Greece Travel Weather

April - May

With spring comes warming, with temperatures ranging from 10°C - 20°C. In the northern part of the country (Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Thrace, Chalkidiki) and in the mountainous areas (Olympus and Pindos) it is a bit cooler, but there, too, you can see the melt and feel the breezes of warmer air. The weather still tends to be unpredictable, with sunny days alternating with fleeting rainfall. In general, from mid-May it begins to stabilize, with a gradual decrease in the frequency and intensity of rain, although some regions still remain wet and foggy (Ionian islands). Central and southern Greece, along with Crete and the Aegean Islands, are much warmer and sunnier at this time.

From May, the tourist season starts, buses and ferries run more frequently, sea cruises begin, almost all stores and restaurants are open. Most hotels and guesthouses, which were closed in winter, begin to receive tourists. This is not the ideal time for beachcombing and swimming in the sea, as the water is still cold, but the time can be successfully spent exploring cities and numerous monuments. The awakening nature and greening landscapes encourage hiking.

June - August

During the summer months, the weather throughout Greece (including the islands) is hot and sunny. The heat pours from the sky and the temperature often exceeds 35°C. This is the ideal season for sunbathing and sea bathing enthusiasts. Dry and hot days are not very troublesome in coastal areas and beaches, as they are cooled by the sea breeze. In the Aegean Islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Rhodes, among others) the north "meltemi" winds also bring refreshment. High temperatures can be a bit of a nuisance when visiting the cities, but this does not discourage the crowds of tourists. Summer weather also creates the best conditions for trekking and climbing in the higher parts of the mountains (Olympus and Pindos).

The period from June to August encompasses the peak tourist season, during which time seasonal flights and charters from all over the world go into full swing, and you can pick through offers for cruises and sea rides. All hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes are working at full capacity. Seaside resorts also provide a wide range of additional services, including roundtrips, diving courses and rental of recreational equipment.

September - October

Autumn months herald shorter days, gradual cooling and more rainfall. In September you can still count on sunny weather and warm sea (warmer than in summer). The beach and sea bathing season is underway. A very good time to avoid the wave of hives and the highest volume of tourists. The weather guarantees comfort for sightseeing and touring. It is possible to organize treks into the higher parts of the mountains and hiking while admiring the ripening vineyards and olive groves.

Starting in October, air temperatures drop to 15°C - 25°C, and water temperatures to around 20°C. The second half of the month may see rainfall and thunderstorms. Restrictions begin to set in: some bus lines stop running, attractive cruises are no longer available, more and more hotels and stores are closed. A winter ferry schedule (very limited) is in effect, and local ferries do not run at all. Some museums and local attractions are closed until spring. Only in the most popular places can larger groups of tourists be found.

November - March

The winter months, the coldest in the entire year. The average temperature oscillates between 5°C - 10°C, and on the southernmost islands (Crete, Rhodes) it reaches 15°C. The coldest and wettest weather is in the north and in the mountains (Olympus and Pindos), where snow on the slopes remains from November to April. The weather is capricious, there are days with beautiful sunshine, but there is a downpour or falling snow.

On the Greek islands (especially the smaller ones) during the winter period, a large part of the hotels, pensions, restaurants and various attractions, which are bustling in the season, suspend their activities until April. During this time there may also be traffic difficulties between the islands. Not only due to less favorable weather, but also a reduction in the number of ferry, air and bus routes. On the larger and more popular islands (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini) this problem is less.

In winter, tourism is more concentrated on mainland Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, among others).