Best Time To Visit Greece
Sunny beaches and clear skies on your Greek vacation
Greece, the land of Apollo and the Acropolis, is a country filled with mythology and mystique! Crumbling ruins that tell stories of an ancient civilization and picturesque islands with whitewashed houses that stand out against a bright blue sky are some of the things that make Greece an enticing destination.
The best time to visit Greece is from May to October. Temperatures range from 70-90°F (21-32°C). However, like many other European countries, it can get quite crowded during the summer months between June and September.
If you want to avoid the peak season crowds, then the best time to visit Greece is in spring (April to June) and fall (September – October). The weather during both these periods is warm and dry, which makes it ideal for exploring the country without being troubled by the heat or rain.
Whether you are interested in history or culture, there is a fabulous array of attractions and activities that you can enjoy. Our list of the top things to do in Greece, along with the information in this guide, can help you decide on the ideal time to visit this beautiful country.
Best Time To Visit
overview
we recommend
- Discover ancient treasures at the Acropolis museum
- Savor the best of Greek food in Athens
overview
we recommend
- Take a tour of the Parthenon
- Explore the breathtaking islands of Greece, even more alluring, without the crowds
overview
we recommend
- Trek to the monasteries of Meteora that sit atop majestic rock formations
- Watch the change of guards at Syntagma Square in Athens
overview
we recommend
- Find out how it all began at the ancient site of the Olympics in Olympia
- Explore the island of Naxos by foot or on horseback
overview
we recommend
- Climb up the 900+ steps of the Palamidi Fort in Nafplio for some stunning views of the ocean and town
- Explore the charming island of Hydra – its stone mansions, monasteries and cobblestone streets
overview
we recommend
- Witness unforgettable sunsets at Santorini
- Take a boat ride into the caves and around the impressive arches of Kleftiko at the island of Milos
overview
we recommend
- Rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Psarou Beach in Mykonos
- Wander the pedestrianized streets of the Chora settlement in Folegandros
overview
we recommend
- Splash into the azure blue waters of Balos Beach in Crete
- Hike the Samaria Gorge trail in Crete that takes you through towering cliffs and ends with unforgettable views of the Libyan Sea
overview
we recommend
- Climb the mighty Mt.Olympus, known as the mountain of the Gods
- Visit the old fortress at Spinalonga on a day trip from Elounda
overview
we recommend
- Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Plaka in Athens
- Savor the fine wines and delicious foods of the island of Santorini
overview
we recommend
- For a lesson in Greek history, head to Delphi and explore its ancient temples, theaters and stadiums
- There’s plenty to see at Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete with its Minoan civilization artifacts
overview
we recommend
- Develop an appreciation for the art and architecture of ancient Greece at the National Archaeological Museum at Athens
- Walk down the lively Ermou Street in Athens, all lit up for the festive season
Best Time to Visit Greece by Season
Greece experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and cool, wet winters.
The summer season runs from June to mid-September, with temperatures from the mid-80s to 90s and little to no rain. There is a light breeze blowing across the islands, which makes for pleasant weather conditions. Sea temperatures are at their warmest during this time.
Autumn in Greece is often viewed as one of the best times to visit the country. Temperatures start to drop by the latter half of September, but it is still warm until October. Rainfall levels start increasing, but there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beaches and attractions.
Winter sets in by November, though cold temperatures start showing up in the southern parts only by mid-December. It is the wettest time of the year, and snow is not uncommon in the northern parts of the country.
Springtime weather starts showing up in March with a sudden increase in temperatures in May. Water temperatures are too cold to swim in, but it’s a good time for sightseeing and hiking.
What to pack
During summers, warm temperatures call for light, breathable fabrics, swimwear, and plenty of sun protection – hats, glasses, and sunscreen. Day time temperatures in fall are warm, but nights can get a little chilly, so we recommend you pack a light jacket or sweater.
With temperatures dropping into the 50s during the winter months, it’s best to pack a winter jacket and warm layers. December and January see a fair bit of rain, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket. Spring sees fluctuating temperatures, so it’s best to pack light layers.
Get in touch with us to discover the best time for you to visit Greece. We will be happy to create a tailor-made Greece vacation package for you with no obligation!
Popular Trips to Greece
-
Fabulous Flavors of Greece
Embark on a culinary journey to uncover the assorted treasures of Greek cuisine and culture. Savor Greek wines at a family-run establishment in the company of a sommelier before heading off on a personalized Athens food tour with a local expert. More wine tastings await you at Santorini’s renowned vineyards. While here, you can go…
View More -
Highlights of Türkiye and Greece
From Istanbul to Delphi, embark on a Mediterranean adventure on this custom tour.
View More -
Islands of Greece: Naxos, Paros and Santorini
The perfect tour for those who want to delve into the history and culture of three fabulous Greek islands. Admire the scenic coast and fishing villages around Naxos, and savor Naxian cuisine through a personalized cooking class. Walk around the lively old market and ruins of the Venetian Fortress at Paros. Visit Oia, the Bronze…
View More -
Highlights of Italy and Greece
Experience the best of Italy and Greece on this superb 12-day tour. Enjoy guided walking tours of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Rome, which was the center of the mighty Roman Empire.
View More -
Northern Greece and Corfu Highlights
This the perfect tour for history lovers looking to do something different in Greece. You will also get to discover the region’s vibrant culture and natural beauty as you explore the port city of Thessaloniki and the hilltop monasteries of Meteora. Relax on the beautiful island of Corfu, visit its many churches and museums, and…
View More -
Greece: Mainland and the Peloponnese
Explore the best of Greece – from the most popular cities to offbeat island destinations. Explore Grecian culture and heritage in historic locales such as Athens, Monemvasia, and Meteora, unwind at picturesque seaside towns of Nafplio and Galaxidi, and enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside. Make the most of your visit to Greece with…
View More
Best Places To Visit
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“Trip planners and coordinators are wonderful, knowledgeable, and professional. All local contacts were vetted and fabulous. Our family had a great time in Greece.”
June 2025 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels is the first travel agency I have ever used. The trip was the first overseas trip I have ever been on. Enchanting Travels really listened to what I wanted, asked plenty of questions so that they understood my goal for the trip, offered suggestions that made our trip even better, and kept in contact with me from start to end. They are very knowledgeable about the locations, the customs of the regions, and what the best experience for you will be. This may have been my first trip, but it will not be my last, and I will definitely be using Enchanting Travels again!”
September 2023 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels was successful in what they sought out in helping us make our trip truly Enchanted. It was magical in the ways that their staff showed up on time, the stories they shared on our tours, and the goodbye gift in our final stop. We could not have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate ten years together!”
August 2023 Rating 5/5
“Shannon listened to our preferences and how we like to travel and designed an amazing vacation for us. Our trip was beautiful and stress free from start to finish!”
August 2023 Rating 4/5
“So many things we loved! We loved having Anto as our constant contact. He really cared about our well-being, from making sure our travels went well and we arrived at our destinations safely, to providing us with Celiac restriction cards written in Greek that we could share with restaurants to keep our newly-diagnosed daughter safe. Each on-ground representative was kind, friendly and helpful in locating us at airports, ferries and hotels as well as transporting us to each. Lastly, our tour guide in Athens, local chef/teacher and sunset cruise staff couldn’t have made our experiences any better: amazing experiences with amazing people. All of our land contacts were overseen by Anto who did an incredible job in keeping things coordinated, seamlessly. Anto was nothing short of kind and professional.”
August 2023 Rating 5/5
“Could not have been more happy with the thoughtful planning and support offered by the entire Enchanting Travels team. They created an unforgettable trip for our family.”
August 2023 Rating 5/5
