April to mid-June through mid-September to October: In the late spring and early autumn are it can be said the shoulder season, and possibly the best time to visit Greece. May 1 is Labor Day (and the Feast of the Flowers) and is marked by a general shift from cities to countryside by the Greek population. Greece gets a lot of attention in the summer. You will need to duck and weave and in the case of the Plakias to Paleochora stretch there is not even a road: transport here is by coastal ferry (or you have to go drive all the way to the north coast and then back down another road). When deciding when to go, you should also consider what kind of holiday youâre looking for, the crowds, festivals, events and prices as well. Some Tips on the Best Time to Visit Greece: The winter months arenât freezing like elsewhere in Europe, but rain is common November-February. Overcast skies bring increased chances of rain throughout the month. Best Time to Visit Greece for Honeymoon: June and September. Thanks for all the Greece weather tips. In the Greek islands, temperatures can be a bit cooler, with an average of about 24°C; though the south is much warmer, naturally, than the north. It’s the best time to visit the Greek islands. Spring and Autumn are warm, but not too warm, so itâs great for couples who want to do outdoor activities. At the upper end of the budget scale there are some pretty enticing family hotels in Elounda over to the east. The week preceding Easter is indeed Holy Week (it translates as ‘Big Week’ in Greek) and it is marked by a series of church events each evening prior to the midnight Resurrection on the Eve of Easter Sunday. There are two different shoulder seasons in Greece. Thatâs why weâll try and answer this question as best as we can, so when you finish reading this article, youâll know exactly when to book your holiday in Greece. Great site! Here are 16 MUST READ Tips, Best Time To Visit Greece (2020) • Month By Month Breakdown, Renting a Car in Crete? Athens boasts an average temperature of 24°C, which is still – for many people – warm. Best time to visit Greece The best time to visit Greece is from may until october, when you will have a pleasant or warm temperature and none till limited rainfall.The highest average temperature in Greece is 27 C in july and the lowest is 14 C in january. I also thought of the Grecotel Caramel hotel which looks amazing but is it very isolated? I understand that Crete is likely the warmest of all the islands at this time of year. Temperatures are warm but not stifling, and youâll find that destinations are open Santorini sounds great, but after landslides due to persistent rain on our last trip to Scotland, I’m trying to get the least clouds and rain possible but still great scenery. Santorini often has a nice breeze that keeps the temps moderate (somewhere in the 80s) even in the summer. The absolute best time of year to visit Greece on a budget, is between the months of October and April. Would you advise what are the best places to visit with a baby? If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cyprus to swim or get your tan on then Cyprus is your country! Naxos and Paros would also be good reasonable choices. Lakshmi. We are leaving Santorini and then deciding between Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Paros. I am not a big fan of cruises in the Greek Islands so would definitely recommend doing and planning it yourself. Dear Santorini Dave, Greek Easter is usually a different date than western Easter. Both are great. Like most places in Europe, Greece’s high season runs from June to mid-September. Hi Dave I would prefer to avoid big crowds wherever possible, but if there are things worth seeing in Athens that particular weekend, then I would definitely consider it. If you want a second island to visit then Naxos. March through May can be an ideal time to travel to Greece, enjoying mild weather, fewer crowds and possibly discounts on airfare and accommodation too â outside of Easter week that is, when many of the locals are enjoying festivities and their own vacations. My eldest daughter wants to see the Parthenon in Athens and the other two want to enjoy family beach and relaxation. Most hotels will provide you with a towel, but they often aren’t suitable or allowed on the beaches. We, my husband and 2 college age daughters, are planning a trip in March(11-19th). There will likely be a Crete to Mykonos ferry (with stops in Santorini, Paros, and Ios along the way). It’s the coldest month of the year, but it’s still generally warmer (on average) than most European countries further north. Ochi Day, on October 28th, celebrates Greece’s refusal to ‘let’ fascist Italy occupy it during WWII. More info here: Should I Take A Santorini Cruise? Thank you for your recommendations. The trip is in late September. Both are destinations in their own right and for culture vultures there is really no bad time to go. Beach-goers are out in full force. Because the Greek islands get so incredibly busy (and hot) during peak season I