When are you planning to go to Greece? Weather month by month

What is the weather in Greece all year around

When are you planning to go to Greece? July and August are the busiest months, but they also have the most frequent transit schedules to more remote Greek islands. The weather is good in Greece by most standards from April into October, with temperatures warm enough for swimming from mid-May through September.

Long hot summers with cloudless skies, hot sunshine is a major draw when taking a holiday in Greece, whether you are on the mainland or on the Greek islands. The summers are long and hot and rain is practically non-existent for three months.

The weather on the Greek Islands and mainland Greece will be spectacular during the summer months especially if you love high temperatures. From April until October the temperatures in Greece begin to climb over the 20C mark and can reach well over 30C during the hottest months. From June until August you can expect the sun to be shining down from a cloudless sky for at least 12 hours per day.

Sizzling summer temperatures

Without doubt the weather in Greece is one reason holiday-makers return year after year. A holiday in Greece anytime between May and September should guarantee exceptionally good weather. June, July and August are the most popular months for sun lovers and the beaches of Corfu, Crete and Rhodes offer endless sunshine and warm, crystal clear waters.

The Greek Islands benefit from cooling breezes during the day, and the evenings will still be very warm. Mainland Greece during the summer can be just as hot as the islands but the cooler spring and autumn temperatures are perfect for exploring the towns and villages or relaxing on the beaches.
July in Greece is most often characterized by sunny weather.We can count on 29 sunny days and it hardly ever rains. For this month of July, the minimum temperatures are on average 25°C and the maximum 29°C.

Warm spring and autumn months

The spring and autumn months in Greece will be slightly cooler at around 15C to 20C but many holiday-makers prefer this time of year.

Spring in Greece is an especially colourful and bright period as the flowers come into full bloom and the sun will be shining down for around eight hours per day.

The water temperatures are usually warm enough for swimming at this time of year and this period is a popular choice for family holidays in Greece.

Thanks to its location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece benefits, logically, from a climate of the Mediterranean type as a whole. However, both latitude and altitude vary the climate.

It is therefore possible to see, depending on the area, mild and more or less rainy winters, as well as very hot, even dry summers. In detail, and without surprises, the climate of Greece will be much more continental in the north and especially in the northeast, near Macedonia.

The result is a climate with winters much colder and less sunny than in the islands of the Aegean Sea for example, or even in Athens. The north of Greece is thus as hot as the capital or even as Crete, but spring and summer will be much cooler. Here is detailed information to prepare your visit to Greece by knowing the climate of the main regions.

Weather in the Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese Islands are the easternmost islands of Greece. This archipelago indeed forms a group of islands far from the mainland, not far from the Turkish coast. There is thus a typical Mediterranean climate with many sunny days.

The exposure makes it possible to have hot summers, but with moderate temperatures depending on the day, because of the winds. Average temperatures are 29°C in July and August, with nearly 25°C also to be reported in both June and September.

Winters in the Dodecanese Islands are quite mild and sometimes accompanied by precipitation. To find a balanced climate, neither too hot nor too cool, with a calmer wind, it is recommended to go to the Dodecanese Islands before August 15, or after September 15, in order to avoid the strongest period of high temperatures.

Weather in the Ionian Islands

The climate of the Ionian Islands is of the Mediterranean type: the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are mild and rainy. Depending on the region, but also on the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, some differences should be noted.
Little exposed to the wind, the Ionian islands often have scorching temperatures in summer. Rain may be present. Indeed, rainfall is higher in the Ionian Islands than in the Cyclades. End-of-day thunderstorms can surprise you, but they are still quite rare, and above all, short.

Weather in the Cyclades

The Cyclades islands benefit from a superb very sunny season which lasts for almost six months. The climate there is of the Mediterranean type, that is to say mild and rainy in winter, then dry and hot in summer. Precipitation will be absent from the Cyclades, unlike other Greek islands.

Thus, from May to October, the Cyclades suffer from a real lack of rain. Summers are not scorching, however, since the Cyclades are exposed to a seasonal wind (the Meltem), which helps to maintain a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Spring from April to June is pleasant with good temperatures. If you fear the cold, avoid the period from November to March in the Cyclades. It is indeed the rainy season, punctuated by strong winds.

Weather in Crete

Crete, located in the south of Greece, is an island known to be quite windy, especially on its southern coast. Temperatures are therefore always less hot than in mainland Greece. The averages are however quite high, since Crete is located in the Mediterranean basin, moreover, some hot winds from the south sometimes bring a little heat.
It will be very marked in spring and autumn. Winters in Crete will be mild on the coasts, but cooler, with increasingly lower temperatures if you go inland.
On the rainy side, the northern area, and especially the northeastern part of Rethymno in Sitia, is the most affected by rain, while in the south, rainfall is less than 350 mm per year near Matala or Agia Roumeli.

Weather Mainland Greece

In mainland Greece, the climate differs from that which can be observed in the islands. Summers are therefore shorter and less dry. The mercury will regularly reach 30°C for the maximum, but this heat is tempered, in part thanks to the north wind: the Meltem. In the heart of the Peloponnese, the heat will be more intense.

