The most effective time to go to Greece relies on much more than simply the climate. When deciding when to go to Greece, you also needs to contemplate what sort of vacation you’re on the lookout for, the crowds, festivals, occasions and costs as nicely.
Greece may be counted on to be lovely all 12 months spherical in the event you decide the best place and time to go to. The winter months within the northern areas of the nation may be fairly harsh, whereas within the southern Greek Islands reminiscent of Crete, winter may be fairly gentle and each sunny and heat.
I spent a while touring round Greece on a number of journeys, so I received to expertise the nation at totally different occasions of 12 months. I noticed all 4 seasons and never solely encountered various kinds of climate, but in addition various numbers of vacationers.
The Finest Time to Go to Greece & the Greek Islands
When most individuals image Greece, they consider the Greek Islands. Nonetheless, travelling in Greece isn’t solely about sand and turquoise blue water. As soon as the warmth of the summer season is over, autumn grips the land bringing heavy rains earlier than the biting chilly of the winter months set in.
On this submit about, I’ll clarify the very best time to go to Greece primarily based on climate and kind of vacation. I’ll clarify when are the high and low vacationer seasons in Greece, and I’ll additionally describe what Greece is like month by month, all primarily based on my private expertise touring in Greece.
The Finest Time to Go to Greece General
I consider that April is the very best month to go to Greece, adopted by September. The spring and autumn months mix the very best of Greece: good climate, however with fewer crowds and higher costs.
The most effective climate in Greece is from late Might to early October. That is the warmest time of the 12 months for each the mainland and in addition the Greek Islands. Throughout these months, the whole nation is sunny and heat and in addition swimming turns into simpler because the waters heat.
In Might the ocean temperatures begin to rise and from July to the start of September, they’re at their warmest. That is the very best time to go to Greece in case you are on the lookout for scorching climate and nice swimming circumstances.
Though it’s fashionable, August won’t be the very best time to go to Greece due to the crowds. It’s excessive vacationer season everywhere in the nation.
The Finest Time to Go to Greece Based mostly on Climate
Selecting the very best time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands will assist be certain that your journey is an unforgettable one. The climate in Greece varies a lot all through the nation, however on this submit, you will see that out every part it’s essential learn about the very best time to go to Greece regardless of the place you’re heading.
When most travellers are attempting to determine what’s the finest time to go to Greece, they’ll often consider the climate first. That’s solely pure! No person desires to be rained on throughout their total vacation. So we’ll begin this information with Greece climate.
Spring: Mid-March to Mid-June
Spring in Greece is commonly heralded as the very best time to go to. The throngs of vacationers are but to reach and a peaceful peacefulness reigns all through this Mediterranean paradise. You’ll be able to have the very best seashores in Greece all to your self!
Though it’s nonetheless a bit chilly on the mainland, from mid-April islands reminiscent of Crete, Santorini and Rhodes are basking within the sunshine. Lastly after the winter, the temperature of the ocean across the southern Greek Islands is heat sufficient for swimming.
Nonetheless, do pay attention to the Easter weekend. Greece is a particularly spiritual nation and through Easter, locals typically rejoice by hitting the islands. Throughout this time it will possibly get very tough to seek out lodging in case you have not booked far sufficient prematurely.
The springtime is a superb time to plan a visit to the capital of Athens. Town experiences good temperatures throughout these months, but to really feel the scorching summer season warmth. Additionally, the vacationer hotspots usually are not too crowded throughout the spring months.
READ MORE: 15 Cool Issues to Do in Zakynthos Greece
Summer season: Mid-June to Mid-September
With the arrival of summer season in Greece comes hovering temperatures and flocks of vacationers. That is when the climate in Greece is at its peak with every day temperatures of 90 levels (32° celcius).
The summer season months are additionally when the vacationer trade goes into overdrive, with tens of millions descending on the Greek Islands. However, with so many superb locations to go to in Greece, I don’t blame them for travelling to Greece!
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Zakynthos
At the moment of 12 months, the whole nation is roofed in sunshine and the wine is flowing. The seashores are full and the oceans are splendidly heat. For these which might be heading right here for a seashore vacation and don’t thoughts the crowds, that is the time of 12 months for you.
