The Best Time to Visit Greece - a Month-by-Month Guide

When does beach season start in Greece?

Beach season in Greece generally runs from late May to early October. The warmest sea temperatures for swimming are found in July, August, and September, while shoulder months like June and early October are ideal for sunbathing with fewer crowds.

For sightseeing and hiking, the season is much longer. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) bring pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices—perfect for exploring both mainland landmarks and island trails.

January in Greece

January is deep winter, and Greece feels very different depending on whether you’re on the mainland or an island.

Mainland Greece in January

Athens and Thessaloniki see temperatures between 41–55°F (5–13°C). The northern mountains, like Mount Parnassus and Arachova, get snow, making this Greece’s ski season. Mainland towns are lively with locals and attractions like the Acropolis are blissfully uncrowded. The winter landscapes also create a peaceful charm in historic towns, like Nafplio or Delphi - where quiet streets make exploring ruins and museums much more relaxed.

Greek Islands in January

Most islands are in hibernation mode, with resorts closed and ferry schedules reduced. Crete and Rhodes stay relatively mild, with some tavernas and hotels open, making them perfect for enjoying quiet cultural breaks. In Crete's local tavernas tuck into hearty winter specialties like lamb stew or kalitsounia (cheese pastries). Adventure seekers can also enjoy hiking in the milder lowlands of Crete or Rhodes, taking advantage of fewer tourists on the trails.

Highlight: The Epiphany Festival (Jan 6), when swimmers dive into icy waters to retrieve a cross, is celebrated across both mainland and islands.

Top Tip: Stay warm in a villa with a fireplace or heated pool for a cozy winter base.

February in Greece

February is still winter, but Carnival season brings bursts of color and festivity., making it the ideal time for travelers wanting to experience Greece’s festive spirit.

Mainland Greece in February

Cool temperatures (45–57°F / 7–14°C) make it ideal for skiing or visiting museums. Mainland cities like Patras host elaborate parades and masquerade balls, while smaller villages embrace traditional customs, giving visitors a chance to join authentic local celebrations. The Patras Carnival in the Peloponnese is Greece’s biggest, drawing thousands with parades and masquerade balls.

Greek Islands in February

Tourism is quiet, though Crete offers mild weather and cultural sites. Rhodes also sees some activity, with both islands preparing for spring festivals. The month is ideal for enjoying romantic, quiet walks along the beaches and moments to take in the dramatic winter sunsets. Santorini and Mykonos remain sleepy, with many businesses closed.

Highlight: February also offers a perfect window for photographing deserted landmarks without crowds, from the Acropolis to the monasteries of Meteora.

Top Tip: Villas in Crete provide a homely base to celebrate Carnival or enjoy some off-season calm.

March in Greece

March signals spring’s arrival, with wildflowers blooming and daylight stretching longer.

Mainland Greece in March

Temperatures climb to 50–63°F (10–17°C). Athens is great for sightseeing before crowds arrive, and March 25th brings Greek Independence Day, marked with parades. Meteora and Delphi are stunning with spring greenery. On the mainland, cultural events like Greek Independence Day highlight traditional dances and music.

Greek Islands in March

Crete and Rhodes see more life, with ferry services increasing. Santorini starts to wake up, ideal for quiet hikes like the Fira-to-Oia trail. Swimming is still chilly, but landscapes are vibrant.

Highlight: March is a photographer’s dream: wildflowers carpet the hills of the Peloponnese and the islands, while early morning light brings out the best colors in Santorini and Mykonos. Another March highlight is to enjoy the first seafood of the season, at family-run tavernas.

Top Tip: A villa near Meteora or Crete offers peaceful spring scenery without high-season prices.

April in Greece

April is one of Greece’s most atmospheric months, thanks to Easter. April is also the perfect month for combining sightseeing and nature.

Mainland Greece in April

Athens, Thessaloniki, and Peloponnese sites enjoy 57–70°F (14–21°C) weather. Easter brings candlelit services, fireworks, and feasting - especially moving in traditional villages. On the mainland, hiking trails in northern Greece are also lush and quiet, while the Peloponnese offers olive groves in full bloom.

Greek Islands in April

Santorini and Mykonos reopen and welcome back visitors - though they remain quiet compared to summer, ensuring a more intimate backdrop to Greek island life. Crete is wonderful for hiking Samaria Gorge or exploring Knossos. Rhodes is also pleasant for sightseeing, whilst visitors on Santorini can explore its vineyards and taste early-season wines. Crete’s idyllic hiking trails in Samaria Gorge are also waiting to be discovered, without the summer heat.

Highlight: Experience a Greek Easter (dates vary) - the most important celebration of the year. The calm waters also make it an ideal time of year for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Top Tip: Book a villa in Santorini or Crete for affordable luxury in spring.

