One of the best time to go to Greece depends upon much more than simply the climate. When deciding when to go to Greece, you also needs to take into account what sort of vacation you’re on the lookout for, the crowds, festivals, occasions and costs as effectively.
Greece could be counted on to be stunning all yr spherical in the event you decide the best place and time to go to. The winter months within the northern areas of the nation could be fairly harsh, whereas within the southern Greek Islands similar to Crete, winter could be fairly delicate and each sunny and heat.
I spent a while touring round Greece on a number of journeys, so I received to expertise the nation at totally different instances of yr. I noticed all 4 seasons and never solely encountered various kinds of climate, but additionally various numbers of vacationers.
The Greatest Time to Go to Greece & the Greek Islands
When most individuals image Greece, they consider the Greek Islands. Nonetheless, travelling in Greece isn’t solely about sand and turquoise blue water. As soon as the warmth of the summer season is over, autumn grips the land bringing heavy rains earlier than the biting chilly of the winter months set in.
On this publish about, I’ll clarify the very best time to go to Greece primarily based on climate and sort of vacation. I’ll clarify when are the high and low vacationer seasons in Greece, and I’ll additionally describe what Greece is like month by month, all primarily based on my private expertise touring in Greece.
The Greatest Time to Go to Greece General
I consider that April is the very best month to go to Greece, adopted by September. The spring and autumn months mix the very best of Greece: good climate, however with fewer crowds and higher costs.
One of the best climate in Greece is from late Could to early October. That is the warmest time of the yr for each the mainland and likewise the Greek Islands. Throughout these months, the complete nation is sunny and heat and likewise swimming turns into simpler because the waters heat.
In Could the ocean temperatures begin to rise and from July to the start of September, they’re at their warmest. That is the very best time to go to Greece if you’re on the lookout for scorching climate and nice swimming circumstances.
Though it’s widespread, August may not be the very best time to go to Greece due to the crowds. It’s excessive vacationer season all around the nation.
The Greatest Time to Go to Greece Based mostly on Climate
Selecting the very best time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands will assist be sure that your journey is an unforgettable one. The climate in Greece varies a lot all through the nation, however on this publish, one can find out every thing you must find out about the very best time to go to Greece irrespective of the place you’re heading.
When most travellers are attempting to determine what’s the greatest time to go to Greece, they’ll often consider the climate first. That’s solely pure! No person desires to be rained on throughout their whole vacation. So we’ll begin this information with Greece climate.
Spring: Mid-March to Mid-June
Spring in Greece is commonly heralded as the very best time to go to. The throngs of vacationers are but to reach and a peaceful peacefulness reigns all through this Mediterranean paradise. You’ll be able to have the greatest seashores in Greece all to your self!
Though it’s nonetheless a little bit chilly on the mainland, from mid-April islands similar to Crete, Santorini and Rhodes are basking within the sunshine. Lastly after the winter, the temperature of the ocean across the southern Greek Islands is heat sufficient for swimming.
Nonetheless, do concentrate on the Easter weekend. Greece is an especially spiritual nation and through Easter, locals typically have fun by hitting the islands. Throughout this time it may possibly get very troublesome to search out lodging you probably have not booked far sufficient upfront.
The springtime is a superb time to plan a visit to the capital of Athens. Town experiences good temperatures throughout these months, but to really feel the scorching summer season warmth. Additionally, the vacationer hotspots should not too crowded through the spring months.
READ MORE: 15 Cool Issues to Do in Zakynthos Greece
Summer time: Mid-June to Mid-September
With the arrival of summer season in Greece comes hovering temperatures and flocks of vacationers. That is when the climate in Greece is at its peak with every day temperatures of 90 levels (32° celcius).
The summer season months are additionally when the vacationer business goes into overdrive, with hundreds of thousands descending on the Greek Islands. However, with so many wonderful locations to go to in Greece, I don’t blame them for travelling to Greece!
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Zakynthos
At the moment of yr, the complete nation is roofed in sunshine and the wine is flowing. The seashores are full and the oceans are splendidly heat. For these which might be heading right here for a seaside vacation and don’t thoughts the crowds, that is the time of yr for you.
