Greece Climate

Climate of Greece

Greece, due to the great diversity of its terrain and the influence of the seas (Mediterranean, Ionian, Aegean and Cretan) lapping its coasts, has several climatic zones. Most of the area has a subtropical climate of the Mediterranean variety. Exceptions are the northern areas, where the climate takes on continental characteristics, and the mountainous areas around Pindos and the Mount Olympus massif, which are dominated by an alpine climate.

The northern part of Greece (Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Thrace, Chalkidiki) having a subtropical continental climate is cooler and wetter than the rest of the country. As a result, and vegetation in these regions is richer than in the rest. Winters are mild (with temperatures around 5°C - 10°C) and summers are hot (25°C - 27°C).

Central Greece (Athens) and Southern Greece (Peloponnese peninsula) have a subtropical Mediterranean climate characterized by mild and rainy winters and dry, hot summers. Air temperatures are usually a few degrees higher than in the northern part of the country. In the coldest months they range from 10°C - 15°C, while in the hottest months they exceed 30°C. Precipitation is moderate, ranging from 700 mm to 1,500 mm per year in the western part, while the eastern part is drier, recording 400 mm to 500 mm.

The mountainous areas (Olympus and Pindos) are dominated by an alpine climate dependent on altitude. The higher it is, the lower the temperatures are. The weather is rougher and more unpredictable, often with violent rainfall and thunderstorms on sunny days. Summer temperatures range from 0°C (on the peaks) to nearly 20°C (in the lower elevations and foothills). Winters are cold (-10°C to 10°C) with frequent snowfall. In the highest parts of the mountains, snow persists throughout the year. In mountainous areas, annual rainfall and snowfall reaches more than 1,500 mm.

Greece is an island country with about 2,500 islands, 165 of which are inhabited. The largest portion of these are in the Aegean Sea, with smaller ones in the Ionian and Cretan Seas. Almost every island has its own specific microclimate.

The Aegean islands (including Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Rhodes) have a subtropical Mediterranean climate. In sunny, hot summers the temperature here can reach 40°C, while in winter it oscillates between 15°C - 18°C. A characteristic feature of the weather here is the occurrence of "meltemi" winds, which in summer help reduce the heat by creating a light coastal breeze. In winter, on the other hand, "sirocco" winds bring mild, warm air. Precipitation on the islands is not very abundant (500 mm - 700 mm per year), the greater intensity is recorded from November to March, in the other months the rains are generally absent.

The Ionian Islands (including Kefalinia, Corfu, Zakintos) are characterized by a subtropical humid Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Air temperatures in the summer season reach above 30°C, the sea water temperature is also high (about 23°C). Winter months are relatively warm (about 15°C - 18°C), only mornings and nights remain cool and often very wet. Snowfall almost never occurs. The rainy season is in spring and autumn, when the islands experience heavy rains and fog and cloud cover in addition to plenty of sunshine. Annual rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm.

Crete has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. Only on the southern coasts, the Maser Plain and the Asterousia mountains is there a semi-desert variety. Summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C are mitigated by "meltemi" winds. The sea temperature oscillates between 24°C and 26°C. Winters are mild (around 15°C), with the southern coast both in summer and winter warmer than the rest of the island. Precipitation is irregular, more abundant in the north than in the south, and amounts to about 300 mm - 400 mm per year. As a rule, it does not rain during the summer, while there is a slight increase during the winter. In the highest parts of the mountains (above 2,400 meters above sea level) there may be snow.