When to Journey and When to Keep away from

When is the most effective time to go to Greece? Greece will get quite a lot of consideration in the summertime. The sunshine in the course of the summer season months is one thing that makes the Greek surroundings actually magical. However with all of the vacationers, the extreme warmth, and the elevated prices, is it actually the most effective time to go to Greece?

There are different instances of the yr that may enchantment, clearly. You may want cooler climate, you might have considered trying fewer vacationers, heck – it’s possible you’ll simply not care if the climate received’t be 100% good. That can assist you make the most effective resolution, we’ve damaged it Greek climate down for you from January to December and even given you a round-up of Greece’s year-round festivals.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Greece?

Climate in Greece in January

Greece isn’t tremendous chilly in January, however it’s undoubtedly not heat. It’s not precisely the most effective time to journey to Greece. Anticipate temperatures of round 10°C – and don’t be shocked if it dips under freezing within the mountains.

It’s the coldest month of the yr, however it’s nonetheless typically hotter (on common) than most European nations additional north. It’s best to carry a jacket and sweater, for positive.

That mentioned, there’s not quite a lot of sunshine. The times may be fairly overcast, it could rain quite a bit, and the seas may be fairly chilly.

Because it’s not utterly boiling, this time of yr may be good for mountain climbing in Greece. The common low is 7°C – cool, not chilly, making it one of many most cost-effective instances to go to Greece. Athough many Greek islands that focus on tourism will utterly shut down. That means though costs are decrease, you received’t get that full Greek expertise that you’d get in the summertime.

Climate in Greece in February

January is the coldest month Greece has to supply, however February is a detailed second place. Like its predecessor, February has its justifiable share of sunshine rain and overcast days, and continues to be one of many coldest months of the yr. That doesn’t imply it’s freezing although.

The sunshine ranges are getting up there! There are, on common, round 4 hours of sunshine every day. The remainder of the time, will probably be fairly cloudy. In the direction of the tip of the month, issues begin to get a bit hotter and a bit sunnier.

The common temperature continues to be round 10°C, however if you would like some hotter climate, one of many Greek islands additional south can be a good suggestion. Crete, for instance, boasts daytime highs of 16°C throughout February, and is an island that doesn’t utterly revolve round tourism, which means you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in Greek life!

Climate in Greece in March

Issues heat up in March after a comparatively gentle winter (for Europe, that’s). Spring is unquestionably on the way in which. Wet days start to be much less of a factor; the association of the mountain ranges on the Greek mainland means extra rain within the west than within the east and south throughout March.

Common temperature, in Athens anyway, is 17°C, marking a stark enchancment on February. The cooler climate in Athens means it’s a good time to deal with some actions that aren’t enjoyable within the warmth – like touring the Acropolis!

Evenings can nonetheless be fairly chilly although. We’re speaking round 7°C, so that you’ll nonetheless have to wrap up heat for those who’re staying out all day. Six hours of sunshine a day all through the month, although!

The top of March sees the beginning of a lot hotter, much less wet days. Neglect swimming within the seas although; they’re nonetheless very chilly.

Climate in Greece in April

April sees a particular improve in temperatures, with a sunny begin to the month and just a few wet days scattered right here and there.

I received’t say it’s the most effective time to go to Greece, however it’s a nice time of yr to go to. You beat the summer season crowds, however you additionally miss the colder, wetter climate of winter. Athens’ common temperature is 20°C, however after darkish, it nonetheless drops fairly a bit to 10°C.

The ocean is round 16°C, however you’ll nonetheless need some sunscreen as a result of there’s solar occurring. You’ll see a mean of 9 hours of sunshine a day – extra sunshine, fewer clouds, and fewer rain. Summer time is on the way in which!

Daylight financial savings has kicked in, too; sundown is round 8 pm. And, as ever, if you would like extra warmth, head to Crete. It’s top-of-the-line instances to go to the biggest Greek Island.

Climate in Greece in Might

Spring is unquestionably in full bloom throughout Might, making it top-of-the-line instances to journey to Greece. Issues are inching in the direction of what we’d think about ‘heat,’ and also you’ll see round ten hours of sunshine a day. Little rain, too, which is all the time beautiful.

