What is the Best Month to Visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece depends on your preferences for weather and activities. If you enjoy exploring Athens and its museums and archaeological sites, then any time is great for a visit.

Let’s look into a season-by-season guide to planning your perfect Greek getaway and also find out if Greece is budget-friendly.

Best Time to Visit Greece

The busiest time for tourists in Greece starts from Easter until October, with summer time being the most overcrowded and expensive – especially in Athens.

July and August are unbearably, hotly, and uncomfortably.

The best time to visit is May and September-October when the weather is nice and warm.

It is usually less crowded, and the likelihood of rain is unlikely, except for holiday weekends when it is sometimes busy.

In winter (October to mid-March), it is colder and rainier. Some of the places of interest may be closed at lunchtime, and the tourist offices may have shorter hours as well.

On the downside, the hotel rates are usually lower creating an opportunity for the guests to find deals.

It’s most advisable that you should not visit the island in winter when most hotels and restaurants are shut down and poor weather may result in ferry delays or even cancellations.

How is the Winter Weather in Greece?

The winter trip to Greece sets you up for some rare escapades from the touristy routes.

This season, especially around New Year, we will use our tours to bring the European holiday mood into your trip.

During the trip to Italy & Greece, you will spend four incredible days in Greece, strolling through the ancient sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the ruined city of Mycenae in Nafplio.

When winter comes, most of the Greek island usually becomes calm as hotels, restaurants, and shops are closed and transport is limited.

Nevertheless, the island of Athens continues to be active and generous.

Spend the New Year in Greece and take advantage of seasonal flavors like Christmas markets and taste some delicious traditional Greek food such as cabbage rolls, wild greens, and bean soup.

You don’t want to miss the chance to try biscuits, doughnuts, or honey biscuits, the winter-only delicacies.

Moreover, going to Greece in winter provides less visitors’ flow, so you can feel less crowded and enjoy this wonderful place to the fullest.

December, January, and February have weather ranging from 15°F to 59°F on average.

It is when the foodies will have a chance to discover Greece and taste its delicious food in a more quiet and calm atmosphere.

How is the Summer Weather in Greece?

If sunny days and the perfect weather for great swimming are your cup of tea, there’s no better time to explore Greece, and especially the islands, than in summer.

Consider booking tours like The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete for the traditional island experience or the new Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour for a journey through the unexplored.

The main idea of our Greece tours is that you will have chances to island hop and enjoy seaside activities.

During your leisure time in Kefalonia, you can visit taverns and other additional places such as old fishing villages and Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos.

Furthermore, Grecian summer is rich in events of modern and classical kind: for example, Athens hosts weekend dance parties and the country prepares for the August Moon Festival.

Greek weather in June, July, and August averages approximately 68°F – 97°F, which is quite appropriate for recreation and basking in the sun.

Take advantage of the summer vibes and the beautiful scenery of the picturesque neighborhoods and the sights in Greece.

What Month is Ideal for Visiting Greece?

The best month to visit Greece is during the quieter seasons of spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October).

The weather is warm but not too hot, and popular destinations are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

For budget-conscious travelers, late April to early June and September to October are the cheapest times to visit.

During these months, there are fewer tourists, the weather is pleasant, and you can often find more affordable accommodation and flight options.

It’s wise to avoid traveling to Greece in July, as it tends to be the most expensive month for flights. Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so it’s warm throughout the year.

August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 34°C, while January is the coolest, with an average temperature of 13°C. January also tends to be the rainiest and one of the coldest months.

August experiences the hottest weather and the least rainfall, with an average of just 3mm.

During the summer months, you can expect long hours of sunshine, with July bringing approximately 12 hours of sunshine per day.

Is Greece an Affordable Destination?

Greece will sparkle on your itinerary and, although part of the Eurozone, it can still be a budget-friendly destination with the right advice and planning.

For instance, a cup of coffee can be cheaper at 2-4 euros, but water is always about 50 cents.

A budget-friendly trip to Greece may include Crete, Andros, Tinos, and Corfu, as well as Naxos.

These islands are less crowded, so you will not spend on transport, food, and accommodation.

Athens is one of the many European cities that is largely walkable, and to experience its culture you walk through its sites.

Likewise, although skipping around well-known sites by car or subway may seem to be a quick way to do them, you won’t experience the city’s special atmosphere.

Sitting on a cruise is a great way to see some of the Greek Islands and visit various destinations at once.

The optimal time of the year for coming to Greece depends on what you are going to do. 

The spring (April to June) and the early autumn (September and October) are the best if you want some peace with the weather a bit more mild.

The period after the spring break and the period preceding the fall break have lower prices for those who prefer budget traveling.

On the other hand, if you are a sun-lover and like island-hopping, then summer is the right choice for you. But, the caveat is that it is always crowded and costly during this time.

However, whenever you decide to go, Greece is sure to be an adventure you will always remember where the wonderful country yearns to be explored.