant temperatures for both beaches and hiking the many gorges
- Avoid if possible: August (crowded and very hot)
Incredible Crete, the official tourism site, provides detailed seasonal information.
Rhodes
- Best time: May to June & September to October
- Why: Warm enough for beaches, cool enough for exploring the medieval town
- Avoid if possible: July and August (extremely hot and crowded)
Corfu
- Best time: May to June & September
- Why: Lush green landscapes, pleasant temperatures
- Avoid if possible: August (crowded) and November (very rainy)
Meteora
- Best time: April to June & September to October
- Why: Clear skies for photography, comfortable hiking temperatures
- Avoid if possible: December to February (potential fog and limited visibility)
The UNESCO World Heritage site information provides details about visiting Meteora.
Peloponnese
- Best time: April to June & September to October
- Why: Ideal for exploring ancient sites and beautiful coastline
- Avoid if possible: July and August (very hot for sightseeing)
Festivals and Events in Greece
One of the aspects I’m most excited about for my Greek travels is timing visits with traditional festivals. Here are some notable events throughout the year:
Winter (December-February)
- Christmas & New Year: Decorated boats instead of trees in many islands
- Epiphany (January 6): Blessing of the waters ceremony
- Apokries (Greek Carnival): February/March, especially in Patras and Xanthi
The Greek Festival Calendar provides comprehensive information on cultural events.
Spring (March-May)
- Greek Independence Day (March 25): Parades nationwide
- Greek Orthodox Easter: Date varies, most important religious festival
- May Day (May 1): Flower festivals and wreaths
For Orthodox Easter dates and traditions, the Greek Orthodox Church website is an authoritative source.
Summer (June-August)
- Athens & Epidaurus Festival: June to August, performances at ancient theaters
- Rockwave Festival: June/July, major music festival near Athens
- Hellenic Festival: Various cultural events throughout summer
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15): Major celebration, especially in Tinos
The Athens & Epidaurus Festival official website provides program information and ticket booking.
Fall (September-November)
- International Film Festival (September): Thessaloniki
- Ohi Day (October 28): Celebrates Greece’s refusal to surrender to Axis powers
- Thessaloniki International Fair: September, major commercial event
Weather in Greece
Understanding Greece’s climate patterns has been crucial in my trip planning. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Temperature Patterns
- Mainland: Continental climate with greater temperature variations
- Islands: Mediterranean climate with milder winters and cooler summers than mainland
- Northern Greece: Colder winters with possible snow
- Southern Greece: Milder winters, hotter summers
For detailed climate data, the World Meteorological Organization provides reliable information.
Rainfall Patterns
- Wet season: October to March (heaviest in November-January)
- Dry season: April to September (virtually no rain July-August)
- Regional variations:
- Ionian Islands (west): More rainfall year-round
- Aegean Islands (east): Drier climate
- Crete: Varies by region (north vs. south)
Wind Considerations
- Meltemi winds: Strong north winds in the Aegean (July-August)
- Affect: Cyclades, Dodecanese, Eastern Aegean
- Impact: Can disrupt ferry services, but provide relief from heat
- Sirocco: Warm southern winds bringing dust from Africa (spring/fall)
If you’re planning outdoor activities, check my guide on What to Pack for Day Hikes in Greece.
Sea Temperatures
- Warmest: Eastern Aegean, Dodecanese, Crete (earlier season)
- Coolest: Ionian Sea (warms up later in season)
- Swimming season by region:
- Southern islands: May to October
- Northern islands: June to September
- Mainland coasts: June to September
Seatemperature.org provides current and historical sea temperature data for Greek coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on common questions I’ve encountered in my research:
What is the absolute best month to visit Greece?
Based on my research, September offers the best overall experience: warm seas, pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and lower prices. May is a close second, with beautiful spring landscapes but slightly cooler sea temperatures.
When is Greece the most affordable to visit?
November through March (excluding Christmas/New Year) offers the lowest prices on accommodations and flights. March and November provide the best balance of decent weather and low prices. Booking.com often shows significant seasonal price differences.
Is April a good time to visit the Greek islands?
April can be lovely for sightseeing and experiencing local culture, but it’s generally too cool for beach activities. Many restaurants and hotels open for the season around Greek Orthodox Easter, which often falls in April.
How bad are the crowds in August?
August, especially the first two weeks, sees extreme crowds at popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and ancient sites. Prices peak, accommodations book months in advance, and famous spots like Oia sunset viewpoints become uncomfortably packed.
Can you swim in Greece in October?
Yes, especially in southern islands like Crete and Rhodes where sea temperatures remain around 72°F (22°C) through October. Swimming is still pleasant in early October throughout most of Greece, becoming less comfortable by late October. Check my Best Beaches in Santorini Compared guide for specific beach information.
Is Greece worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely, for certain experiences. Winter is ideal for exploring Athens without crowds, visiting cozy mountain villages, enjoying winter sports in northern Greece, and experiencing authentic local culture. However, many island businesses close, and ferry services are limited.
When is the best time to visit Greece with children?
June and September offer ideal conditions for family travel: warm but not extreme temperatures, comfortable sea for swimming, and fewer crowds than peak season. May and early October are also good options if beach time isn’t the primary focus. See my guide to Family-Friendly Activities in Santorini for specific ideas.
How far in advance should I book my Greece trip?
- High season (June-August): 4-6 months for popular destinations
- Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): 2-3 months
- Low season (November-March): 1-2 months (except holidays)
Expedia provides useful booking trend data to help time your reservations.
Final Thoughts
Through my extensive research on the best time to visit Greece, I’ve discovered there’s truly no “wrong” time to experience this incredible country. Each season offers its own unique charm and advantages.
For my own trips, I’m planning to visit mainland Greece and Athens in late spring, when wildflowers bloom against ancient ruins, and the Greek islands in September, when the summer crowds have diminished but the sea remains invitingly warm.
The perfect time to visit Greece ultimately depends on your priorities – whether you’re seeking beach perfection, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or budget-friendly options. I hope this guide helps you find your ideal Greek season!
Have you visited Greece during different seasons? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
This guide is based on extensive research including weather data, tourism statistics, and insights from travelers and locals. All information was current as of 2024.
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