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Best Time and Month to Visit Greece: Complete Guide

Team AckoFeb 27, 2024

Greece is known for many things but it is mainly considered the cradle of European civilization. Its history, its landscapes, its food and its divine culture make it a destination that’s sought after. The country is chock-full of wonders for the senses, as well as homes of many famous people like Aristotle and Alexander the Great. Let’s not forget the Home of Parthenon, Temple of Zeus and many more historic sights! Greece is a major attraction in Europe, and it is one of its biggest tourist destinations.

Contents

Best Time to Visit Greece
Best Season to Visit Greece
Best Month to Visit Greece From India
Cheapest Time to Visit Greece
Expensive Time to Visit Greece
Worst Time to Visit Greece
More About the Best Time to Visit Greece
- Best Time to Visit Athens
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
Activities to Check Out When in Greece
Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to Visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece is from April through June, and again from September to October. If you are eager to discover this country at its finest, late spring and early summer offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices. Visiting Greece in the summer is a great time to soak up the sun at the beach, cool off with a dip in the sea, and end the day experiencing a Grecian sunset. Don't forget to hike through the White Mountains on Crete in peak tourist season!

Best Season to Visit Greece

The best season to visit Greece is during late spring like we’ve already said, or fall if you’re a person who enjoys autumn.

Summer: The summer is the peak travel season in Greece for many reasons. The blazing sunshine and the clear blue skies make it a perfect day for a picnic in the National garden of Athens as the ideal weather ranges from 21°C to 27°C. You can visit Samothraki or the island of Thàssos as it really shines during the summer season. When you visit Greece in the summer, try famous Greek delicacies such as moussaka, octopus, and Horiatiki salad.

Spring: Some mainlands get a bit chilly, but the islands like Cyclades Islands or Crete will be nice and sunny. The spring season brings out the beauty of Greece as the trees turn greener and the sky turns more blue which makes it a fine day for swimming.

Fall: While the weather of the islands of Greece stays sunny into September and October. Fall is also the ‘shoulder season’ in Greece. If you have had enough with the sunny days and clear blue skies, fall is the best time to visit. You can explore famous vineyards like the Gaia winery or Estate Argyros and take history walks around Athens. Do also visit local markets and buy the freshest olives you’ve ever tasted.

Winter: Winter starts in the month of December and ends in the month of February. This is the low season of Greece. Many people think it’s cold and do not take a vacation in Greece, but it still remains sunny to an extent in the winter. There will be snowfall in the northern regions and only moderate rainfall in the other regions. If you have family in Greece and this is your second or third visit, it’s not a bad time to go.

Best Month to Visit Greece From India

January-February: As the winter season is on, do not assume that it will be frigid. Many parts of Greece will still remain sunny. If you are ok with a little chill and can get by with light sweaters, these are the best months to visit. Ticket fares from outside Europe are also relatively cheaper. You can go and stay on the mountain ranges and light a bonfire and toast some s'mores with your family and friends.

Weather: 10°C to 13°C

Events: New year’s day, Gyanaikokratis, Apokries Carnival and Epiphany.

March-April: As winter ends and spring starts, the climate will be perfect for hiking in the mountains. The flowers will have just bloomed. Remember, spring is short and sweet in Greece.

Weather: 12.1°C to 19.2°C

Events: Agios Georgios (The Feast of Saint George) and Easter.

May-June: As spring ends in May and summer starts in June, the sun shines brighter making it absolutely perfect for a beach vacation. You can go to either the Navagio beach or the Voidokilia beach, have drinks and go for a swim.

Weather: 9°C to 22°C

Events: The day of holiday spirit

July-August: As summer comes to an end, the country becomes busier. Tourists prefer the islands of Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos making this the most expensive and busiest time to visit Greece.

Weather: 21° to 33°C

September-October: This is the cheapest time of the year in Greece as most beach vacation tourists usually leave at the start of fall. However, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the time we recommend you visit. Olive and wine harvests are a must to check out.

Weather: 13°C to 29°C

Events: Genesis tis panagias

November-December: The end of fall makes the weather cold. It's a great time to visit the mountain ranges and camp surrounded by trees covered in snow. The sunrise view from the mountains will be imprinted in your mind forever.

Weather: 9°C to 12°C

Events: Christmas

Cheapest Time to Visit Greece

The cheapest time to visit Greece, like we discussed before, is in the months of September and October as most people leave after vacationing at the end of summer. The cities will be less crowded and the prices of hotels will have gone down. However, remember, western Greece can get a little stormy, this time of year.

Expensive Time to Visit Greece

The costliest time to visit Greece are the months of July and August as it is the peak of tourist rush. The number of tourists increases manifold and so do the ticket fares.

Worst Time to Visit Greece

There is no bad time to visit Greece. It remains beautiful all year long. You can go in the summer, the winter, the spring or the fall for a vacation. If you like hikes and camping go in the winter and camp in the mountains. If you like to vacation on a beach with your families and friends, summer is perfect. If you want to sunbathe and take a swim in the Greek islands, fall is the season for you. If you like sightseeing, spring is best.

