When does the season open in Greece? Climate and weather in Greece. All about the beach season in Greece. Tourist season in Greece
We'll tell you which months are the best to vacation in Greece. Different seasons are suitable for different pastimes. Read to be mistaken.
June
July August
The two hottest months in Greece are accompanied not only by rising air temperatures and a busy beach season, but also by a rich cultural program. In July-August, you can visit interesting festivals in almost every region of the country. The Athens Festival, which began back in June, is in full swing in the capital.
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September
October
Officially becomes the last month of the tourist season in Greece (). At the beginning of the month, many hotels in the north were already closed, but in Rhodes and Crete, where you can swim almost until the end of October, they continue to operate. During the day, the air in the northern regions warms up to +22 °C, in the southern regions - up to +26 °C. The sea in the north cools down to +20 °C, in the south it still warms up to +23 °C. The wind noticeably increases, this is especially noticeable in the evening, when warm clothes come in handy. If the weather is not favorable for a beach holiday, you can go on excursions or give preference to health tourism.
Low season in Greece: weather by month
There are many people who want to see Greece in any season. But there are fewer tourists here - the time has begun for completely different types of recreation.
November
In November, the wind picks up on the coast, the water cools to +18 °C, and the air temperature drops to +20 °C. This month is not conducive to a seaside holiday, so you can safely plan long excursion trips. November is also a great month to visit resorts equipped with wellness centers. For example, Loutraki, Vouliagmeni, Edipsos.
December
It starts at the ski resorts high season- you can go to Seli, Kaimaktsalan, Pelion or Parnassos. The whole month passes under the sign of the approaching Christmas. Cities in Greece are actively preparing for the most important holiday of the year. The Christmas atmosphere is especially felt in Thessaloniki and Athens. Fur coat tours are popular - the city of Kastoria has become the main destination. Here you can not only buy a fur coat, but also stroll along the streets of the fur capital. average temperature in December it is +10 °C in the north and +17 °C in the southern islands. In coastal cities it is possible strong wind and precipitation (rain or sleet).
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January February
The two coolest months of the year, despite the cold snap, attract tourists to Greece. The air cools to +7 °C, and heavy snowfall or rain is sometimes possible. The weather is more stable in the Peloponnese and Athens - there is less rainfall here than in Thessaloniki. In January-February, you can continue exploring the mountain slopes of Greece, visit the most iconic sights without crowds of tourists and go shopping. All
In fact, you can visit Greece at any time of the year and your time will not be boring, because this country is good not only for a beach holiday, but is also rich in natural and cultural attractions.
Do you plan your trip yourself or buy ready-made tours? https://parusvlg.ru/greciya/ - you decide. Well, in this article, let's talk about what kind of weather awaits you in a given month, as well as what advantages are typical for different times of the year.
High season in Greece: beach holidays
When is the best time to vacation in Greece, if you prefer beach holiday? Of course, from the end of May to October.
May
It is this month that opens the swimming season, but please note that the water temperature will be different depending on the location of the region you are heading to. So, for example, in Crete, the sea will have time to warm up to +21°C by mid-May, although during the same period in Chalkidiki the water is still cool, approximately +19°C, so here the season will begin half a month later.
June
This month is considered one of the best for tourism, because the water is already acceptable for comfortable swimming, and the influx of tourists is still small. The temperature ranges from 27-30°C degrees, depending on the region, and the water in the sea is already quite warm +23°C.
July and August
These months are rightfully considered the hottest, because the air temperature reaches 35-40°C, and the sea water heats up to very high temperatures. comfortable temperature at +25. But it is during this period that the number of tourists reaches its maximum.
Water and air temperature in Greece in summer
September
With the arrival of autumn, holidays in Greece become calmer; the air temperature is still quite high +27-29 degrees, as well as the water temperature +24. Only by the end of September the sea will begin to cool and tend to the mark of +20°C. It is during this period that it becomes less hot and comfortable conditions for hiking, hiking and various excursions.
October
Essentially this last month high tourist season in Greece, because the water temperature in the north is no longer more than +20 degrees, although in the south it stays up to +25°C, and the air is daytime warms up around +22-26 degrees. During this period, the resorts in Crete and Rhodes are still actively operating, but beach holidays are already less comfortable, and excursions are preferable.
Water and air temperatures in Greece in autumn
Low season in Greece
November
This month no longer involves relaxing on the beach and swimming, because the water has time to cool down to +18. But, on the other hand, in this calm atmosphere one should not exclude the possibility of excursions and hikes. Also, at this time of year, sanatorium-resort treatment and relaxation in health centers in Greece are preferable.
December
It starts in December ski season in Greece, so you can go to Pelion, Parnassos or other resorts. During this period of approaching Christmas, you can feel the atmosphere of the coming holiday, which will leave few people indifferent. Well, the air temperature is already quite low - in the north within +10°C, in the south up to +17°C, rain and sleet are also possible.
