When to Visit Greece

The spring shoulder season is often a great time to visit mainland Greece for a sightseeing holiday. The ancient sites will be uncrowded and comfortable to visit due to the pleasant temperatures. Beautiful wildflowers are in bloom throughout the countryside too. Whilst most islands are still closed to tourism in March and the start of April, it is possible to visit Santorini at this time of year. The weather will be mild, sunny and dry, making it a great time to explore the blue domes and whitewashed buildings of this romantic island before the summer crowds arrive. The end of April will see more frequent ferry services to the islands, and hotels and restaurants will reopen.

The months of May and June are a wonderful time to visit both mainland Greece and the islands. From the lush interior of Corfu and the historic towns of Crete to island hopping in the Cyclades or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Kefalonia, May is the first month where all Greek Islands will be fully open to tourism. It is the least expensive month to visit the islands and mainland beach destinations as well as the least crowded. You can expect warm sunny days, and whilst the sea temperature is a little cool, it is usually warm enough for swimming. It is also a great time for touring on the mainland and is one of the best times for a Peloponnese self-drive tour.

The peak summer season is in full swing in July and August and can often be a hot time to visit where temperatures often reach the mid-thirties. Athens is often stifling in July and August and sightseeing is often very crowded. It is also the most popular time to visit the Greek islands and most of these will be busy with families and groups, especially popular destinations such as Santorini, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes. Smaller and quieter islands including Sifnos, Kimolos and Syros are usually a better choice if visiting during the peak summer months, or mainland Greece still has some hidden gems, including the Peloponnese coastal villages.

The best time to visit Greece is between September and October. As children return to school in September, the crowds start to thin making it a more pleasant time for couples and solo travellers to visit. The weather continues to be hot but is more bearable than the stifling summer months, and the sea temperatures are beautiful at this time of year. As you enter October, hotel prices start to drop across the mainland and the islands, whilst the weather remains warm and sunny. Towards the end of the month, the tourist destinations start to shut down for the upcoming winter season, but it can be a great time to visit Athens on a city break.

It is off-peak season in Greece during the winter months between November and February. Cool weather and rain can be expected, and some elevated areas such as Meteora and Kalambaka may even see snow. The Greek Islands are seasonal so ferry services will stop and most hotels and restaurants close down until the summer. On the mainland however, many of the historical sites remain open for tourists throughout the year. The winter months can be a great time to visit Athens and its famous landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, with average temperatures of 14°C and low crowds.