think the shoulder season is the best time to visit the Greek islands. You could see 2 islands or even 3 in a weeks time. Weather in Greece By Month Weather in Greece in January Chase Rewards are some of our favorite points to earn as they’re high value and can be redeemed in a multitude of ways. Best Places to Visit in Greece during spring: Santorini, Corfu, Rhodes, Chios, Patmos, Athens, Crete, Peloponnese, Delphi, Milos In general, it's best to still stick around the mainland or islands closest to the mainland for the most active spots in early spring (Greek Easter aside). July and August are the busiest and most expensive months but are also the best for nightlife and beach parties. Has a very nice pool (but I would still prefer to stay right in Mykonos Town). Crete is the farthest south and gets the warmest weather early in the season (and late too). The…, If you’re looking for the best things to do in Naxos you’ve come to the place. The flowers bloom, and the greenery keeps you mesmerized. I went to hellenicseaways.gr but can’t figure out which one is highspeed 4. We want beach, good food, and a pool wherever we stay to keep kids busy before we head to beaches or sightseeing. The best time to visit Greece based on the optimal combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and when to book for the cheapest flights. All the Cycladic islands are worth a visit so don’t worry about making a bad choice but Naxos, Paros, and Antiparos are particularly good for kids. Best Time to Visit Greece for Good Weather: May to October has lots of sunny weather. But we wanted to see 1 additional part of Greece. Can I get from Mykonos to here easily in the summer? Greece in July is hot. HI Dave! Also any advice on whether to explore Athens first or fly to an island first? But with all the tourists, the intense heat, and the increased costs, is it really the best time to visit Greece? We love food, wine, music, scuba diving (thinking it would be too cold to dive now… yes? This means that the shoulder season is the best time to visit Santorini. Daylight savings has kicked in, too; sunset is around 8 pm. And yes, spend two nights on the same island. The humidity in December is at the highest Greece sees all year: 75%. Pleasant. Also, the ideal time to visit Athens and benefit from the very popular tour â Athens city break. The trip should be first 2 weeks of September. If you want the ultimate Greek Easter experience and would like to participate in at least two of the church celebrations, then Corfu is popular with Greek Easter pilgrims where the Epitafios and the Anastasi are worth witnessing at the large church of Spyridon in Corfu’s Old Town. With all the festivals throughout the year, it’s almost like fall is the time for Greeks to take a breather. Hi Dave – per your recommendation, I’m trying to buy ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini for July on the Hellenic highspeed 4, which you say is the best for people who are prone to sea sickness. this is low low season and a lot less will be open and available on the islands. Best Time to Visit the Turkish Coast Another fabulous place to visit in Turkey anytime of year is the coast. We are thinking of going to Crete in late November (in the next few weeks). We are a family of 5 (kids ages 12,8,4). The best time to visit Greece for sailing is during the first week of April right through Novemberâs mid-week. The best time to visit the Greek islands for beach clubs, bars, and nightlife is from late June to early September. Evenings are still around 14°C, so it’s still not shorts-and-t-shirt-after-dark weather yet. Not sure if you can weigh in on whether we will feel like we are having a romantic time if we stay in Naxos, but I’d appreciate your insight. Hence, I am looking at Agios Nikolaos, what do you think? This is a great time to visit Greece in terms of value for money, although some of the tourist infrastructure does close down. Then fly directly to Santorini. Hours of sunshine go down pretty sharply in September. Can you suggest some activities that we could do/ experience in Crete at this time of year? Other than large family hotels (which will inevitably cost more if they are all inclusive or even half-board deals) your only other option is DIY in self-catering appartments, but then you are going to have to entertain your group’s children in more imaginative ways. Maybe 10th-18th. The sunshine during this time of year is something that makes the Greek scenery truly magical. Anemomilos Apartments are very nice and in the main town (Chora) of Folegandros. December is one of the coldest months of the year: the average temperature is a mere 12°C. We are considering flying between Athens and Santorini. Greece isn’t super cold in January, but it’s definitely not warm. These contain details about temperatures From April to the beginning of June, the heat of summer has not yet set in and the cruise ships have not arrived with their thousands of tourists. Required fields are marked *, Newsletter – Get all new and updated articles. Would