The occasion islands of Mykonos, Corfu and Los are in full swing and are a beacon for individuals who like to occasion. If nonetheless, it’s a extra relaxed vacation that you’re on the lookout for, Skyros and Naxos are simply two of the attractive, extra quiet islands ready to be explored.
READ MORE: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information
Autumn: Mid-September to Mid-December
Autumn in Greece can be a pleasant time to go to. Though many image the climate in Greece as the identical all 12 months spherical, heading to the mainland in Autumn might quickly change your thoughts.
The countryside bursts into color with the leaves turning purple, brown and golden, altering the panorama utterly. Go away the Greek Islands presently of 12 months and discover extra of mainland Greece for a distinct perspective of the nation.
Autumn is the time of 12 months when the harvest begins. The vineyards are in full swing with grapes prepared for the taking. That is additionally time to get work as a picker as that is when the well-known Greek olives are harvested. If you’re a backpacker trying to earn a couple of additional bucks ask within the villages and at native farms for work.
If you’re a meals lover (and who isn’t?), that is the very best time to go to Greece.
Winter: Mid-December to Mid-March
The climate in Greece in winter modifications utterly, particularly within the mountain areas of the nation. Ice and snow grip the excessive northern areas remodeling the land utterly.
The coastal areas and Greek Islands expertise much less of winter than the northern areas, nonetheless sturdy winds and excessive humidity may give the southern areas a biting really feel.
Tourism drops off utterly throughout the winter. Gone are the tens of millions of vacationers, leaving solely the locals behind. That is the very best time to go to Greece to see the nation because the locals do.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Corfu
That is one other time of the 12 months when Athens is a superb place to go to. The cafes are quiet and the vacationer spots such because the Acropolis and museums are eerily empty. The costs of every part are additionally decrease throughout winter.
Nonetheless, in case you are planning a visit to the Greek Islands presently of the 12 months, it is best to assume once more. A lot of the ferries cease operating throughout the winter, with lots of the bars, eating places and resorts closing additionally.
The Greek Islands are abandoned presently of the 12 months. Actually solely the southern areas of the mainland are value visiting throughout winter.
Finest Time to Go to Greece by Sort of Vacation
Not all holidays are created equal! That’s why I’ve damaged down the very best time to go to Greece primarily based on what you would possibly rise up to whilst you’re there. Whether or not you’re going for sightseeing, cut price looking or seashores, we’ve received you lined.
Finest Time to Go to Greece for a Seaside Vacation
The most effective climate in Greece is in June, July, August and September, so that is the very best time to go to to prime up your tan, lay on the seashore and swim within the ocean. That is the very best time to go to Greece for assured sunshine.
The Finest Time to Go to Greece for Events
The summer season months are when the nightlife within the Greek Islands actually kick into gear. Islands reminiscent of Mykonos, Los, Corfu and Santorini start to bounce with the sound of DJ’s and revelers. From June till October is the very best time to go to Greece to expertise the nightlife.
Finest Time to Go to Greece for Sightseeing
If you’re visiting extra for the tradition of one in every of Europe’s oldest civilizations, the climate in Greece will imply little. Truly, the scorching summer season months could also be extra of a hindrance than a blessing. To keep away from each the warmth and the crowds, April, Might, October and November are the very best time to go to Greece.
The months of June by means of to September are additionally nice for sightseeing, nonetheless, they’re hotter and much busier.
READ MORE: Chios, Greece: Unearthing the Magic of The North Aegean
Finest time to Go to Greece for Swimming
Swimming in Greece is sweet 12 months spherical, nevertheless it’s finest in summer season. Runner-up finest seasons for swimming in Greece are fall and spring.
Winter is okay in the event you don’t thoughts a bit cooler climate and typically wet days. However in the event you’re like me, you like swimming within the ocean within the rain!
Finest Time to Go to Greece for Mountain climbing
Spring and fall are positively the very best occasions to go mountaineering in Greece. Summer season may be too scorching, and winter may be too wet.
Finest Time to Go to Greece for Snowboarding
Winter isn’t simply the very best time to go to Greece for snowboarding, it’s the one time! Snow begins falling within the mountains of the central mainland in December and continues till April or typically Might.
