Picture yourself waking up on a sun-soaked Greek island. The Mediterranean winds are blowing through your window. The transparent waters lure you in for a swim, and the tasty food, together with its enchanting history, capture your interest. Greece is the ideal place to satisfy all of your senses, whether you’re a newbie or a regular visitor. But here’s one question people often ask: when’s the best time to visit Greece?
Well, if you want to get the hang of it and find the answer, look no further. You’re in the right place! In this Greece travel guide by season, you’ll find tips that only a local could give regarding the best month to visit Greece. For ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and September to early October are often considered prime. Whether you’re into basking under the sun, sightseeing and visiting archaeological sites, or simply eluding the summer crowd, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s explore and reveal insights that will help you improve your Greek travel experience.
Overall climate and seasonal overview: Understanding Greece’s weather patterns
Greece is a real masterpiece in the Mediterranean, as its climate is perfect for any kind of trip you’d want to make. Ensure you get a chart of Greece’s weather by the month before your visit. However, regardless of the season you choose, Greece has the perfect selection of adventure for you. Let’s split things up:
Greece High season (June-August): During these months, the sun shines brightly, the tourists’ pockets empty quickly, and you can’t get enough of the summer vibes. Tourist places are filled with an unbearable number of people crowding the hotspots. You’ll also get great weather, visit famous sites, and enjoy lovely beaches. However, you’ll also notice long queues at famous sites because everyone wants to see them.
Greece Shoulder season (April-May & September-October): That’s where the magic happens — affordable, perfect climate conditions, fewer people to share the beauty of your chosen destinations, and ideal for some self-indulgence. If you look up “Greece climate”, it’s not particularly famous for the chills. The beginning and end of summer are the sought-after months to get fresh air without all the chill.
Greece Low season (November-March): During this time, the island is yours to explore. There are very few people around, and you can spend all your time around the world seeing the beauty of this country. Nevertheless, summer holiday places shut for the season, and summer itself, even in Greece, might get chillier.
Pro Tip: When is the best time to go to Greece? The golden ratio would be the shoulder season (spring and autumn) because of the favourable weather conditions and fewer people to disturb your exploration of the world.
Summer (June-August): High season highs and insider tips
Visiting Greece in the summer is an unforgettable experience (if you don’t mind the crowds!). Here’s the inside scoop.
July and August: The middle of summer is the best time for the Greek islands. These months are hot and crowded, with daytime temperatures averaging 28-35°C, and can feel even hotter. The Islands are at their liveliest during this time, with beaches packed, cities buzzing, and nightlife in full swing. The downside? Hotel rates are inflated, and you might find long queues at must-see attractions.
June: June is the summer’s carefully kept secret. The hot beach weather doesn’t cross over to become scorching. You will find the allure of Greece this month, just before the travel hotspot becomes swarmed with tourists. It’s the prime time to experience the idyllic Greek islands without the mammoth crowds impairing the view.
Insider Tip: If you’re headed to Greece during peak season, always book in advance. Hotels and best deals won’t be hanging around forever; the good ones will be gone in minutes!
Spring (April-May): The vibrant shoulder season bloom
With flowers blooming and the celebrations continuing, here’s why spring is the new shoulder season!
April: This month brings a certain magic in the air. Besides being a month for Easter celebrations, April is synonymous with thriving green countryside and a temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold, just enough for a hike to a sacred site around the Parthenon.
May: Want to know when to go to Greece? May is a contender for the best time of year to go to Greece if we’re talking about the month. The temperatures lie ideally between 20–25°C, making it the perfect weather for one to take a dive in the crystal-clear waters. Got the shivers? Not here, you won’t! The crowds have not fully swarmed the place, and the tourist shops and services are open.
Spring is the season of beginnings, vibrant blossoms, and the unravelling of an illustrious, rich tapestry of culture.
Autumn (September-October): Golden light and lingering warmth
In autumn, you will find very few tourists in Greece, even with the ocean still embracing the warmth of the summer gone by, and the picturesque golden sun lighting the countryside. Here’s why we recommend you explore the wonder of Athens at this time of the year.
September: If you’re not a fan of the peak summer’s buzz and humdrum of tourists, go in September. Warm temperatures lying somewhere between 25°C and 30°C are just about right for a splash in the crystal-clear ocean water. But guess what? You’ve got the beach all to yourself. Roll down the beach towels, for this is one of the best months to visit Greece. You can also enjoy pleasant evenings in an outdoor café by the bay without a long queue.
October: In October, the weather starts cooling down (18-24°C), making it the best time for Mainland Greece sightseeing. Explore the historical sites and museums of Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, and Delphi without the extreme heat of summer. It is also a good time for a walking holiday in Meteora or a wine tour around the vineyards in Nemea. It is also the time when locals harvest grapes and olives.
Winter (November-March): The quiet, authentic Greece
No one goes to Greece in winter? Of course they do! Many perceive Greece as a sunny summer destination (which it is!), but Greece also has character in the winter. Read below to know why.
