Greece Weather by Month: Complete Climate Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

What Shapes the Weather in Greece?

Before diving into the month-by-month breakdown, it helps to understand why Greece's weather varies so much depending on where you go.

Greece has three main climate zones that affect your trip planning:

The Islands (Cyclades, Dodecanese) — These get the famous meltemi wind from mid-June through September. It keeps temperatures manageable on Santorini and Mykonos even when Athens is sweltering, but it can disrupt ferries and make north-facing beaches uncomfortable. The Cyclades are drier than any other Greek region — some islands barely see rain from May to September.

The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) — Greece's green side. The Ionian islands get more rainfall than the Aegean, which means lusher landscapes but also slightly more unpredictable shoulder-season weather. Summers are warm and humid rather than the dry heat of the Cyclades.

The Mainland (Athens, Peloponnese, Northern Greece) — Athens can feel 5–8°C hotter than the islands in summer due to the urban heat island effect. Northern Greece — Thessaloniki, Meteora, the Zagori region — is genuinely cold in winter, with mountain areas getting snow. The Peloponnese sits in between.

Greece Weather by Month: The Complete Breakdown

January

Average temperatures: 5–13°C (41–55°F) in Athens | 9–15°C (48–59°F) in Crete | 4–10°C (39–50°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 6–8 rainy days | Sea temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Daylight hours: ~10 hours

January is Greece's coldest month, and it's genuinely winter. Athens hovers around 10°C during the day with regular rain, and northern Greece can see snow — Meteora dusted in white is actually stunning if you're prepared for it.

Most Cycladic islands are shut down. Ferries run limited schedules, many hotels and restaurants close, and you'll have beaches entirely to yourself — though you won't be swimming. Crete and Rhodes stay mildest thanks to their southern position, with daytime temperatures sometimes reaching 16°C.

Best for: Museum lovers, budget travelers (prices drop 40–60%), experiencing authentic Greek life without tourists
Skip if: You want beaches, island hopping, or guaranteed sunshine
Where to go: Athens (museums, urban exploring), Crete (mildest island), Thessaloniki (food scene, culture)

🏨 Find winter hotel deals in Athens — prices are 40–60% lower than summer

February

Average temperatures: 6–13°C (43–55°F) in Athens | 9–15°C (48–59°F) in Crete | 3–10°C (37–50°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 6–7 rainy days | Sea temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Daylight hours: ~10.5 hours

February is similar to January but with slightly longer days and the first hints that spring is coming. Late February can surprise you with a few sunny 17–18°C days in Athens and southern Crete, though rain is still regular.

This is carnival season in Greece — Apokries — and some cities go all out. Patras has the biggest carnival in Greece (and one of Europe's largest), while Athens and Thessaloniki have their own celebrations. It's a genuinely fun time to be in a Greek city.

The islands are still mostly closed, but Crete and Rhodes remain accessible. Chania's old town in February — quiet streets, open tavernas, locals going about their lives — is one of my favorite off-season experiences in all of Greece.

Best for: Carnival celebrations, off-season Crete, budget flights and hotels, city breaks
Skip if: You need beach weather or island-hopping schedules
Where to go: Patras (carnival), Athens, Chania, Nafplio (romantic winter escape)

March

Average temperatures: 8–16°C (46–61°F) in Athens | 10–17°C (50–63°F) in Crete | 5–13°C (41–55°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 5–6 rainy days | Sea temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Daylight hours: ~12 hours

March is when Greece starts waking up. The wildflowers begin in Crete and the Peloponnese, and you'll get stretches of genuinely warm days — I've had 22°C afternoons in Athens in late March. But it's inconsistent: one day can be warm and sunny, the next rainy and 12°C.

The islands are still largely in hibernation, though some early-opening hotels and restaurants appear on Santorini and Crete toward the end of the month. It's too cold for swimming (water is still 15°C), but perfect for hiking — the Samaria Gorge in Crete usually opens in mid-to-late April, but shorter walks in the Mani and Zagori are gorgeous in March.

Greek Easter (which often falls in April or May) is the biggest holiday of the year — if it lands in late March, you'll see preparations everywhere.