There are a number of ski resorts in Greece north of Athens, together with Parnassos Ski Centre, the largest and best-known within the nation.
Finest Time to Go to Greece to Save Cash
Like most locations on this planet, the off-season in Greece is by far the most cost effective time of 12 months to go to. In the summertime months, every part from meals and transportation to resorts rise in value.
Though the climate can’t be relied upon, absolutely the most cost-effective time to go to Greece is from December to April.
For affordable offers with the possibility of nice climate, the very best time to go to Greece is Might, early June, late September and early October. Though good climate can’t be completely assured, the costs can.
READ MORE: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information
When Is Low Season in Greece?
Off-season in Greece is winter, when the climate in Greece is at its worst. Gray skies, wind and rain all accompany this time of the 12 months. From November to April there are restricted flights and ferries all through Greece and just a few resorts and eating places open on many of the islands.
Nonetheless, in the event you actually want to go to the Greek Islands presently of the 12 months, there are nonetheless some choices accessible. Santorini has year-round tourism and avoids the worst of the winter climate. Additionally, the island of Crete, which has its personal giant inhabitants, can nonetheless supply up time.
Past Santorini and Crete, visiting the Greek Islands in winter will likely be a really quiet affair. Head to the mainland, extra particularly, Athens. The capital of Greece is a year-round vacation spot.
When Is Excessive Season in Greece?
Excessive season in Greece is late June to early September. In the course of the summer season months, the tourism trade is in full swing. Ferries and flights are quite a few, the waters are heat, the climate in Greece is at its finest and the seashores are full. Nonetheless, remember the fact that that is additionally when costs are at their peak.
Throughout these months, the whole nation is hospitable and open for enterprise. For warm climate, lovely seashores and nice nightlife, the excessive season is the time to go to.
In Between Seasons (Shoulder Season)
The shoulder seasons in Greece are Might, early June, late September and October. Which means they’re neither in excessive season nor off-season.
Throughout these months, all ferries and flights are operational and the entire resorts and eating places are open. The summer season crowds are but to descend and the climate is sweet and heat, though not at its peak.
For these which might be on the lookout for a fantastic deal, that is the very best time of 12 months to go to Greece.
The Finest Time to Go to Greece by Month
Generally you merely have holidays at a sure time of the 12 months. I get it! Each time I’m going to Greece it’s been a last-minute determination, which implies I discover myself frantically looking out what the nation will likely be like at the moment. Right here’s a listing of the very best occasions to go to Greece month-by-month.
Greece in January
Climate in Greece in January generally is a bit chilly.
The temperature in Greece in January hovers at a mean of 12°C / 54°F with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F. This in all probability isn’t the very best time to go to Greece for a seashore vacation, nevertheless it’s a good time for visiting websites in Athens just like the Acropolis when there are fewer crowds and it’s not too scorching to stroll round.
Some festivals and occasions in Greece in January embody the Feast of Saint Basil’s (New Years Day). Greek individuals rejoice Christmas with reward exchanges, feasting and events. There’s additionally the Epiphany on January sixth which sees processions all through the nation.
I used to be in Macedonia for this one 12 months and it was superb to see. Lastly, in January you possibly can catch Greece’s largest pageant, Patras. That is their native Carnival with parades, floats, masquerades and loopy events.
Greece in February
Climate in Greece in February is just about the identical as January. It’s a bit chilly at 12°C / 54°F on common with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F.
There are nonetheless fewer crowds in Greece in February and you’ll get pleasure from reductions even decrease than January as a result of it’s additional away from Christmas and Carnival. You would possibly need to keep away from Mykonos and Santorini in the event you’re on the lookout for nightlife and events as lots of the finest golf equipment shut down in February.
The official finish of Carnival in Greece occurs in February and it’s often called Apokries. The three weeks of carnival attain its pinnacle on the ultimate Sunday earlier than Lent earlier than lastly ending on Ash Monday.
Greece in March
March in Greece is a part of the spring months which, for my part – together with fall – is the very best time to go to Greece.
Temperatures start to rise in March with averages hitting 14°C / 57°F on common with a excessive of 16°C / 61°F and a low of 11°C / 52°F. Crowds are nonetheless much less now than in the summertime months and costs are nonetheless decrease as nicely.
