Known as the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, and the Olympic Games among others, Greece is a country with immense history. Paired with its incredible landmarks, mountain ranges, and pristine beaches, there is no question why Greece receives over 30 million tourists per year.
Not only can you visit the cultural capital of Athens, home to historical landmarks and amazing nightlife, but the country is also home to over 200 islands, which makes Greece an incredible destination for the adventurous traveler.
The best months to visit Greece are during its shoulder (April-May; September-October) or low (November-March) seasons.
Make sure to indulge in some of the best cuisines in the world when visiting Greece, as it is recognized globally for its Mediterranean dishes, and some of the freshest ingredients, like fish, olive oil, feta cheese, and yogurt. The magic and beauty of Greece are sure to leave you enchanted, regardless of when you choose to visit.
Here are the best times and months to visit Greece.
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Average Temperature In Greece
Greece enjoys four distinct seasons of the year, with variations in temperature based on the season. Summer is Greece’s hottest season. It stems between June to August, with average temperatures ranging between 85-90°F (30-32°C).
Winter is quite mild in Greece compared to other European countries. Between the months of December and February, Greece experiences average temperatures between 55-60°F (13-16°C). Spring (March-May) average temperatures are between 57-80°F (14-27°C).
Fall (September-November) temperatures range from 60-80°F (16-27°C). The northern regions of Greece, such as Thessaloniki, experience colder temperatures in the winter, with low temperatures reaching almost freezing, primarily during the months of January and February.
Daily Chance Of Precipitation In Greece
Precipitation levels in Greece vary by region, but the entire country follows the same seasonal pattern of wet and dry months. For all of the country, you will find that the wettest months of the year are between October and February.
In the capital city of Athens, the average monthly rainfall during these months varies between 1.5-2.5 inches. The average number of days of precipitation in a month is between 4-7 days. In the country’s northern region of Thessaloniki, the average monthly precipitation during the wet season is between 1-2 inches. Days of precipitation in a month are around 5-6 days.
The drier season in Greece is between May and September. In Athens, you will get less than an inch on average per month of rainfall, with only 1-3 days of precipitation per month. In Thessaloniki, rainfall averages between 1-2 inches per month, with 3-4 days of precipitation.
Greece does receive snowfall, albeit more in the northern mountainous regions. Athens receives about 4-5 days of snow each year. Snowfall in the north occurs between November and April, for about 50 days of the year. The average snowfall in a year in Northern Greece is about 13 inches.
Humidity Comfort Levels In Greece
Greece experiences variable humidity levels depending on the time of the year. The further south you move in the country, the more humid it gets. Overall, the highest humidity rates occur during the summer in Greece, between the months of June through late September.
The southern region, such as Irákleion, gets the most humidity, with between 5-13 days of muggy conditions. August is the month with the most humid days in Greece. Athens and northern cities experience less humidity, with an average of two muggy days in Athens and four in Thessaloniki in August.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Greece For Great Weather
For the most sunshine, the best beach weather, and the warmest days, it is a no-brainer to visit Greece during the summer, which falls between June and August. During this time, temperatures average between 86-90°F (30-32°C) during the day and fall to a comfortable 65-70°F (18-21°C) at night.
Summer is the best time to explore the entirety of the country, and it is an even better time to take advantage of the numerous Greek islands since it is perfect swimming weather.
One thing to note is that summer is Greece’s peak tourism season, so you will also be competing with large crowds of tourists during this time. If you want to enjoy the hot summer weather while avoiding the peak crowds in Greece, consider visiting in September, where temperatures consistently stay around a pleasantly hot 80°F (27°C) during the day and around 60°F (16°C) at night.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Greece For Low Prices
The cheapest time to visit Greece is during its low season in the late fall and winter, which is between November and March. Temperatures drop dramatically during this season, so there is a lot less tourism going on in the country.
The cheapest months for buying flights to Greece are September, October, and November. The average price for a round-trip flight from New York City, United States to Athens, Greece is between $600-800 if you buy during this time period.
Hotel stays are at least 50% cheaper if you book to stay during the winter, with prices averaging between $70-150 USD per night for one person. If staying in Athens, you can expect everything to be operating normally, but winter might not be the best time to visit if you want to visit a lot of the Greek islands.
Although prices are the cheapest on the islands during the winter, many restaurants and hotels may be closed due to the low tourism season. For the budget traveler, visiting Greece during its low season in the winter is a very viable option.
Keep in mind that the weather is not as pleasant as it is in the summer, so be sure to pack warm layers and rain gear. To save even more money, book your airfare and hotel well in advance, at least a few months before your trip.
Peak Travel Season In Greece: June – August
Greece has exploded in popularity as one of the best European summer destinations, so there is no doubt that summer is Greece’s peak season. During this time, the weather is at its warmest, and all tourist attractions are opening and running at full capacity.
Summer is the best time of the year to visit the famously beautiful Greek islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Corfu. You will find the highest frequency of ferries leaving for the islands during the summer.