The social gathering islands of Mykonos, Corfu and Los are in full swing and are a beacon for individuals who like to social gathering. If nevertheless, it’s a extra relaxed vacation that you’re on the lookout for, Skyros and Naxos are simply two of the gorgeous, extra quiet islands ready to be explored.
READ MORE: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information
Autumn: Mid-September to Mid-December
Autumn in Greece can also be a pleasant time to go to. Though many image the climate in Greece as the identical all yr spherical, heading to the mainland in Autumn could quickly change your thoughts.
The countryside bursts into color with the leaves turning purple, brown and golden, altering the panorama fully. Depart the Greek Islands right now of yr and discover extra of mainland Greece for a unique perspective of the nation.
Autumn is the time of yr when the harvest begins. The vineyards are in full swing with grapes prepared for the taking. That is additionally a superb time to get work as a picker as that is when the well-known Greek olives are harvested. In case you are a backpacker trying to earn just a few further bucks ask within the villages and at native farms for work.
In case you are a meals lover (and who isn’t?), that is the very best time to go to Greece.
Winter: Mid-December to Mid-March
The climate in Greece in winter adjustments fully, particularly within the mountain areas of the nation. Ice and snow grip the excessive northern areas reworking the land fully.
The coastal areas and Greek Islands expertise much less of winter than the northern areas, nevertheless robust winds and excessive humidity may give the southern areas a biting really feel.
Tourism drops off fully through the winter. Gone are the hundreds of thousands of vacationers, leaving solely the locals behind. That is the very best time to go to Greece to see the nation because the locals do.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues to Do in Corfu
That is one other time of the yr when Athens is a superb place to go to. The cafes are quiet and the vacationer spots such because the Acropolis and museums are eerily empty. The costs of every thing are additionally decrease throughout winter.
Nonetheless, if you’re planning a visit to the Greek Islands right now of the yr, it is best to assume once more. A lot of the ferries cease working through the winter, with lots of the bars, eating places and inns closing additionally.
The Greek Islands are abandoned right now of the yr. Actually solely the southern areas of the mainland are price visiting throughout winter.
Greatest Time to Go to Greece by Kind of Vacation
Not all holidays are created equal! That’s why I’ve damaged down the very best time to go to Greece primarily based on what you may rise up to when you’re there. Whether or not you’re going for sightseeing, cut price looking or seashores, we’ve received you lined.
Greatest Time to Go to Greece for a Seaside Vacation
One of the best climate in Greece is in June, July, August and September, so that is the very best time to go to to high up your tan, lay on the seaside and swim within the ocean. That is the very best time to go to Greece for assured sunshine.
The Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Events
The summer season months are when the nightlife within the Greek Islands actually kick into gear. Islands similar to Mykonos, Los, Corfu and Santorini start to bounce with the sound of DJ’s and revelers. From June till October is the very best time to go to Greece to expertise the nightlife.
Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Sightseeing
In case you are visiting extra for the tradition of certainly one of Europe’s oldest civilizations, the climate in Greece will imply little. Truly, the scorching summer season months could also be extra of a hindrance than a blessing. To keep away from each the warmth and the crowds, April, Could, October and November are the very best time to go to Greece.
The months of June by means of to September are additionally nice for sightseeing, nevertheless, they’re hotter and much busier.
READ MORE: Chios, Greece: Unearthing the Magic of The North Aegean
Greatest time to Go to Greece for Swimming
Swimming in Greece is sweet yr spherical, but it surely’s greatest in summer season. Runner-up greatest seasons for swimming in Greece are fall and spring.
Winter is okay in the event you don’t thoughts a little bit cooler climate and typically wet days. However in the event you’re like me, you like swimming within the ocean within the rain!
Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Mountaineering
Spring and fall are undoubtedly the very best instances to go climbing in Greece. Summer time could be too scorching, and winter could be too wet.
Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Snowboarding
Winter isn’t simply the very best time to go to Greece for snowboarding, it’s the one time! Snow begins falling within the mountains of the central mainland in December and continues till April or typically Could.
There are a number of ski resorts in Greece north of Athens, together with Parnassos Ski Centre, the largest and best-known within the nation.
