Best time to visit Greece: a month-by-month guide

The best time to visit Greece is from late May to mid-October, when the islands are fully open and the sea is warm; June and September give the best balance of heat, crowds and price. For sightseeing in Athens, Delphi and Meteora, April–May and October are more comfortable, while November to March is quiet, cooler and wetter, with many island hotels closed.

Pair this guide with our Greece destination overview to see which islands and mainland sites fit your dates.

Greece month by month

Temperatures are long-term averages from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, published through the World Meteorological Organization. Athens is the benchmark; Crete and Rhodes are milder in winter and slightly less hot in midsummer.

Regional differences

Athens and the mainland

Athens is hot in July and August, with average highs above 33°C, so visit the Acropolis early. Spring and autumn suit Delphi, Meteora and Nafplio and Mycenae. The Ministry of Culture sets longer summer and shorter winter opening hours at the Acropolis, from 08:00 to 20:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter.

The Cyclades

Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Milos are summer islands. From May to October most hotels, restaurants and ferries operate; outside that window choice shrinks. The Aegean can be windy in midsummer, which can affect smaller boats.

Crete and Rhodes

Crete and Rhodes Old Town have the longest season. Heraklion averages under one rain day a month in July and August, and Rhodes stays above 8°C at night in winter. Crete's Samaria Gorge is normally open only in the warmer months, so spring and autumn hikers should check dates locally.

The Ionian islands

Corfu and the Ionian islands are greener than the Aegean, with more rain in winter; May to October is the main season.

Festivals and events

• Orthodox Easter — usually April, sometimes March or May; the most important festival of the year, with processions and family feasts.
• Carnival (Apokries) — the weeks before Orthodox Lent, typically February or early March.
• 25 March — Independence Day parades.
• 15 August — Assumption of the Virgin, celebrated widely on the islands; ferries and hotels are at peak demand.
• 28 October — Ochi Day, a national holiday.
• Free-entry days at state archaeological sites include 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October, according to the Ministry of Culture — expect larger crowds.

Weather details that catch travellers out

• Rain falls mostly between October and March. Athens averages around 12 rain days in December and January but only about two in July and August.
• Rhodes is the wettest of the benchmark stations in winter, averaging around 150 mm in January and December, yet almost completely dry in July and August.
• Heat builds fast: Athens average highs jump from about 20°C in April to 31°C in June.
• Nights stay mild on the islands in summer — Heraklion and Rhodes average lows above 21°C in July and August.
• Meltemi winds in the Aegean can make crossings choppy in midsummer; build a spare day into tight ferry plans.

UK government advice also notes that Greece can see wildfires and extreme heat in summer. Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and follow local instructions if conditions change.

Crowds and prices

Demand and hotel rates rise from late May, peak in July and August, and ease through September. Santorini and Mykonos are the most sought-after in summer. For better value, travel in late May, early June or late September to early October, or consider less-visited islands such as Naxos. Read how much a trip to Greece costs for the fixed charges to factor in.

Choosing your season

• Island hopping and beaches: June and September.
• Honeymoons in Santorini: May, June, September or early October.
• History-focused touring: April–May and October.
• Winter city break: Athens from November to March.
• Hiking in Crete: April–June and September–October.

Our Athens & Santorini Escape is best from May to October, while Classic Greece: Athens, Meteora & Crete works well in spring and autumn. First-time visitors should also read our Greece travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

Tell us your dates and a specialist will match the islands and mainland to the season — start with the Greece trip planner.

Sources

1. World Meteorological Organization — World Weather Information Service (Hellenic National Meteorological Service data)
2. Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports — Acropolis of Athens: information
3. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice: Greece
4. Greek National Tourism Organisation — Transportation