Best time to travel to Greece 2026 – weather, activities, prices

The best time to travel to Greece is late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October). At this period, the weather is warm but not hot, there is no rain, and the major attractions and beaches are open to tourists. These months are also less crowded, as the high season falls in the middle of summer, so that you can enjoy a relaxing vacation in harmony with the local flavor. 

Although these months are considered the most favorable for exploring Greece, other seasons in the country are no less beautiful for your trips. Let’s take a closer look at the weather conditions, attractions, and prices to determine the best time to travel to Greece for your specific needs. 

Explore key tourist seasons to visit Greece

Greece fascinates travelers with its golden beaches with crystal clear water, historical monuments, rocky massifs, and delicious cuisine. That’s why there is something to see in the country all year round. We divide the country into three seasons based on attendance: 

High: July – August

If you want to enjoy a seaside vacation, the best time to travel to Greece is the high season, from July to August. Air temperatures reach +35…+40 °C, the sea is clean and comfortable, and local entertainment is ready to welcome tourists. However, it is worth considering that the prices for accommodation and services are much higher, and the temperatures are dangerous. You also run the risk of encountering crowds of people on the beaches and main attractions. 

Shoulder: April – June and September – October

This period is considered the ‘velvet season‘. The weather is pleasant, but not too hot (from +24 °C to +28 °C), and the seawater is from +22 °C to +25 °C. These months are ideal for mixing beach vacations with sightseeing. In addition, the prices are lower than in the high season, and the number of tourists is much smaller. 

Low: November – March

If you’re looking to visit cultural sites and museums without crowds and at an affordable price, the low season is the best time to travel to Greece. Temperatures range from +5 °C to +18 °C, depending on the region. Many hotels and attractions may be closed, but for culture lovers, it’s ideal to explore archaeological monuments and enjoy the charm of the city.

When is the best time to travel to Greece for smaller crowds?

If you dream of seeing the country without crowds of tourists, enjoying the tranquility of the ancient streets, and sightseeing without queues, we recommend planning a trip for the shoulder or low season. 

• April – June, September – October. These periods are ideal if you want to avoid the summer heat and still catch the warm rays of the sun. The weather remains comfortable. It is perfect for long walks, sunbathing on the beaches, and exciting excursions. In the spring, you may go to ancient Athens and get to the Acropolis without waiting for hours, or visit Santorini or Rhodes in the fall, when the islands are still hot enough for evening walks along the shore and swimming during the day.
• November – March. An even more relaxed atmosphere prevails in the low season. Although the weather is cooler and it may rain, this is a great opportunity for cultural tourism. You freely explore museums, ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and small mountain villages with a Greek flavor. You may also visit Athens or Thessaloniki with their rich history and spectacular views. 

Wherever you go, you are sure to enjoy unity with nature and a quiet journey in harmony with Greek culture. 

What month is best for beaches in Greece?

The best time to travel to Greece for beach holidays is from June to September, and especially July and August, when the sea is well warmed up, the days are long, and the sun shines almost continuously. The coast is filled with tourists, numerous taverns are open, and the islands have a festive atmosphere.

In July, the air ranges from 30-35°C, and the water warms up to 25-27°C. In August, the temperature reaches 37°C on the mainland and some islands, but thanks to the sea breeze, the heat is easier to tolerate. It is worth considering that the prices for housing and airfare are the highest during this period. For example, according to Airbnb, a night in a hotel in Santorini costs $110-180 and more.

Among the most popular beach locations during this period is Crete. The island has long sandy beaches in the north and wild coves on the southern coast. The island of Zakynthos is known for the famous Navagio beach with a shipwreck. These places are great for a seaside vacation in high summer.

What is the cheapest time to go to Greece?

