Holidays in Greece: which month is better. Climate and weather of Greece by month When is it warm in Greece

Greece is so well located geographically that you can vacation there all year round and in every month of the year you will find something new and unusual for yourself. They say Greece is completely different in winter or autumn. Well, shall we check it out?

When can you swim in Greece?

Let's start with the traditional beach season in Greece. It starts in May and lasts until August. The air temperature during the peak season (late July and August) rises to 40 degrees and above. The sea warms up to 27 degrees. At this time, all the classic “beach” resorts are visited.

From May to June, lying on the beach can also be combined with walks to interesting places and attractions. The air temperature still allows this to be done (+26 - +30 degrees).

It is during this period that it is best to come to Greece on vacation with children. The sun is not too hot yet, and the sea is quite warm.

The best option is to come to Chalkidiki, Rhodes, Crete and Corfu. Family hotels on these islands are waiting for their little vacationers during this period.

From July to August, for relaxation it is better to move to the northern parts of the country, to the island of Corfu. Or climb to the islands of Hellas, where the climate is milder and the air temperature is leveled due to the surrounding water. The optimal holiday in this regard is Crete or Rhodes.

You can forget about excursions to the ancient colossi. However, active recreation related to water comes to the fore. On almost any island in the Aegean Sea you can try diving, fortunately there are enough conditions for this.

In other seas of Greece, it’s a good idea to master windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing or water skiing. If you don’t want to be active, then rent a yacht and watch how the colors of the seas change. In July–August, the Greek seas actually change color from traditional blue to turquoise and azure. And the Ionian Sea takes on an unreal purple color.

Note to shopping lovers: starting in the second half of July, various shopping centers and stores begin sales. In Greece, the largest sales take place in July and December.

Velvet season in Greece.

The Greek velvet season starts from September to October. It's September in Greece
especially its first half, is practically no different from July in terms of temperature indicators. However, due to the smaller number of people and slightly lower temperatures (in the north of the country the air is heated to +27 degrees, in the south - to +33; the water temperature stays within +23 degrees), the rest is much more comfortable.

It's time to relax with the kids and visit various historical monuments.

Around mid-September, starting from the northern regions, the rainy season begins in Greece. At first, this is a short-term phenomenon, and closer to October, prolonged rains cover the entire territory of the country. The warmest places where you can still lie in the sun are the southern islands - Rhodes, Crete, Patmos and others.

By the end of October, the air temperature drops to about +20 - +23 degrees, water - +18. Only desperate lovers of invigorating water can swim now.

During the Velvet Season, beach holidays are replaced by excursions and wellness for your loved ones in various SPA salons.

Low season in Greece.

Starting from November, the weather in Hellas completely deteriorates and the most desperate beach lovers have already gone home. However, the Greeks do not want to succumb to weather melancholy and arrange a holiday for themselves: in the fall, various food fairs begin (new wine, fruit, etc.), for example, in Thessaloniki. And such small colorful fun smoothly turns into pre-Christmas preparations. Almost whole
December, thematic fairs and sales open in all cities of Greece.

During this period, excursion holidays can be combined with public festivities along the streets of the cities. And it’s worth looking at pre-Christmas Greece – it’s like plunging into a fairy tale.

Also, starting in December, the ski season opens in the country. Hotels in Fterolaki, Kalaria and the like are already opening their doors here.

Naturally, you need to visit Greece for Christmas. At this time, it is not as cold here as in our latitudes and people often go out to celebrate the holiday on the streets of their cities. Surely you will remember for a long time your participation in Christmas processions, especially if you meet the evil spirit “kalikanzari” - a kind of disguised person with a goat, pig or devil’s head
specific rags, with glowing eyes, who brazenly pesters everyone (sometimes not even with very good intentions).

Literally immediately after Christmas and until January 6, large-scale sales open in Greece. People line up in long lines to buy something they like at a discount of up to 80%. But this color also attracts a lot of tourists.

From January to February, Greeks continue to diligently have fun at various festivals. The largest of them takes place in the city of Kastoria. You can also check out the festival in Partha, Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities in the country.

And, of course, in winter, don’t forget to visit a couple of
SPA treatments to restore health undermined by mass fun.

