These are the best times to visit Greece for the perfect weather!

As a Trip Manager, I get asked when the best time to travel Greece is, all the time! And my honest answer is, Greece can and should be visited all year round. Let’s get into it so you can plan the best possible holiday for all your Greek wants and needs!

Greece in Spring: March to May

The cooler months of Spring, with a slight chance of rain, is an ideal time to visit Athens, Southern Greece and the Peloponnese. The many Ancient Archeological and Mythological sites are located on mainland Greece and should absolutely be on top of your list of things to see in Greece and with limited shaded areas at the sites, Spring is the time to go. Let’s be real though, there is never a bad time to learn more of Greece’s amazing history!

I had the absolute pleasure of being in Greece for Greek Easter this year, which is the most important religious holiday in the country. It was so beautiful seeing the nation celebrate together, and I would make the effort to be in the country for this celebration.

Greek Easter falls on different days each year, as they follow the Julian Calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar in which other Christian believers use. Sometimes they both fall on the same day! The preparation for Easter begins 40 days before, with Sarakosti fasting, where they cut back on their diets, some even eating a very basic, clean, vegan diet. If you have done any research on Greece, you should know that the food here is a core part of their culture, so after fasting for such a time, you can imagine the celebrations, when the fasting period is over!

Must do activities in Spring:

• Visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: Visit the famous landmark and UNESCO site of Athens, the Parthenon temple, dedicated to the Goddess of War, and Patron Goddess of the city, Athena. Follow it up by visiting one of the most important museums in the world, housing findings from the Acropolis itself.
• Ancient Sites of Delphi and Olympia: Visit the home of Apollo’s prophecy or run the track of the Ancient Olympians. Day trips depart from Athens regularly, or check out Contiki’s Spotlight on Greece trip, which visits both sites with local guides included and much more!
• Check another UNESCO site off your list with Meteora: Meteora is a geographical phenomenon made up of huge rock pinnacles, protruding 600 metres from the ground. On top of these cliffs, are monasteries, used by Orthodox Christian hermit monks in the 9th and 10th centuries to physically reduce the space between them and the heavens. It is one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen!

Greece in Summer: May to August

Personally, I really enjoy the Cycladic Islands from mid-May to the start of June and mid-September, or what we call the “shoulder seasons”. The sun is shining, the crowds are not yet at their peak and most of the ferries are running equals the best time to visit Greece! Accommodation and transfer services are a little cheaper and locals are well rested from their winter, or are calming before their big break. 

Of course, the most popular time to visit the Greek Islands is July and August, when the weather is hot and consistent, all is open for business and popular clubs and bars welcome international acts to add to the well-known Mediterranean party lifestyle.

Must do activities in Summer:

• Go on a Greek Island Hopping adventure: with 227 islands to choose from, it is the best way to enjoy the hotter months in Greece, with temperature dropping 10-15 degrees. Why not take the work out of it and jump on one of our Greek Island Hopping trips, sit back and let Contiki do all the nitty gritty for you. Stopping at Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Ios, 3-4 of the Cycladic Islands, see the best the islands have to offer. 
• Check out the Athens Riviera: Staying in Athens for a couple of days, and want a beach getaway? Take a short bus ride to some amazing beaches, along the Saronic Gulf. Only 40 minutes from the city centre, it’ll feel like you’re on an island escape. 
• Visit Tinos for the Assumption of Mary: Another important date in the Greek Orthodox calendar is August 15th, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, or Dekapentaugoustos. It is believed that the Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary was found on the island of Tinos, making it a popular place of religious pilgrimage. Greeks from all over the country travel to Tinos to celebrate the day of Mary.  Similar to Easter, Greeks celebrate with a religious ceremony, followed by dancing, food, wine and festivities that last all night long.

Greece in Autumn: September to November

Thessaloniki, and Northern Greece is the best to visit after mid August, through to October, with several festivals and occasions happening and a lovely average temperature of 16 degrees celsius. On the 28th of October, Greece celebrates “Oxi Day”, the Day of No, which commemorates Greece’s refusal to surrender to the Axi powers in World War 2.

Thessaloniki, like many other places in Greece, celebrates with military parades, and celebrations which fill up the streets of Thessaloniki with live music, traditional dancing and of course, food! It showcases Greece’s pride and patriotism at its best. 

The season for the Greek islands continues to extend each year, with larger, more popular islands, like Santorini and Crete, being more accessible, open and enjoyable through the month of October.

Must to activities in Autumn:

• Pozar Thermal Baths: One of the top swimming activities to do in Greece’s colder months, the thermal baths are only a 1.5 hour drive from Thessaloniki. With 37 degree (celcius) water and comprising of 48 individual baths, 6 indoor pools, an outdoor pool hamam, a jacuzzi and a spa, the baths are believed to help with rheumatism, skin conditions, respiratory and circulatory problems.
• Walk the cobblestone streets of Ano Poli: also known as “Upper Town”, Ano Poli is an old neighbourhood which overlooks the main city centre. During October, Ano Poli is covered with autumn leaves, creating a wonderful romantic atmosphere for people to enjoy.
• International film festival: The International Film Festival of Thessaloniki takes place every Autumn and showcases the most creative independent films made by directors from all over the world. The festivals last for 10 days, showing more than 150 films to about 70 000 viewers.

Greece in Winter: November to February

Some people believe the best time to visit Greece is summer, and summer only. However winter is a time to experience a different side to the country. With rivers, mountains and other wonderful natural landscapes, it’s a haven for all adventure seekers. As the islands thrive in Summer, there are some towns in the north of Greece which shine brighter in winter. Kastoria, Ionnnina, Metsovo and Karpenisi  just to name a few!

Must do activities in Winter:

• Shred up the slopes in Arachova: Nicknamed the Mykonos of Winter, Arachova is a little ski town, 2 and a half hours north-west of Athens. The Parnassos Ski centre, Greece’s biggest ski resort, offers excellent ski conditions for all snow sport lovers.
• Hike the trails of Zagori: Welcome to hikers heaven. With hundreds of kilometers of well marked trails through forests, you will stumble across old stone bridges, inhabited monasteries, and cross over ridges, with breathtaking views. 
• Visit Lake Pamvotida: It is an ideal destination for both summer and winter. With beautiful landscapes, surrounded by nature, and Byzantine fortresses,  it is a sight for sore eyes. In summer it is  perfect for water skiing, canoe and other water activities.