Greatest Time to Go to Greece to Save Cash
Like most locations on this planet, the off-season in Greece is by far the most cost effective time of yr to go to. In the summertime months, every thing from meals and transportation to inns rise in value.
Though the climate can’t be relied upon, absolutely the least expensive time to go to Greece is from December to April.
For affordable offers with the possibility of nice climate, the very best time to go to Greece is Could, early June, late September and early October. Though good climate can’t be completely assured, the costs can.
READ MORE: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information
When Is Low Season in Greece?
Off-season in Greece is winter, when the climate in Greece is at its worst. Gray skies, wind and rain all accompany this time of the yr. From November to April there are restricted flights and ferries all through Greece and only some inns and eating places open on many of the islands.
Nonetheless, in the event you actually want to go to the Greek Islands right now of the yr, there are nonetheless some choices obtainable. Santorini has year-round tourism and avoids the worst of the winter climate. Additionally, the island of Crete, which has its personal giant inhabitants, can nonetheless provide up a superb time.
Past Santorini and Crete, visiting the Greek Islands in winter will probably be a really quiet affair. Head to the mainland, extra particularly, Athens. The capital of Greece is a year-round vacation spot.
When Is Excessive Season in Greece?
Excessive season in Greece is late June to early September. In the course of the summer season months, the tourism business is in full swing. Ferries and flights are quite a few, the waters are heat, the climate in Greece is at its greatest and the seashores are full. Nonetheless, remember that that is additionally when costs are at their peak.
Throughout these months, the complete nation is hospitable and open for enterprise. For decent climate, stunning seashores and nice nightlife, the excessive season is the time to go to.
In Between Seasons (Shoulder Season)
The shoulder seasons in Greece are Could, early June, late September and October. Because of this they’re neither in excessive season nor off-season.
Throughout these months, all ferries and flights are operational and the entire inns and eating places are open. The summer season crowds are but to descend and the climate is sweet and heat, though not at its peak.
For these which might be on the lookout for an incredible deal, that is the very best time of yr to go to Greece.
The Greatest Time to Go to Greece by Month
Typically you merely have holidays at a sure time of the yr. I get it! Each time I am going to Greece it’s been a last-minute choice, which implies I discover myself frantically looking what the nation will probably be like at the moment. Right here’s a listing of the very best instances to go to Greece month-by-month.
Greece in January
Climate in Greece in January could be a bit chilly.
The temperature in Greece in January hovers at a mean of 12°C / 54°F with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F. This most likely isn’t the very best time to go to Greece for a seaside vacation, but it surely’s a good time for visiting websites in Athens just like the Acropolis when there are fewer crowds and it’s not too scorching to stroll round.
Some festivals and occasions in Greece in January embody the Feast of Saint Basil’s (New Years Day). Greek folks have fun Christmas with present exchanges, feasting and events. There’s additionally the Epiphany on January sixth which sees processions all through the nation.
I used to be in Macedonia for this one yr and it was wonderful to see. Lastly, in January you may catch Greece’s largest competition, Patras. That is their native Carnival with parades, floats, masquerades and loopy events.
Greece in February
Climate in Greece in February is just about the identical as January. It’s a bit chilly at 12°C / 54°F on common with a excessive of 14°C / 57°F and a low of 10°C / 50°F.
There are nonetheless fewer crowds in Greece in February and you’ll take pleasure in reductions even decrease than January as a result of it’s additional away from Christmas and Carnival. You may need to keep away from Mykonos and Santorini in the event you’re on the lookout for nightlife and events as lots of the greatest golf equipment shut down in February.
The official finish of Carnival in Greece occurs in February and it’s referred to as Apokries. The three weeks of carnival attain its pinnacle on the ultimate Sunday earlier than Lent earlier than lastly ending on Ash Monday.
Greece in March
March in Greece is a part of the spring months which, for my part – together with fall – is the very best time to go to Greece.
Temperatures start to rise in March with averages hitting 14°C / 57°F on common with a excessive of 16°C / 61°F and a low of 11°C / 52°F. Crowds are nonetheless much less now than in the summertime months and costs are nonetheless decrease as effectively.
March is a superb time to go to Athens, Peloponnese and different mainland locations. It’s additionally probably the greatest instances to go to the Greek Islands.
