For the most part, Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Greece is ideal for sun lovers as it has clear, sunny skies for more than 2/3 of the year and long periods of rain are rare.
Seasons in Greece
There are two seasons in Greece - hot and dry period from April to September; soft and moist from October to March. However, depending on the topography and distance from the coast, weather conditions vary: in the high mountains and on the plains of the islands, for example, the climate is very different; inland regions have more pronounced seasons than on the coast; the south is hotter and drier than the north.
Weather by month
It is worth knowing the weather forecast in Greece in advance to plan a comfortable vacation. The weather table in Greece by month will help you get an idea of what the weather is like in Greece in different seasons.
| During the day | At night | Sea | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +10 | +2 | +11 | |
| February | +13 | +4 | +11 | |
| March | +18 | +6 | +16 | |
| April | +21 | +10 | +18 | |
| May | +25 | +15 | +20 | Beach |
| June | +30 | +19 | +22 | Beach |
| July | +34 | +21 | +24 | Beach |
| August | +33 | +21 | +25 | Beach |
| September | +28 | +18 | +24 | Beach |
| October | +22 | +13 | +23 | Beach |
| November | +16 | +9 | +18 | |
| December | +12 | +4 | +12 |
Beach season on the islands
The Greek islands, where most tourists prefer to relax, have a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Beach season begins in May, with an average daily temperature of 20°C. The weather in Greece in July and August is considered ideal - during these peak months the thermometer rarely drops below 22°C even at night. Fortunately, the islands are visited by cool sea breezes that blow from the north and northwest. From mid-May to mid-September the climate is very dry, and in July and August there is no rainfall at all.
Winter weather on the islands
Winters are mild and damp, with temperatures usually ranging from 3°C to 12°C, although on a sunny day they can reach 20°C. December is the wettest month of the year, and strong storms often occur in the Mediterranean Sea at this time, bringing stormy weather for several days, with strong winds and heavy rain. However, since most of the precipitation falls in showers, there may still be many sunny days ahead, making the winter very pleasant and quiet.
Round-trip flights to Greece
Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.
Mainland weather
Mainland Greece has a slightly different climate: it is less influenced by the sea than the islands, exposed to European influences and has many microclimates due to the influence of the mountains and prevailing winds. It experiences more extreme temperatures compared to island and coastal regions. For example, the weather in Greece in July is very hot - in Athens the thermometer reaches 40°C, and once reached 48°C. Winters are cold and temperatures can drop below freezing and snow can occur in low-lying areas, although this is not common.
Weather fluctuations occur throughout mainland Greece - eastern Greece and Athens are significantly drier, while the north and west have a wetter climate. The north and east of the country have a continental climate, with large temperature differences. In the north of the country, average temperatures are typically about 5°C cooler than coastal areas during the winter.
Greece- one of the most vibrant resorts Europe. Here you can find everything - long sandy and pebble beaches, snow-capped peaks, coniferous forests, as well as islands that are completely different from each other. Still would! Greece has almost one and a half thousand islands. Not all of them are inhabited. However, each of them has its own climatic and natural characteristics.
Description of the weather in Greece for each month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Climate zones of Greece
In accordance with the school geography course, Greece can be divided into 3 climatic zones:
- Temperate zone(central Greece, north and northeast of the country). It is characterized by the contrast between summer and winter temperatures.
- Typical Mediterranean climate zone(southern part of the country and islands). Summer is hot and dry. In winter it is warm and humid.
- Selected alpine climate zones. They are found in the mountains of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese and even on some islands. In summer it is much cooler here than on the coast. And in winter, real snowy winters come to the mountains, and the temperature drops below zero.
If you don’t go deep into climate terms, you can use a simple rule. The further north the region of Greece, the colder it will be in winter. In summer, it is hot throughout Hellas. Differences in temperature indicators in the summer months in different regions of the country are insignificant. Of course, in Crete, in the southernmost region, average temperatures in June - August will be slightly higher than on the Chalkidiki Peninsula, in North-Eastern Greece. In April – May and September – October geographical position region can significantly influence a traveler’s choice, since in the south of the country the season begins a little earlier and ends later than in other regions. A distinctive feature of almost all greek islands are seasonal winds. Here you need to consider each island separately.
Weather in Greece
There is no distinct spring and autumn in Greece. Therefore, it is advisable to distinguish two seasons:
- Cold and rainy (mid-October to March);
- Warm and dry season (from April to the first half of October).
In January and February, the temperature is around +5..+10 °C on the coast and 0..+5 °C in the central part of the country. Stable sub-zero temperatures can be observed in the mountains. In March it becomes much warmer. And with the arrival of April and May, everything begins to bloom and smell fragrant in Greece. The sea is gradually warming up. The first tourists appear. The hottest days in all regions of the country fall in July and August. Of course, Greece is not the Sahara. However, temperature records during the summer months are impressive. Daytime highs exceed 40°C, and the degree of warming sea water Greek resorts can easily compete with Asian ones at the height of the season.
