Best Time to Visit Greece

Check out the temperature and key things you can do in different months to help you decide the best time to visit Greece from India.

January in Greece

• January is Greece's coldest and wettest month. The average temperature and rainfall are 10°C and 56 mm, respectively. However, it can also be sunny and mild, especially in the south and the islands.

Here is what you can do in Greece in winter:

• Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

• Explore the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. This place has a collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Roman times.

• Take a day trip to Delphi. You can see the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Stadium, and the Museum.

• Go skiing or snowboarding in Parnassos, Kalavrita, Vasilitsa, or Kaimaktsalan ski resorts.

• Celebrate the Epiphany (Theophania) on January 6. You can watch the ceremony of cross diving, where young men jump into the sea or the river to retrieve a cross thrown by the priest or join the Blessing of the Waters procession, where a decorated boat carries the icon of Jesus around the harbour.

February in Greece

• February's weather is identical to January's. However, it can also be slightly warmer and sunnier, especially towards the end of the month.

Things you can do in February in Greece are:

• Visit the Meteora monasteries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with six medieval monasteries on giant rock formations.

• Explore the Peloponnese peninsula. Visit the ancient sites of Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Corinth, the medieval castles of Nafplio, Monemvasia, and Methoni, and the natural wonders of Mani, Neda, and Voidokilia.

• Go hiking or biking in one of Greece's many national parks and forests, such as Pindos, Olympus, Vikos-Aoos, Parnitha, or Sounio.

• Celebrate the Orthodox Ash Monday (Kathara Deftera). It is the first day of the Orthodox Lent and a public holiday.

March in Greece

• Spring starts in Greece in March, typically bringing an average temperature of 12°C and about 40 mm of rainfall. Since this is the transition month between the off-season and the shoulder season, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Here is what to do in March in Greece:

• Explore the island of Crete. Visit the ancient sites of Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyna, the Venetian cities of Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion, and the natural wonders of Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon, and Elafonisi Beach.

• Go sailing or kayaking in the Aegean Sea.

• Celebrate Greek Independence Day (Eikostipempti Martiou) on March 25. Watch military and student parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks, or join patriotic songs and dances.

April in Greece

• April is the first month of the shoulder season in Greece, with an average temperature of 16°C and an average rainfall of 28 mm. This month, you can see more places opening up and more events taking place, especially in the islands and the coastal areas.

Here are some activities to enjoy in Greece in April.

• Visit Athens and enjoy the Epidaurus Festival, one of the oldest performing arts festivals in the world.

• Explore Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remains of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo and the birthplace of the god and his twin sister Artemis.

• Go snorkelling or diving in the Aegean Sea.

• Observe the International Day of Monuments and Sites (Diethnous Imeras Mnimeion kai Topothetiseon) on April 18, a day to raise awareness and appreciation of the world's cultural heritage.

• Celebrate World Book Day (Pagkosmios Imera Vivliou) on April 23.

May in Greece

• May marks the second month of the shoulder season, with an average temperature of 20°C. This month has sunny weather with blooming flowers.

Some of the things you can do in May are:*

• This is the best time to visit Santorini. You can see the iconic white and blue houses, the stunning caldera, the volcanic beaches, and the sunset views. Visit the archaeological spots of Akrotiri and Ancient Thera, Prehistoric Thera and Wine museums, and the Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos villages.

• Explore Rhodes Island. Visit the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies, and the Seven Springs.

• Go camping or glamping in Camping Gythion Bay in Peloponnese, Camping Agiannis in Halkidiki, Camping Antiparos in Cyclades, or EcoCamp Patmos in Dodecanese.

• Observe Europe Day (Imera tis Europis) on May 9.

June in Greece

• June has an average temperature of 24°C and an average rainfall of 10 mm. This month is best to experience the summer fun, the beach activities, and the music festivals.

Some of the things you can do in June are:

• Visit Mykonos island. See the iconic windmills, the colourful houses, the chic shops, and the cosmopolitan bars.

• Explore Corfu Island. Visit the Venetian Old Town of Corfu, the Byzantine Achilleion Palace, the British Mon Repos Palace, and the French Liston Arcade.

• Go windsurfing or kitesurfing in Naxos, Paros, Lefkada, Kos, or Karpathos.

• Celebrate World Music Day (Pagkosmios Imera Mousikis) on June 21. You can watch the concerts, performances, and shows or join the jams, workshops, and parties.

July in Greece

• July is the first month of the peak season in Greece. With a temperature of around 28°C and an average rainfall of 6 mm, it is one of Greece's hottest and driest months, with long days of sunshine and blue skies.

Some of the things you can do in July are:

• Visit Zakynthos island. Visit the famous Navagio Beach, also known as the Shipwreck Beach. You can also visit the Blue Caves.

• Explore Thessaloniki. Visit the White Tower, the city's symbol; the Rotunda, the oldest church; the Arch of Galerius, a Roman monument; and Aristotelous Square, the city's main square.