May in Greece

May is considered one of the best months to visit Greece - offering early summer vibes with fewer crowds.

Mainland Greece in May

Warm weather (65–77°F / 18–25°C) makes it ideal for sightseeing. The Peloponnese beaches open, and mainland hiking trails are at their most scenic. Athens is lively but not overwhelmed, with more comfortable temperatures for touring the ancient sites. The coastal towns like Nafplio and Kalamata become lively, with open-air markets and seafood festivals.

Greek Islands in May

Santorini’s cliffs glow in perfect weather, whilst beach bars and cafes reopen. Mykonos's renowned nightlife also restarts, and Crete’s beaches are warm enough for swimming. Paros and Naxos still offer quieter island getaways. It’s also a great month for cycling through the scenic countryside, with wildflowers still in bloom and the air pleasantly warm.

Highlight: May is a great month for enjoying boat trips around Santorini’s caldera or Mykonos’ secluded coves.

Top Tip: Villas with pools are perfect in May, giving you early summer vibes without peak crowds. Bring your hiking boots, as it's a great month for hiking!

June in Greece

Summer officially begins, with long sunny days and buzzing resorts to accompany the peak summer activities on offer.

Mainland Greece in June

Mainland beaches, like those in Halkidiki and the Peloponnese, come alive. Open-air concerts and theater performances begin, making it an exciting time to visit. In particular, Athens hosts cultural events in ancient theaters. Northern Greece in June is also perfect for exploring monasteries, or taking part in local wine tastings.

Greek Islands in June

Islands are lively but not yet overrun. Santorini sunsets, Mykonos beach parties, and Crete’s golden sands are top draws. June is also a honeymoon favorite thanks to warm weather and manageable crowds. On the islands, small beaches on Naxos or Paros are still relatively quiet, offering a respite from the larger crowds on Santorini and Mykonos.

Highlight: Honeymooners and groups will love the uplifting atmosphere and summer fun, before peak season begins.

Top Tip: Athens can reach 84°F (29°C), so early morning sightseeing is best. Early summer is also a great time for sailing excursions between islands before July’s high-season traffic begins. When looking for your ideal bolt-hole in June, choose a villa overlooking the Aegean, for a romantic start-of-summer escape.

July in Greece

July is peak summer in Greece - making it hot, busy, and full of energy.

Mainland Greece in July

Temperatures hit 82–95°F (28–35°C). Athens can be sweltering, so sightseeing is best in the mornings. Popular beaches like Halkidiki are crowded, but vibrant with summer atmosphere.

Greek Islands in July

The high season in July coincides with party month. Mykonos hosts world-famous DJs, Santorini dazzles with packed sunset views, and Crete, Paros, and Naxos welcome families. Beaches are buzzing, the sea is warm, and nightlife is nonstop. On islands such as Crete or Rhodes, early morning or late evening swims are ideal to beat the midday heat, while nightlife pulses in towns like Mykonos and Santorini for those seeking energy and entertainment.

Highlight: Alongside the vibrant beach and nightlife vibes, food lovers can enjoy the peak harvest of summer vegetables and fresh seafood in coastal village eateries.

Top Tip: Greece in July means crowded beaches, festivals, and nightlife, especially on the islands. For quieter experiences, mainland destinations like the Zagori region or Mount Olympus trails provide a retreat into nature. A villa with shaded terraces and infinity pool is essential for comfort during July’s heat.

August in Greece

August is Greece’s hottest and busiest month. This popular time to visit Greece means bustling crowds across both mainland and islands. Summer holidays, music festivals, and open-air cinema events are in full swing.

Mainland Greece in August

Temperatures often soar beyond 95°F (35°C). Many Athenians leave the city for their hometowns, making Athens strangely quiet, but archaeological sites still teem with international tourists.

Greek Islands in August

The sun-drenched islands are at full throttle. Mykonos and Santorini are glamorous but crowded, while Crete and Rhodes are packed with beachgoers. The Dormition of the Virgin (Aug 15) is a major nationwide festival with feasts and processions. On the islands, small-scale tours, early morning hikes, and sunset photography excursions are ways to escape the heaviest crowds.

Highlight: Traditional local feasts for the Dormition of the Virgin provide a unique insight into Greek culture, combining food, music and religious rituals that are memorable for visitors.

Top Tip: Mainland mountain villages offer a cooler alternative to crowded cities like Athens. Book early and choose Greek villas with A/C and private pools for cooling off in August.

September in Greece

September is another prime month for visiting Greece, with warm seas and lighter crowds - making it an ideal month for enjoying a combination of sightseeing and beach days.

