Best Places to Visit in Greece by Month: Your Complete Seasonal Guide

The Quick Answer

Greece isn't a one-season destination — each month opens up different possibilities, and choosing the right place at the right time can transform your trip.

Spring (April–May): Wildflowers everywhere, empty beaches, perfect hiking. Head to Crete, the Peloponnese, or Rhodes.

Early Summer (June): The sweet spot — warm enough for swimming, not yet overcrowded. The Cyclades are perfect: Naxos, Paros, Milos.

Peak Summer (July–August): Hot, crowded, expensive — but the islands are in full swing. Best for nightlife seekers and those who embrace the chaos.

Autumn (September–October): My favorite months. Warm seas, thinning crowds, golden light. The entire country is excellent, but Santorini, Crete, and the Dodecanese shine.

Winter (November–March): Mainland focus — Athens, Meteora, Thessaloniki, mountain villages. Most islands shut down.

Here's your complete month-by-month guide to the best places to visit in Greece throughout the year.

Understanding Greek Seasons

Before diving into specific months, here's what shapes the calendar:

The Meltemi winds blow across the Aegean from mid-June through September, strongest in July and August. They keep temperatures bearable but can disrupt ferries and make northern Cycladic beaches (Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos) windswept. The Ionian islands and Crete's south coast are more sheltered.

Sea temperature lags behind air temperature. The water is still cool in May (around 19°C), perfect in June–September (23–26°C), and surprisingly warm through October (22–24°C). By November, only the hardiest swim.

Crowds peak from mid-July through late August — school holidays across Europe send everyone to Greece simultaneously. Prices spike, ferries fill, and popular islands feel genuinely overcrowded.

Island infrastructure is highly seasonal. Many hotels, restaurants, and ferry routes only operate from Easter through October. Visit small islands in winter, and you'll find closed doors.

(For a broader planning overview, see our guide on how to plan a trip to Greece and how much a trip to Greece costs.)

Best Places to Visit in Greece in January

Weather: Cold by Greek standards (5–13°C), rainy, potentially snowy in the north and mountains. Short days.

Vibe: Quiet, local, off-season. Most islands are either closed or very sleepy.

January is for mainland Greece and mountain escapes:

Athens — The capital operates year-round, and winter brings manageable crowds at the Acropolis and museums. Hotel prices are at their lowest. The city feels genuinely lived-in rather than touristic.

Meteora — The monasteries perched on rock pillars are stunning in any season, but winter mist and occasional snow create a mystical atmosphere. Fewer tourists mean you might have monasteries nearly to yourself.

Arachova & Delphi — Greece's ski scene centers on Mount Parnassus, with Arachova as the chic base. Combine skiing with a visit to Delphi, just 30 minutes away.

Thessaloniki — Greece's second city has excellent museums, Byzantine churches, and the country's best food scene — all without summer crowds.

The catch: Don't expect beach time. Ferry schedules to islands are reduced, and many island businesses close entirely.

Best Places to Visit in Greece in February

Weather: Similar to January (6–14°C), occasionally milder toward month's end. Almond trees begin blooming in warmer areas.

Vibe: Still winter, but with hints of spring. Carnival season brings festivities.

Patras — Home to Greece's largest carnival, rivaling anything in Europe. Parades, costumes, and street parties culminate on the weekend before Clean Monday (the start of Orthodox Lent).

Nafplio — The Peloponnese's most beautiful town is lovely year-round. Winter means empty cobblestone streets, cozy tavernas, and easy access to Epidaurus and Mycenae without crowds.

Athens — Carnival extends to Athens with events and parades. The weather occasionally offers mild days perfect for walking the Plaka and exploring neighborhoods.

Crete (especially Chania) — Crete's south coast gets Greece's mildest winter weather. While swimming is unlikely, you can hike, explore villages, and enjoy the old towns without any crowds. Almond blossoms start appearing.

Mountain villages — Dimitsana, Stemnitsa, and the Pelion villages (Makrinitsa, Tsagarada) offer cozy guesthouses, fireplaces, and winter atmosphere.

