A Detailed Travel Guide to Discover the Best Time to Visit Greece

Are you planning your adventure and searching for the best time to visit Greece? It has a classic Mediterranean climate: long, hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Here, late spring or early fall generally gives the best overall conditions for most travellers (warm sunshine, open attractions, fewer queues). In this guide, we will tell you in detail which seasons favour what kinds of activities that you can enjoy in Greece. Along the way, we will also offer you many useful tips, so stay tuned!

Table of Content

• When is the Best Time to Go to Greece
• What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Greece by Season?
• What is the Best Month to Visit Greece?
• What is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?
• What is the Best Time to Visit Greece Based on Travel Style?
• Extra Travel Tips for Visiting Greece
• Pick the Right Season for Your Greece Trip Today!
• FAQ

 

When Is the Best Time to Go to Greece?

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate that has long, sunny summers and mild winters. Summers can be very hot and dry, while winters (Nov–Mar) are cooler with rain (especially in the north and islands):

• High Season: High season is July–August. This is prime beach weather with daytime highs often above 30 °C, but it also means hordes of tourists, packed islands, lively nightlife, and the highest prices.
• Shoulder Season: Spring (April–June) and early autumn (Sept–Oct) are widely regarded as Greece’s best time to visit. During these months, the weather is warm and comfortable, many attractions are open, and crowds are much lighter.
• Off-Season: The winter season (Nov–Mar) is best described as a gradual decline in visitors per month. Hotels and flights are cheaper, but be aware that some island resorts and attractions may close or reduce hours of operation.

For travellers focused on weather and scenery, late spring or early autumn is ideal. Beach lovers may still head to the islands in summer for guaranteed sun and party atmosphere. Budget travellers save the most in winter/early spring, when flight and hotel deals are plentiful.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Greece by Season?

If you are looking for the best time of year to visit Greece according to your favourite seasons, here is the information you should know:

Spring (March to May)

If you love the spring season in Greece, the months you should target are April to June. Spring brings mild, enjoyable temperatures (typically 15–25 °C) with decreasing rain and humidity. Athens and the islands see clear skies and moderate warmth, not yet the summer heat. Tourists are still sparse, so you can explore Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and other attractions at leisure. Archaeological sites and museums are open with far smaller crowds than in summer. Many island ferries start running in April. Early-season island visits let you enjoy sunrises/sunsets and beaches in peace, before the high-season rush.

Summer (June to August)

If you love summer, you should opt for June to August, which is the busiest time to visit. Warm weather draws beach-goers and party-seekers. Expect a buzzing atmosphere in places like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Temperatures soar into the mid-20s to 30s °C (around 20–28 °C on average). Long sunny days are great for swimming and sunbathing, but midday heat can be intense. Nights stay warm and lively. This is when coastal villages and islands are most animated. Mykonos’s nightclubs, Santorini’s sunset parties, and Crete’s beach festivals are in full swing. But there is a high crowd and prices, so you should be prepared.

Autumn (September to November)

Early autumn (especially September) still feels like summer in Greece: daytime highs often mid-20s °C with plenty of sunshine. Even by October, days remain pleasant (highs around 20–24 °C), and the Aegean Sea is still warm enough for swimming. It is the time when the peak crowds of summer begin to thin. After mid-September, popular beaches and attractions quiet down. As demand wanes, hotel and flight prices often drop. Ferries have more availability, and restaurants can offer special rates.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the low season in Greece. Tourist numbers are minimal (fewer than 1 million visits per month), so hotels and flights are cheapest. You may even find off-season discounts on tours. Temperatures drop significantly (often 10–15 °C on islands and highs of 10–15 °C in Athens). Nights can get chilly. It’s mild compared to northern Europe, but bring warm layers. This is an excellent time to visit Athens, Thessaloniki, or ancient sites without crowds. Many locals say Athens feels pleasantly uncrowded in January–February. Museums and archaeological sites (like Delphi, Olympia) are open, and you can enjoy them at a relaxed pace.

What is the Best Month to Visit Greece?

After understanding the variant seasons, let's dive into the best month to visit Greece:

April & May – Best for Comfortable Weather

In April and May, the weather in Greece is mild to warm. Daytime temperatures typically lie between 15 and 25 °C. The skies are almost always clear, and rain is very infrequent. It’s warm for lighter clothing, but not stifling. The weather is perfect to visit the archaeological sites (Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia) and historical cities (Athens, Thessaloniki) leisurely. May in particular sees almost no rain and lots of sunshine, making it a fantastic month for exploring. The sea starts warming by late May, so on the warmer days, you can dip in the water (especially in southern Greece and Crete). Beach resorts begin to open, but you still avoid the summer crowds.