In winter, the climate is relatively mild and humid, and will be harsher inland, as in the mountainous regions. Winter is colder, but also longer, especially in Macedonia. In Athens, it is not uncommon to see very cold temperatures during the winter period. This winter extends from October to March, but beautiful sunny days pierce from the months of January or February. The period that offers the best balance, and avoids extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) is from April to May, but also in September.

The climate in Greece is characteristic of the Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters, relatively hot and dry summers and generally longer periods of sunshine for most of the year.

A wide variety of climate subtypes, always within the Mediterranean climate framework, occur in several regions of Greece.

This is due to the influence of topography (large mountain ranges along the central part and other mountainous bodies) on the air masses coming from moisture sources of the central Mediterranean.

Thus, the weather in Greece varies from the dry climate of Athens and eastern Greece in general, to the humid climate of northern and western Greece.

In climatological conditions, the year can be roughly divided into two main seasons: the cold and rainy period which lasted from mid-October to the end of March, and the hot and dry season which lasts from April to September.

In summer, dry hot days are often calmed by strong winds, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be very hot, so visitors give time to acclimatize. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south, but much colder in the north.

Lightweight clothing during the summer months, including protection from the midday sun. Light sweaters are needed for evenings. Rainproofs are recommended for autumn. The winter months can be quite cold, especially in the northern mainland, so normal winter wear and tear will be required.

Greece in January

The weather is cold, humid (sometimes snowy), and windy. Sunny, beautiful days are usually very limited. If you want to buy something you will find that the prices are low.

This month there are many events aimed primarily at Greek aficionados of art, among them is, the New Year celebration, since the thirteenth day of Jan 6th.

Theater performances, concerts, etc. in Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as many other places. The hotels and restaurants on many islands will be closed. The ski season is in full swing, but bad weather can be disruptive. Tenders for tenders from cruise ships can be canceled due to rough water.

Mainland Weather:
Cold and wet; snow in the mountains.
Island/Coastal Weather:
Cold, wet (sometimes even snowy), and windy. Sunny, pleasant days are usually very limited.
Athens Weather: Lows of about 7.2 degrees °C, usual highs about 12.7 °C. Snow is rare in Athens and is newsworthy when it occurs.
Prices:
Low

February

Mainland Weather:
Cold and wet; snow in the mountains
Island/Coastal Weather: Cold, wet, windy. Sunny, pleasant days appear sporadically.
Athens Weather: Highs around 13.3°C, down to lows of 6.667 °C.
Prices:
Low/moderate in carnival areas
Events:
Many events, mainly aimed at Greek aficionados of the arts. Carnival can occur in February.
Facilities:
Hotels and restaurants on many islands will be closed.
Towns with a strong carnival season will be lively. Ski season slows down. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water.
In some years, Carnival season begins in February, which can liven up the month considerably.

March

Mainland Weather: Warm, sometimes even hot.
Island/Coastal Weather: Terrific – pleasantly warm, light breezes.
Prices: Low/moderate
Events: Local festivals; May 1st is a national labor holiday. Greek Orthodox Easter can occur in May.
Facilities: Island hotels and restaurants all open. Boat schedules, air schedules increase.
Budget/Independent travelers: Great time to go.
Carnival celebrations usually start and early spring rains bring wildflowers.

April

In April, the weather improves throughout Greece, while prices stay low. It may be too chilly for all but the most ardent swimmers, though.

Mainland Weather: Temperatures push into the pleasant range, rain still frequent, but many days are sunny or partly sunny.
Island/Coastal Weather: Temperatures begin to warm, winds lighten.
Prices: Low, rising in some places to moderate toward the end of the month.
Events: Local festivals; Easter often occurs in April. See Greek Easter Dates
Facilities: Island hotels and restaurants begin to open again. Boat schedules begin to be more frequent in some areas. Around Easter itself, “expect” unexpected closures, crowds, and delays; avoid any major travel on that weekend. (Fri-Mon).

Greece in May

The weather is fantastic – pleasantly warm, light breeze. If you go shopping you will find that the prices are low and moderate.

June

Prices: High, especially after mid-month.
Events: Local festivals, arts festivals aimed at tourists, sound and light shows. Outdoor cinemas are popular; many mountain villages have special events primarily attended by Greeks though all are welcome. Ioannina Cultural Summer and the Hellenic Festival events begin, and continue through August.

Facilities: Everything is open. Most frequent flights, ferries – often crowded but easiest to get around at this time of year, though the meltemi may cause some delays. Many resorts will have activities aimed at children; waterparks are open. Combining the best of spring with warmer summer temperatures, and still a bargain.

Greece in July and August

The weather is hot to very hot. July in Greece is a busy month full of events. The most important festivals are all in full swing.

At the beginning of the month, the popular Festivals shakes Athens. Art festivals are aimed at tourists, sound and light shows.