Best Places to Visit in Greece in March

Weather: Transitional (9–16°C). Rain still possible, but sunny days become more common. Wildflowers begin emerging.

Vibe: Spring awakening. Orthodox Easter often falls in March or April, bringing celebrations and closures.

March is unpredictable but rewarding:

The Peloponnese — Monemvasia, Mystras, Nafplio, Olympia. Perfect weather for exploring ancient sites and Byzantine ruins without summer heat or crowds. Wildflowers carpet the hillsides.

Crete — The island starts waking up. Hiking is excellent (though Samaria Gorge doesn't officially open until May 1). Wildflowers are spectacular, especially in the mountains.

Rhodes — The Dodecanese warms up earlier than the Cyclades. The Old Town is atmospheric, and the Valley of the Butterflies begins coming to life.

Athens + day trips — Comfortable temperatures for intensive sightseeing. Combine with Delphi, Meteora, or Hydra day trips.

Orthodox Easter note: If Easter falls in March (check dates — it moves), expect Good Friday processions, midnight services, and some business closures. It's a wonderful cultural experience if you plan for it.

Best Places to Visit in Greece in April

Weather: Warming up (12–20°C). Mix of sunny days and spring showers. Sea still cool (17–18°C) but warming.

Vibe: Shoulder season at its best. Wildflowers peak, crowds minimal, prices reasonable.

April is one of my favorite months for Greece:

Crete — Peak wildflower season. The entire island is carpeted in flowers, and hiking is extraordinary. Chania and Rethymno are coming alive without yet being busy. Some adventurous travelers swim, though most find the water still cool.

The Peloponnese — Nafplio, Monemvasia, Ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae. The climate is perfect for ruins — warm enough to be pleasant, cool enough to walk comfortably. Spring flowers everywhere.

Rhodes — Warmer than the Cyclades, with medieval streets, ancient Lindos, and increasingly swimmable beaches. The island is open but not crowded.

Corfu — Famous for elaborate Orthodox Easter celebrations. If Easter falls in April, Corfu is the place to be — spectacular processions, pot-throwing traditions, and midnight fireworks.

Athens + islands — Start or end in Athens, then add Saronic islands like Hydra or Aegina for car-free charm. Ferry schedules are limited but operating.

The catch: Some smaller islands (especially remote Cyclades) won't have full tourism infrastructure yet. Water is still cold for most swimmers. Check that ferries are running to your intended islands.

Book a Delphi day trip from Athens

Best Places to Visit in Greece in May

Weather: Warm and beautiful (17–25°C). Rain increasingly rare. Sea warming (19–21°C) — swimmable for many.

Vibe: The best of both worlds — summer weather without summer crowds or prices.

May is arguably the best month to visit Greece:

The Cyclades open up — Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos. Hotels and restaurants are operating, ferries run frequently, but the August crowds haven't arrived. You can actually get dinner reservations in Santorini.

Crete — Samaria Gorge officially opens May 1. The beaches are increasingly swimmable. Elafonissi and Balos without the crowds are magical.

Rhodes and the Dodecanese — Warm enough for proper beach days. Medieval towns, ancient sites, and boat trips to Symi are all excellent.

Folegandros, Sifnos, Serifos — The smaller Cyclades are perfect in May. Quiet, authentic, beautiful.

The Ionian Islands — Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada. Lush green landscapes at their peak, beaches warming up nicely.

The catch: The very smallest islands might still have limited infrastructure. Late May can occasionally get busy around the May Day holiday and school breaks.

Find hotels in Santorini

Book a Milos boat tour

Best Places to Visit in Greece in June

Weather: Summer arrives (22–30°C). Virtually no rain. Sea comfortable (22–24°C). Meltemi winds begin mid-month.

Vibe: Early summer perfection. Everything is open, weather is ideal, crowds are building but not yet overwhelming.

June competes with May for best month:

Milos — The volcanic island's extraordinary beaches (Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Firiplaka) are perfect in June. Warm enough for all-day swimming, cool enough for comfortable exploration.