March is a superb time to go to Athens, Peloponnese and different mainland locations. It’s additionally among the best occasions to go to the Greek Islands.
For occasions, that is while you’ll see the annual half-marathon in Athens the place 20,000+ runners race by means of the streets of the capital. Feast of the Annunciation (Greek Independence Day) additionally takes place in March. Religiously, Greek Orthodox perception is that that is the day when Gabriel informed Mary she’d be giving start to God’s Son, Jesus. Generally Easter will fall in March as nicely.
Greece in April
April might be the very best time to go to Greece general, rivaled solely by perhaps September as the right month to be in Greece.
April in Greece is nice. The seashores heat up a bit with the climate. There’s hardly any rain and the air begins to heat up on the Med. You’ll be able to count on averages of 16°C / 61°F with highs of 18°C / 64°F and lows of 13°C / 55°F. There are greater than 11 hours of sunshine within the day in April and fewer than 14 millimetres of rain on most islands.
Crowds decide up significantly round Easter / Holy Week however except for that, it’s not too crowded in Greece. The Worldwide Movie Pageant occurs in Greece in April, as does the Technopolis Jazz Pageant (each within the Athens). The Feast of St George is widely known on April twenty third on most years, which is a sequence of Greek Orthodox ceremonies usually held in monasteries and church buildings. It is a good time to feast and dance in holy locations.
Greece in Might
In Might in Greece, temperatures start their incline into the summer season months. Greece in Might is heat with averages of 20°C / 68°F with highs of 23°C / 73°F and lows of 17°C / 63°F. There’s often 12 hours of sunshine per day and solely 3 days of rain on Santorini! It is a nice time to go to Greece.
So far as holidays, festivals and occasions go, you possibly can catch Salsa Spring Pageant and the Corfu Seaside Pageant at first of the month. Might Day can be a vacation within the nation.
Greece in June
June and July is the very best time to go to Greece for seashore holidays. It’s heat sufficient across the nation now to swim within the sea, in reality… you’ll need to.
With highs of 28°C / 81°F, lows of 21°C / 50°F and a mean every day temperature of 24°C / 75°F, this can be a nice time to go to the Greek Islands.
Summer season is in full swing which implies it’s scorching and beginning to get crowded. You’ll be able to skip a few of the crowds in the event you go to Greece in early June, however come mid-late June and there will likely be loads of vacationers and vacationing Greeks across the total nation.
Festivals and occasions embody the 5-day lengthy European Music Day which has classical, orchestral and an array of various music genres. There’s the Athens and Epidavros Open Air Pageant which takes place below the Acropolis and on the Theater of Epidavros. This pageant goes on for 3 months, so whether or not you’re in Greece in June, July or August, it is best to be capable of see a part of it.
In case you’re in Greece in June you may as well see the Miaoulia Pageant which consists of dancing, parades and concert events which rejoice the Conflict of Independence. Lastly, June hosts Greece’s Navy Week to rejoice its lengthy nautical historical past at many maritime ports all through the nation.
Greece in July
In case you don’t thoughts crowds, July is the very best time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands particularly.
It’s scorching in July with highs reaching 29°C / 84°F. July can be a really dry time to go to Greece. In Santorini for instance, there’s solely usually in the future of rain in July and fewer than 8mm on the island all through the month! Athens hits its highest temperatures of the 12 months in July, so it won’t be the very best time to go to Greece for historic websites just like the Acropolis.
Festivals in July are in full swing as nicely. You’ll be able to hit up Hippocratia in Kos which runs by means of the whole summer season. It contains concert events, theatre and artwork reveals. The self-explanatory Hydra Puppet Pageant takes place on the island of Hydra and Sani Pageant is hosted by the Sani Resort in Thessaloniki.
Greece in August
Simply as scorching as July and simply as crowded, August is one other summer season month the place you’ll need to be on the islands. Temperatures nonetheless hit highs of 29°C / 84°F and rainfall is abysmal, with many islands recording so little rain that many graphs present no rain in any respect 12 months.
The most effective factor to do in Greece in August is to go to the seashore with a towel, some sandals and a bottle stuffed with sunblock. It’s additionally time to take a look at the Aegina Worldwide Music Pageant which hosts just about each kind of music you possibly can consider from around the globe.
