Greece has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, balmy summers and cold, wet winters. On the mainland, summer temps can climb to a stifling 32-37°C, so you'll typically find both locals and tourists seeking refuge and a cool breeze on the Greek islands between June and August. In the northern parts of the country, a dusting of snow isn't unusual in the mountains.

Weather in Athens

Greece's capital city experiences scorching summers, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C with little to no cloud cover. Although you'll typically see a decline in visitors at the more popular sites during this time, it's worth checking that your accommodation has air conditioning before booking a trip.

Athens is as pleasant as it gets in the spring and autumn, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring ruins. Winter weather is typically cold and wet, and though the city gets less rainfall than northern cities, the sky is often cloudy and gray from November to February.

 

Travellers looking over Areopagus Hill in Athens

MONTH

 AVERAGE HIGH 

 AVERAGE LOW 

 March to May 

21°C/70°F

12°C/54°F

 June to August 

33°C/91°F

21°C/70°F

 September to November 

24°C/75°F

15°C/59°F

 December to February 

14°C/57°F

7°C/45°F

Weather in the Greek Islands

The weather on the Greek Islands is sunny and balmy most of the year, especially in The Cyclades Islands, located in the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades chain (which includes Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Ios, Naxos and Folegandros) is super popular with holidaymakers in the summer months of June-August due to plentiful sun and warm waters.

The islands are usually breezier and provide a great refuge from the sky-high temps on the mainland. Winters are generally rainy and windy, and many local businesses and services start closing for winter around late October.

 

A sunny day in Santorini

MONTH

 AVERAGE HIGH 

 AVERAGE LOW 

 March to May 

19°C/66°F

12°C/54°F

 June to August 

27°C/81°F

22°C/72°F

 September to November 

22°C/72°F

16°C/61°F

 December to February 

15°C/59°F

9°C/48°F

 

Click to return to Greece FAQs

Read more about the best time to visit Greece

Read more about what to wear on a Greece trip

Our Greece Tours

8 Days From 3348

Travel from ancient Athens to the spectacular island of Santorini on this wonderful...

8 Days From 4284

Soak up the best of Greece on this Premium small group adventure, from Athens to...

10 Days From 3174

See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...

8 Days From 2056

Embark on a sailing holiday to Greece. Explore the waters, islands, history and cuisine...

8 Days From 2874

Encounter thousands of years of Greek civilisation, taking in ancient ruins from Athens...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

8 Days From 1819

Set sail across the Mediterranean exploring Greece's heaven-sent islands. The spoils of...

7 Days From 2440

Tour the sun-kissed and history-filled shores of Crete with Intrepid in seven days....

8 Days From 2132

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Corfu to...

15 Days From 6745

A comprehensive 15-day journey from Athens, Corinth and Delphi through to Syros,...

15 Days From 4172

Explore highlights and hidden treasures while travelling through Albania, Croatia,...

9 Days From 4237

Meet passionate cooks and producers on a food adventure in Greece, via amazing ancient...

8 Days From 3745

Take a trip to Greece, starting and ending in ancient Athens and then heading to Delphi...

7 Days From 3245

Hike, bike and Kayak on an adventure through Southern Greece, with stays in Athens,...

7 Days From 1924

Explore the Greek Islands on an epic adventure to Athens, Paros, Ios and Santorini in...

9 Days From 7310

Discover the magic of the Cyclades on a 9-day Premium adventure, starting from Athens...

16 Days From 10764

Soak up the best of Greece on this 16-day Premium small group adventure, from Athens to...

8 Days From 2223

Take a sailing trip on the Ionian Sea through the waters of Greece. Sail from Kefalonia...

22 Days From 8425

Soak up the diverse Mediterranean on a trip through Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and...

7 Days From 2907

Take a family trip to sunny Crete, Greece’s largest island. Sail, swim, hike and take...

16 Days From 11230

Embark on a 16-day Premium adventure through Greece and Turkey’s hotspots, including...