Naxos — Long sandy beaches, mountain villages, excellent food. The island feels alive but not overcrowded. Perfect for families.

Paros and Antiparos — Naoussa is charming, beaches are excellent, the nightlife warms up. A balanced island for all travel styles.

Crete — The south coast (Loutro, Paleochora, Matala) is ideal — warm but not scorching, with fewer tourists than the north.

Hydra — The car-free Saronic island is magical in early summer. Swim in the morning, wander the stone streets, linger over long lunches.

Athens Festival — The annual Athens & Epidaurus Festival begins, with performances at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Epidaurus theater. Seeing ancient Greek drama in an ancient theater is unforgettable.

The catch: Prices start rising, especially in the Cyclades. Book accommodation in advance. The Meltemi can make certain beaches uncomfortable.

Find hotels in Naxos

Best Places to Visit in Greece in July

Weather: Peak summer (25–35°C, hotter inland). No rain. Strong Meltemi winds across the Aegean. Sea warm (24–25°C).

Vibe: High season begins. Crowds, energy, higher prices. Islands are at their most vibrant (and busiest).

July is for those who embrace summer intensity:

Mykonos — If you're coming for the party scene, July delivers. Beach clubs are in full swing, nightlife is legendary, the beautiful crowd has arrived. Expect high prices and book everything in advance.

Ios — The young, wild alternative to Mykonos. Excellent beaches and relentless nightlife at lower prices.

Santorini — The caldera views are spectacular year-round, but July's long evenings and warm nights are ideal for sunset cocktails. The catch: serious crowds and extreme prices. Book months ahead.

The Ionian Islands — Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Corfu. Less affected by Meltemi than the Cyclades, with calmer seas and greener landscapes. Beaches like Myrtos (Kefalonia), Navagio, and Porto Katsiki (Lefkada) are at their best.

Northern Greece — Halkidiki's three peninsulas offer beautiful beaches popular with Greeks and Eastern Europeans but less known to international tourists. Thasos is an underrated green island.

The catch: Everything costs more. Ferries, hotels, and restaurants are crowded. The Meltemi can disrupt travel and make exposed beaches uncomfortable. Plan carefully and book ahead.

Find hotels in Mykonos

Best Places to Visit in Greece in August

Weather: Peak heat (26–35°C, sometimes 40°C+). Strong Meltemi. Warmest sea (25–26°C). No rain.

Vibe: Maximum crowds, maximum prices, maximum energy. Greece is at its busiest as all of Europe takes vacation simultaneously.

August requires strategic planning:

Skip the obvious hotspots — Unless you book months ahead and don't mind crowds, avoid peak-season Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Instead, consider:

Ikaria — The "Blue Zone" island has a different rhythm. August brings famous panigiria (religious festivals with all-night dancing). It's busy by Ikarian standards but relaxed by Greek island standards.

Amorgos — Dramatic cliffs, the monastery from The Big Blue, and a crowd that's more alternative than mainstream.

Karpathos — Between Rhodes and Crete, with excellent beaches and traditional mountain villages that tourism hasn't transformed.

The Small Cyclades — Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Donoussa. Tiny islands with limited accommodation — which keeps crowds manageable even in August.

Crete's south coast — Loutro (car-free, boat-access only), Paleochora, Sougia. Sheltered from Meltemi, less crowded than the north, genuinely beautiful.

August 15 note: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is Greece's biggest summer holiday. Everything closes, Greeks travel en masse, and islands with major churches (especially Tinos) experience pilgrimage crowds. Plan around it.

The catch: Prices are highest of the year. Ferries sell out. Accommodation must be booked well in advance. The heat can be genuinely oppressive for sightseeing.

Best Places to Visit in Greece in September

Weather: Still summer (23–30°C). Meltemi fades. Sea at its warmest (25–26°C). First hints of autumn toward month's end.

Vibe: Shoulder season perfection. Crowds thin dramatically after the first week. Weather remains excellent.

September is my favorite month for Greece:

Santorini — Everything that makes Santorini famous — caldera views, sunsets, wine — without August's crowds and prices. The sea is warm, the light is golden, and you can actually move through Oia without being trampled.