Spring in Greece, or rather Greece in Spring! This is something unforgettably beautiful! Already in March, the air temperature remains at a decent +17 - +19 degrees, the sea is still a bit cold ~ +15 degrees. Literally everything and everywhere is covered with flowers of the most unimaginable colors. Having arrived in the country at this time to look at the Acropolis in Athens, you will no longer want to look at it in the summer - unreal beauty!

As is already clear from the above, you should come to Greece on excursions in the spring.

When is the best time to come to Greece?

In the spring - on excursions.

In summer (June) – relax on the beach with children. July – on sale.

In autumn (September) – come with your loved one (or kids) to the beach and on excursions. September – October: for seasonal fairs.

In winter (December) - for the pre-Christmas holidays, Christmas and skiing. January – large-scale sales and festivals.

Whenever you decide to come to Greece, you will always get relaxation, celebration and a lot of positive emotions.

Greece is a special place, ideal for tourism and recreation. The diversity of the landscape and favorable climate make this country attractive to visit all year round. In order to understand the full identity of Greece, it is necessary to know about the area, the people and the traditions.

Features of holidays in Greece

The main feature of a holiday in Greece is the islands, the most interesting and diverse places to visit. With their grottoes, beaches, attractions and unforgettable views. Certain islands are suitable for different seasons to make your holiday as eventful and comfortable as possible. More details about each island below.

Holidays in Greece

The seven most authentic islands of Greece:

• Famous Crete is the largest in Greece, so it has the most attractions and views. The Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Palace in Heraklion, the mountain monastery of Arkadi - these places simply need to be visited to fully experience the atmosphere of Greece. Shopping and beaches in Crete will lift your spirits and will not leave anyone indifferent.
• Santorini Island- special. It was once an active volcano, but after the eruption over time it became overgrown with white-stone towns and turned into a beautiful tourist place. A huge number of beaches, which are especially distinguished by black volcanic sands and hot springs. The town of Oia has the best viewpoint for watching the sunset, it is truly a breathtaking sight. Season: May-August.
• Rhodes Island- another popular Greek island. In the port of Mandraki you can see the famous statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. Rhodes is a truly exotic place, because there you can see the ancient ruins of palaces, peacocks living in the monastery of the Holy Mother of God, and the abandoned dacha of the great Mussolini. The Valley of Butterflies will reveal all the diversity of the Greek island; in Prasonisi you can see the so-called kiss of two seas - the Mediterranean and the Aegean. Season: May-August.
• Kos Island- the smallest island of Greece, loved by Russian tourists. The ancient ruins of the Ancient Agora, Asklepion, monasteries, city mosques are just a small part of the attractions located on the island. The most important entertainment on the island, besides excursions, is surfing. Season: May-August.
• Resort Island- Zakynthos. Shipwreck Bay or Navajo, the main attraction of the small island. Together with the sea Blue Caves, they will leave an unusually vivid impression of the island. Season: May-August.
• Kefalonia- one of the most distinctive islands in Greece. Tourists rarely visit it, and this helps preserve the naturalness of this corner. On the island you can see the Drogarati cave - the most beautiful place in the whole country. Season: May-August.
• Corfu Island- little Venice, a smaller copy of the northern Italian capital. Here you can see a variety of olive groves and vineyards. A special place is the Love Canal, consisting of rocky fjords and small beaches. Season: May-August.

As in many resort towns, the swimming season in Greece begins in the summer. The best month for a trip to the sea is June. This month is not hot and the water is very warm. Basically, the tourist season lasts from June to September, but this does not mean that Greece will not be as magnificent at other times of the year except summer.

Holidays at sea

The mountain season will begin in November, and in April Greece will be actively visited by ski lovers.

When is the best time to go to Greece?

Learn more about features and entertainment by month.

Winter is the most festive season in Greece. Starting with St. Nicholas Day and ending with the New Year, with numerous carnivals and parades:

• December. Without a doubt, spending the past year in Greece is a truly magical experience. The cities sparkle with garlands and lights. Many tourists choose winter tours specifically for the holidays, especially since the prices during this season will please you with their low rates.
• January. An amazing event can greet tourists in January - Alkyonide Days. They mean that the air temperature can rise to +20 ° C, an interesting phenomenon for winter. January in Greece is replete with carnivals and parades, including the three-day wine parade, when even the fountain is filled with this noble drink.
• February. The most affordable month in terms of prices for tours. The weather may not be pleasant - rain and wind, however, even in this winter month you can find entertainment in Greece - a continuation of holidays and carnivals.