For occasions, that is if you’ll see the annual half-marathon in Athens the place 20,000+ runners race by means of the streets of the capital. Feast of the Annunciation (Greek Independence Day) additionally takes place in March. Religiously, Greek Orthodox perception is that that is the day when Gabriel advised Mary she’d be giving start to God’s Son, Jesus. Typically Easter will fall in March as effectively.
Greece in April
April might be the very best time to go to Greece total, rivaled solely by possibly September as the right month to be in Greece.
April in Greece is nice. The seashores heat up a bit with the climate. There’s hardly any rain and the air begins to heat up on the Med. You’ll be able to anticipate averages of 16°C / 61°F with highs of 18°C / 64°F and lows of 13°C / 55°F. There are greater than 11 hours of sunshine within the day in April and fewer than 14 millimetres of rain on most islands.
Crowds decide up significantly round Easter / Holy Week however apart from that, it’s not too crowded in Greece. The Worldwide Movie Pageant occurs in Greece in April, as does the Technopolis Jazz Pageant (each within the Athens). The Feast of St George is widely known on April twenty third on most years, which is a sequence of Greek Orthodox ceremonies usually held in monasteries and church buildings. This can be a good time to feast and dance in holy locations.
Greece in Could
In Could in Greece, temperatures start their incline into the summer season months. Greece in Could is heat with averages of 20°C / 68°F with highs of 23°C / 73°F and lows of 17°C / 63°F. There’s often 12 hours of sunshine per day and solely 3 days of rain on Santorini! This can be a nice time to go to Greece.
So far as holidays, festivals and occasions go, you may catch Salsa Spring Pageant and the Corfu Seaside Pageant firstly of the month. Could Day can also be a vacation within the nation.
Greece in June
June and July is the very best time to go to Greece for seaside holidays. It’s heat sufficient across the nation now to swim within the sea, the truth is… you’ll need to.
With highs of 28°C / 81°F, lows of 21°C / 50°F and a mean every day temperature of 24°C / 75°F, this can be a nice time to go to the Greek Islands.
Summer time is in full swing which implies it’s scorching and beginning to get crowded. You’ll be able to skip among the crowds in the event you go to Greece in early June, however come mid-late June and there will probably be quite a lot of vacationers and vacationing Greeks across the whole nation.
Festivals and occasions embody the 5-day lengthy European Music Day which has classical, orchestral and an array of various music genres. There’s the Athens and Epidavros Open Air Pageant which takes place below the Acropolis and on the Theater of Epidavros. This competition goes on for 3 months, so whether or not you’re in Greece in June, July or August, it is best to have the ability to see a part of it.
When you’re in Greece in June you may also see the Miaoulia Pageant which consists of dancing, parades and live shows which have fun the Conflict of Independence. Lastly, June hosts Greece’s Navy Week to have fun its lengthy nautical historical past at many maritime ports all through the nation.
Greece in July
When you don’t thoughts crowds, July is the very best time to go to Greece and the Greek Islands specifically.
It’s scorching in July with highs reaching 29°C / 84°F. July can also be a really dry time to go to Greece. In Santorini for instance, there’s solely usually someday of rain in July and fewer than 8mm on the island all through the month! Athens hits its highest temperatures of the yr in July, so it may not be the very best time to go to Greece for historic websites just like the Acropolis.
Festivals in July are in full swing as effectively. You’ll be able to hit up Hippocratia in Kos which runs by means of the complete summer season. It consists of live shows, theatre and artwork exhibits. The self-explanatory Hydra Puppet Pageant takes place on the island of Hydra and Sani Pageant is hosted by the Sani Resort in Thessaloniki.
Greece in August
Simply as scorching as July and simply as crowded, August is one other summer season month the place you’ll need to be on the islands. Temperatures nonetheless hit highs of 29°C / 84°F and rainfall is abysmal, with many islands recording so little rain that many graphs present no rain in any respect yr.
One of the best factor to do in Greece in August is to move to the seaside with a towel, some sandals and a bottle stuffed with sunblock. It’s additionally a superb time to take a look at the Aegina Worldwide Music Pageant which hosts just about each sort of music you may consider from around the globe.