adding Mykonos be too hectic? Hi Dave, Around 8:45 pm. Therefore, your days from 2-8 April may be marked by a level of paucity in food choices (think Ramadan in Muslim countries). The shoulder season is typically a fantastic time to visit Greece. I´m planning my honeymoon in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, between March 18th and March 26th. Sea temperatures are a not-too-bad 22°C. Even the night temperatures (around 19°C) mean that you may not have to wear a sweater to dinner anymore. Greece has been on my bucket list for years and hoping to cross it off. We travel with a small BOOM speaker and take it with us when it feels appropriate. It’s also in June that the humidity levels aren’t too high yet, so you’re not feeling the heat as strongly. Hi Dave, The 16th is Easter in case that changes anything. November is usually perfect for sightseeing, hiking, food, wine, and local music. Fine enough beach, the odd revved-up bar, good places to eat and a range of budget to honeymoon quality accommodation. Hire a car and get out and see an island! Renting a car on all the islands is a good way to see more, so yes I would recommend that. Spring and Autumn are warm, but not too warm, so itâs great for couples who want to do outdoor activities. Hi Dave, great site!! In my opinion, this is the best time to cruise the Greek islands. I’ll be in Crete in May also on honeymoon, where would you recommend on the south of the island? Momondo is the best for first and business class tickets. The upside is you’ll find low prices and low numbers of tourists. Not a huge difference but enough to notice. You could hang around in Ierapetra for a few days and may move a little further west (15kms) and spend a few more days at a friendly and equally cosy seaside village called Myrtos. Agree there are few Airbnb rentals but not sure why that’s a necessity. Such as where to stop, how long to stay, hotels? With just 10 days I would not do more than one other island. The best time to travel to Greece is in autumn and spring, as the climate is more pleasant. Hi Dave! Thessaloniki has a two-week wine festival, for example, Corinth has a lively grape festival, and there are lots of local wine festivals in villages such as Ambelona. From late September through October it's usually still warm enough for ⦠Hopefully my page on Where To Go in Greece and Itineraries should help. The sea is around 16°C, but you’ll still want some sunscreen because there’s more sun going on. Any suggestions would be helpful… it’s a bit overwhelming to start planning with a little framework. The Croatian island of Hvar seems to deliver on almost all levels. We love the Chase Sapphire Preferred as it was one of the first travel rewards we received and it’s well-loved by plenty of others. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide the resources to do so. Santorini and Crete are the best islands to visit in winter and will have enough hotels and restaurants open to keep visitors happy. Not caring as much about history just yet. Is Santorini still worth a trip in late March for two 20-something girls looking to sight-see, explore, eat good food and a bit of partying? The awesome sign up offer of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points which can be redeemed for $750 of free flight if booked through the Chase travel portal. Budget is not a constraint in terms of 2 days for the hotel. Where would you recommend to get the best and hottest weather for beach time? Rain? The weather in Greece is cooler during these months, some would consider it much more comfortable than prime summertime weather. Where would you recommend at that time of year? Particularly notable in the island of Tinos, where people literally crawl up steps to see the holy icon in the church, it’s observed across the country. Likely want to fly into Santorino instead of Ferry. Or vice versa? They are uber comfortable once you break them in and last forever! We have two other families (similar composition) joining us. Places like Bodrum and Oludeniz are comfortable even in the winter, though you likely wonât be swimming. Rain increases. If you are eager to discover this country at its finest, late spring and early summer offer mild weather, fewer tourist, and reasonable prices. I want to be sure I can get the most out of our trip, and am worried some places will be closed. It’s best to make sure they do have UV protection for the health of your eyes. Our first time in Greece! Hi Dave! Thank you in advance. And which islands? Layers are key. You didn’t say where you are going, but Athens is probably a good bet to sit out the key days of Easter as many people will have left and things will be quiet AND you will have more choices for places to eat. The water is around 24°C – perfect to cool off from the radiant heat of the sun. The easiest way to book and buy Greek ferry tickets in advance. Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece. Is there anything near it walkable in the evening? Sarah Luke. This saves time making two visits to Athens (when you only need one) and you don’t have to retrace your steps (also a time-waster). Chania is the highlight of Crete and has year-round population and visitors so will have some life to it even in March. When is the Best Season to Travel to Greece? It has all the attractions of a holiday resort: sand, sun, ouzo-laced sunsets and plenty of places to stay. Yes, it will be too cool for swimming and diving but Crete is a great off-season destination. The best time to visit Mykonos is in September and October when itâs not so touristy, and you get to enjoy your time to the fullest by the less crowded beaches. Better know the the other places and a bit more up-market. And, as ever, if you want more heat, head to Crete. The average hours of sunshine per day are still only about three, which isn’t very fun at all. The best time to visit Greece and save some money is any time other than July and August. This means that restaurants will be limiting their food choices to ‘fasting foods’ (nistísima) though meat eaters may find some relief at places catering to the non-orthodox (which includes most restaurants on the islands). This is a musical, dance, and drama extravaganza, with local and international performers taking the stage at crumbling, historic venues. The best plan: Buy tickets to London. Thanks, Cloudy, overcast days are beginning to settle in for the fall towards the end of the month, but still there’s not a lot of rain. Use kayak.com to search for tickets. I’m assuming weather would be similar on both islands. Your advice is so relevant and tailored. This is to throw in anything like towels, a book, a speaker, sunglasses, snacks, and sunscreen. This is one of the best all-around credit cards for travel! The days get a lot colder in November. My favorite for booking tours and private tour guides. The best time to visit Greece depends on a lot more than just the weather. And you can see the islands with a lovely green all over. It gets pretty lively. It’s one of the best times to visit the largest Greek Island. Wed 20th June – fly into Chania from Dublin, arrive late. Festivities begin with the first day of Lent, Kathara Deftera – or ‘Clean Monday.’ Picnics and kite-flying abound. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Greece is either late Spring/early Summer (May and early June) or mid/late September. On a similar note you have two more sizeable seaside villages of similar atmosphere that you may care to investigate. Things warm up in March after a relatively mild winter (for Europe, that is). If so, which cruise do you recommend? Thanks so much! Naxos or Paros are better off-season choices. Here are 17 MUST READ Tips, What to Wear in Greece • The Ultimate Greek Packing List, 15 of the Best Things to do in Santorini, Greece, 10 Best Beaches in Europe You Need Check Out in 2020, What to Pack for Portugal • The Ultimate Portugal Packing List, 40 EPIC Things To Do In Maui • Exploring the Valley Isle (2020), 13 Amazing Cyprus Beaches You Need to Visit, All You Need to Know About Visiting Hvar Island, 16 Helpful Tips for Renting a Car in Cyprus, 21 Best Beaches in Europe You Need to See to Believe. Being home to the Eastern Orthodox Church, the most important holiday is Easter. We love food and adventure and we don’t do any night drinking. Kayak is the easiest to use. Athens is a good place for this when people perform under the moonlight in places like the Acropolis. Known in Greek as Apokreas, this has its roots in Ancient Greek tradition, but today, everybody knows Carnival. Peak summer months come with colossal demand and require a significant investment. Thanks, Nihal. This is when you will find the best sunny weather as noted above, but also crowds, especially on the popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. If we pick 1 island which one should it be? While itâs great year-round, the best time to visit mainland Greece is between May and October when the weather is balmy and the sun is shining. For swimming Rhodes has an average high of 29°C. We are going in the first week of August next year so it will be right in the middle of busy season. We have never been to Greece and would like to experience some authentic island life. It’s now that tourism is low so prices will be slashed around Greece. The islands are beautiful, swarming with history, and are populated with some of the friendliest people in the world. The country gets an average of 1mm throughout the month. We were thinking Crete, but where in Crete would you recommend? It was very trendy back in the 60s and 70s and still maintains its air of now post-hippy happiness, though people no longer make a home in the troglodyte-like caves that back the rather languid bay-wrapped beach. There are, on average, around four hours of sunshine daily. Daylight savings kicks in, in reverse, changing sunset from around 7 pm to 5:30 pm. Just don’t expect the normal touristy Greece that you might expect until at least some time after Easter. (I would probably take the earlier one, that way if it’s cancelled you