Outdoor cinemas are popular, many mountain villages have special events mainly attended by Greeks if everyone is welcome.

Ioannina Cultural summer events begin, continue through August. Along with August, July rates are the highest of the year. Everything is open. The frequent flights and ferries are often crowded but in general it is easiest to get around this time of year, although Meltemi can cause some delays.

July

July is hot in all senses – hot weather, hot parties and high prices.

Mainland Weather: Hot to very hot

Island/Coastal Weather: Hot, but the meltemi, a cooling strong wind, blows, sometimes strongly enough to create rough water. Want to beat the heat? Here’s how.

Prices: Along with August, July prices are the highest of the year.

Events: Local festivals, arts festivals aimed at tourists, sound and light shows. Outdoor cinemas are popular; many mountain villages have special events primarily attended by Greeks though all are welcome. Ioannina Cultural Summer events begin, continue through August.

Facilities: Everything is open. The frequent flights and ferries are often crowded but in general, it’s easiest to get around at this time of year, though the meltemi may cause some delays. Many resorts will have activities aimed at children; waterparks are open.

August

Mainland Weather: Hot to very hot
Island/Coastal Weather: Hot, meltemi winds blow.
Prices: High first part of the month; some decreases in some areas after the Dormition period is over and the Greeks return home.
Events: Feast of the Dormition on the 15th; most Greeks flee the cities and return to home towns or islands for the two weeks prior to the celebration. Patras festival begins and continues through Sept.
Facilities: Some places on the mainland may be closed as the owners go on vacation. Transportation of all kinds extremely crowded as Greeks join the tourists in droves. This lightens after the holiday. Many resorts will have activities aimed at children; the waterparks are open.

September

September is another great month for the budget-minded, independent traveler and the weather holds up well.

Mainland Weather: Hot
Island/Coastal Weather: Terrific – warm, light breezes
Prices: Moderate
Events: Local festivals; tourist-season celebrations wrap up about mid-month.
Facilities: Everything open until the last part of the month, less crowded. Transportation schedules start to cut back about September 15th. A few places on the islands will close at the end of September. Activities for children start to be cut back as the school year begins.
Budget/Independent travelers: Great time to go.

The weather is fantastic – warm, light fans. Prices are moderate. Everything is open until the last part of the month, and everything is less crowded. Transportation schedules begin to cut down around September 15th. Some places on the islands will be completed at the end of September. Activities for children to start are cut back as begins the school year in Greece.

October

Warm weather lingers most years into the first half of the month while prices fall.
Mainland Weather: Pleasant to cool
Island/Coastal Weather: Pleasant to cool/cold with increasing winds.
Prices: Moderate to low
Events: Local events; watch for the parades of Ochi Day on October 28th to snarl traffic and many businesses and other facilities will close for the day.
Facilities: Some island hotels and restaurants close, especially after the first two weeks of October. Transportation schedules are cut back. Higher winds can start to make boat travel between islands difficult.

Greece in November

The weather is cool to cold, strong winds. Several days are clear, but can be uncomfortably cold or windy. During this month the prices are low. On November 21, the Greek Orthodox Presentation is the feast, celebrated in general.

Almost most of the islands are closed, especially in Cyclades, but Mykonos and Santorini both have a couple of year-round hotels. Large islands such as Rhodes, Lesbos, Crete and the Ionian are still enjoyable. Flight and boat itineraries are limited. Tenders for tenders from cruise ships can be canceled due to rough water.

Mainland Weather: Cool to cold
Island Weather: Cool to cold; high winds. Many days are clear but can be uncomfortably cold or windy
Prices: Low
Events: Local events; Nov. 21st is the Greek Orthodox Presentation Feast, celebrated widely.
Facilities: Many islands are virtually closed, especially in the Cycladic Islands, though Mykonos and Santorini both have some year-round hotels. Large islands such as Rhodes, Lesbos, Crete, and the Ionian Islands are still enjoyable. Air and boat travel schedules are limited. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water
Cool, mostly clear weather and a truly “Greek” Greece. Trips to smaller islands take special planning.

December

Mainland Weather: Cool to cold, with snow in the mountains.
Island Weather: Cold and windy though often sunny. Larger islands such as Rhodes, Crete, and the Ionian islands fare best.
Prices: Low
Events: Local events. Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6th. Christmas is celebrated primarily as a religious holiday, not a commercial one, though this is changing.
Facilities: The Cycladic Islands, and many others are virtually closed. Travel by water or by plane is very limited. Ski season usually begins. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water.
Cool weather and picturesque holiday celebrations fill December nights in Greece.
Like most tourist destinations, the seasons in Greece are not just Spring, Summer, Winter and Autumn. For the traveller, the seasons break down a little differently.

The Off-Season in Greece

While Greek tourism officials fight against the concept that there is ever an “off-season” in Greece, tourism tumbles from November through March. Expect low prices, but many island and coastal resorts will be closed, and transit schedules will also be at a minimum, making it harder to get around quickly.