When thinking about a vacation in Greece, the first thing that pops into our minds is a pristine, remote shore with azure waters and fine golden sand.
In fact, the country boasts a collection of impressive beaches, some of them often ranking among the most beautiful in Europe.
So yes, whenever we ask ourselves when is the best time to visit Greece, summer is often the answer.
However, the country has tons to offer its visitors all year round.
And probably summer is actually not the best moment to visit Greece.
Keep reading to discover the best time to visit Greece.
Although a summer vacation in Greece can be quite affordable if compared to other destinations, during the summer, popular services, attractions, and facilities that cater to travelers tend to be overpriced and overcrowded.
Moreover, temperatures can increase a lot, especially on the southernmost islands or in highly populated cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
These are some of the reasons why, sometimes, the best seasons to visit Greece can be spring or autumn.
Between the months of March and April, but also during September and October, temperatures, prices, and crowds decrease, making the trip more pleasant and enjoyable.
And what about winter?
Well, it can be one of the best times to travel to Greece if you enjoy skiing, for instance.
With a landscape that is mostly mountainous, snow is not uncommon; therefore, winter sports are really popular in many areas, and they provide a completely different way to discover Greece.
If traveling to Greece is on your wish list, but you still don’t know when is the best time to visit, read on to discover more about the local weather, the best places to see in each season, and when is the most convenient time of the year to discover Greece.
What’s the Climate Like in Greece
Greece sits in the southern portion of Europe and has endless kilometers of coasts bathed by the Mediterranean Sea that enjoy mild, soft temperatures for most of the year.
In many areas of the country, the hot season tends to be long and quite dry, with temperatures peaking during the central months of summer.
On the other hand, winters are not as harsh as in northern Europe.
Winter can be quite cold, but it’s certainly short, with moderate rain and quite a few days of sunshine.
Summer in Greece
Despite what calendars might say, temperatures start going up during May (and even in April on some islands), well before summer officially begins.
This means that if you decide to book your Greece holidays between May and June, chances are that it will be pretty hot.
Although temperatures can get really high, the Mediterranean area is ventilated by the different winds that blow in the Aegean Sea, so those unbearable temperatures are not so terrible on the coast.
Greece has the highest temperatures from June to August.
During these months, rain is virtually absent, although the occasional summer shower that lasts a few minutes can occur.
And trust me, it will bring nothing but some fresh relief from the scorching temperatures, at least for the next few hours.
If you’re a beach freak, don’t really like rain, and for you, Greece means endless swimming, sunbathing, and warm nights eating al fresco, then the summer months are perfect to explore the Greek islands.
Winter in Greece
The weather starts to cool down during October in the northern areas of the country, although it can sometimes wait until November.
On the other hand, some places will remain fairly mild and even pleasant, for instance, in regions like the Peloponnese, part of the Dodecanese islands, and Crete, winter really begins during December.
In winter, cold, cloudy, and rainy days alternate with clear skies and sunshine, so the temperatures can drop or rise drastically from one moment to the next.
A winter holiday on islands such as Crete, Karpathos, or Rhodes is perfect for those who look for a warm winter destination in Europe.
You can also head to the Ionian, to places such as Corfu or Lefkada. They also enjoy mild temperatures, but they can be very rainy. In this case, packing an umbrella is not such a bad idea.
On the positive side, prices are affordable and crowds are virtually gone in wintertime.
On the islands, you will discover a more authentic atmosphere too.
However, you do need to keep in mind that ferry connections are less frequent and that an unexpected storm could put your trip to a halt for several days.
January and February are the colder months in Greece, perfect to go skiing in popular ski resorts like Kalavrita, Mount Olympos, and Parnassos.
The Parnassos is the most important ski resort in Greece and the one that’s closest to Athens.
Autumn in Greece
Looking for enchanted landscapes, a vivid color palette, and untamed rivers?
Then, autumn can be a fantastic season to visit Greece.
During autumn, you will find clear skies and not much rain, and it is even possible to swim in warmer islands or in the southern Peloponnese region.
Remember that the sea has been basking in the sun for the whole summer, so swimming is actually very pleasant during September, even more than it was in summer!
Spring in Greece
Arguably the best time of the year for a trip to Greece is spring, a time when cities are emptier and days are still long and warm.
