When To Visit Greece

Greece is known for its long, sun-drenched summers and mild winters, with strong seasonal contrasts shaping how each region is experienced. From insider cultural experiences in ancient cities to the best island-hopping journeys across the Aegean and Ionian seas, timing plays a key role.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
ATHENS
PELOPONESSE
CYCLADES ISLANDS
IONIAN ISLANDS
CRETE

When To Visit Greece

Greece is known for its long, sun-drenched summers and mild winters, with strong seasonal contrasts shaping how each region is experienced. From insider cultural experiences in ancient cities to the best island-hopping journeys across the Aegean and Ionian seas, timing plays a key role.

  • ATHENS: January to December
  • PELOPONESSE: May to October
  • CYCLADES ISLANDS: May to October
  • IONIAN ISLANDS: April to October
  • CRETE: April to October

ATHENS

Athens can be visited year-round, yet the milder temperatures during the spring and fall make exploring its ancient sites and vibrant neighborhoods more comfortable.

January: Cool with occasional rain, but ideal for cultural exploration without crowds.
February: Similar conditions, with quiet streets and fewer visitors.
March: Temperatures begin to rise, with improving weather.
April: Mild and pleasant, one of the best months for sightseeing.
May: Warm and sunny, ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining.
June: Hotter temperatures arrive, though still manageable.
July: Very hot, with strong sun and quieter daytime activity.
August: Peak summer heat, with many locals leaving the city.
September: Still warm, with fewer crowds and more comfortable conditions.
October: One of the best months, with mild weather and great atmosphere.
November: Cooler temperatures return, with fewer tourists.
December: Mild winter with a festive yet relaxed feel.

Athens Average Temperatures

° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN55412.2
FEB56421.8
MAR60441.6
APR68491.2
MAY79570.9
JUN88650.4
JUL92690.2
AUG92690.2
SEP85630.5
OCT74562.1
NOV65502.3
DEC58442.7

PELOPONESSE

The Peloponnese offers a mix of cultural exploration, coastline, and countryside, with a long warm season and mild winters. Visit June through October for the best travel experiences.

January: Cool and quiet, ideal for cultural visits and scenic drives.
February: Similar conditions, with fewer travelers.
March: Early spring brings milder temperatures and blooming landscapes.
April: Pleasant weather, perfect for exploring archaeological sites.
May: Warm and sunny, one of the best months to visit.
June: Hotter temperatures, ideal for combining culture and coast.
July: Peak summer heat, best for coastal stays.
August: Very hot and lively, especially along the coast.
September: Warm and more relaxed, with fewer crowds.
October: Mild and ideal for both inland and coastal exploration.
November: Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors.
December: Calm and mild, with a slower pace across the region.

Peloponesse Average Temperatures

° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN50323.0
FEB50322.3
MAR57362.1
APR64411.3
MAY73460.7
JUN84540.2
JUL88590.2
AUG96590.2
SEP79520.6
OCT70462.5
NOV59393.2
DEC50363.8

CYCLADES ISLANDS

The Cyclades are highly seasonal, with summer bringing peak heat and ideal sea conditions. Visit during the shoulder months of September and October for fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

January: Quiet and cool, with many hotels closed.
February: Similar off-season conditions, with minimal activity.
March: Early spring, though still quiet with limited services.
April: Gradual reopening, with mild temperatures.
May: One of the best months, with warm weather and fewer crowds.
June: Excellent conditions for island hopping and beach time.
July: Peak season with hot weather and lively atmosphere.
August: Busiest month, with strong winds and vibrant nightlife.
September: Warm seas and fewer crowds, ideal for travel.
October: Mild and more relaxed, with some seasonal closures.
November: Quiet and cooler, with limited services.
December: Off-season, with a peaceful and local feel.

Cyclades Islands Average Temperatures

° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN57482.8
FEB57482.3
MAR59502.0
APR64540.7
MAY70590.4
JUN77660.1
JUL79700.1
AUG79700.1
SEP75660.2
OCT70611.5
NOV64551.9
DEC59502.7

IONIAN ISLANDS

Greener and slightly cooler than the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands offer a longer, more temperate travel season. Visit April through October for the best journey.

January: Mild but wet, with limited tourism activity.
February: Continued winter conditions with rainfall.
March: Early spring brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
April: Improving weather, ideal for scenic exploration.
May: Warm and lush, one of the best times to visit.
June: Sunny and pleasant, with excellent sea conditions.
July: Hot and lively, ideal for beach and boating experiences.
August: Peak season with warm waters and vibrant energy.
September: Warm and quieter, with excellent conditions.
October: Mild and green, with fewer crowds.
November: Cooler with increased rainfall.
December: Quiet and off-season, with a relaxed pace.

Ionian Islands Average Temperatures

° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN54415.5
FEB55414.7
MAR59453.9
APR66502.3
MAY75571.5
JUN84640.6
JUL88680.4
AUG88680.7
SEP82642.8
OCT73575.5
NOV64507.1
DEC57456.7

CRETE

Crete’s size and varied landscapes mean the island can be visited from April through October, when you can enjoy cultural immersion, epic outdoor adventures, and relaxing beaches.

January: Mild with occasional rain, ideal for cultural visits.
February: Similar conditions, with quiet surroundings.
March: Early spring brings greener landscapes and mild weather.
April: Pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
May: One of the best months, with warm weather and fewer crowds.
June: Sunny and warm, perfect for combining coast and culture.
July: Hot and dry, ideal for beach-focused stays.
August: Peak summer heat with lively atmosphere.
September: Warm seas and fewer visitors.
October: Mild and comfortable, great for exploration.
November: Cooler with occasional rain.
December: Quiet and mild, with a slower pace.

VIEW CRETE TOURS

Crete Average Temperatures

° F HIGHS° F LOWSPRECIP (IN)
JAN57526.2
FEB57505.8
MAR59543.5
APR63571.7
MAY70631.0
JUN75700.2
JUL81750.1
AUG81750.2
SEP77721.1
OCT72663.3
NOV66594.4
DEC61546.6
VIEW CRETE TOURS