Warm and sunny days are a peculiar business card Greece. There are about three hundred such days a year. In summer there is practically no precipitation. But in the winter months it can rain for several days in a row. There is heavy snowfall in the mountains. Snow cover on some peaks lasts almost until summer. Sometimes snow also falls in the coastal regions of the country. The Greeks perceive such a “gift” of nature as a real apocalypse. Houses, cars, road services, and the Hellenic wardrobe is simply not ready for such shocks.
Tourist seasons
height swimming season in Greece it falls between July and August. During these months, the local beaches are crowded. Holiday and accommodation prices are reaching their peak. But vacationers have the opportunity to enjoy a truly warm sea.
In May - June, September - October there are fewer tourists on the beaches of Hellas. You can always find a tour at an attractive price. However, be prepared for the fact that the sea can be quite cool, especially in early May and late September.
From November to March there are few tourists in Greece. Many attractions and entertainment are not open at all during the winter months. Domestic travel companies Package tours to this country are rarely offered during the cold season. But in vain. In winter, tourists definitely have something to do in Greece. Firstly, you can safely explore the tourist attractions without unnecessary fuss and noise. Secondly, the country has many ski resorts. Few people in Russia think that the snow-capped peaks of mountainous Greece are also suitable for winter holiday. The ski season is in January and February. The third attraction of the country during the cold season is thermal springs and spas. Equipped recreation areas are mainly concentrated in the Macedonia region.
Important! If you are going to Greece in winter, check whether the hotel you have chosen is prepared to receive tourists during the cold season. Winters in Greece are short. Therefore, apartments and hotels are poorly adapted to cold weather. Your room may be quite cool.
What clothes to take with you
Summer in Greece, especially during the high season, is very hot. Take clothes made from natural fabrics, hats and sunglasses with you. In May - June, as well as in September, in the evening you may need a light blouse or even a sweater. In April and October, a light raincoat or jacket will be relevant.
If you are planning a trip to Greece from late October to March, take warm autumn clothes and an umbrella with you. The weather here is extremely unpredictable at this time of year. So be prepared for temperature changes. Warm and summer-like sunny days can give way to real winter with snow, even in Athens. And if you are going to the mountains, feel free to wear a winter down jacket and appropriate shoes. However, Greece is famous for its fur products, so if you have a certain amount of money, enterprising Greek fur traders will not let you freeze.
Important! Due to the long coastline, the climate in Greece is humid in winter. Accordingly, low temperatures are tolerated much worse than, for example, in central Russia. When checking the weather forecast before your trip, take this factor into account when choosing your wardrobe.
Weather in Greece by month
April
April is considered the beginning of the season southern islands Greece. The best place for rest at this time - South coast Krita. Please note that the air and water temperatures on the island reach comfortable values only towards the end of the month.
It's much cooler on the mainland. The weather is perfect for sightseeing. You can appreciate the heritage of ancient Hellas in Athens and the Peloponnese without the fuss and queues. Rainfall in April is rare in all regions of Greece, so you won't need umbrellas.
There are no historical sites on the Halkidiki peninsula. April is absolutely not suitable for swimming here. But you can enjoy walks along the blooming spring peninsula.
May
There are slightly more tourists in May than in April. Throughout the country it is sunny and dry. In Crete and Rhodes you can swim at the beginning of the month. And if you want to relax in Corfu, Chalkidiki or Thassos, wait until June.
June
The real tourism boom in Greece begins in June. The sea is already quite warm. For those who are used to relaxing in tropical resorts, you should go again to Crete. The wind season has not yet begun there. The waters of the Ionian Sea warm up later than the Mediterranean and Aegean. It is better to go to Zakynthos and Corfu at the end of the month.
July and August
July and August are the hottest months in Greece. The water warms up to 28 °C. Tourists who cannot tolerate the heat are recommended to go to the islands. Gentle summer breezes help survive high temperatures. However, choosing an island should be approached with the utmost seriousness, as the winds can cause strong waves and storms. The islands of the Aegean Sea are famous for windy weather at the height of the season: Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini. But on Ionian Islands(Corfu, Zakynthos) much calmer. If you are not afraid of the heat, feel free to go to Halkidiki. The Greek wind gods pay no attention to this peninsula at all. You can enjoy the relative coolness without storms and strong waves in Thassos.
September
September is a velvet season throughout Greece, without exception. The air and water temperatures are high in summer. Good weather lasts the longest in Crete and Rhodes. In northern Greece (Chalkidiki, Corfu, Thassos) it may become cool by the end of September.