The cheapest season to travel to Greece is from November to March, except for the Christmas and New Year holidays. During this period, the country is immersed in calm winter weather, so airfare and accommodation prices are significantly reduced. Here is the approximate price of a 7-day vacation for one person that you can count on in winter:

• Flights. During the winter, there are budget flights of $40 one way, which is about $80 round trip. If you book early, you may find tickets for as little as $20-30, so we recommend choosing your dates in advance.
• Accommodation (7 nights). A double room in Athens or Thessaloniki in a budget hotel will cost about $30-50 per night. Let’s take the average – $40 per night. Then the price will be $40 × 7 = $350.
• Meals. You save money on food by choosing a hotel with breakfast included. There are also many taverns and cafes with affordable prices. The average daily budget is $20, so a week will cost you $140. 
• Museums and attractions. You can see cultural attractions at reduced prices. For example, the entrance to the Acropolis costs €10 from November 1 to March 30. If you visit several locations, it costs $35.

As a result, we get a total of about $600. For this price, you get unforgettable emotions from the trip and memories for many years. 

Best time to travel to Greece for good weather

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with warm, mostly dry seasons. Most of the region has dry summers and wet winters. However, conditions vary slightly depending on the region. For example, the Aegean islands are always a bit windier, while precipitation is more common in the west of the country (such as the Ionian Islands).

The rainy period lasts from November to February, sometimes partially affecting October and March. At this time, the country is visited by the fewest tourists. As for the best time to travel to Greece in good weather, it is definitely May and September. 

• In May, there is already stable weather, the sea begins to warm up, the days are long, and there are still few tourists. Nature is especially beautiful during this period: the country is covered with flowering slopes, greenery, and fresh air. It is the perfect period for excursions, hiking, and cozy beaches.
• In September, the heat of August recedes, the water remains comfortable, and the weather is dry and pleasant. It is perfect to enjoy beach vacations, walks, sea trips, and gastronomy. You will also catch the grape harvest, festivals, and fig and melon season. 

What is the best time to travel to Greece, from month to month

January

The beginning of winter is the coldest period. In the north, temperatures drop to 0°C, and it often snows, especially in mountainous regions such as Pindos or Olympos. You can go skiing, conquer steep slopes, and enjoy sunny, snowy winters.  In the center, it is cool and humid, with occasional rains. In the south, the climate is milder: the temperature rarely drops below 10°C, so you still enjoy walks, the sea (although not swimming), and atmospheric winter landscapes on the islands. This is perfect for visiting museums, spas, and thermal springs.

February

The last month of winter is rainy, especially in the south. Temperatures begin to rise slightly, but winter still lingers in the north and the mountainous regions. In the south, the spring breeze is already coming. You may visit archaeological sites and cities like Athens or Thessaloniki. You may also enjoy mountain hiking or trips to wine regions where tastings are held. 

March

Holidays in March are the beginning of the flowering and pleasant weather. The air temperature does not exceed +14-18°C, but the buds are already swelling, and the first flowers are blooming. Cities are dressed in picturesque colors. At this time, it’s good to combine sightseeing with hiking in the mountains or around the city.  

April

April is the peak of the flowering of fruit trees, wildflowers, and garden plants. We recommend active travel and hiking tours, as the scenery becomes incredibly gorgeous. You can take long excursions to Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Kastoria, and other amazing cities. You may also get away from the bustling cities and completely relax at one of the thermal resorts. On the mainland, the temperature rises to +22°C, so those who like to take a dip can even swim in the sea. 

May

May is the best time to travel to Greece. The temperature is already comfortable for a beach resort, but not yet too hot. The air is +27-30°C, and it is already quite possible to swim in the sea. It is especially good this month on the southern islands – Crete, Rhodes, and Mykonos. Here you will fully enjoy the bright sunshine and clear waves. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit historical sights before the summer heat sets in. 