It’s additionally the month of the Feast of The Assumption of the Virgin, a nationwide celebration that takes place on the fifteenth of the month. There’s additionally the Olympus Pageant on the base of Mount Olympus in Pieria the place you’ll discover live shows carried out in an historical theatre.
Free Earth Pageant additionally takes place in north Greece in late summer season/early fall, which celebrates for 7 days with live shows, events and dancing.
Greece in September
The beginning of September in Greece continues to be thought-about excessive season, so don’t anticipate this to be greatest time to go to Greece if you wish to keep away from the crowds or discover reductions. However the climate begins to chill down and the crowds begin to skinny close to the top of the month.
Temperatures hover round 23°C / 73°F on common, whereas there’s a slight uptick in wet days (solely 2 on most islands with lower than 8 millimetres all through the month).
September is an efficient month for festivals, with the Aegina Fistiki Pageant happening in Aegina, the Aeschylus Pageant at Eleusis (22 km / 14 mi from Athens) and the Worldwide Music Pageant kicking off in Santorini. For the latter, crowds descend on the tiny island so be sure to pre-book your lodging for this 2-week interval.
Greece in October
October is formally fall in Greece, but it surely’s nonetheless a good time to go to. The busy summer season crowds have dispersed and now that everybody’s again in class or at work, you may once more begin to have some components of the nation to your self. It’ll nonetheless be tremendous busy on the principle islands and in Athens, however undoubtedly not as a lot as in July and August.
The climate is cooling as effectively in October, with highs reaching simply 23°C / 73°F, lows as cool as 18°C / 64°F and a mean every day temperature of 20.5°C / 69°F.
Festivals in Greece in October embody the Chestnut Pageant which takes place on the final weekend of October in Crete. This competition is legendary for nice folks music, dancing, partying and naturally, chestnuts.
Across the nation, you may see celebrations for Ochi day which embody parades, church providers and re-enactments of the nation’s refusal of give up to Mussolini within the Nineteen Forties.
In Santorini, in October you may participate in The Santorini Expertise which sees guests competing in swimming and working.
Greece in November
There are hardly any crowds in November and the ocean is once more changing into a bit too chilly to swim in for many travellers. The common temperature dips to simply 16.5°C / 62°F and it not often will get hotter than 19°C / 66°F.
November is the very best time to go to Greece for reductions as lots of the inns and tour operators are attempting to squeeze the final little bit of revenue out of the season earlier than it ends.
Occasions in Greece in November embody the Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels which takes place on November eighth. There’s additionally a Music Showcase in Thessaloniki which boasts glorious Greek up to date music live shows and on the twenty fifth of November, there are events and parades celebrating St. Andreas Title Day in Patras.
Greece in December
December is likely one of the coldest instances of the yr in Greece, with averages dipping to six°C / 42°F in northern cities like Thassos, and it not often will get hotter than 16°C / 61°F in southern islands like Crete.
There are fewer vacationer crowds in December, however many Greeks come house from abroad to have fun Christmas and New 12 months with their households. Apart from these two primary occasions in December, there’s additionally the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December sixth and Kladaries on December twenty third.
FAQs Concerning the Greatest Time to Go to Greece
Have a fast query about when the very best time to go to Greece is? Check out the next FAQs.
The most cost effective instances to go to Greece are from December to April. The climate’s not nice, however the costs are low.
August is often the most popular month in Greece. July can get highly regarded too.
I’d say the very best months to go to Athens are within the spring and fall, so March-Could and September-October. It’s not too scorching and there aren’t as many vacationers as in the summertime.
Wet season in Greece is from October to March, with many of the rain within the winter.
It depends upon what you’re interested by. When you’re extra interested by tradition (and smaller crowds), winter is healthier. When you’re extra interested by good, rain-free (however scorching) climate, summer season in Greece will probably be higher for you.
Pack Your Baggage for Greece!
So there you could have it, now when is the very best time to go to Greece, relying in your wants.
The climate in Greece is gorgeous for many of the yr, which makes the nation one of many world’s #1 journey locations. I hope that this has answered your entire questions and which you can now go forward and guide your good vacation.
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