October
It is impossible to predict what the weather will be like in Greece in October. The Velvet season it may last, but no one will give you any guarantees about it. It is warmer in the southern regions of the country. As at the beginning of the season, choose Crete. But in Rhodes it can rain already in October. Due to the characteristics of the movement of air masses, the humidity here is much higher than in Crete or Athens. In northern Greece and the Ionian Islands beach season already finished.
November
By November, popular resorts become deserted. The beginning of the month is relatively warm. By the end of November the temperature drops. The rainy season begins. If you do plan your trip for this period, go to the continent. It is rainy and windy on the islands in November. Athens can offer you a wide variety of leisure activities.
December, January and February
As already noted, winters in Greece are warm. It rains on the coast and snow falls in the mountains. The ski season begins in January–February. In the north of Greece, in the Pindus mountains, in the regions of Evrytania and Phokis, there are large ski resorts. Thermal springs also mainly concentrated in the north of the country in Macedonia. They are also found in the central regions, and even on some islands (Crete, Lesbos, etc.).
March
In March, spring comes to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The rains stop. It's getting warmer every day. The unique Greek nature comes to life. There is no talk of swimming in the sea yet. March is ideal for hiking. Choose any direction and enjoy spring Hellas. The excursion program has still not been cancelled.
Weather in cities and resorts by month
Athens
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 14 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 30 | 24 | 19 | 15 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 7 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 | |
| Rains, mm | 51 | 46 | 46 | 29 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 42 | 69 | 73 |
Zakynthos
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 23 | 19 | 16 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 10 |
Ierapetra
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 16 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 18 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 11 |
Meyisti
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 17 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Kefalonia
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 16 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 10 | |
| Rains, mm | 93 | 100 | 67 | 50 | 20 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 31 | 95 | 156 | 150 |
Kerkyra
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 23 | 19 | 15 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 7 | |
| Rains, mm | 137 | 125 | 98 | 67 | 37 | 14 | 9 | 19 | 81 | 138 | 187 | 186 |
Rethymnon
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 13 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 22 | 18 | 14 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 7 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
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Greece is amazing country, located in southern Europe, with a subtropical climate where summers are dry and hot and winters are rainy but warm.
If you decide to visit this country, you should definitely know what the weather in Greece awaits you in a given month in order to choose the most optimal and suitable conditions for a memorable vacation.
So, what is the weather like in Greece by month, and the water temperature? See charts, read reviews and find out which month is the best to vacation in Greece.
In winter in Greece, as a rule, there is no snow, and if it falls, it melts in the air. The weather stays at +10...+13 degrees Celsius.
In December, during the Christmas holidays, the weather in Greece is cool, up to only +12°С, at night it can even drop to +5°С, and the water in the sea, although warmer than the air temperature - up to +16°С, is still impossible to swim. But on sunny days you can visit the sights and many holidays that take place during this month.
January can please you with a pleasant surprise. Such as an increase in air temperature to +20°C. But this happens on certain days, which the Greeks call “alkeonid days”, named after the alkeonid birds that it is during this “warm” January period that they hatch their offspring. The rest of the time, the temperature does not rise above +15°C during the day and +8°C at night, and the water in the sea remains the same cool – only +16…+17°C.
February in Greece is usually windy and cold, and there are much fewer sunny days than in the rest of the winter. The air temperature warms up to an average of +12...+15°C, and at night it can even drop to +9°C. Swimming is still not advisable, since the water in the sea remains cold +15°C.
March can be a little disappointing with light heavy rains typical for this time of year. The air temperature is already warming up to +19°C in some places. At night it still remains cool – up to +14°C. The water in the sea is also cool - no more than +15...+16°C. But flowers are blooming, transforming this country beyond recognition!
In April it gets warmer in Greece. The air warms up to +20...+23°С, but the sea is not yet warm enough for swimming, the water in which does not exceed +17°С. Therefore, feel free to devote your time to excursions to the sights of Greece.
May in Greece is already hot like summer. The beach season begins in mid-May. During the day in May in Greece it is +22…+25°С, and at night the thermometer does not drop below +15°С. The water in the sea warms up to +20°C, and you can already swim. This is one of the best periods to visit this country: when it is not hot and not crowded, and prices are moderate.
Summer in Greece is very hot. The water in the sea already reaches +24°C, but the air temperature is already rising and becomes above +30°C.
In June, the weather is still moderate and rarely rises above +30°C, so if you don’t like extreme heat, this is the time to visit Greece and swim in the sea, where the water temperature is +22...+23°C.
July is the hottest time of the year in Greece. The thermometer rises to +35°C, and in some areas of the country reaches +45°C. And such weather is also accompanied by strong gusts of scorching wind. And despite the fact that the water temperature in the sea rises to +25°C, those who cannot stand the heat are better off not coming on vacation at this time, choosing a different time of year.