More About the Best Time to Visit Greece

Best Time to Visit Athens

The months of March through may or September through November are the best times to visit the city of Athens. The weather of the spring season and the fall season are best for touring around the city and make it wonderful for sightseeing the ancient monuments like acropolis hills and parthenon. It is also ranked the cheapest location to visit in Europe. The city is also called “The city of the Violet Crown”.

Best Time to Visit Mykonos

Popular with all age groups for its wild parties and top notch food and luxury, this island is also known as “The Island of the Winds”. Summers are the best time to visit! Best Time to Visit Santorini The best time to visit Santorini is between the months of June and September, if you love sunny and pleasant weather. You can visit the vineyards and sample fresh wine. The cheapest month to visit Santorini is the month of March. Santorini is also known as “ The wine island”.

Activities to Check Out When in Greece

Take up an octopus cooking class. Santorini boasts to be a seafood destination, and offers octopus dishes with its own unique flavour.

Hike in Samaria Gorge National Park. Ideal between May & October. Samaria Gorge National Park is filled with incredibly stunning nature, waterfalls, lakes, and ancient settlements.

Take a Mediterranean/Greek islands cruise. There’s many to choose from between April & October. They’ll pamper you with fun activities, picture-perfect coasts, anecdotes on ancient history, and of course, fine cuisine.

Try your hand at river hiking. Especially if you’re in Greece between May & September. All you need is your hiking shoes and a swimsuit. River Neda is the place to go.

Explore the Valley of Butterflies in Rhodes. Starting late May, up till August, thousands of butterflies flock to Rhodes every year. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Go kayaking in the sea. Best between the months of May & October, you get to see Santorini in a whole new light.

Climb Mount Olympus. Best adventure for the months of May to October.

Discover some of the largest European sea creatures at the first Greek marine natural preserve at Sporades. Add this to your itinerary for May to September

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing. Perfect for adventure seekers in the months of May to September. Coaches are available on the beaches for quick lessons at a small price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go if I’m a night owl who loves to party?

Crete, Greece
Kos, Dodecanese, South Aegean
Zakynthos, Ionian Islands, Greece
Mykonos, Cyclades, South Aegean
Kavos in Corfu and Kos Town
Thessaloniki, Aegean
Athens
Ios, Cyclades Island

What are the kinds of water sports available?

Most of the islands offer:

Jet Skiing
Wakeboarding
Parasailing
Stand-Up-Paddling
Windsurfing
Catamaran sailing
snorkelling
Tube or Banana Riding
Scuba Diving
Yacht Surfing
Diving
Canoeing

If you are a first-timer, make sure you get a certified instructor to show you the ropes.

What are the best places for a vineyard tour?

We recommend:

Douloufakis Winery, Crete
Anoskeli Winery, Crete
Hatzidakis Winery, Santorini
Domaine Sigalas, Oia, Santorini
Gaia Wines, Santorini
Moraitis Winery, Paros Island
Santorini Wine Tour, Fira

I’m an experienced hiker. What would be the best trails for me?

In terms of moderate to high difficulty, we recommend the following:

The Viros Gorge, Peloponnese
Pelion Peninsula, Pagasetic Gulf
Corfu Trail
Mount Olympus, between Thessaly and Macedonia
Samaria Gorge Trail, Crete
Andros Hike, Cyclades

What are the “must visit” islands?

While it’s very tough to pick favourites especially when Greece is made up of about 2000 islands, when put in a spot, we’d pick the below:

Island of Crete
Island of Delos, Cyclades
Santorini, Thira
Kefalonia Island
Ionian Island
Mykonos Island, Cyclades
Kos, Dodecanese, South Aegean
Lefkada Island
Zakynthos Island
Rhodes Island
Skiáthos, Sporades

I want a beach holiday. Which beaches should I book my stay at?

If you’re looking to break in your swimsuits and also get some sun, we recommend:

Kolimbithres beach on Paros island
Myrtos beach on Kefalonia island
Lalaria beach on Skiathos island
Navagio Beach on Zakynthos island
Red Beach on Santorini
Kamari and Perissa beach in Thira Island
Elafonisi and Balos in Crete
Amoudi Bay, Santorini

I’m planning my honeymoon. What is the best time to go to Greece for a honeymoon?

Greece offers you pleasant weather, plenty of sunshine, and romantic spots across the country throughout the year! The best time to visit Greece for a honeymoon is from April to June, when you can enjoy outdoor activities, warm weather, and romantic evenings.

Our top picks for honeymoon couples include:

Thission Open Air Cinema, Athens
Lighthouse of Akrotiri, Thira
Fira, Santorini
Philopappou Hill, Athens.
Samariá Gorge, Crete Island.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia Island
Mount Athos
Kolymbithres Beach, Paros
Delphi Theatre, Delphi, Sterea
Island of Palea Kameni.
Santo Wines Winery, Thira
The Kamari Open Air Cinema, Thira

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.