June

The beginning of summer is one of the best months to relax on the beach and swim in the summer water. The heat at this time has not yet reached record levels, and the sea waves of any of the three seas are comfortable enough. The country is filled with tourists, but not as many as in July and August. You swim in the calm sea off the coast of the Peloponnese or go to Halkidiki, Crete, or Rhodes to conquer the waves. At the same time, June is great for visiting museums and archaeological sites without the crowds.

July

July is the hottest month of the year, when even the sea doesn’t help to refresh you after a hot day. The best place to travel to in Greece in July is the northern part of the country, such as the Halkidiki peninsula. It is covered with centuries-old pine groves, olive trees, and vineyards. In addition to the beauty of nature and the sea, you visit numerous monasteries on Mount Athos. Shopping tours in July are also very popular. It’s the period of big sales when you can buy fashionable bags, heels, and even fur coats.

August

August rightfully deserves the title of the hottest month of the year. In the north, the air temperature reaches + 33 ° C, and in the south – up to +35 … + 40 ° C. However, tourists are not afraid of the high temperatures, so hotels and beaches are crowded at this time. Most people go to the islands because the heat is easier to tolerate, thanks to the fresh sea breeze and refreshing waves. 

September

September is the beginning of the velvet season when the sun is no longer so aggressive and the water in the sea is still warm. Many tourists consider this month to be the best time to travel to Greece. The temperature stays at +27°C to +30°C, so it’s good for both beach and city walks. By the way, prices become lower than in the high season, so you save a penny. 

October

For most of October, Greece pleases vacationers with sunny days and warm weather. However, in the second half of the month, there is a risk of rain.  In October, tours are popular on the islands of Crete and Rhodes. They are much further south, and the warmth here lasts until November. This is also a great opportunity to visit spa resorts. 

November

Holidays in November are not very popular. Cool air that warms up by no more than 20 degrees, humidity, and prolonged rains prevail almost throughout the country. However, if the purpose of your visit is museums, temples, fortresses, and all the richness of culture that fills Greece, then the weather is not an obstacle. You will enjoy all the cultural heritage in silence and at an affordable price.

December

Vacations in December are primarily about ski tours. You climb the slopes of Olympus or Parnassus or ski on the modern trails of Selye and Metsovo. Holidays are another advantage of December. From St. Nicholas Day to the New Year, Greece is immersed in festivals and a vibrant atmosphere. The temperature does not rise above +15 °C, but you will warm up with a cup of coffee or mulled wine and enjoy the country to the fullest.

How to stay in touch during your trip to Greece?

Every traveler wants to stay in touch during their trips. Reliable mobile Internet allows you to contact your family, share photos on social networks, and quickly build routes even in unfamiliar places. If you are looking for a way to get mobile internet abroad, we recommend Ohayu travel eSIM.

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that is already built into many modern compatible smartphones. With eSIM you do not need to go to a physical store to get a package from the operator. It works like this:

• You choose the country you are traveling to, for example, Greece.

• On the page, you will find available plans with the number of GB and prices. Weigh your needs and the length of your stay to choose the most appropriate package.
• After purchase, you will receive a QR code (or SM-DP+ address) in iOS or Android apps and activation instructions.
• You can install an eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival at your destination country using airport Wi-Fi.

Also, eSIMs might have a lower price compared to home operators’ roaming fees, which makes them an affordable way to get internet abroad.

Final words

To sum up, the best time to travel to Greece depends entirely on your personal travel preferences. This country attracts tourists all year round with warm sea waves in the high season in summer and ski resorts in winter. May and September are considered the best months to travel, as this is when you can enjoy both the warm sea and the cultural attractions without the heat. Choose the best time for you and get ready to travel for an exciting experience. Don’t forget to take care of reliable Internet with a travel eSIM!

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Article by Allison Reed

Editor in Chief at Ohayu

Allison's secret passion during the last 10+ years is travel journalism. She loves to pack up, leave the comfort zone and discover new destinations and cultures to later have good memories and share her adventures. She covers digital nomad trends, global mobility, and travel tips.

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