Crete — September is arguably Crete's best month. The sea is warm from months of summer sun. Elafonissi and Balos are stunning without peak crowds. Hiking becomes pleasant again.

Rhodes and the Dodecanese — Warm seas, functional infrastructure, thinning crowds. The medieval towns are comfortable to explore without summer's heat.

Milos — The extraordinary beaches are at their most inviting — warm water, calmer seas, and boats that can actually reach Kleftiko without wind cancellations.

Symi, Patmos, Leros — Smaller Dodecanese islands that feel perfect in September's mellower atmosphere.

The Peloponnese — Combine swimming with archaeology. Nafplio, Monemvasia, and the beaches of the Mani peninsula are excellent.

The catch: Some smaller operations start closing toward month's end. Ferry schedules may reduce slightly. Book ahead for the first two weeks (still busy).

Find hotels in Milos

Book a Santorini sailing tour

Best Places to Visit in Greece in October

Weather: Autumn arrives (18–25°C). Occasional rain returns. Sea still warm (22–24°C) through mid-month.

Vibe: Late shoulder season. Many tourists gone, locals reclaiming their islands. Some businesses start closing.

October extends the season beautifully:

Crete — Greece's warmest island remains excellent through October. The sea stays swimmable, Chania and Rethymno are atmospheric, and the mountains offer perfect hiking weather.

Rhodes — The Dodecanese stay warm longer than the Cyclades. Medieval Rhodes Town is magical without crowds, and beach days are still entirely possible.

Santorini — Early October is still beautiful. By mid-month, some restaurants close, but the caldera views are eternal and the crowds are gone.

Athens — The capital is perfect in October. Comfortable temperatures for the Acropolis, vibrant cultural scene, and the Plaka without summer's humidity.

Nafplio + Peloponnese — October combines pleasant weather with grape harvest. The Nemea wine region is in full production, and the ancient sites are comfortable to explore.

Corfu — The greenest Greek island gets its rain in autumn, but October is still largely pleasant with occasional dramatic skies and emptying beaches.

The catch: Many smaller islands effectively close in October — ferries reduce, hotels shut, restaurants close. Stick to larger islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) or the mainland. Weather becomes unpredictable toward month's end.

Find hotels in Crete

Rent a car in Crete

Best Places to Visit in Greece in November

Weather: Autumn in full swing (12–18°C). Rain increasingly common. Sea cooling (19–21°C) — dedicated swimmers only.

Vibe: Off-season begins. Most island tourism ends. Mainland focus.

November is for cultural travelers:

Athens — The city excels in autumn. Museums without queues, the Acropolis without tour groups, excellent food, and cultural events year-round. The weather is mild enough for outdoor exploration on most days.

Thessaloniki — Greece's second city arguably peaks in November. The Thessaloniki International Film Festival draws crowds, restaurants are in full swing, and you'll experience the city as locals do.

Meteora — The monasteries are dramatic in autumn light, often with mist drifting through the rock pillars. Fewer tourists mean more contemplative visits.

Crete (select areas) — Chania and Heraklion remain viable year-round destinations. Swimming is unlikely, but the old towns, museums, and mountain villages are atmospheric.

Wine regions — Nemea, Naoussa, Santorini (if still open). The harvest is complete, and wineries welcome visitors.

The catch: Most islands are closed or closing. Weather is genuinely unpredictable. Focus on cities and the mainland.

Best Places to Visit in Greece in December

Weather: Winter arrives (7–13°C). Regular rain. Occasional snow in mountains and northern regions.

Vibe: Low season. Holiday atmosphere in cities. Mountains for skiing.

December offers a different Greece:

Athens — The city decorates for Christmas and New Year. Syntagma Square hosts a tree and ice rink, the Plaka twinkles with lights, and cultural events continue. The Acropolis in winter light has its own beauty.

Thessaloniki — Known for having Greece's best Christmas atmosphere. Excellent food, markets, and a cosmopolitan energy.

