The Best Time To Visit Greece

March through May can be an ideal time to travel to Greece, enjoying mild weather, fewer crowds and possibly discounts on airfare and accommodation too – outside of Easter week that is, when many of the locals are enjoying festivities and their own vacations. This is the best time to visit Greece if you want to enjoy pleasant sunshine and glorious landscapes without the summer crowds and hotter weather.

Spring in Athens is particularly lovely, with mid-season experiencing average high temperatures in the upper 60°F to low 70°F, and there will be little if any elbow bumping among hordes of tourists. It’s the perfect time to explore sights like Acropolis Hill and the iconic Parthenon, as well as to wander through the charming streets of historic Plaka. The gradually warming temperatures of spring make it one of the best times to visit Greece.

If you want to get involved in seasonal festivities, spring is one of the best times to visit Greece. In late March or early May, Easter celebrations take place across Greece resulting in a joyous and celebratory atmosphere. It is one of the most important religious festivals in Greece and takes place over a whole week, with many cities and towns filling up with visitors. There are many services which you can attend to take part in the Easter festivities. On Good Friday, communities in Greece conduct the Epitaphios Procession and on Holy Saturday you can witness a midnight Ressurection Service in darkened churches. If you are visiting on Easter Sunday, you have the opportunity to attend a delightful Easter Feast featuring traditional dishes like roasted lamb and tsoureki.

Cosmopolitan Mykonos offers gorgeous beaches for sunbathing and sipping cocktails during the day, and endless excitement after dark as a place to see and be seen, and perhaps doing some celebrity spotting too. Santorini offers the ultimate summer beach vacation, with its incredible aesthetic appeal complemented by wonderful stretches of black, white and even red sands. Warm summer evenings are ideal for romantic candlelit dinners that are followed by watching the island’s famous colorful sunsets.

If you’re looking for an island to enjoy in the summer that’s a bit more laid-back and family-friendly, think Milos and Folegandros which provide more of an off-the-beaten-path getaway, along with plenty of postcard-perfect beaches and azure waters for swimming.

In early fall, sea temperatures are often still warm enough for swimming, but the crowds have begun to diminish, making late September through early October the best time to visit the Greek islands for a more tranquil experience. Crete continues to experience pleasant temperatures during this time, which is often referred to as “the little summer of Ayios Dhimitrios.” Other islands to consider for an early to mid-fall escape include Santorini, Corfu, Kefalonia & Mykonos. Fall brings much milder weather to Greece which is a welcome respite after the sweltering summer heat. Temperatures in Greece in fall range from 59 to 77°F in September and cool nicely to 50 to 68°F in November. You can expect some precipitation during this season, particularly in November, so be sure to pack waterproof clothing.

Though the peak season dies down by September, there are still some amazing events in Greece which take place in the fall. This is a great time to discover more niche opportunities and get involved in local celebrations. Film fanatics will relish the chance to attend the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. This is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe and showcases a diverse range of Greek and international films. The festival is held every year in Thessaloniki and is a great way to spend any overcast or rainy days. Those who prefer action and the outdoors should take part in the Navarino Challenge. This well-established event celebrates sports tourism with an exciting programme of marathons and wellness activities. You can also take part in over 15 Olympic sports at the event and prove your prowess like an ancient Greek.

While skiing here is relatively unknown to most outside of Europe, winter brings the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of skiing or snowboarding along with sightseeing in Athens and dining at seaside taverns, perhaps along the Athenian Riviera. Head to Mount Parnassos, just two hours from Athens near Delphi, one of the country’s most important ancient archaeological sites, which features multiple lifts, runs, routes and trails for everyone from beginners to the experts, typically open from December through early May. The capital city can be particularly charming in the wintertime and it’s unlikely to be too chilly. It’s the perfect time to enjoy food tours and climb Acropolis Hill – if a storm hits you can always duck into one of the world-famous museums. Of course, there will be plenty of enticing restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs to take advantage of as well.