Best Time to Visit Greece
May to June and September to October
Quick Answer
Best Overall
May to June and September to October
Peak Season
July–August
Shoulder Season
April–May, September–October
Cheapest Period
November to March (most small-island tourist infrastructure closes for the season)
Weather Varies By Region
Greece is large enough that no single "best time" applies everywhere. Here's how the timing changes region by region.
Cyclades Islands (Santorini, Mykonos)
May–Jun, Sep–OctSummer temperatures similar to Crete but winters are cooler with strong north winds (meltemi); most small-island tourist infrastructure closes November–March.
Crete
Apr–Jun, Sep–OctStays warm nearly year-round given how far south it sits; the south and east coasts can exceed 40°C in July–August.
Athens & mainland
Apr–Jun, Sep–OctWinter is mild by northern-European standards but genuinely cool and rainy; August regularly tops 35°C.
Month-by-Month Weather
Catalog Data· Climate normals, see sources below(Verified taxonomy records from the TravelGuidesFinder destination catalog.)Average high/low temperatures and rainfall for Athens (used here as a representative reference point — see regional notes above for other areas).
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 56°F | 7°C / 44°F | 50mm | Low |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 44°F | 40mm | Low |
| March | 17°C / 62°F | 9°C / 47°F | 40mm | Low |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 53°F | 25mm | Shoulder |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | 14mm | Shoulder |
| June | 30°C / 87°F | 21°C / 69°F | 5mm | Peak |
| July | 33°C / 92°F | 23°C / 74°F | 6mm | Peak |
| August | 33°C / 92°F | 24°C / 74°F | 6mm | Peak |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 12mm | Peak |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 45mm | Shoulder |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 53°F | 60mm | Low |
| December | 15°C / 58°F | 9°C / 47°F | 60mm | Low |
Season-by-Season Guide
Spring (Mar–May)
Warming from 16°C to 25°C, driest stretch before summer
Good For
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry, 30–33°C highs in Athens, hotter still in south/east Crete
Good For
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Cooling from 29°C to 24°C, sea stays warm into October
Good For
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Mild but rainy, 13–19°C highs in Athens
Good For
Best Time to Visit For...
Island-hopping (Cyclades)
June–SeptemberAvoid August if possible — it's the most crowded and expensive month.
Santorini & Mykonos
May–June, SeptemberMost tourist infrastructure closes entirely November–March.
Crete (year-round-ish)
April–June, September–OctoberThe south and east coasts run very hot in July–August.
Athens & mainland history
April–June, September–OctoberAlso workable in winter for museum- and archaeology-focused trips.
Budget travel
November–MarchMainland only — most islands' tourist infrastructure is closed.
Cheapest Time to Visit
Since most island infrastructure shuts down November–March, budget travel in that window effectively means the mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese) — April–May and September–October are meaningfully cheaper than July–August while the islands are still fully open.
Busiest Time to Visit
July–August is peak season, intensified by Greek and broader European summer holidays — Santorini and Mykonos hit capacity, and ferries and hotels book out weeks ahead.
Weather vs. Price Trade-off
September offers nearly the same warmth and swimmable sea as August at meaningfully lower prices and crowds, since island infrastructure stays fully open through October in most places — the clearest value window in the country.
Travel Budget
Statistical Estimate· TravelGuidesFinder Cost Index(Derived from seasonal cost modeling; actual on-the-ground prices may vary.)Budget Traveler
$62/day
Mid-Range Traveler
$150/day
Luxury Traveler
$390/day
How to Get There
Athens International (ATH) is the main gateway; inter-island ferries and domestic flights (to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes) connect the islands from Piraeus port or Athens airport.
How Long to Stay
7 days covers Athens plus one island group (the Cyclades). 10–14 days allows Athens, Crete or the Peloponnese, and two islands without rushing.
Sample Itineraries
What to Pack, By Season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Greece?
May–June and September–October give warm, swimmable-sea weather without the July–August heat, crowds, and peak prices.
Is Greece too hot in August?
Athens and inland Crete can be uncomfortably hot, though island coastal breezes help. It's also the most crowded and expensive month, so shoulder season is usually the better trade-off.
Can I visit the Greek islands in winter?
Most small Cycladic islands (Santorini, Mykonos) largely shut down November–March. Larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu stay more open, and Athens makes a good winter city break instead.
Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Climate figures are 30-year averages and will not match any single trip exactly.
Sources:Athens climate normals — Climates to Travel,Regional best-time guidance — Santorini Dave