Spring is the ideal season to enjoy different outdoor sports or simply a walk in the cities among coral pink bougainvillea.
While most tourist facilities are still open, booking fees for accommodation decrease, making it easier for budget travelers to enjoy an upscale hotel suite for half the price.
Fewer people wait in lines to visit museums or art galleries, and visiting open archaeological sites is much more bearable.
Most Greek islands are warm during spring, with rains remaining scarce at least until mid-September.
Snow starts melting, and many structures start to reopen, getting ready for the high season, with the advantage that prices still remain on the lower side in springtime.
So… What’s the Best Time to Visit Greece?
As usual, it all depends…
Whether you are a fan of endless days by the sea, beach parties, and that unique Greek island summer vibe, then July, August, and at least the first two weeks of September are the months you should travel to Greece.
If you book your vacation in Greece for summer, do consider budgeting for higher fees and looking for accommodation in advance (everything sells really fast!).
And be patient; waiting in line will be common at tourist attractions. But also in restaurants, taverns, bars, and even to get a shower on the beach!
On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy Greece’s skiing scenario, prices can be lower than in other European ski resorts.
But they still remain on the higher side, especially when it comes to spending your days in beautiful chalets or cottages in the mountains or when it’s time to rent your ski equipment.
Instead, for a budget holiday, winter is ideal to visit big cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, and the bigger islands, those that never close for winter, including Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete.
Smaller islands are harder to reach and have a very reduced offer when it comes to places to stay or to eat.
However, some popular destinations, like Santorini, receive regular ferries and flights all year long.
What to Do in Greece Season by Season
The country is truly a year-round destination, so there’s plenty to be done in every corner of Greece.
Now, let me give you a quick round-down of the pros and cons and the main events happening in every season.
Greece in Summer
Summer pros include long days, plenty of sunshine, (very) hot temperatures, warm seas, and almost no rain.
There are endless possibilities to meet new people from a myriad of countries.
The atmosphere is generally cosmopolitan and multicultural, and there are tons of summer festivals to enjoy.
The negative side of summer includes higher prices, sometimes almost impossible to afford in exclusive islands such as Hydra, Mykonos, or Santorini.
Availability is low in hotels and resorts in the summertime. Food and drinks overpriced and overcrowded beaches and points of interest are the norm in summer.
LEARN MORE: Mykonos vs Santorini- Key Differences
Greece in the Winter
In winter, mild cold temperatures can be a pro to many travelers who don’t enjoy very cold winters.
Besides, the low season gives the opportunity to discover a completely different, lesser-known aspect of the country and to enjoy winter sports at a lower fee than in other winter resorts.
Christmas and New Year celebrations take place, giving you the opportunity to indulge in some of the most delicious traditional dishes.
But it is also the time when people move around the most to spend the holidays with their families. This can lead to reduced availability of ferry and plane tickets, so booking in advance is always a wise move.
And if you’re interested in olive oil, you can even participate in the harvest and witness how Greece’s most important product, extra virgin olive oil, is made. Besides, accommodation prices are lower on most of the islands in winter.
On the contrary, there can be many rainy days, which can put you off if you are interested in exploring open sites and ruins.
Keep in mind that accommodation prices don’t go down in popular ski resort areas.
Greece in Spring and Fall
Spring and autumn share pros such as warm but not extreme temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Swimming in Greece in the autumn months is still more pleasant than during the spring. In fact, the sea is very warm and the winds are less intense.
So, as you can see, there aren’t really many cons I can think of when picturing Greece in springtime.
In April or May (depending on the year), you can experience Greek Orthodox Easter, the most important religious celebration in the country.
While visiting Greece in September, instead, you can witness grape harvesting and taste some of the best wines in Europe.
Final Thoughts
There is plenty to do in Greece in every season, so maybe there isn’t really a best time to visit.
And although budget can play an important role when making up your mind, taking into account what you really wish to do is the most important thing to consider.
Is it beach time that you’re looking for?
Or would you prefer to discover the country’s culture and museums?
Would you rather enjoy a unique and different Christmas?
Indulge in some unique wines and foods of Greece?
Or are you all for a hike in the mountains?
No matter what you wish for, Greece is certainly a stunning destination that will dazzle and conquer you in cold and hot weather alike.
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About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.