Greece Nov-March: Peaceful, quaint, value-for-money, off-season Greece is economical, so if you’re travelling on a budget, this could be your time to visit Greece. The cost of accommodation is low, and travelling to Greece in winter will make you feel more like a local than a tourist! Even in touristy places like Athens and Thessaloniki, the museums and ancient sites are more accessible without the big crowds, making way for a deeper connection with the destination.
Skiing and Mountain Enthusiasts: Winter in Greece? Skiing? Really? Not many people know, but Greece is a great winter sports destination. You can go skiing and snowboarding in the mountains in Greece. Did you know you could do that? There are some amazing skiing areas like Mount Parnassus where you could have the time of your life doing your favourite snow sports. Greece may surprise people who think this beautiful country is just a sun, sea, and sand destination. While it is those things, it’s also so much more.
Pro Tip: The cheapest time to visit Greece is January and February. If cost is a constraint, you may want to consider these months for a visit.
Best time for specific activities and interests
Not every season in Greece is the same — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re into hiking, island hopping, cultural festivals or beach lounging, there’s a perfect time of year for every kind of traveller.
Beaches & Islands (Mid-May-Early Oct)
Year after year, travellers couldn’t care less about feeling inadequate in a swimsuit. They return to the Greek islands during these months because the weather is hot and the water is warm. From mid-May to early October, the islands are in full-swing mode. Swimming, boat rides, and beach lounging are all on the horizon.
History & Culture (Shoulder; Apr.-May and Sept.-Oct)
There is no better time to rummage around ruins and ancient sites and to taste local cuisine. The temperatures during these months are ideal for touring archaeological sites, and you won’t have to deal with the summer heat and the hordes of summer tourists travelling to textbook tourist hot spots.
You also get to enjoy seasonal produce like ripe tomatoes, olives, and herbs, and taste local dishes like the creamy tzatziki and grilled souvlaki, fresh seafood, and honey-drenched baklava at their peak during this time. Local tavernas and markets also offer authentic tastes, especially in islands like Crete and Santorini. Whether sipping ouzo by the sea or enjoying meze with locals, Greece is a paradise for food lovers seeking tradition, simplicity, and unforgettable flavours.
Outdoors Activities (Spring and Autumn)
Whether you’re trekking through the gorges of Crete or walking by the sea in the Peloponnese, Greece’s natural landscape is best explored on foot. From spring wildflower walks to autumn hikes along the stunning coastal path, both spring and autumn are the best times to maximise the outdoor trip in Greece. Follow the green trails between land and sea, and you might form another plan-changing experience.
Greece Festivals by Month
Greece celebrates festivals year-round. From the religious rituals of Easter in April to Greek music and dance festivals in the summer, it’s a fiesta all the way. More culture will be found through the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. And if you’re lucky, take part in traditional Greek island festivals. Visit Greece for the islands, but love its culture and spirit.
Budget Travel (Low Season; Nov.-Mar.)
If you’re going on a budget, the low season (November-March) is a dream come true. Lower-priced accommodation, cheaper flights, and less foot traffic are the benefits of visiting at this time. But remember, some services are closed, and island-based services and sites shut down during the winter months.
Insider tips for choosing your travel dates
Having “the best time” in Greece isn’t just about when to go; it’s about what you do and what you know. This is the part where you save time, money, and sanity for your dream Greek holiday.
Book Early for Peak Season: If Greece is in your plans for the summertime (June-August), booking your flights and accommodation early is imperative and cheaper. They fill up quickly, and the price will go up. So, researching your trip early on will not only help you score a great deal but also ensure that the best places aren’t sold out yet.
Research Ferry Schedule: If you are island-hopping during your itinerary, then don’t forget to check the ferry schedules for the different islands you are planning to visit. On the one hand, in the low season (November-March), the schedule changes quite a bit, and you don’t want to end up stuck or have to cancel a leg. On the other hand, high-season ferries are more frequent, but again, booking ahead is still essential.
Check for Local Events: Every month of the year, Greece has something special to offer. The famous Athens and Epidaurus Festival in summer, or Easter and the carnival, to name a few, in the local regions, will allow you to have a closer experience of Greece. You will undoubtedly grow more interested if you discover the local events before you travel.
Flexibility is Your Friend: Another way to save money and avoid crowded areas is to travel on the right dates. Isn’t it ideal to avoid the most expensive weeks to travel/high season, and opt for mid-week dates? Besides mid-week trips saving you costs, the shoulder season of either spring or autumn favours you with less mass tourism, so that you can mingle with the locals much more freely.
Greece awaits: Choose your perfect moment.
Choosing the perfect time to visit Greece depends on what you are looking to enjoy there—a sunny summer holiday, mild weather, a visit to the archaeological sites, or a winter escape. Any season is ideal for travelling to Greece, depending on what you are looking for, such as a summer or winter holiday. Find the one that suits you and have the experience of a lifetime, whether you are going for the culture, nature, or hospitality.