It’s additionally the month of the Feast of The Assumption of the Virgin, a nationwide celebration that takes place on the fifteenth of the month. There’s additionally the Olympus Pageant on the base of Mount Olympus in Pieria the place you’ll discover concert events carried out in an historical theatre.
Free Earth Pageant additionally takes place in north Greece in late summer season/early fall, which celebrates for 7 days with concert events, events and dancing.
Greece in September
The beginning of September in Greece remains to be thought-about excessive season, so don’t count on this to be finest time to go to Greece if you wish to keep away from the crowds or discover reductions. However the climate begins to chill down and the crowds begin to skinny close to the tip of the month.
Temperatures hover round 23°C / 73°F on common, whereas there’s a slight uptick in wet days (solely 2 on most islands with lower than 8 millimetres all through the month).
September is an efficient month for festivals, with the Aegina Fistiki Pageant happening in Aegina, the Aeschylus Pageant at Eleusis (22 km / 14 mi from Athens) and the Worldwide Music Pageant kicking off in Santorini. For the latter, crowds descend on the tiny island so ensure you pre-book your lodging for this 2-week interval.
Greece in October
October is formally fall in Greece, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good time to go to. The busy summer season crowds have dispersed and now that everybody’s again in class or at work, you possibly can once more begin to have some components of the nation to your self. It’ll nonetheless be tremendous busy on the primary islands and in Athens, however positively not as a lot as in July and August.
The climate is cooling as nicely in October, with highs reaching simply 23°C / 73°F, lows as cool as 18°C / 64°F and a mean every day temperature of 20.5°C / 69°F.
Festivals in Greece in October embody the Chestnut Pageant which takes place on the final weekend of October in Crete. This pageant is known for excellent folks music, dancing, partying and naturally, chestnuts.
Across the nation, you possibly can see celebrations for Ochi day which embody parades, church providers and re-enactments of the nation’s refusal of give up to Mussolini within the Forties.
In Santorini, in October you possibly can participate in The Santorini Expertise which sees guests competing in swimming and operating.
Greece in November
There are hardly any crowds in November and the ocean is once more turning into a bit too chilly to swim in for many travellers. The common temperature dips to only 16.5°C / 62°F and it not often will get hotter than 19°C / 66°F.
November is the very best time to go to Greece for reductions as lots of the resorts and tour operators are attempting to squeeze the final little bit of revenue out of the season earlier than it ends.
Occasions in Greece in November embody the Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels which takes place on November eighth. There’s additionally a Music Showcase in Thessaloniki which boasts wonderful Greek modern music concert events and on the twenty fifth of November, there are events and parades celebrating St. Andreas Identify Day in Patras.
Greece in December
December is likely one of the coldest occasions of the 12 months in Greece, with averages dipping to six°C / 42°F in northern cities like Thassos, and it not often will get hotter than 16°C / 61°F in southern islands like Crete.
There are fewer vacationer crowds in December, however many Greeks come house from abroad to rejoice Christmas and New Yr with their households. Aside from these two major occasions in December, there’s additionally the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December sixth and Kladaries on December twenty third.
FAQs Concerning the Finest Time to Go to Greece
Have a fast query about when the very best time to go to Greece is? Check out the next FAQs.
The most cost effective occasions to go to Greece are from December to April. The climate’s not nice, however the costs are low.
August is often the most well liked month in Greece. July can get highly regarded too.
I’d say the very best months to go to Athens are within the spring and fall, so March-Might and September-October. It’s not too scorching and there aren’t as many vacationers as in the summertime.
Wet season in Greece is from October to March, with many of the rain within the winter.
It relies on what you’re interested by. In case you’re extra interested by tradition (and smaller crowds), winter is healthier. In case you’re extra interested by good, rain-free (however scorching) climate, summer season in Greece will likely be higher for you.
Pack Your Baggage for Greece!
So there you will have it, now you understand when is the very best time to go to Greece, relying in your wants.
The climate in Greece is gorgeous for many of the 12 months, which makes the nation one of many world’s #1 journey locations. I hope that this has answered all your questions and you could now go forward and e book your good vacation.
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