The best time to visit Greece is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. It's an ideal period for everything from island hopping and city breaks to relaxing on the beach. Greece holidays are at their most popular in July and August, which are the hottest and driest months, but the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds.
Greece in spring: 13-18°C, rainfall ~55mm/month, sunshine ~8.2 hrs/day
Spring is a beautiful time to visit as the country comes to life after the cooler winter. From March, temperatures climb steadily and the sun shines for longer each day. It's an excellent season for sightseeing in comfort, as the weather is warm but not yet hot, and the main summer crowds have yet to arrive. By May, it feels distinctly like summer is on its way, with average highs reaching a pleasant 22°C.
Greece in summer: 22-28°C, rainfall ~19mm/month, sunshine ~11.0 hrs/day
Summer is peak season in Greece, and for good reason. The weather is consistently hot, dry, and sunny, with around 11 hours of sunshine a day. July and August are the hottest months, seeing average highs of 29°C and barely any rain, making them perfect for beach holidays and swimming in the warm Aegean and Ionian seas. The islands are buzzing with activity, and the evenings are warm and ideal for al fresco dining.
Greece in autumn: 17-22°C, rainfall ~79mm/month, sunshine ~8.6 hrs/day
Autumn offers an excellent balance of warm weather and smaller crowds. September continues the summer feel with average highs of 26°C, and the sea is still very warm. October remains pleasant, with temperatures around 17-22°C, though you can expect more cloud and an increase in rainfall as the season progresses. It's a great time for exploring historical sites or enjoying a quieter island getaway.
Greece in winter: 8-13°C, rainfall ~107mm/month, sunshine ~5.8 hrs/day
Winter is the coolest and wettest time of year in Greece. Temperatures across the country average between 8°C and 13°C, and sunshine is reduced to around six hours per day. January is the coldest and wettest month, with around 116mm of rainfall. While it's not the time for a beach holiday, it can be a good period for a city break in places like Athens or Thessaloniki if you're happy to pack a jacket and umbrella.
Average weather in Greece by month
Across the year, Greece sees hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with July being the warmest month and January the coolest and wettest. The data below is an average for the country, so local weather can vary - for example, Rhodes is typically warmer than the mainland, while Northern Greece is often cooler.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8-12°C | 116mm | 5.5 |
| February | 8-13°C | 92mm | 5.9 |
| March | 10-15°C | 80mm | 6.8 |
| April | 12-18°C | 45mm | 8.1 |
| May | 16-22°C | 39mm | 9.3 |
| June | 20-26°C | 30mm | 10.2 |
| July | 23-29°C | 14mm | 11.2 |
| August | 23-29°C | 12mm | 11.3 |
| September | 21-26°C | 54mm | 9.9 |
| October | 17-22°C | 82mm | 8.6 |
| November | 14-18°C | 102mm | 7.3 |
| December | 10-14°C | 112mm | 6.2 |
Best time to visit Greece for beach holidays and swimming
For a classic beach holiday, the best time to visit is from June to September. These months are the hottest and sunniest, with average high temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. July and August see the least rain and the most sunshine, making them prime months for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere on islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Kos.
Best time to visit Greece for sightseeing and exploring ancient sites
If you're planning to explore Greece's rich history in places like Athens or the Peloponnese, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are ideal. The weather is comfortably warm without the intense heat of mid-summer, making it perfect for walking around the Acropolis or the ruins of Olympia. You'll also find these sites are generally less crowded than in July and August.
Best time to visit Greece for island hopping in pleasant weather
Late spring and early autumn are fantastic for island hopping. In May, June, and September, you'll find a sweet spot of warm, sunny weather, frequent ferry services, and fewer crowds than the peak of summer. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and temperatures are great for exploring the characterful towns and landscapes of islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu.