Spring is a charming time of year for Greece, flowering trees and flowers are incredibly beautiful in this rich natural corner of the planet:

• March. Ideal for sightseeing tours, also due to the lack of heat.
• April. The most beautiful month that will help you feel all the beauty of this blooming country. The beach season is not open yet, but you can use the thermal spa resorts.
• May. The heat has not yet set in, but the swimming season is already open, the water has warmed up and you can visit the islands with their many beaches and fully enjoy all the delights of water activities.

Swimming season

Summer is a hot time for a resort holiday, so do not forget that prices will skyrocket compared to other seasons:

• June. The most ideal month for relaxation. The heat on the island has not yet reached its peak and ticket prices are not so high. The island of Mykonos will be an excellent holiday option, especially for lovers of nightlife, because almost all the nightclubs in Greece are concentrated there. Swimming will help you escape from the heat.
• July. This month the heat will reach its peak, so for a summer holiday it is better to choose the northern islands of Greece, where it will be easier to bear the heat. The most popular activity this month is shopping, sales and seasonal discounts on fur products. A fur coat purchased at a discount will please fashionistas.
• August. The hot season is subsiding, so the ideal place to relax is the island of Crete with its shady streets and spending time with a glass of wine.

The Velvet season

Autumn:

• September. The best time for a holiday in Greece - holiday prices are reduced, but you can continue swimming throughout September. Therefore, you can start getting acquainted with Greece at the beginning of autumn.
• October. A soft end to the velvet season. At the beginning of the month you can still continue swimming and water activities, but the end of October can be disappointing with rainy weather. It is best to go to the southern islands - Crete and Rhodes.
• November. Despite the rainy weather, the autumn month is suitable for lovers of solitude, because the influx of tourists is beginning to end.

The velvet season begins in the fall, in September. Despite the decline in tourists, the holiday season in Greece remains extremely comfortable.

Important! Which season to choose, when is the best time to go on vacation to Greece, depends directly on the purpose of the trip. If you are planning a bright, hot and fiery holiday, then it is better to choose the summer season. For lovers of shopping and sales, July will also be a great time. If you want to relax and save money, it is better to choose the winter months. Whatever time you choose to relax, it is worth remembering that time does not stand still in Greece, and spending time will never be boring.

• The main and most important thing is to choose the most profitable and convenient tour. Don’t forget about transfer from the airport, this will greatly simplify your stay in Greece.
• With care pack your luggage for a trip, especially if a child is also traveling.
• Despite the fact that Greece has a very low crime rate, it is still You should be wary of pickpockets and thieves. Pay special attention to where you place your wallet, and it's best not to leave it in plain sight.
• Gender crimes also at a low level, but it is better for women not to visit nightlife establishments alone.
• If there is still a need contacting local police, then you need to have your ID with you.
• It’s better to behave decently in Greece, because police can detain a foreign citizen for many reasons: from appearing in a public place while drunk, to failure to comply with traffic rules. Any foreign citizen must deal with the consulate, but the Greek police often take a long time to contact organizations dealing with foreigners.
• Use benefits and discounts from the state will help to significantly reduce expenses on visiting museums, traveling on public transport and some others. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to conditions that are suitable for a certain age and social status.
• In Greece it is often very difficult to decide operating schedules of certain establishments and attractions, sometimes even local residents don’t know the opening hours. Therefore, it is better to always have a backup option. And don’t forget about the siesta - the daytime rest of city establishments.
• Tipping in restaurants and cafes It is usually already included in the price of the meal, but it is still recommended to leave a tip. The tip amount will vary depending on the cost of the order or the establishment; there are often cases of fraud on the bill, so it is better to ask for a cash receipt when making payments.
• Nudism in Greece It is not prohibited by law, but certain places are reserved for this. The police, observing a naked tourist in the wrong place, may even arrest him.
• Beaches in Greece free everywhere, not counting hotel areas, but on the beach area there will be a fee for using a sunbed, this is necessary to pay for special caretakers and equipment to maintain cleanliness on the shore.
• Particular attention should be paid photo and video shooting. In many places in Greece, filming is prohibited and on some islands they will even refuse to import equipment for taking pictures.
• Public toilets They are located in all public places, but are often in disgusting condition, so it is better to use them in restaurants and cafes.
• Smoking law also affected Greece. But there are no strict restrictions; you can smoke in a cafe without fear. But large restaurants are equipped with smoking areas, just like in crowded places. Failure to comply with the rules will result in a fine.