Best for: Hiking, wildflowers, archaeological sites without crowds, photography
Skip if: You want swimming or full island services
Where to go: Athens, Crete (wildflowers), Peloponnese road trip, Delphi

April

Average temperatures: 12–20°C (54–68°F) in Athens | 13–21°C (55–70°F) in Crete | 9–18°C (48–64°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 3–5 rainy days | Sea temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Daylight hours: ~13 hours

April is one of my favorite months in Greece. The weather is warming up, spring is in full bloom, and the first island businesses start reopening for the season. Late April brings days consistently above 20°C in the south, though evenings are still cool enough for a light jacket.

This is the month when Santorini starts filling up without being overwhelmed — you can actually get sunset photos in Oia without fighting for position. The water is still cold for most people (17°C), but I've seen brave locals swimming on Naxos beaches in late April.

Greek Orthodox Easter is the cultural highlight — if your trip aligns with it, witnessing the midnight Anastasi service and fireworks in a Cycladic village is unforgettable. The celebrations on Corfu (with the famous pot-throwing tradition) are particularly spectacular.

Best for: Sightseeing weather, Greek Easter, spring photography, early season deals
Skip if: You need guaranteed beach/swimming weather
Where to go: Santorini (uncrowded), Corfu (Easter), Athens, Monemvasia

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May

Average temperatures: 17–25°C (63–77°F) in Athens | 17–25°C (63–77°F) in Crete | 14–23°C (57–73°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 2–3 rainy days | Sea temperature: 19°C (66°F)
Daylight hours: ~14 hours

If someone asked me to pick one month to visit Greece, I'd say late May. The weather is warm and consistently sunny, the water finally becomes swimmable (especially in the shallower bays of Naxos and Paros), everything is green from spring rains, and the summer crowds haven't descended yet.

By mid-May, every island is fully operational — all hotels, restaurants, and ferry routes are running. Milos in May is paradise: you'll have Sarakiniko beach practically to yourself, the volcanic landscape is at its most photogenic, and boat tours to Kleftiko run with small groups.

The meltemi wind hasn't started yet, so the Aegean is calm for ferry travel. Prices are 20–30% below peak season. It's genuinely the best value-to-experience ratio of the entire year.

Best for: Overall best month — perfect balance of weather, prices, crowds, and full services
Skip if: You specifically want the peak-summer heat for tanning
Where to go: Anywhere — this is Greece's sweet spot. Milos, Naxos, Crete, Peloponnese

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June

Average temperatures: 22–31°C (72–88°F) in Athens | 21–29°C (70–84°F) in Crete | 19–29°C (66–84°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 1–2 rainy days | Sea temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Daylight hours: ~15 hours

June is the start of proper summer in Greece. Temperatures climb into the high 20s and low 30s, the sea becomes genuinely warm and inviting (22°C), and rain is almost non-existent. The famous Aegean light that photographers love is at its most intense.

Early June (first two weeks) still feels like an extension of May's magic — warm, manageable, not yet crowded. The second half of June starts getting busy, especially on Santorini and Mykonos, and prices tick upward.

The meltemi wind begins to build in the Cyclades, typically starting mid-to-late June. This is great for keeping temperatures bearable on islands like Paros and Tinos, but less great if you're on a ferry to Amorgos or trying to sunbathe on a north-facing beach.

Best for: Beach weather without extreme heat, long days, start of the sailing season
Skip if: You're extremely budget-conscious (prices are rising)
Where to go: Greek island hopping, Lefkada (beaches), Skiathos, Kefalonia

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July

Average temperatures: 25–34°C (77–93°F) in Athens | 24–31°C (75–88°F) in Crete | 22–33°C (72–91°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 0–1 rainy days | Sea temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Daylight hours: ~14.5 hours

July is full-on Greek summer — hot, dry, and busy. Athens regularly hits 35°C and sometimes pushes past 40°C during heat waves. The islands are more bearable thanks to sea breezes and the meltemi, but this is peak season with peak prices and peak crowds.

The sea is perfect — 24°C and crystal clear. This is the month where you can spend entire days alternating between swimming, eating, and napping, and it all makes sense. Beach bars on Mykonos and Ios are in full swing.