Mountain villages — Arachova near Delphi is Greece's most chic ski town. The Pelion villages, Zagorochoria in Epirus, and the Peloponnese mountains offer cozy guesthouses, fireplaces, and authentic winter character.

Meteora — Potentially snow-dusted rock pillars and monasteries. Magical if the weather cooperates.

New Year's in Greece — Greeks celebrate New Year's Eve intensely. Athens' Syntagma Square has concerts and fireworks. Restaurants fill with families and vasilopita (New Year's cake).

The catch: Island travel is essentially impossible for tourism purposes. Weather is unpredictable. But for those who want a cultural, city-focused trip, December offers value and authenticity.

Quick Comparison: Best Greece Destinations by Month

Month

Best Destinations

Weather

Crowds

Swimming

Prices

January

Athens, Meteora, Thessaloniki

Cold, rainy

Very low

No

Lowest

February

Patras (Carnival), Nafplio, mountains

Cold, variable

Low

No

Low

March

Peloponnese, Crete, Rhodes

Warming

Low

Brave only

Low-Medium

April

Crete, Peloponnese, Rhodes, Corfu

Pleasant

Low-Medium

Cool

Medium

May

Cyclades, Crete, Ionian, Dodecanese

Ideal

Medium

Warming

Medium

June

Milos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Hydra

Warm

Medium-High

Perfect

High

July

Mykonos, Ionian, Northern Greece

Hot

High

Perfect

Peak

August

Off-the-beaten-path islands

Hot

Peak

Perfect

Peak

September

Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Milos

Warm

Medium

Warmest

High

October

Crete, Rhodes, Athens, Santorini

Pleasant

Low-Medium

Warm

Medium

November

Athens, Thessaloniki, Meteora

Cool, rainy

Low

No

Low

December

Athens, Thessaloniki, Mountains

Cold

Low

No

Low

How to Choose Your Month

You want the best weather AND swimming → June or September

You want value and fewer crowds → April, May, or October

You want peak island energy (and can handle crowds) → July or August

You're focused on archaeology and culture → March, April, October, or November

You want a winter escape → December through February (mainland focus)

You're flexible and want the sweet spot → Late May or early June

Still not sure when to visit? Take our free quiz for personalized recommendations based on your travel style.

Final Thoughts

The "best" time to visit Greece depends entirely on what you want from your trip. I've had magical experiences in every month — from swimming in October's warm Aegean to watching snow fall on Meteora's monasteries in January.

If I had to choose one period, late May through mid-June offers the best overall combination: warm enough for swimming, infrastructure fully operational, crowds building but not yet overwhelming, and prices that haven't hit their peak.

September is a close second — the sea is at its warmest, the summer chaos has passed, and the light has that golden quality that makes photographers weep.

But even August has its place if you choose your destinations wisely. And winter Greece — so often overlooked — rewards those who embrace its different rhythm.

The key is matching your expectations to the season. For more help planning, see our complete Greece trip planning guide and our 7-day and 10-day itineraries.

FAQ

What is the best month to visit Greece overall?

Late May through mid-June and September are the sweet spots. In late May and June, the weather is warm (22–28°C), the sea is swimmable (21–24°C), all tourism infrastructure is operational, but the peak summer crowds haven't arrived yet. September offers similar advantages with the bonus of the warmest sea temperatures (25–26°C) after months of summer sun. Both periods offer better value than July–August and more reliable weather than shoulder months like April or October.

Is October too late to visit Greek islands?

Not at all — October is excellent for the larger islands. Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu remain fully functional with warm weather (20–25°C) and swimmable seas (22–24°C) through at least mid-October. Santorini is still viable in early October. However, smaller islands (especially in the Cyclades) start closing — ferries reduce, hotels shut, and restaurants close for the season. Stick to larger islands or the mainland in late October.

When is the cheapest time to visit Greece?

November through March offers the lowest prices — often 40–60% less than peak season for flights and accommodation. April and late October also offer good value with better weather. The catch: most island tourism is impossible in winter, so you're limited to mainland destinations like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Meteora. For the best value with full island access, target early May or late September/early October.