Where to Go: A Guide to the Best Time to Visit Greece

Greece is a fabulous destination known for its history, beaches, and cuisine, making it a popular tourist destination worldwide. If you’re thinking about going, you might be wondering when is the best time to go. The answer is determined by your financial situation, preferred activities, and tolerance for crowds and heat. In this guide, we’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of visiting Greece during each season, so you can make an informed decision about when to go.

Let’s discuss the different seasons

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an excellent time to visit Greece if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather. Temperatures typically range between 15° and 21° C (60-70°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Furthermore, the landscapes are strewn with wildflowers, providing some spectacular photographic opportunities. The disadvantage of travelling to Greece in the spring is that some tourist attractions and restaurants may still be closed, and the sea may be too cold to swim in.

Karpathos in February
This was in February

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the most popular season for tourists in Greece, and with reason. The sun is shining brightly, and the sea is warm. The average temperature is between 25-30°C (77-86°F), but temperatures can vary depending on the island and location within the island. There are also numerous festivals and events to choose from. Long days can also be used to visit historical sites in Greece or to spend lazy afternoons on the beach. Expect large crowds and higher prices, especially in popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. If you’re on a tight budget, avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder season (May or September).

Island guides banner promo 1

Fall (September to November)

If you want to enjoy warm weather without crowds, visit Greece in the fall. During the day, temperatures remain at 21° C (70°F) and the sea remains warm enough for swimming. Furthermore, prices are lower than during peak season, and many tourist attractions and restaurants remain open. Only on the smaller Greek islands will more and more restaurants close beginning in October. The disadvantage of visiting Greece in the fall is that the weather can be unpredictable, with rainstorms and cooler temperatures on occasion.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the low season in Greece, so prices are the lowest and crowds are almost non-existent. However, the weather can be cold and rainy, especially in the north of the country. Temperatures range between 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day and 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night. Keep in mind that most apartments/homes are not insulated because they are primarily intended for summer use. Ideal for winter hiking, eating together with locals in restaurants and exploring the island life. Few restaurants are open, particularly on the smaller islands, but this is not an issue on the larger islands.

Athens Greece in January
Athens in January!

Temperature differences

It’s important to note that temperatures on Greek islands can vary depending on your location. For example, areas that face the north or northwest tend to be cooler and windier, while areas facing the south or southeast can be warmer and more sheltered from the wind. Additionally, some islands have mountainous regions that can be significantly cooler than the coastal areas. It’s also worth considering the effects of the sun, which can make a noticeable difference in temperature between shaded and unshaded areas. As such, it’s a good idea to research your intended destination and plan accordingly on websites like windfinder.com.

Don’t forget a coat or a warm sweater!

One of the most common questions asked when preparing for your trip to Greece is whether or not to bring a jacket in the evening. First and foremost, it is dependent on the individual and the circumstances. Wind often makes it colder, but a jacket is often worn in the evening when dining out or drinking in the months of June to early September isn’t necessary. It can’t hurt to bring one just in case.

Finally, depending on your preferences and priorities, Greece is a beautiful destination that can be enjoyed all year round. Summer is ideal for beaches and festivals, while spring is ideal for mild weather and avoiding crowds. The fall season provides warm weather without crowds, while the winter season is ideal for exploring local life and winter hiking. It’s important to note that temperature differences on Greek islands can vary depending on location, so packing a light jacket or sweater for the evenings is always a good idea, especially from June to early September. Make the most of your trip to Greece by doing your research and planning ahead of time.

Athina & Vincent Must do Greece

Kalimera! We are Athina & Vincent. A Dutch couple who have been living on Karpathos for a few years. While we choose Karpathos, we love to travel to other islands in Greece! Through this blog, we'd like to share our experiences with you.

If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi. Efcharisto!

Shop our guides & maps

Discover the best of the Greek islands with our digital travel guide & maps of the islands. From popular hotspots to hidden gems, our guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. Packed with insider tips and advice, you’ll discover the authentic Greek island experience. And because it’s digital, you can take it with you wherever you go!

Greece travel guides and Greece google maps locations

We think you’ll enjoy this too!

10x Best beaches Rhodes + a secret cave!

10x Best beaches Rhodes + a secret cave!

Last April we visited Rhodes and although the weather wasn't beach-worthy every day, we were able to see them all and picked our favourites! We also discovered a 'secret' cave near Lindos beach. In this blog, we'll tell you all about that cave and the best beaches in...

What are the Meltemi winds in Greece and how to deal with it

What are the Meltemi winds in Greece and how to deal with it

The Meltemi winds in Greece are a fascinating natural phenomenon that might have an impact on your vacation in Greece. These powerful, dry north winds play an important role in the Aegean region, providing a one-of-a-kind environment for both locals and visitors. In...

Athens City Trip Guide: 5 Must-See Sights and Activities

Athens City Trip Guide: 5 Must-See Sights and Activities

Athens is the capital of Greece and is perfect for a city trip! For us, Athens is only 50 minutes away, but we usually visit the capital of Greece as a stop-over. For example when we are travelling to another Greek island (and a direct flight is not available) or when...