The meltemi is strong through the Cyclades, sometimes blowing at Force 6–7. This can ground ferries and cancel boat trips, especially to smaller islands. If you're planning a sailing vacation, check wind forecasts carefully — or opt for the calmer Ionian islands instead.

Best for: Beach holidays, nightlife, the full "Greek summer" experience
Skip if: You dislike heat, crowds, or high prices
Where to go: Mykonos (if you want the scene), Naxos (family-friendly beaches), Lefkada (dramatic beaches, less windy), Corfu

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August

Average temperatures: 25–35°C (77–95°F) in Athens | 24–31°C (75–88°F) in Crete | 22–33°C (72–91°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 0 rainy days | Sea temperature: 25°C (77°F)
Daylight hours: ~14 hours

August is Greece's busiest and hottest month. Greek families take their own vacations in August (Dekapentavgoustos — the August 15th holiday is bigger than Christmas for many Greeks), so you'll be competing with domestic tourism on top of international visitors. This is the month where Santorini can feel overwhelmingly crowded and booking well in advance is essential.

The weather is essentially identical to July — extremely hot in Athens, warm on the islands, zero rain. Sea temperatures peak at 25–26°C, making the water feel almost bathwater-warm in shallow bays. The meltemi is still blowing strong.

My honest take: August is the month I'm most likely to recommend alternatives. If you must travel in August, head to less-famous islands like Ikaria, Folegandros, or Astypalea, or go to Crete where the island is big enough to absorb the crowds. The south coast of Crete — Loutro, Paleochora — stays surprisingly quiet even in peak season.

Best for: Families on school holidays (no other choice), warmest sea temperatures, nightlife
Skip if: You have flexibility — May/June or September/October are better in almost every way
Where to go: Crete south coast, Ikaria, Astypalea, Alonissos (marine park, quieter)

September

Average temperatures: 21–30°C (70–86°F) in Athens | 21–28°C (70–82°F) in Crete | 18–28°C (64–82°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 1–2 rainy days | Sea temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Daylight hours: ~12.5 hours

September is Greece's other sweet spot and — I'd argue — the single best month for island hopping. The summer crowds thin out after the first week, the meltemi calms down significantly (meaning smoother ferries and calmer beaches), and the sea is still a glorious 24°C from months of summer heating.

The light shifts in September — softer, more golden, incredible for photography. Temperatures are warm without being punishing. You can actually sightsee in Athens without melting, then take a ferry to Santorini and swim until sunset.

Prices begin dropping from the second week onward, and availability improves dramatically. September is the month where I most often hear travelers say "this is better than we expected."

Best for: Island hopping, swimming, photography, sightseeing, best value-to-experience ratio alongside May
Skip if: You want the party-season peak intensity
Where to go: Everywhere — but especially the Cyclades (calmer seas), Rhodes, Crete

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October

Average temperatures: 16–23°C (61–73°F) in Athens | 18–25°C (64–77°F) in Crete | 13–20°C (55–68°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 4–5 rainy days | Sea temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Daylight hours: ~11.5 hours

October is Greece's most-searched weather month for a reason — people want to know: is it still warm enough? The answer, for most of October, is yes, especially on the southern islands.

Early October (first two weeks) can genuinely feel like an extension of summer. I've had 27°C days on Crete in early October, with the sea still warm enough for comfortable swimming. The Cyclades start winding down — some businesses close after mid-October — but Naxos, Paros, and Milos usually stay open through the month.

Late October is when the transition hits. The first real rains arrive, temperatures drop, and the islands visibly quiet down. Crete and Rhodes are the most reliable for late-October warmth — their southern position keeps them several degrees warmer than the northern Aegean.

Best for: Shoulder-season value, swimming in southern Greece, uncrowded islands, Crete and Rhodes
Skip if: You need guaranteed hot weather and all businesses open
Where to go: Crete (best October bet), Rhodes, Athens, Peloponnese road trip

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November

Average temperatures: 12–18°C (54–64°F) in Athens | 14–20°C (57–68°F) in Crete | 8–14°C (46–57°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 6–7 rainy days | Sea temperature: 19°C (66°F)
Daylight hours: ~10 hours

November is when Greece officially shifts into off-season mode. Most Cycladic islands close — ferries run reduced schedules, and you'll find ghost-town vibes on Santorini and Mykonos. It's the start of the rainy season, with gray skies and cooler temperatures that feel more like Northern European autumn.