In the beginning of the month, common temperatures are about 20°C, growing to 22-23°C by the tip of the month. The ocean begins to get extra bearable at a not-freezing 19°C.

UV ranges may be fairly excessive, what with all of the sunshine, so do ensure you slather on that sunscreen. Don’t be fooled, although. Evenings are nonetheless round 14°C, so it’s nonetheless not shorts and t-shirt after darkish climate but. It may be a good time to go to islands like Santorini and Mykonos earlier than the summer season crowds come.

Climate in Greece in June

In June, you begin to notice simply why Greece is such a preferred trip spot particularly if you’re on a preferred island like Rhodes. June is the most effective time to journey to Greece and is after we typically attempt to get to the islands.

That is the beginning of a Greek summer season, and it’s sunny just about each single day. The month might kick off with temperatures of round 24°C, however it ends comfortably hitting the 30s every day.

June sees the best every day common hours of sunshine, and it’s this time of yr that seashores begin to get busy. Sea temperatures are a not-too-bad 22°C. It’s additionally in June that the humidity ranges aren’t too excessive but, so that you’re not feeling the warmth as strongly. It’s a good time to go to Corfu and go to among the enjoyable Corfu seashores.

Sundown in June? Round 8:45 pm. Even the evening temperatures (round 19°C) imply that you could be not need to put on a sweater to dinner anymore. June is a well-liked time to go to, however nonetheless not PEAK summer season (although issues are choosing up daily) making it the most effective time of the yr to go to Greece.

Climate in Greece in July

Sizzling, sizzling, sizzling. Greece in July is sizzling. In Athens, temperatures can simply hit highs of round 33°C, and it not often drops under 24°C.

Within the Greek islands, temperatures generally is a bit cooler, with a mean of about 24°C; although the south is far hotter, naturally, than the north. Should you’re in search of time of yr to island-hop across the Aegean, it’s July. It’s the most effective time to go to the Greek islands for sunny days, however watch out for the crowds and excessive costs. We sometimes suggest choosing barely lesser recognized islands throughout this time like Zakynthos or Naxos.

It’s sizzling and sunny all through the month with virtually no rain. Humidity is at its peak, however it’s by no means like uncomfortable Southeast Asian ranges; solely round 50%.

Seashore-goers are out in full power, particularly on Santorini or Mykonos. The water is round 24°C – good to chill off from the radiant warmth of the solar.

Climate in Greece in August

Numerous nations function a warmer August than July, however in Greece, July is usually barely hotter than August. That’s in all probability why (due to summer season trip, too) Greece is fairly common with vacationers and sun-seekers in August.

That August solar may be brutal, although. It’s a good suggestion to remain out of the rays when it’s at its hottest within the early afternoon, and all the time put on sunscreen in Greece! With 11 hours of sunshine, the typical daytime excessive throughout August is 31°C.

The Greek islands are nonetheless cooler, however don’t count on a lot warmth aid. For instance, Rhodes has a mean excessive of 29°C. The excellent news is if you end up on the seashore you get that recent ocean breeze and cans all the time leap within the Mediterranean to chill off. Nearly all lodges and guesthouses may have AC so you possibly can sleep comfortably at evening.

Rain? What’s that? The nation will get a mean of 1mm all through the month. Barely a drop. Depart that umbrella at residence – except it’s a solar parasol.

Climate in Greece in September

I like touring to Greece in September as for me it’s the greatest time to go to Greece. That’s as a result of it’s nice – that’s what we might say about Greece in September. It’s nonetheless heat, however the ‘worst’ of the warmth is over, with solely the islands furthest south nonetheless being sizzling. The common temperature, countrywide, is 29°C. For my part, that is the most effective time to cruise the Greek islands. We hit up Paros, Naxos, and Milos in September and it was blissful.

It’s not simply the non-stifling warmth that makes it a nice time to go to – the vacationers are largely gone, making it a pleasant, nearly crowdless time for a trip.

Hours of sunshine go down fairly sharply in September. They go from round 11 in August to 9in September. Cloudy, overcast days are starting to settle in for the autumn in the direction of the tip of the month, however nonetheless there’s not quite a lot of rain and it’s typically simply improbable.