June – Best Balance of Weather and Crowds

June brings the onset of real summer warmth, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 20s °C. Days are long and sunny, making it perfect for beach days. By June, the sea has warmed to the low 20s °C, which is generally ideal for swimming and water sports. Visitor numbers ramp up in June, but haven’t yet peaked. Early June still feels like a shoulder month, and even late June is less crowded than July/August.

September – Best Month Overall

September is widely praised as the ultimate month to visit Greece. Daytime highs are often in the upper 20s °C (around 25–28°C), and the Mediterranean remains very warm. You’ll enjoy sunshine and a warm sea (around 24–25°C), ideal for late-season swimming. By September, the bulk of summer holidaymakers have left. Attractions and beaches become much quieter than in July–August. You can experience Santorini’s iconic sunsets and island charms almost crowd-free, and mainland ruins like Delphi and Olympia feel more tranquil.

What is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?

Santorini’s seasonality largely follows the trends above, but with some local quirks (like its famous sunsets and island nightlife), so you need these extra tips:

• April to June: In late spring, Santorini enjoys pleasant days (roughly 15–22 °C) and long daylight. It’s warm but not oppressively hot. The island is still very quiet in spring. Many visitors haven’t arrived yet, so hotspots like Oia and Fira are largely uncrowded. This means unobstructed sunset views and serene village walks.
• July to August: July–August are Santorini’s hottest months. Temperatures can reach the high 20s to low 30s °C. Days are almost always bright blue and perfect for beach clubbing or pool lounging. Summer brings a festive atmosphere with a high crowd. Beach bars, clubs (especially in Fira), and boat parties are in full swing. Traditional events and outdoor concerts often take place in August.
• September to October: It is the best time to go to Santorini overall. Early autumn on Santorini still feels summery. Daily highs remain in the mid-20s °C, and the sea is warm from the summer heat. Tourists thin out quickly after September starts. By October, the island is much quieter, letting you enjoy the stunning scenery and romantic sunsets almost to yourself.

What is the Best Time to Visit Greece Based on Travel Style?

The best time to visit Greece is also based on your travel style, which differs vibrantly:

• Beach Holidays: June to September guarantee warm weather and open beaches. July–August is Greece’s high beach season, but June and September still have great swimming conditions with somewhat fewer people.
• Budget Travel: November to March marks winter off-season, offering the steepest discounts. You’ll find cheap airfare and hotel rates outside the summer rush. February and March (pre-spring) can be surprisingly affordable, while still milder than Northern Europe.
• Couples & Honeymooners: May, June, and September are when the weather is comfortably warm, the sea is inviting, and there are fewer crowds to break the mood. Santorini and Crete are particularly romantic at these times.
• Cultural & City Travel: March–May and October are the shoulder months, bringing great city sightseeing conditions. Spring (especially April–May) has mild weather for walking tours (and Easter festivities), and October offers cool, dry days perfect for archaeological sites. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki shine in these months: it’s easy to explore ruins and museums comfortably without summer’s heat or crowds.

 

Extra Travel Tips for Visiting Greece

With this guide, if you are planning to visit Greece this year, here are some extra travel tips that might save your journey:

• Use eSIM: Instead of swapping SIM cards, consider buying an eSIM Greece data plan before you go. With an eSIM, you can load a Greek mobile data plan onto your unlocked phone via the internet. You can connect with reliable eSIM providers like eSIM Cards that offer local eSIM plans for Greece and even regional eSIM Europe so that you can enjoy your endless journey.
• Travelling Across Europe: If you have extra time, consider pairing Greece with other European destinations. For example, you might fly into Rome or Barcelona before heading to Athens. Many flights from major EU cities go to Athens, or you could island-hop via Italy. Our guides to the best European cities can help you plan which nearby capitals or hotspots to include.

Pick the Right Season for Your Greece Trip Today!

Now our travel guide has advised you the best time to visit Greece, pack your bags and take a step. Greece is a wonderland full of beautiful views and world-class amenities. Explore the activities you want to experience and plan your journey according to that. Do not forget to take your eSIM from eSIM Cards with you so that not even connectivity issues can interrupt your fun!

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Greece for good weather?

 Late spring and early autumn are ideal. In particular, April–June and September offer warm, sunny days (typically 20–25 °C) without the extreme heat of high summer.

2. What is the cheapest time to go to Greece?

 The absolute low season (November to March) is the cheapest. Tourist numbers plunge after summer, so airlines and hotels offer low rates.

3. Is summer a good time to visit Greece?

 Summer has pros and cons. On the plus side, July–August means guaranteed sunshine, hot temperatures, and all attractions and nightlife are in full swing. On the downside, it’s very hot and crowded.

4. What is the best time to visit Santorini for fewer crowds?

 Like mainland Greece, Santorini is quietest in spring and autumn. Aim for April–May or September–October.

5. How many days are enough to visit Greece?

 It depends on how much you want to see. A short trip (around 7 days) can cover Athens and perhaps one or two islands. For a full experience, 10–14 days is recommended.