January and February
These months are rightfully considered the coldest and the temperature drops to +7°C, heavy rains and snowfalls are also possible. This period is characterized by mass skiing from the ski slopes, as well as active shopping, which continues until spring.
Water and air temperature in Greece in winter
March and April
For these spring month The weather is characterized by unstable weather, when the sun suddenly gives way to rain and wind, while the air temperature fluctuates between +17-20 degrees. Basically, holidays in Greece during this period are limited to excursion programs and spa treatments.
Water and air temperature in Greece in spring
When is the best time to eat in Greece?
For beach holiday best time the months will be from the end of May to the end of October, excursion program you can plan from March to May and from September to November, but skiing- from December to February.
Of course, when we mention Greece, many people have a picture of the clearest sea and wonderful islands. Personally, I’m no longer interested in talking about this. There is another Greece - this is Delphi, where the “navel of the earth” is located, these are the waterfalls of Edessa, these are charming Thessaloniki, ancient Athens, and what seems to me simply the number one object for tourists is the Meteora Monastery complex. Translated, Meteora means hanging above the earth, and this is the honest truth.
So that's why. To see real Greece, I recommend going in early November.
Officially, the tourist season ends on November 1, the flow of tourists immediately decreases noticeably, and hotel prices decrease significantly.
The first half of November is excellent weather. Few people dare to swim anymore, but this is the best time for walking. Temperatures can still approach 20 degrees. But 15 won't be bad either. True, there may be rain. But this is not a hindrance for tourists.
Here's a look at Meteora in November:
This is what the waterfall looks like in the resort town of Edessa
These are small fragments of autumn beauty. And it’s almost the middle of November.
Of course, October will be no worse, there will be fewer risks of worsening weather, but the price for the pleasure will increase, and you will have to put up with queues.
The choice is yours, but I made mine.
Greece– one of the most vibrant resorts in Europe. Here you can find everything - long sandy and pebble beaches, snowy 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
According to the school geography course, Greece can be divided into 3 climatic zones:
- Zone temperate climate (central Greece, north and northeast of the country). It is characterized by the contrast between summer and winter temperatures.
- Typical Mediterranean climate zone (South part countries 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 people come to the mountains snowy winters, 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, the geographic location of the region can significantly influence the traveler’s choice, since in the south of the country the season begins a little earlier and ends later than in other regions. Distinctive feature almost everyone 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 winter months It can rain for several days in a row. There is heavy snowfall in the mountains. Snow cover on some peaks it 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 even the Hellenic wardrobe are 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 rarely offer package tours to this country 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 may alternate in 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! Because of long distance coastline, the climate in Greece is humid in winter. Respectively 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 on the southern islands of 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 are famous for windy weather during the high season Aegean Sea: Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini. But on the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos) it is 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 It 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 may last, but no one will give you any guarantees about this. IN southern regions countries are warmer. As at the beginning of the season, choose Crete. But in Rhodes it can rain already in October. Due to the nature of the movement 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
Home in March olympic games spring is coming. The rains stop. It's getting warmer every day. 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 |
Rethymno
| 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 |
Relax in beautiful comfort at any time of the year. It depends solely on the purpose of your trip and the time you will be there. However, most tourists come to the country in order to appreciate the local historical attractions, try the national cuisine and swim in the warm waters of the three seas that surround Greece.
Beach season
You can soak up the beaches of Greece starting from the second mid-May, when the air and water temperatures are already warm enough. The country receives its first stream of tourists in May, and at the end of October the beaches gradually become empty as the weather becomes inclement.
The beach season can be divided into several periods when it is more comfortable to relax. May and June are ideal for traveling for couples or older people. At this time, the country is not yet as hot as in other summer months. In July and August, almost all resorts in Greece are very hot. An exception may be where the average air temperature is lower than in other areas of the country. However, it is better to plan your vacation not for the middle of summer. This issue is especially relevant for those who are unable to stay in the open sun for a long time.
At the end of October, the beach season is considered officially closed and it’s time for others no less interesting events in the tourist life of Greece.
Ski season
The country has many famous resorts high level developed infrastructure in the field of winter sports. One of these are Kelaria and Fterolaka, where a significant number of tourists flock annually to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and try their hand at snowboarding and skiing. alpine skiing.
The season opens at the beginning of November, when there is snow in many mountainous regions of the country and temperatures drop to sub-zero levels. At the same time, resort areas have created optimal conditions, including comfortable accommodation, food areas, the availability of trails of varying difficulty and another range of services that allow you to relax with pleasure. In addition to sports, you can be offered wellness treatments and holistic body therapy at local spa hotels.