As for accommodation, the average hotel rate for one person in Athens is $150-200/night. The average hotel rate for one person in Santorini is $200-350/night. And the average round-trip flight cost from NYC, USA to Athens, Greece is $1,000-1,500.
Ferries between the Piraeus port of Athens to Santorini run about six departures per day during the summer, as compared to 2-3 in the winter. Average ferry ticket prices in the summer vary between €50-100.
Because of Greece’s popularity in the summer, you will find tourists everywhere. Even though summer is the most beautiful time to visit Greece, it is also the most crowded and expensive. Be prepared to wait in long lines to visit major attractions such as the Acropolis. Ferries to the islands and public transport will also be packed with people, so be prepared to sacrifice some comfort and personal space if visiting Greece during the summer.
Although it is more expensive and crowded during peak season, nothing truly compares to a summer trip to Greece. Summer is the season with the most sunshine and the least rainfall, which gives you idyllic views of the crisp blue Aegean Sea.
It is also the best season to experience all of the authentic and delicious cuisines that Greece has to offer, due to its abundance of agriculture and fishing during this time. During this time, you can try Greek salad, ripe figs, freshly caught fish, and extra virgin olive oil, which are only a few of the well-known foods and dishes you can find in Greece.
Nightlife is also at its peak during the summer, with an array of nightclubs, bars, and concerts open in Athens and other major cities. Nightlife is an integral part of Greek culture. Make sure to check out one of the local bouzoukia, or large concert halls with Greek music performances.
Shoulder Travel Season In Greece: April-May & September-October
If you are a budget traveler who still wants to experience the authentic summer experience of Greece with fewer crowds, consider going during the shoulder seasons between April and May and September and October. In the spring, most of the tourists have not arrived yet for the summer, and in the fall, most of the tourists have already left.
The average hotel rate for one person in Athens is $80-130/night. The average hotel rate for one person in Santorini is $180-250/night. The average round-trip flight cost from NYC, USA to Athens, Greece is $600-700.
The cooler temperatures of the spring and fall are the perfect time to take advantage of Greece’s incredible mountain ranges for hiking – it is not too hot like the summer, and not too cold like the winter. One of the best hikes to do in Greece is actually on the island of Crete, on the Samaria Gorge. Samaria National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and has incredible views of the gorge, towering cliffs, and immense mountain viewpoints.
If visiting Greece during April, do not miss out on Greek Easter, which is celebrated nationwide. Since Greece operates on the Greek Orthodox calendar, they celebrate a different Easter than the rest of the world, which typically falls during April.
The week leading up to Easter is Greece commences an array of activities and observances. During this time, you can observe and experience some of the most authentic Greek traditions for the Easter holiday, such as enjoying a typical Easter dish of lamb and oven-roasted lemon potatoes.
The most interesting, however, is the Greek tsoureki, or sweet bread, which is baked in a braid and sometimes adorned with dyed eggs. Make sure to check the local bakeries to try some!
Low Travel Season In Greece
Greece’s off-season is during its winter, which is the coldest season of the year. Quite mild in comparison to colder regions of the world, Greece’s lowest temperatures fall between 45-60°F (7-16°C) during the winter.
It does snow in Greece, although it is usually only found in the mountains and northern areas of the country. If you enjoy snowboarding or skiing, you are in luck, as Greece has some amazing ski destinations. Winter is the best time to go to Greece to ski, as there is the most snowfall. Some of the most popular slopes are in Parnassos, Pigadia, and Velouxi Ski Resorts.
If you want to absolute lowest prices and the least tourists, definitely visit Greece in the winter. During this season, you can find unobstructed views of all the major monuments and sights, such as the Acropolis, Santorini, and the Agora – perfect for taking travel photos as there will be no pesky tourists or crowds in the background.
The average hotel rate for one person in Athens is $60-100/night. The average hotel rate for one person in Santorini is $80-100/night. The average round-trip flight cost from NYC, USA to Athens, Greece is $500-600.
The lack of tourists also means you can get some of the best service and attention in stores and restaurants since you are not competing with droves of other people. During the winter, you can dine at some of the most scenic and popular restaurants which would otherwise be almost unreachable if visiting during the summer.
One thing to keep in mind if visiting Santorini is that it is an island very dependent on summer tourism, so many businesses and restaurants may be closed for the season.
Best Months For Travel To Greece
Greece is a bucket-list destination for many travelers all over the world, with good reason. It is a country with incredible food, culture, and history. Greece is also an incredibly diverse country – not only do you have access to crystal blue beaches, but you can also go skiing in the mountains.
If visiting Greece, take advantage of its close proximity to over 200 islands, with the most notable being Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Corfu. Greece is idyllic, warm, and bustling during its peak season in the summer months of June to August.
Summer is the best time to enjoy the best weather and attractions that Greece has to offer, however it is also the busiest season, with the greatest number of tourists in the entire year. If you want to save some money and experience fewer crowds, consider visiting Greece during its shoulder (April-May; September-October) or low (November-March) seasons. The weather is cooler during this time, but not cold enough to need heavy winter gear.
