Best time to visit Greece
Trying to figure out when to visit Greece? We break it down in this guide
When it comes to holidaying in Greece, most people picture sipping a cold drink at a seaside taverna in the sun. And who can blame them? But while summer is when most travellers visit, it also brings high foot traffic to the islands and long queues at major sites. The shoulder seasons offer some relief from the heat and crowds, while winter lets you experience a quieter side of the country.
Ultimately, it depends on what you want to do. Let’s get into it.
When to visit
The mainland is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, but exploring iconic sites like the Acropolis or Delphi in the unrelenting summer heat can be brutal. Even Achilles would prefer to hang out in an air-conditioned hotel room given the chance! The mainland is typically best in the spring and autumn (April, May, September and October) thanks to moderate temperatures and thinner crowds. Winter can be rainy and chilly, but it’s a fair trade for smaller queues at big-ticket sites.
The Greek islands generally have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. They peak during summer (June to August) and popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu get swamped – especially during the school holiday period – so planning ahead is key. If beaches aren’t your thing, March, April and October are ideal for sightseeing and hiking. By late October, ferry services and flights start reducing, and some restaurants and bars close for winter. May through September is also prime time for sailing around the Cyclades.
Greece by month
Best for: A crowd-free Acropolis and warming up with local cuisine
A January trip to Greece won’t have you reaching for your swimmers, but it’s perfect for history buffs. Explore Athens’ ancient ruins without the hordes of summer tourists and stifling temperatures slowing you down – just make sure you have a jacket, as daytime highs hover between 8 and 13°C. The cooler weather is ideal for warming with hearty dishes like moussaka (eggplant and minced meat casserole) or fasolada (bean soup) – Greece's national dish.
Best for: finding zest for life during Apokria
February is Carnival month, also known as Apokria – a three-week festival before Greek Orthodox Easter with cultural connections to Dionysos, the ancient Greek god of wine and fertility. Throughout Apokria, the Greek concept of ‘kefi’ (joy, passion and zest for life) is in full swing with parades, masquerading, street parties and feasting. A highlight is Corfu’s Carnival, similar to Venice’s, with colourful processions and an epic bonfire to round things off. The weather remains cool with highs of 10 to 14°C, and crowds are still low.
Best for: unplugging on the islands and Independence Day
Ferries start running more regularly in March and daytime temperatures rise to 16°C and even higher down south, so it’s a great time to head to the islands for some spring sun and solitude. You’ll blend in more with the locals and have fewer tourists in your photos. Just pack a few warm layers and be aware that it’s not quite beach weather. Don’t miss the grand Independence Day parade in Athens’ Syntagma Square if you’re around on 25 March.
Best for: Holy Week festivities and shoulder season perks
Holy Week, leading up to Orthodox Easter, is Greece’s most significant religious event. It can fall anywhere from mid-April to early May. Expect fireworks, candlelit processions, spit-roasted lamb and plenty of ouzo. Hotels fill up quickly around Easter, so plan ahead. With average highs of 20°C in April, it’s an excellent time for island hopping before the summer rush. Water temperatures are still on the cooler side, especially in the deep waters of the Aegean, but still manageable if you like refreshing dips.
Best for: hiking, outdoor activities and sea swims
May is perfect for outdoor activities with lots of sunshine and an average high of 24°C. On the mainland, hike to Meteora’s 14th-century clifftop monasteries or explore the temples and stadiums of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. On the islands, the beaches start filling up, water temperatures are warm enough for swimming and alfresco dining is in full swing. But be ready to share the views and beaches with the first wave of summer tourists by the end of the month.
Best for: hiking, exploring and beaching on Crete
June marks the start of peak season. Crete is a good option if you want sun, sand and sea as it’s one of the quieter islands (and also one of the sunniest places in Greece). Daytime highs linger between 24 and 28°C and the sea is a delightful 21°C. Relax on the pink sands of Elafonissi, visit villages in the White Mountains and journey back to the Bronze Age at Knossos. Daylight hours also peak in late June, giving you more time to embrace the outdoors.
Best for: swimming, sunning and embracing the summer rush
Pack your swimmers and sunscreen and prepare to party on the islands in July. It’s hot and busy, but perfect if you thrive on the hustle, relaxing on sun lounges and people-watching with a sunset cocktail. Mykonos is a hub for LGBTQIA+ travellers with a lively scene of beach bars and clubs. Consider quieter islands like Naxos or mountain villages in Crete to dodge the crowds. But hey, if you can’t beat the summer crowds, you might as well join ’em!
Best for: escaping the crowds on a sailing trip
August is the peak of the high season, with temperatures often topping 35°C on the mainland. The islands are heaving with tourists and locals alike, so expect higher prices and long queues. If a Greek island adventure has been on your list forever, you could do a Cyclades sailing trip. You’ll still see the highlights, but from the comfort of a yacht you can steer to lesser-known villages and swimming spots that are only reachable by boat.
Best for: island and mainland adventures, food tours and pistachio season
By mid-September, the intense heat starts to ease, the sea is still warm after months of hot weather and crowds thin. It’s a sweet spot for island and mainland adventures. September is also pistachio harvest season in Aegina, where you can sample nuts straight from the trees. If you’re keen on digging into Greek food (who isn’t?), why not join a Greek food adventure to get your fill of Greek delicacies like feta cheese, honey and olives, meet local producers and learn recipes to impress your friends and family back home.
Best for: sightseeing in Athens and exploring ancient ruins
With most tourists having packed up by October, it’s the perfect time to visit Athens or explore popular archaeological sites on the mainland. The cooler temperatures make walking around Delphi or visiting Olympia much more pleasant. Most islands are still warm enough for swimming and hiking, especially early in the month. Ferry services start winding down toward late October, so it’s good to double-check routes.
Best for: low season benefits and filling up on Greek treats
November is low season, but you'll be able to dive into ancient Greek history at a relaxed pace and get a feel for daily life without the crowds. In northern Greece, see fiery autumn foliage in Epirus and Western Macedonia, or enjoy Xinomavro grape harvest festivities. With cooler weather well underway, head to Thessaloniki – Greece’s second-largest city and the capital of Greek desserts – to get your fill of local goodies like bougatsa (custard-filled pastry) and trigona panoramatos (syrupy cream cones).
Best for: scoring low season deals and feeling festive
December’s chilly, wet weather keeps most tourists away, which is all the more reason to visit empty archaeological sites and museums and snag cheaper accommodation. Big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are also buzzing with festive cheer, with Christmas lights and carolers filling the streets and, of course, lots of seasonal treats like melomakarona (honey-soaked cookies) and kourabiedes (almond shortbread) to try. Bring warm layers and enjoy a slower pace.
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