You can tell a lot about Greece for a long time. This is one of the most popular, inexpensive, beautiful and interesting places on the planet. A variety of entertainment from shopping to surfing, thousands of attractions and many beaches - all this will suit any sophisticated traveler. Greece is not defined by seasonality for visiting, so any time of year is worthy of it.

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.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

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

The high season begins at the ski resorts - 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. The average temperature in December is +10 °C in the north and +17 °C in the southern islands. In coastal cities, strong winds and precipitation (rain or sleet) are possible.

• Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
• Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.
• Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
• Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.
• Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

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

It may seem that the questions “When is the best time to go to Greece?” and “When does the season start in Greece?” identical in meaning. Not so. The question itself: “When is the best time to go to Greece?” is meaningless if you do not specify why - in order to relax at sea, for active recreation or in order to visit this country at minimal cost.

When does the season start in Greece and is it worth going at this time?

Traditionally, the season in Greece begins on the tenth of June. However, as in all of southern Europe, where beach holidays are popular. However, what is the high season in Greece? Is this really the best time to go to Greece? High season is a time when everything is high: hotel prices, number of people on the beaches, air and water temperatures, cost of tours and flights.

The only advantage of this time is the very warm sea. And if you are choosing the best time to fly to Greece for a seaside holiday (including with children), you can also consider the high season - that is, the period from mid-June to mid-September.

When does the season start in Greece? When the number of parked cars near the beaches increases threefold, and the number of vacationers increases sixfold.

If you are interested in excursion programs or walks, it is better to choose a time that is more comfortable in terms of weather. After all, in summer the air temperature in Greece rises above 30 degrees, and some islands (for example, the Cyclades archipelago) have practically no trees, and there will be nowhere to hide from the sun in the middle of the day!

When is the best time to go to Greece if you want to see the country?

If the question is: “When is the best time to go to Greece for an active holiday?”, you need time just before the start of the high season and immediately after its decline.

The time before the start of the high season - and we are literally talking about three weeks - is characterized by the fact that these days the weather is excellent, comfortable at +26...+28 degrees, the water has already warmed up, and hotels have not started to outrageously raise prices. Basically this is the very end of May (after the 25th) and the first two weeks of June.

If you go to Greece immediately before the start of the season and immediately after its end, then you can rent houses like these two and three times cheaper than in the summer.

For us, the best time to go to Greece for an inexpensive holiday at sea is the first weeks after the end of the high season. This is the second half of September and the whole of October. The weather at this time is magnificent, and the sun is just right: you can still sunbathe, and while walking you don’t end up covered in sweat after ten minutes. For those who like to travel independently and actively, there is also good news: ferries run frequently and almost uninterruptedly at this time of year.

1) You need to choose your travel dates to Greece very carefully, if you definitely want to swim in the sea: follow the forecast of water and air temperature, study sites with weather archives (link at the end of the article). If the water is warm on any day in the summer, then before the start of the season and at the end of it, you can come to Greece either before the water warms up or after it has already cooled down.

2) On the islands, buses begin to run less frequently, and some routes are completely closed. Some ferry flights are also canceled as demand decreases. Leaving, as we wrote above, is not a problem, but it is already difficult to get on flights of the most budget companies.

In Mykonos there were practically no problems with buses in the low season, but in Milos most of the routes around the island were cancelled.

When is the best time to go to Greece to be cheap?

It is logical that if during the high season in Greece a trip to this country will cost the most, then in the low season it will be the cheapest. What is low season in Greece? Since this is a beach holiday country, the low season is a time when you cannot swim. Even if you are a seasoned walrus, you still can't. In addition, the low season on the Greek islands is a time of strong winds.

We believe that You should not go to Greece from the end of December to the end of February, unless this is a trip for show and not for fur coats. There is another good time when you can go to Greece cheaply without losing the quality of your vacation - April and May. These months are ideal for enjoying Greek architecture: even on the most popular islands, you will be walking, if not alone, then certainly not among a crowd. As for Greek nature, then... It just so happens that the Greek islands are far from tropical in terms of greenery, so you will lose a little :)

When to go to Greece for a beach holiday? When is the best time to vacation in Greece? budget tourists? Greece is a popular country among our compatriots. In the summer months it is one of the top 10 holiday destinations. Most often visited in Greece are Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens, Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki peninsula.