At the end of March, the active holiday season ends and is replaced again by the time for swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beaches.
Season of holidays and excursions
The Greek calendar has many special events, which are usually celebrated in spring or winter. If you decide to travel to the country at this time, you will have a unique chance to experience the colorful culture and get acquainted with local customs.
Among the most significant holidays are:
- New Year and Christmas (December 31, December 25);
- Carnival "Raguration" (January 6-8);
- Festival of Lights and kites(Clean Monday);
- Treasure Hunt Carnival (January 17);
- Wine Carnival (Clean Monday).
Each of the celebrations is accompanied by cheerful folk festivities, mass events, organizing masquerades and the participation of the best creative groups of the city. Participating in Greek holidays is a great opportunity to get to know Greece from a different side.
From January to May you can also visit historical sites that are famous all over the world and constitute the country's most important cultural heritage.
Sale season
Twice a year there comes a time when large supermarkets hold sales and prices for fur products fall several times. Greece has long been famous for the production of fur products, so most fur lovers come here.
The first season of total discounts begins after the Christmas holidays and lasts about six weeks. They are considered a sales center, since most of the shops and factories that sell not only fur coats, but also clothes from the world’s best brands are concentrated here.
People come to the country for the second time to shop in July and August. The cost of fur products drops by up to 50% at this time, which is certainly profitable, even taking into account the price of a round-trip plane ticket. At the same time, the choice is huge, and the quality of the products remains high for many years and is not inferior to other competitors.
Climate of Greece
Peculiarities geographical location countries determine any climate change, occurring throughout the year. Located in the southern part, Greece is characterized by a Mediterranean subtropical climate. This type of climate is characterized by hot summers and warm winter accompanied by rain. In the north of the country, average temperatures are cooler than in the south and may vary depending on objective circumstances.
Spring in Greece
The first manifestations of spring are felt already in early March. This is manifested in the swelling of tree buds, abundant flowering of plants, and an increase in air and water temperatures throughout the country.
In March there may be rain, mainly in the morning and evening hours. The air temperature this month reaches +15-17 degrees, and the water warms up to +14-15 degrees. At the end of the day it may become colder and the wind will gradually change its direction to the south.
In April the weather becomes warmer and warmer due to increased sunny day. In the southern regions during the day the temperature rises to +19-22 degrees. There are fewer rainy days.
May is the month when the air warms up to +23-26 degrees, which indicates the onset of stable warm weather. At the end of the month, some areas of Greece experience several summer-like hot days. The rains continue to fall in the last spring month, but not with such force.
Summer in Greece
In June, almost all resorts in the country experience an increase in air temperature to +28-31 degrees. The islands where it is hottest at the beginning of summer include: Crete; Corfu; . However, in June, beach holidays in the country are already in full swing and hotels are filled with visitors. Comfortable weather allow the swimming season to open at the end of May and beginning of June. Moreover, the water temperature at first summer month ranges from +22 to +24 degrees.
July is the hottest month of the year. The scorching sun heats the air to + 30-40 degrees, which affects the activity of tourists. In July, people go to Greece mainly to the northern resorts, as the heat here is a little easier to bear. The wind begins to blow from the sea, bringing temporary coolness.
The weather in August is not much different from July, and high temperature regime is saved. The exception is the end of the month, when monsoon winds intensify and the air temperature drops by a couple of degrees. In the second half of August, the velvet season begins, attracting those who want to swim in the warm waters of the Greek seas.
Autumn in Greece
September – continued velvet season and a favorite holiday month among tourists. Firstly, the sea has already warmed up over the summer, secondly, there are not as many people on the beaches as before, and thirdly, there is practically no rain. The average air temperature in August is +28-31, and the water remains as warm as in summer.
At the beginning of October it is still quite warm weather, but there may already be short-term rains. The water in the sea becomes cooler every day, so it is better to go to the southern ones. The end of October is characterized by an increase in precipitation and high humidity. Minimum temperature air temperature is observed in Santorini and is about +21 degrees.
November can truly be called a real autumn month. The water cools to +18 degrees and is not suitable for swimming. The rains are coming more often and lasting longer.
Winter in Greece
In winter, above-zero temperatures are observed throughout the country. Snow rarely falls, and when it does, it usually occurs in the northern regions. In the mountains, snow can lie for two to three months and this is one of the main conditions for opening ski season.
December weather is characterized by a drop in air temperature to +15-13 degrees, which also affects tourist activity. In the first month of winter, people come to Greece for the purpose of shopping or participating in holidays.
January is not much different in temperature from February. It is extremely rare that a sharp increase in air temperature is possible. Days like these local residents are called “alkeonids” after the name of the bird that breeds its offspring precisely during the January warming period.
Most of February is dominated strong winds and rains, replacing each other with enviable frequency.