Greece is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer means hot beach days and lively islands, spring and autumn bring perfect weather for sightseeing and hiking, and winter is the quiet season for Athens' museums and archaeological sites. Here is the best time to visit Greece for good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, the islands, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
- Best overall: May, June, and September.
- Best for beaches: June to September.
- Best for fewer crowds: November to March, outside the holidays.
- Best for low prices: April, May, and October.
Greece's Travel Seasons
- High season (June to September): Hot and sunny, with the warmest sea, the biggest crowds, and the highest prices, especially in July and August.
- Shoulder season (April to May, and October): Pleasant temperatures and good value. The sea is still cool in spring.
- Low season (November to March): Mild in Athens but rainy at times. Many island hotels close, and ferry services are reduced.
Best Time for Good Weather
April to June and September to October
Late spring and early autumn bring warm, sunny days without the extreme heat of July and August, when heatwaves can push temperatures above 40°C (104°F). This is the most comfortable time to explore archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, Delphi, and Knossos.
Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands
Late May to June and September
Early summer and early autumn offer reliable sunshine, warm seas, and open hotels and tavernas, without the August crowds. July and August are best if you want the liveliest nightlife, but expect strong meltemi winds in the Cyclades, which can delay ferries. Find your island in our guide to the best Greek islands.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
November to March
If you are not planning a beach holiday, winter is a wonderful time for Athens, Thessaloniki, Meteora, and the Peloponnese. Archaeological sites are quiet, and many state museums and sites offer free entry on certain winter Sundays. Bring a rain jacket and layers.
Best Time for Low Prices
April to May and October
Flights and hotels, including on popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, are much cheaper in the shoulder season. If you must travel in summer, choose less famous islands such as Sifnos, Naxos, or the Ionian islands for better value.
Best Time for Festivals
- Greek Orthodox Easter (March, April, or May): The most important celebration of the year, with candlelit processions, midnight fireworks, and feasts of roast lamb. Dates change each year.
- Athens Epidaurus Festival (June to August): Theater and music in ancient venues, including the theater at Epidaurus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
- August Full Moon: Some archaeological sites open in the evening for special events.
- Apokries (Carnival, February or March): Parades and costumes, especially in Patras.
Best Time for Outdoor Activities
April to May and September to October
Spring wildflowers and autumn's mild temperatures make these the best seasons for hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete (open from spring to autumn), the Vikos Gorge in Zagori, and island trails, as well as cycling and sailing.
Plan Your Trip
Read our Greece travel guide for the top places to visit, and get an egoViet Greece eSIM before you fly so you can check ferry times and weather updates on the go.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Greece
What is the best month to visit Greece?
June and September are often considered the best months, with warm seas, sunny weather, and fewer crowds than July and August.
What is the cheapest month to go to Greece?
November to March is cheapest, but many island businesses close. For good value with open hotels, choose April, May, or October.
Is it too hot to visit Greece in July or August?
It can be very hot, especially in Athens and inland. Visit sites early in the morning, and spend the afternoon by the sea.
Can you swim in Greece in October?
Yes. The sea is often still warm in early October, especially in the south and on Crete and Rhodes.