Geographically, the country stretches from north to south. The weather in Greece differs on the mainland and the southern islands.

Athens

The capital of Greece, Athens, has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. In winter (December to mid-March), the climate is determined by cold air from the Balkan Peninsula. This could cause rain or even snow. The temperature in the coldest month in Athens in January is +7+13 degrees. In summer the temperature reaches +35 degrees.

Santorini

Santorini is the largest and southernmost of the Cyclades (an island group in the Aegean Sea) and also has a Mediterranean climate. Rain is possible in Santorini from October to March. From June to mid-September it is summer in Santorini, when the weather is sunny and warm +26+29 degrees. There is almost no precipitation in summer. At the beginning of autumn the weather is sunny, but rains gradually become more frequent. In winter the temperature drops to +10 degrees.

Heraklion

Located on the largest Greek island of Crete. In winter you can see snow in the mountains of the island. Crete is the southernmost island of Greece, so it is not as exposed to cold weather as other Greek islands. In the warmest month of August the temperature is +22+29 degrees, in the coldest month January +9+16 degrees.

Tours to Greece

When is the best time to vacation in Greece?

When is the best time to go to Greece for budget tourists? The best time to visit Greece is spring-early summer (April-mid-June) and autumn (September-mid-October). At this time, prices are low, the weather is good, there are few tourists, but you won’t be able to swim in the sea (except in September). At this time, you can buy cheap tours to Greece. On the downside, some hotels, shops and restaurants are closed in the off-season; most establishments are only open during the season from June to September. In September the sea is still warm and you can swim. Autumn is the best time to visit Greece due to the abundance of fruits and vegetables and is the peak harvest season. Fruits are much cheaper in the fall and have the richest flavor. You must try tomatoes, figs, melons and grapes in Greece in the fall. At this time it is easy to visit attractions and archaeological sites in the open air because it is not too hot as in summer.

High season

When is the best time to go to Greece for a beach holiday? Summer (late June-early September) is high season in Greece. The popular destinations of Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki and Athens have a huge flow of tourists. In the summer months the temperature is +25+29 degrees. The most popular and expensive month to visit Greece is August. During this time, you need to book tours in advance.

Water temperature

The best time to visit the beaches of Greece on the Greek islands is from late June to early October. At the beginning of June the sea is still cool, and in mid-summer the water temperature reaches +25 degrees in Heraklion and +24 degrees in Santorini. In spring, the average water temperature is +16+20 degrees.

In spring and summer, Greece has long daylight hours of up to 14 hours, and in winter an average of 10 hours.

How much do air tickets to Greece cost?

The best prices for flights to Greece are in. There you can take a domestic flight to other cities, or take a ferry to the Greek islands. The low-cost airline Aegean Airlines flies from Russia to Greece; they often have sales on air tickets.

Off-season

In the off-season, flights to Athens are 20% cheaper than in summer. The budget airline Aegean Airlines reduces prices by almost 2 times. In the off-season, people come to Greece to see the tourist attractions.

High season

In summer, air tickets to the Greek islands of Crete, Kos, Rhodes, and Santorini are 50% more expensive. At this time, there is high demand, more flights and higher prices for hotels and entertainment.

Festivals in Greece

Various festivals are held in Greece, mainly in the summer.

• Apokri (February-March) - carnival before Lent. Patras, Corfu, Xanthi and Rethymno host large carnival parades and entertainment parties.
• Orthodox Easter (March-April) is the most important holiday in Greece. Street processions and church services are held. Saturday begins Holy Week, known as the Saturday of Lazarus.
• Rocket Wars (Rouketopolemos) (March-April) - Held annually on the Greek island of Chios during Easter.
• Athens Epidaurus Festival (June-August) - open-air opera and classical music festival.
• The Hippocrates Festival (July-August) takes place on the island of Kos and is a celebration of dance, theater performances and outdoor concerts.
• Athens Photo Festival (June-July) is an association of artists and photographers from all over the world.
• Rockwave Festival (June–July) is a rock music festival in the village of Malakasa.
• The Pistachio Festival (September) takes place on the island of Aegina, where pistachios are sold everywhere.
• Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November) is one of the most important cultural events in Greece.