In August, the heat continues to persist, reaching +33...+35°C, but thanks to the moderate winds blowing from the sea and bringing with them sea freshness and coolness, this weather is much easier to bear than the July heat. The water in the sea remains at the same level of +25°C.
Autumn in Greece is the most wonderful time for a holiday. The velvet season, starting just in September, will delight all lovers beach holiday quite moderate weather conditions and simply wonderful sea water temperatures.
September is the month that opens the Velvet Season. The air temperature stays at +30°C, but compared to +40°C in July, it’s not even hot! The water, warmed up over the summer, stays at +24°C, which just beckons you to plunge into it!
In October the weather becomes cooler - only +25°C. But for those who cannot stand the heat, these weather conditions will seem most favorable for a vacation at this time of year. The water slowly begins to cool down to +20°C. But on the southern islands, both the weather and water temperature will continue to please tourists who decide to relax in October. The water in the sea can warm up to +22…+23°С, and rains, which are typical for the beginning of autumn, are less likely.
In November, truly autumn weather begins in Greece, with heavy rains and cool weather, which can spoil both your mood and your vacation. The air temperature is already dropping to +20...+22°C, and the water in the sea is not at all conducive to swimming. But at this time, just like in winter and early spring, you can devote yourself to walks around interesting places and sightseeing tours.
And so, if you decide to go to Greece to swim in the warm sea, but cannot stand the heat, then the best time for a vacation is the end of May, and from September to mid-October. If you like a brighter tan, then June is for you! And if you just want to visit the sights of this country, then mid-spring and winter are the best time of year to visit Greece.
Have a nice holiday!
Traveling for the New Year holidays. It is better not to visit Greece in January, as the weather this month is a complete surprise. There may be a snowstorm, flooding, and maybe there will be sunny days. The average air temperature in January is 10 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is about 16 degrees.
The weather in Greece in February is warmer than in January. During this month, tourists visit Greece mainly for excursions. The air temperature on the mainland is 11 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is about 16 degrees.
March
March marks the beginning of the Greek Spring, but the weather this month may not be as it might seem at first glance. March weather in Greece differs from winter weather not in warmth, but in the general trend.
Starting in March, there are fewer cloudy days and more sunny days.
The air temperature in March is 15 degrees Celsius, and the water is still cold - 17 degrees.
Weather in Greece in April-May
Orthodox Easter comes in April in Greece, and the weather this month is simply pleasing to the eye: everything around is blooming, birds are singing, the breeze is blowing. If you are planning to visit Greece in April, it is better to do it after Easter, when all services return from vacation and continue to work. The average temperature on the mainland is 20 degrees, and the water temperature is 17 degrees.
Weather in Greece in May
At the beginning of May, the weather in Greece is almost summer, but the evenings can still be cool. The temperature in Athens and Thessaloniki at this time is 25 degrees. In Crete it is still a little cool and windy, the temperature is 23 degrees. The average water temperature on the islands is about 22 degrees, and near the mainland - 19 degrees.
June
June – beginning of summer, best time for a trip to Greece, because the weather allows you to have a good rest, enjoy the beauty of the scenery, and swim. June is bright and moderately hot. From the second week of the month the weather in Greece completely stabilizes, but usually this happens earlier. The air temperature in Greece in June is 30 degrees Celsius, on the islands - 27 degrees (there the temperature is refreshed by breezes), water temperature - 22 degrees (you can swim).
If you are planning to vacation in Greece in the summer of 2013, you may need to know about some of the details that are described
Weather in Greece in July
July in Greece is the hottest time of the year. Sometimes the temperature can be normal, but more often than not it happens that the sun is so unbearably hot that it is impossible to get out into the city. On the seashore the temperature is slightly lower. The average temperature in Greece this month is 32 degrees, in Crete - 28 degrees, water temperature - 25 degrees.
Weather in Greece in August
The August weather in Greece is simply unbearable, it gets very hot. Greeks usually go on holiday at this time of year and go to the islands. The average temperature in Athens and Thessaloniki is 34 degrees, in Crete - 30 degrees, water temperature - 26 degrees.
Weather in Greece in September
The first month will be the same as in August, that is, very hot, but then the heat will subside, and Greece will be able to breathe a sigh of relief. The sea is still warm, but the sun no longer scorches everything. The average air temperature on the mainland is 28 degrees, on the islands the same 28, the water temperature is 24 degrees.
Weather in Greece in October
October in Greece is famous for its wonderful weather. There is no intense heat yet, but the sea is warm. It's easy to breathe, you can spend the whole day outside. The average air temperature in October is 22 degrees, in Crete - 24 degrees, water temperature - 24 degrees.