That said, Crete is still a viable November destination. Chania in November — warm enough for a light jacket, quiet enough to hear your own thoughts, cheap enough to stay in boutique hotels for hostel prices — is genuinely wonderful. Athens also works well: 15–18°C is ideal for sightseeing, the Acropolis is blissfully uncrowded, and the food scene operates year-round.

The water at 19°C is too cold for most swimmers, though I've seen locals in Crete still going in.

Best for: Budget travel, authentic experiences, city breaks, olive harvest season
Skip if: You want beach vacations or island hopping
Where to go: Athens, Crete (still mild), Nafplio, Thessaloniki (food scene)

December

Average temperatures: 7–14°C (45–57°F) in Athens | 10–16°C (50–61°F) in Crete | 3–9°C (37–48°F) in Thessaloniki
Rainfall: 6–8 rainy days | Sea temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Daylight hours: ~9.5 hours

December in Greece is winter. Athens sees regular rain and temperatures around 12°C, Thessaloniki can drop below freezing at night, and the mountains get proper snow. The islands are closed for tourism, with only locals and the occasional determined off-season traveler.

But here's what many people don't realize: Greece does Christmas beautifully. Athens lights up with holiday markets, decorated streets, and festive events around Syntagma Square. Thessaloniki's Christmas market and illuminated waterfront are among the best in the Balkans. And mountain villages like Arachova and Metsovo transform into cozy winter retreats with fireplaces and local cuisine.

Best for: Christmas atmosphere, mountain retreats, ski season (Parnassos, Vasilitsa), budget city breaks
Skip if: You want anything beach-related
Where to go: Athens (Christmas), Thessaloniki (Christmas market), Arachova (mountain charm), Metsovo

🏨 Find winter deals in Thessaloniki

Greece Weather at a Glance: Monthly Summary Table

| Month | Athens Avg | Islands Avg | Sea Temp | Rain Days | Crowds | Swimming? |
|-------|-----------|-------------|----------|-----------|--------|-----------|
| January | 5–13°C | 9–15°C | 15°C | 6–8 | Very Low | No |
| February | 6–13°C | 9–15°C | 15°C | 6–7 | Very Low | No |
| March | 8–16°C | 10–17°C | 15°C | 5–6 | Low | No |
| April | 12–20°C | 13–21°C | 17°C | 3–5 | Low-Med | Brave only |
| May | 17–25°C | 17–25°C | 19°C | 2–3 | Medium | Yes (late May) |
| June | 22–31°C | 21–29°C | 22°C | 1–2 | Med-High | Yes |
| July | 25–34°C | 24–31°C | 24°C | 0–1 | Peak | Yes |
| August | 25–35°C | 24–31°C | 25°C | 0 | Peak | Yes |
| September | 21–30°C | 21–28°C | 24°C | 1–2 | Med-High | Yes |
| October | 16–23°C | 18–25°C | 22°C | 4–5 | Low-Med | Yes (south) |
| November | 12–18°C | 14–20°C | 19°C | 6–7 | Very Low | Hardy only |
| December | 7–14°C | 10–16°C | 17°C | 6–8 | Very Low | No |

Weather by Destination: Regional Differences

Not all of Greece shares the same climate. Here's how the weather differs across the main regions travelers visit:

Athens

Athens runs hotter than the islands in summer (regularly 35–40°C in July–August) because of its urban setting and basin geography. But it also has the best shoulder-season weather of any major Greek city — October and April can deliver surprisingly warm, sunny days perfect for exploring the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Winter is mild compared to northern Europe (10–14°C) but rainier than most visitors expect.

Best weather months for Athens: April–June, September–October

Santorini & The Cyclades

The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos) are the driest part of Greece. Rain is almost nonexistent from May through September. The main weather factor is the meltemi wind, which blows from the north mid-June through September. It makes hot days bearable but can be intense — especially on Mykonos and the northern tips of islands.

