Sitting pretty on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece's climate is characterised by mild winters and hot, dry summers. A nation best known as a sun-drenched summer destination thanks to its picture-perfect island idylls, it’s easy to forget that 80% of Greece is covered by mountains (skiers and hikers, pay attention). Sizzling summers are best spent beside the sea, while spring and autumn boast the temperature sweet spot, perfect for active travellers. Crete and Rhodes are the top islands for out-of-season heat, while Athens’ archaeological sites are best explored at any time other than peak season. But when exactly is the best time to visit Greece? We’ve used our insider intel to create a month-by-month guide to help you plan your dream Greece holiday.
The Dodecanese Islands
The Dodecanese Islands are the most easterly of the Greek islands. This archipelago forms a group of islands that are quite remote from the Greek mainland, and not far from the Turkish coast. This means a typically Mediterranean climate, with lots of sunny days per year. The Dodecanese Islands experience hot summers but with moderate temperatures depending on the winds. Average temperatures reach 29°C in July and August, and temperatures of nearly 25°C have also been reported in June and September. Winters on the Dodecanese Islands are fairly mild and there is even occasional rain. For a balanced climate that is neither too hot nor too cool, and with calmer winds, we recommended you visit the Dodecanese Islands before mid-August, or after mid-September to avoid the hottest period.
Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and located south of the mainland, is renowned as a fairly windy island, especially on its southern coast. Temperatures are therefore always cooler than in mainland Greece. However, average temperatures are still quite high as Crete lies in the Mediterranean Basin, and warm winds from the south sometimes bring Saharan heat, particularly in the spring and autumn months. Winters in Crete are mild on the coast, but cooler and with lower temperatures inland. The northern region, and particularly the north-eastern stretch from Rethymno to Sitia, is the most affected by rain, while in the south, rainfall is less than 14 inches per year near Matala and Xerokambos.
The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands have a Mediterranean climate: the summers are hot and dry, and the winters are cool and rainy. Depending on the region within the Ionian Islands archipelago, there are some subtle differences. The Ionian Islands have little exposure to the wind and often experience heat waves in the summer, but there remains a chance of rainfall. In fact, rainfall is higher in the Ionian Islands than in the Cyclades. Thunderstorms at the end of the day, while rare, are not impossible, but they are usually short lived.
The Cyclades
The Cyclades Islands tend to enjoy superb summers that last for almost six months. The climate here is Mediterranean, meaning it is mild and rainy in the winter, then dry and hot in the summer. Unlike in the other Greek Islands, there is next to no rainfall in the Cyclades. In fact, between May and October, the Cyclades often experience near drought conditions. Fortunately, the summers tend not to get too hot as the Cyclades are exposed to a seasonal wind known as the Meltemi, which helps to maintain a cool and pleasant atmosphere. During springtime - between April and June - the islands are particularly pleasant, enjoying lovely temperatures around the mid-20°Cs. For those who do not like the cold, avoid visiting the Cyclades between November and March. This period is the rainy season, which is often interspersed with strong winds.
Mainland Greece
Mainland Greece's climate differs from that of the islands. The summers are shorter and less dry as a result. Temperatures reach a steady maximum of 30°C, but the heat is temperate, thanks in part to the Meltemi. In the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula, the heat is much more intense. The climate is relatively mild and humid in winter, but is more severe in inland areas, such as the mountains. The winters are colder, but also longer, especially in Macedonia. It's not uncommon to see very cold temperatures during the winter in Athens. The winter stretches from October to March, with beautiful sunny days starting to appear in January or February. The best time to experience a balanced climate and avoid extreme temperatures is in April, May, and September.