Mainland Greece in September

Weather cools slightly (73–84°F / 23–29°C), perfect for sightseeing at Delphi, Meteora, and Athens. Mainland vineyards and olive groves are in harvest, offering wine tasting and culinary tours for visitors lucky enough to experience Greece now.

Greek Islands in September

Beaches are still warm and lively, but crowds begin to thin. Santorini and Mykonos remain festive, but calmer than summer. Crete and Paros are especially popular for romantic getaways with that special someone. Also on the islands, beaches remain warm for swimming, and towns like Santorini and Mykonos start to return to a calmer rhythm.

Highlight: Winery tours and tastings are a must if visiting Greece in September. The popular islands' crowd levels begin to thin out, making it a good time of year to relish both these destinations and the warm weather.

Top Tip: It’s also the perfect time to enjoy water sports like windsurfing in Paros or sailing between islands, with favorable weather and less intense heat than summer. Villas in Crete or Paros offer a peaceful base for late-summer relaxation.

October in Greece

October is shoulder season, bringing comfortable weather and cultural charm. Mainland Greece offers hiking opportunities amid autumn colors, while smaller islands are mostly deserted, giving a true sense of peace.

Mainland Greece in October

With 63–75°F (17–24°C) temperatures, it’s perfect for archaeological sites, city exploration, and hiking. Northern Greece sees autumn colors, and Athens has far fewer crowds. October is the shoulder season, perfect for cultural tourism and nature lovers.

Greek Islands in October

The big islands, Crete and Rhodes, still welcome visitors, with open restaurants and warm seas early in the month. Smaller islands wind down, but the peace is part of the charm. Olive harvest season adds local flavor and opportunities for celebrating the wine harvest and tastings, whilst Crete and Rhodes still have pleasant sea temperatures, perfect for swimming.

Highlight: Enjoy seasonal food festivals, like pumpkin fairs or wine harvests and experience a holiday that blends gastronomy with scenic exploration.

Top Tip: For a shoulder season holiday treat that won't break the bank, a villa in Crete offer a great family and group-friendly base for both sightseeing and coastal relaxation.

November in Greece

November leans into low season, with cooler, wetter days. This time of year is quiet and reflective, making it a good time of year for cultural immersion.

Mainland Greece in November

Athens stays active, averaging 54–66°F (12–19°C). Mainland museums and historic sites like Delphi and Meteora are serene, and local markets provide a glimpse into everyday Greek life. Authentic tavernas are cozy, whilst attraction and accommodation rates drop significantly.

Greek Islands in November

Most islands are quiet, but Crete and Rhodes still have mild enough weather for exploration. On islands such as Crete and Rhodes, mild weather allows for hiking coastal trails or visiting olive farms. November is also ideal for travelers seeking off-season rates on villas, creating a more personal and relaxed holiday experience without large tourist crowds.

Highlight: Thessaloniki’s International Film Festival is a cultural highlight you won't want to miss.

Top Tip: Though hiking in Greece in November is pleasant, beach days are not on the horizon again until next year. Villas with fireplaces or indoor games rooms and entertainment are just the thing for cozy autumn escapes, so seek these rental amenities out when looking to stay.

December in Greece

December kicks off winter festivities.

Mainland Greece in December

Athens and Thessaloniki light up with Christmas markets, concerts, and New Year celebrations. Ski resorts like Arachova attract winter sports fans. Temperatures sit at 45–57°F (7–14°C).

Greek Islands in December

Crete and Rhodes remain milder and more appealing to visitors, whilst Santorini and Mykonos are almost completely closed to tourists. Instead, island villages celebrate with traditional sweets and local festivities.

Highlight: Go skiing and make time to experience the festive magic of Greece in December.

** Top Tip**: December is perfect for cozy villa stays, enjoying fireplaces, slow-cooked meals, and a chance to experience Greek traditions in a quiet, authentic setting before the New Year crowds arrive. Book a holiday villa in Crete to combine Greek traditions with family space.

So, when is the best time to visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece depends on what you’re looking for:

Beach vacations: Late May to early October, with peak swimming in July-September.

Sightseeing & hiking: April-June and September-November, with mild weather and fewer crowds.

Romantic breaks: June and September, offering perfect sunsets and manageable crowds.

Budget-friendly trips: March, April, and November, when prices are lower and attractions less crowded.

Festive & cultural experiences: Easter (April) and major holidays in December and August.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect time, the next step is finding somewhere to stay. Our collection of Greek villas spans Santorini cliffside retreats, family villas in Crete, chic Mykonos escapes, and tranquil homes in Paros. With private pools, alfresco dining, and luxury concierge services, they’re the perfect base for your Greek odyssey.

Explore our Greek villa rentals today and start planning your unforgettable Greek odyssey!