have a second shot with the afternoon ferry). Hey Dave! Then I am thinking 4 nights somewhere, I was looking at these apartments in Anemomilos Apartments on the island of Folegandros. Would we need to rent a car or local transport would be good? Hellenic has 2 ferries running between Mykonos and Santorini this summer. No island has a robust nightlife in March but Santorini has the most and you should be able to find some fun in Fira (though nothing too crazy). You can also visit the country in summer, but there is greater tourist crowding, while in winter the main attractions are closed. Daytime temperatures are around 15°C – nighttime, 10°C on average. In June, you start to realize just why Greece is such a popular vacation spot. The follow-on is that accommodation can be in high demand so you will need to book both travel and a place to stay well beforehand. That said, it’s not beach time yet in April so Mykonos won’t have a lot to do for a family. Any other hotels you would recommend? Want to fit in in Greece? I saw on a few websites that it only gets to about 80 degrees? There are direct ferries between Santorini and Mykonos in April so it wouldn’t be hard at all to add Mykonos. Mykonos has a reputation for partying and nightlife but as long as you avoid the clubs and bars (and a few of the party beaches) it has a surprisingly family-friendly vibe. A lot of countries feature a hotter August than July, but in Greece, July is hotter than August. Best time to visit Greece for the Weather: May, June, July, September and October are great for swimming all over the country. Really want to chill out, nice accommodation? Here are a few of our favorite travel towels. To help you make the best decision, we’ve broken it down for you from January to December and even given you a round-up of Greece’s year-round festivals. With 11 hours of sunshine, the average daytime high during August is 31°C. In sum, the vibe of Naoussa is more of what you’re looking for, but Naxos is more convenient. Nighttime in the capital is more like 14°C though, so when it comes to how to dress, we’d suggest layering. June sees the highest daily average hours of sunshine, and it’s this time of year that beaches start to get busy. And also, Naoussa is a bus/taxi/car ride from the port of Paros. It will be a short trip and I need to fit in as much as I possibly can. Southern Crete covers a lot of territory and you’ve not really hinted at want you want to do or what kind of traveller you are. I agree, Crete is great and should have nice-ish weather in mid-March but probably won’t be swimming as most pools are not heated. Over on the far eastern side of Crete is the cosy little town of Ierapetra, nestled in among some of the richest agricultural territory in Crete. Santorini is expensive, especially the area of Oia and if you go in the shoulder season you’ll finder fewer people and cheaper prices. I’m glad I found your site. Hi Dave, March 25, however, is Greek Independence Day. January is the coldest month Greece has to offer, but February is a close second place. Also, please confirm if it will be fairly easy to book a flight to Athens from either island. Prices on accommodation and car rentals will drop during this time. June is popular, but still not PEAK summer, making it the best time of the year to visit Greece. You’ll still see plenty of sunny days but also overcast days and little to no sunbathing. This means a few things for the traveller. I looked at Elounda but the hotels seem to all get mixed reviews. Because the Easter Sunday celebration is a family affair on the whole, unless you have an invitation from a family to participate, you may find yourself on the outside on Easter Sunday with only a handful of places open for your Easter lunch (once again, in the most touristy spots this won’t be a problem). This is Greece in October. Sightseeing is fine from March to November. My husband and I are thinking of taking a trip but would have to go in mid to late March. It’s hot and sunny throughout the month with practically no rain. The end of November can be pretty rainy, and temperatures drop a little to around 14°C. It seems like Santorini and Athens are definitive top choices. Should we do two islands (one night each) or two nights on one island? I am seeing it as April 8 this year, so am I correct to assume that the week leading up to the 8th is the Holy Week? Honeymoon atmosphere not needed, nor wild party scene. August is usually the hottest month but peaks can come anytime from early June to late September. Don’t be fooled, though. You may be wondering just what to pack for Greece. The cheapest time to visit Greece is in the low season. Thanks, Carla. Easter Sunday means big feasts. If you’re open to something on the mainland then do an overnight trip from Athens to Nafplio. After reading your info on Santorini I was sold, but I feel like I should plan on going to Crete to get better weather. For some, the best time to visit Greece is springtime when wildflowers explode into a colorful spectacle across the countryside.