Climate in Greece in October

Fall is on the way in which. Rain will increase. That is Greece in October, it’s actually not the most effective time to go to Greece, however it’s removed from the worst.

The temperatures are nonetheless fairly respectable, which means it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line instances to journey to Greece. Athens boasts a mean temperature of 24°C, which continues to be – for many individuals – heat. Nighttime within the capital is extra like 14°C although, so in relation to the way to gown, we’d recommend bringing a light-weight jacket for journey.

The common temperature of the ocean is round 20°C, and it’s nonetheless a good time to go swimming within the ocean. Nonetheless there’s not a lot warmth within the air to chill off from, so that you in all probability received’t wish to be venturing into the ocean on a regular basis such as you had been in the summertime.

Total you probably have needed to go to Greece however have been hesistent due to the excessive warmth, costs, and crowds you possibly can have an important trip in October. The sooner within the month you go the higher as some vacationer companies and eating places will start to shut up store for the season.

Climate in Greece in November

The times get rather a lot colder in November. Like a lot of Europe this time of yr, it’s not heat, however it’s nonetheless a lot hotter than northern Europe. Daytime temperatures in Greece are round 15°C – nighttime is 10°C on common.

The brilliant, sunny days of summer season are beginning to correctly disappear now. Overcast skies carry elevated possibilities of rain all through the month. The top of November may be fairly wet, and temperatures drop just a little to round 14°C.

Humidity additionally rises (~70%), and getting caught in a sudden downpour shouldn’t be unusual. Sea temperatures, for those who love the ocean, are nonetheless not ‘chilly,’ although so you will get some swimming in! Total it’s removed from top-of-the-line instances to go to Greece, however the crowds are gone and costs are low, which means you possibly can expertise Greece like a neighborhood!

Climate in Greece in December

December is among the coldest months of the yr: the typical temperature is a mere 12°C. It’s not precisely the most effective time to go to Greece, however it’s removed from horrible. The beginning of the month is fairly cloudy, too, and overcast skies (and rain, after all) persist all through the month.

Coastal areas can get fairly windy, with a mean wind velocity of round three mph blowing from throughout the ocean.

The common hours of sunshine per day are at their lowest, however there may be nonetheless time to get out and have some enjoyable! Apparently the ocean temperatures all through the month are, usually, fairly gentle, at round 17°C. The humidity in December is on the highest Greece sees all yr: 75%.

Winter Festivals and Occasions in Greece

Simply earlier than Spring begins, from mid-January to late February (even round early March), is Greece’s fairly wild Carnival season. Identified in Greek as Apokreas, this has its roots in Historic Greek custom, however at present, everyone is aware of Carnival. It’s a time of merrymaking and extra the world over – and sure, in Greece, too.

Individuals will probably be parading in colourful costumes, consuming, ingesting, after which on the primary day of Lent, issues get calmer (see under).

Winter is clearly additionally the time of Christmas. Not such an enormous deal as Easter within the Greek Orthodox custom, it’s nonetheless a factor. There are carols (kalanta) on Christmas Eve, boats festooned with lights are erected on the town squares and folks’s houses (it’s a convention), and naturally, the meals is superior. If you’ll Greece for festivals, the winter shouldn’t be precisely the most effective time to journey to Greece.

Spring Festivals and Occasions in Greece

Being residence to the Jap Orthodox Church, an important vacation is Easter. It falls in both April or Might, which is later than the Western (Catholic and different Christian) church buildings.

Festivities start with the primary day of Lent, Kathara Deftera – or ‘Clear Monday.’ Picnics and kite-flying abound.

The Sunday earlier than Palm Sunday is St Lazarus’ Day, marked by fireworks. On Good Friday, you’ll see dramatic processions of individuals carrying candles. Easter Sunday means massive feasts. In Crete, there’s even a neighborhood custom the place folks mild bonfires to burn effigies of Judas.

Might 1 is Labor Day (and the Feast of the Flowers) and is marked by a normal shift from cities to countryside by the Greek inhabitants. Children fly kites; folks have picnics, it’s all very good.

March 25, nevertheless, is Greek Independence Day. Individuals take to the streets and wave flags.

