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.

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.

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 during the summer months

Late June to Early August

During the peak summer months, Greece experiences its warmest temperatures. The daytime temperatures on the mainland, especially in areas like Athens, often soar to between 30°C (86°F) and 40°C (104°F). The islands, like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, tend to be slightly cooler, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F). Thanks to the surrounding seas, the islands often benefit from cooling breezes, especially in the evenings. If you’re planning a trip to Greece during the summer, expect hot, sunny days, minimal rainfall, and pleasant sea temperatures. However, always remember to protect yourself from the sun, as the strong rays combined with extended daylight hours can be quite intense.

Humidity and Rainfall

Summer in Greece is characteristically dry. Rainfall is minimal, and the chance of cloudy days is less frequent. This is especially true for the islands, which can go for many weeks without a drop of rain. The low humidity levels coupled with the breeze makes the heat more bearable, especially along the coast and on the islands.

Sunshine

Greece enjoys an abundance of sunshine during the summer months. It’s not uncommon to have 12 to 13 hours of sunlight each day, making it a paradise for sun-lovers and beach-goers. This bright, sunny weather is one of the primary reasons Greece is such a popular summer destination.

Water Temperatures

The sea temperatures are perfect for swimming during the summer. From June to August, the water temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F), depending on the location and time of month.

Weather in Autumn

Autumn in Greece, particularly from September to November, is characterized by gradually decreasing temperatures and a mix of sunny days with occasional rain, especially as the season progresses. Autumn in Greece is a transitional period between the hot summer and the cooler winter. The season is marked by pleasant temperatures, increasing rainfall, and a change in the natural scenery. It’s an ideal time for those who want to experience Greece in a more authentic and less tourist-heavy atmosphere

Mainland Greece

Temperature: In early autumn, the warmth of summer still lingers. September often sees daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F) in many parts of the mainland, such as Athens. By November, however, temperatures can drop to between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F) during the day. Nights become progressively cooler as autumn advances.

Precipitation: Rainfall begins to increase during this season, particularly in November. While September can still be quite dry, October and November bring more frequent rainy days, with occasional heavy downpours, especially in the northern parts of the country.

Leaves and Scenery: The changing foliage, especially in the northern and mountainous regions, offers beautiful autumnal landscapes.

Greek Islands

The islands maintain milder temperatures. Early autumn, especially September, is still warm enough for beach activities with daytime temperatures often above 25°C (77°F). By late October and November, cooler weather sets in, especially during the evenings.

Just like the mainland, the islands see an increase in rainfall as autumn progresses. Islands in the Ionian Sea, like Corfu, tend to receive more rain compared to those in the Aegean.

The sea remains relatively warm in September and early October due to the accumulated summer heat, making it suitable for swimming. However, as November approaches, the sea temperatures begin to drop.

Other Considerations:

Autumn is considered a shoulder season in Greece. This means fewer tourists, which can be a bonus for travellers seeking a quieter experience. The pleasant weather combined with the grape harvest and local festivals makes it a great time to experience Greek culture.

Days begin to shorten, but there’s still ample daylight for sightseeing and activities.

Weather during the Winter

The weather in Greece during the winter months varies depending on the region. Winter in Greece is relatively mild compared to Northern European countries but varies significantly between the mainland and the islands. While it’s not the peak tourist season, winter offers a different, serene side of Greece, making it a unique time for visits, especially for those looking to avoid the summer crowds

Mainland Greece

Winter temperatures in mainland Greece can vary considerably. In cities like Athens, daytime temperatures can range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). During the night, temperatures can drop to single digits, and occasionally below freezing. Northern regions, such as Thessaloniki and the mountainous areas, experience colder temperatures, often with snow.

Rainfall is more common in winter than in the summer months. Athens and other parts of the mainland receive moderate to heavy rain, making winter the wettest season. Snowfall is common in the mountainous regions and northern parts of the country.

Northern and mountainous areas, like the Pindus mountain range, receive substantial snowfall. Ski resorts, such as those in Metsovo or Mount Pelion, become active during this time.

Greek Islands

Temperature: The islands are generally milder than the mainland. For instance, in Crete, daytime temperatures usually hover around 14°C (57°F) to 20°C (68°F), although it can sometimes feel colder due to winds. Night time temperatures rarely drop to freezing but can feel chilly.

Precipitation: Winter is the rainiest season for the islands, too. Islands like Corfu on the Ionian Sea are particularly known for receiving substantial rain during the winter months.

Snow: It’s rare for most of the Greek islands to experience snow. However, on the occasion that it does happen, it’s usually on the mountain peaks or in the interiors of larger islands like Crete.

Daylight: Winter days are shorter, with darkness setting in early in the afternoon.

Meltemi Winds: The cold northerly winds, known as “Meltemi,” can be particularly strong during some winter days, especially in the Aegean islands, making it feel colder than the actual temperature.

Weather during the Spring

Spring in Greece is characterized by gradually increasing temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and blossoming nature. It’s a great time to visit if you prefer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and the chance to see the country’s natural beauty. However, it’s always a good idea to check short-term forecasts and regional specifics before traveling, as weather can vary depending on the exact location.

March

Beginning of spring can still feel a bit like winter, especially in the early part of the month.
Average temperatures range from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 60°F), but it can be cooler in mountainous regions. Rainfall decreases as the month progresses. The sea is usually too cold for swimming.

April

The weather starts to warm up noticeably.Average temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), though it can be warmer in some areas, especially in the south. Rainfall continues to decrease, and there are more sunny days.
Wildflowers bloom across the countryside, making it a picturesque time for nature lovers and photographers.

May

This month marks the true beginning of warm weather leading to summer. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 78.8°F), but can be hotter in some regions. Rain is rare, and the days are typically sunny and warm.
It’s a popular time for tourists, as the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The sea starts to warm up, and swimming becomes more feasible, especially towards the end of the month.

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 in 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.