Best weather months for Cyclades: May–June, September–early October

Crete

Crete is Greece's warmest and most weather-reliable destination. It stays milder in winter and slightly cooler in summer than Athens. The south coast (Paleochora, Loutro) is sheltered from the meltemi and genuinely warm through late October. The west (Chania) gets more rain than the east (Agios Nikolaos, Elounda).

Best weather months for Crete: May–October (longest reliable season of any Greek destination)

Corfu & The Ionian Islands

The Ionians are Greece's greenest islands because they get the most rain — but that rain is concentrated in winter. Summers are warm and humid (less dry than the Cyclades) with excellent swimming conditions and little wind. Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos all share this pattern.

Best weather months for Ionians: June–September

When Is the Best Weather in Greece?

This depends on what you're planning:

For beach holidays and swimming: June through September. The water is warmest (24–25°C) in August–September, but June–July offer the best balance of warm seas and manageable crowds.

For sightseeing and hiking: April–May and October. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, archaeological sites aren't sweltering, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful (spring wildflowers or autumn colors).

For island hopping: Late May through September. You need reliable ferry schedules and at least 20°C sea temperatures. September is the sweet spot — calm seas, warm water, thinning crowds.

For budget travel: November through March. Prices drop 40–60%, and mainland Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Peloponnese) is perfectly enjoyable for culture and food-focused trips.

What to Pack for Greece (Season by Season)

The weather in Greece directly impacts what you need to bring. Here's a quick breakdown:

Summer (June–August): Light, breathable clothing is all you need. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and ferry rides — the boats can be surprisingly cold. Sun protection is non-negotiable: high-SPF sunscreen, a good hat, and sunglasses. Water shoes are smart for pebble beaches, which are more common than you'd expect.

Shoulder season (April–May, September–October): Layers are key. Mornings and evenings can be cool (15–18°C) while afternoons are warm (22–28°C). Bring a light rain jacket for April and October. You'll want proper walking shoes if you're hiking or exploring archaeological sites.

Winter (November–March): A warm jacket, waterproof layers, and closed-toe shoes. Northern Greece and mountains need genuine winter gear. Even Athens in January needs a proper coat — it's not the Mediterranean fantasy most people imagine.

FAQs About Greece Weather

Does it rain a lot in Greece?
Almost never in summer (June–August sees 0–2 rainy days per month). The rainy season is November through February. Even during the rainy months, Greece gets less rainfall than most of Western Europe — it just comes in heavier, shorter bursts rather than all-day drizzle.

Is Greece too hot in August?
Athens can be brutally hot (35–42°C). The islands are more manageable (28–32°C) thanks to sea breezes. If you're heat-sensitive, Corfu and the Ionians tend to be slightly cooler than the Cyclades, and the south coast of Crete catches good breezes.

What is the meltemi wind?
A strong northerly wind that blows through the Aegean (primarily the Cyclades) from mid-June through September. It's strongest in July–August and can reach 30–40 km/h. It keeps temperatures bearable but can cause choppy seas and ferry disruptions. The Ionian islands are largely sheltered from it.

Can you swim in Greece in October?
Yes — especially in southern destinations. The sea in Crete, Rhodes, and the southern Cyclades stays at 22°C through mid-October, which is very comfortable for swimming. By late October, it's getting marginal.

Is Greece warm enough to visit in April?
For sightseeing, absolutely. For swimming, it depends on your tolerance — the sea is around 17°C, which is cold for most people. Late April on southern islands like Crete can surprise you with 22–24°C air temperatures on a good day.

Plan Your Trip Around the Weather

The best way to plan a trip to Greece is to match your travel dates to the type of experience you want. Now that you know what to expect from the weather, these resources will help you build the perfect itinerary:

Best Time to Travel to Greece — deep dive into timing your trip
How to Plan a Trip to Greece — step-by-step planning guide
How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost? — realistic budget breakdown
Best Greek Islands to Visit — find the right islands for you
Greece 7-Day Itinerary — ready-made week plan
Greece 10-Day Itinerary — extended trip blueprint

🎒 Not sure where to go? Take our free quiz and get personalized Greek island recommendations based on your travel style, or try our AI Trip Planner for a custom itinerary.