Summer time Festivals and Occasions in Greece

You’ll be able to guess that in the most effective time to journey to Greece there will probably be a great deal of festivals. Although there are quite a lot of Christian festivals occurring in Greece, it’s in summer season that you just may have the ability to catch the Hellenic Competition. It is a musical, dance, and drama extravaganza, with native and worldwide performers taking the stage at crumbling, historic venues.

Navy Week celebrates Greece’s wealthy maritime custom. Expertise historic re-enactments and late-night events in June. On the island of Hydra, the celebrations finish with a light-weight present and the burning of a ship. It will get fairly full of life.

August means the Moon Competition. It celebrates the complete moon, naturally, and folks throughout come out from their homes for events on the town squares. Athens is an efficient place for this when folks carry out beneath the moonlight in locations just like the Acropolis.

The day of the Panagia (August 15) is the second greatest day, solely after Easter, in Greece. Significantly notable within the island of Tinos, the place folks actually crawl up steps to see the holy icon within the church, it’s noticed throughout the nation.

Fall Festivals and Occasions in Greece

With all of the festivals all year long, it’s nearly like fall is the time for Greeks to take a breather. There are however plenty of wine festivals in September!

Thessaloniki has a two-week wine pageant, for instance, Corinth has a full of life grape pageant, and there are many native wine festivals in villages resembling Ambelona. All to do with the grape harvest.

Santorini boasts an Worldwide Music Competition throughout this time of yr, making it the most effective time of the yr to go to Santorini. Right here there are orchestras from everywhere in the world acting at venues in Thera.

Ochi Day, on October twenty eighth, celebrates Greece’s refusal to ‘let’ fascist Italy occupy it throughout WWII. Army parades in cities and cities, in addition to quite a lot of flag-waving, are par for the course.

When is the Greatest Season to Journey to Greece?

Excessive season (June-September)

Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you will see that the most effective sunny climate as famous above, but in addition crowds, particularly on the favored islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Days are longer, the climate is HOT, so that you’ll wish to be near a pool or ocean. Resort and automobile rental costs are at their highest.

Shoulder Season (April -Might and October-November)

The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months, some would think about it way more snug than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see plenty of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automobile leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is often a improbable time to go to Greece.

Low Season (Late November- early April)

The temperatures are cooler in the course of the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but in addition overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers.

When is the Most cost-effective Time to Go to Greece?

The most affordable time to go to Greece is within the off-season. That may be from November to April when the climate is cooler and solar is extra sporadic than in the summertime. It’s now that tourism is low so costs will probably be slashed round Greece.

The one challenge is that quite a lot of vacationer outlets shut up store for the winter, and also you’ll be hanging out with primarily locals – not a nasty factor! Simply essential to know upfront.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?

As a result of the Greek islands get so extremely busy (and sizzling) throughout peak season the shoulder season is the most effective time to go to the Greek islands. Might, early June, late September, and October will present nice temperatures and fewer folks.

That being mentioned we visited just a few quieter islands in July on our final journey to Greece (Lefkada and Ithaca) and stayed away from hotspots like Santorini, and located the crowds maegable with costs solely barely on the upper aspect. It’s greatest to have a look at your personal price range and what you need out of a visit to Greece to find out the timing that’s greatest for you.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Honeymoon?

One of the best time to go to Greece for a honeymoon is Might, June, and September. Spring and Autumn are heat, however not too heat, so it’s nice for {couples} who wish to do outside actions.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Santorini?

Santorini is among the hottest islands in Greece. As talked about above the Greek islands get so extremely busy throughout peak season. Because of this the shoulder season is the most effective time to go to Santorini. Santorini is dear, particularly within the space of Oia and for those who go within the shoulder season you’ll finder fewer folks and cheaper costs.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Greece for Nightlife?

Mykonos, Ios, and Zakynthos are by far the most well-liked social gathering islands in Greece. In the course of the summer season the golf equipment on these islands usher in world-class DJs and social gathering the entire evening away. If you’ll Greece to the social gathering you’ll want to go to between June and early September.

Plan and Pack for Greece

Spending a summer season on one of many many Greek islands? Fortunate you. It’s possible you’ll be questioning simply what to pack for Greece. The islands are lovely, swarming with historical past, and are populated with among the friendliest folks on this planet.

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