• Go sailing or cruising in the Ionian Sea.

• Celebrate the Feast of Agia Marina (Giorti tis Agias Marinas) on July 17.

August in Greece

• August is the busiest month to visit Greece, with many tourists, high prices, and low availability. However, it is also a lively month, with many events, festivals, and parties taking place, especially in the islands and coastal areas.

Some things you can do in August are:

• Visit Milos Island. See the famous Venus de Milo, the statue of the goddess of love. Also, visit Sarakiniko Beach, the most photographed beach on the island.

• Explore the Chalkidiki peninsula. Visit the three fingers of the peninsula, Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos, each with its character, attractions, and beaches.

• Go island hopping in the Saronic Gulf. You can visit the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and Agistri, each with its charm, history, and culture.

• Celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Kimisis tis Theotokou) on August 15.

• Celebrate the Feast of Agios Fanourios (Giorti tou Agiou Fanouriou) on August 27.

September in Greece

• September is the beginning of autumn in Greece. The weather becomes cooler and wetter, with an average temperature of 24°C and an average rainfall of 18 mm.

Here are some things to do in Greece in September.

• Visit the islands of the Sporades, such as Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, or Skyros. You can also discover some of their natural and cultural attractions, such as the National Marine Park of Alonissos, the Mamma Mia locations of Skopelos, or the Skyros Carnival.

• Visit the islands of the Ionian Sea, such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, or Lefkada.

• You can attend some of their local festivals and events, such as the Corfu Beer Festival, the Kefalonia Music Festival, or the Zakynthos Barcarolle.

October in Greece

• October is the end of autumn in Greece. The weather becomes colder and rainier, with an average temperature of 19°C and an average rainfall of 52 mm.

Here is what to do in Greece in October:

• Visit the mainland of Greece

• Discover Greece's less visited and more diverse regions, such as Ancient Olympia, the Vikos Gorge, Mount Olympus, or the Evros Delta.

• Enjoy Greece's nature and wildlife, which are at their best in October. Some national parks and reserves to explore are the Pindus National Park, the Prespa National Park, and the Dadia Forest.

November in Greece

• November is the start of winter in Greece. The weather becomes colder and wetter, with an average temperature of 15°C and an average rainfall of 58 mm.

You can enjoy the following things in Greece in November:

• Admire the medieval and Ottoman architecture, the Byzantine and Crusader castles, and these islands' UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Join some of their local celebrations and customs, such as the Feast of St. Michael in Symi, the Feast of St. John in Patmos, or the Feast of St. Nicholas in Rhodes.

• Visit some of Greece's best thermal springs and spas, such as the Loutra Pozar in Pella, the Loutra Edipsou in Evia, or the Loutra Aidipsou in Fthiotida.

December in Greece

• December in Greece sees an average temperature of 12°C and an average rainfall of 69 mm. Most of the attractions and facilities are closed or have limited hours. However, you can still enjoy some of Greece, such as:

• Experience the Greek Orthodox Christmas and New Year celebrations, which are full of traditions, rituals, and delicacies.

• Discover the hidden gems of Greece, such as the Zagorochoria villages in Epirus, the stone bridges of Arcadia, or the cave of Diros in the Peloponnese.

As you can see, Greece has something to offer every month and every season. However, if you want a general recommendation, here is our take on the best and worst times to visit Greece.

Shoulder Season: This season is from April to June and September to October. This is when the weather is pleasant, the crowds are moderate, the prices are reasonable, and the attractions are open and accessible. However, you should also be prepared for occasional rain and wind and check the opening hours and availability of the places you want to visit.

Peak Season: This season is from July to August. It is the most popular and expensive season to visit Greece, as the weather is hot and sunny, the sea is warm and clear, and the summer vibe is in the air. You must book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as they can sell out quickly.

Off-Season: This season runs from November to March. It is the least popular and cheapest season to visit Greece, as the weather is cold and wet, the sea is rough and cloudy, and the winter mood is in the air.

Greece is a tourist hotspot. As a traveller visiting this country, know that buying travel insurance for Greece is mandatory.

As part of the Schengen region, it is compulsory to buy a Schengen Visa for Greece and a travel medical insurance policy when visiting Greece.

The travel insurance plan shields you against many uncertainties that can disrupt your trip.

For example, if you need to cancel your plan because of an unavoidable situation, travel insurance pays for the expenses incurred. If you fall sick in Greece because of conditions other than a pre-existing disease, the policy covers the treatment costs.

If you are wondering about the travel insurance cost, go to Tata AIG’s website, share your trip details, and get an instant quotation.

How can I get to Greece and travel around?

Greece has many international airports that connect with major cities worldwide, as well as regional airports that serve domestic and European flights.

What is the food and drink like in Greece?

Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, tzatziki, dolmades, and baklava are the most famous dishes in Greece.

What is the currency and exchange rate in Greece?

The official currency of Greece is the euro. The exchange rate differs depending on the market, but you can check the current rate online or at a bank.