Waiting to explore the sophisticated, whitewashed architecture of Santorini? Want to witness Greek culture firsthand? Greece Awaits!
Greece, the birthplace of mathematical principles, the Olympic games and democracy, is also the land of breathtaking views, crystal clear waters, and dynamic weather all year round.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, travellers from India often visit Greece for their honeymoons, family trips, or solo excursions. However, if you are planning Greek island holidays anytime soon, you must know the best time to go to Greece to have a memorable trip.
Weather conditions, seasonal demand, and the cost of the trip can influence your best vacation in Greece. This guide will discuss different seasons and month-based Greek island holidays to help you with your next vacation.
Whether you want an aesthetic and enriching vacation in Santorini or plan to explore the ancient history and culture of Athens, knowing the country's seasonal periods helps you plan the best vacation in Greece.
Moreover, this insight will also help travellers find the cheapest time to travel to Greece for maximum affordability and enjoyment.
The peak season for Greece is from July to August every year. It is summertime in the country, and the weather is perfect for exploring popular tourist attractions like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes.
Travellers from around the world visit the popular tourist destinations in Greece during this season as the annual leaves and the holiday season is about to end or begin for most countries in the world, making this busy period more crowded and costly.
The temperature during this season is also moderate and pleasant, making it a cool and comfortable environment to sip cocktails at the beach and click endless memories at different islands.
Greek Island Holidays - Temperature Guide
Seasons |
Weather |
Temperatures |
Summer in North | Sunny and Hot | 15 to 32 degrees |
Summer in Central South | Sunny and Hot | 21 to 33 degrees |
Spring in North | Sunny and pleasant | 5 to 29 degrees |
Spring in Central South | Sunny and warm | 11 to 31 degrees |
Autumn in North | Rains and pleasant | 8 to 27 degrees |
Autumn in Central South | Rains and warm | 15 to 29 degrees |
Winter in North | Rain and cold | (-3) to 15 degrees |
Winter in Central South | Rains and pleasant cold | 7 to 20 degrees |
Month-by-Month Greece Travel Guide
Greece in April to June - Spring
The period between April to June is the spring season for Greece, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 31 degrees in different parts of the country. With the spring season in full bloom, you will witness longer days, vibrant wildflowers and sunny yet pleasant days to make the most of your trip.
It is the best time to go to Greece for people who are looking for beach explorations with limited crowds and budget-friendly accommodations, as springtime is the shoulder season for Greece.
Events & Festivals: The Athens Epidaurus Festival, the Feast of Saint George, the Rhodes International Flower Festival and the Orthodox Easter celebrations.
Best Places to Visit: Byzantine Monastery of Hozoviotissa, Kampos, Corfu Old Town, East Macedonian town of Drama, Falakros, villages of Mount Taygetos, Archeological park at Delos and Mykonos.
Best Activities to Do: Hiking trips around Amorgos and Mount Taygetos, kayaking, cycling, or riding in Mykonos, day trips around village towns, island hopping or soaking in summer warmth at any of the beaches.
What to Know Before Visiting: The weather is pleasant and warm, so pack accordingly, make accommodation bookings in advance to avoid a last-minute rush and explore all the blooming landscapes to get picture-perfect memories.
Cost: Average flight tickets range between ₹14,227 to ₹28,228. If you are looking for the cheapest time to travel to Greece, June is the best month as it offers the most affordable flight tickets starting from ₹14,227.
Greece in July to August - Summers
The period between July and August is Greece's peak summer season. With temperatures rising, the country welcomes the most tourists during these months, making it the peak season. This period allows travellers to explore numerous islands and benefit from longer days and sunny weather.
However, given that this is the peak season, airfares, hotel rates, major restaurant prices, and tourist attraction bookings are at an all-time high, especially if you are planning a Santorini vacation or wish to explore Paros and Mykonos.
Events & Festivals: Kalamata Dance Festival, Santorini Arts Factory Cultural Festival, Rockwave Festival, August Moon Festival and Cretan Diet Festival.
Best Places to Visit: Rhodes Island in Dodecanese, Naxos Island in Cyclades, Chania in Crete, Athens, Corfu Island in Ionian and Sporades Islands in Aegean.
Best Activities to Do: Swimming in blue beaches, visit Temple of Poseidon, climb up Mount Olympus, go hiking in Thera and enjoy day sailing trips around Greece.
What to Know Before Visiting: Be prepared for high flight and accommodation rates, overcrowded tourist spots and restaurants, hot and sunny weather during the daytime, and pleasant weather in the evenings. This is the perfect time to swim and sunbathe, as the weather conditions are perfect. However, you must make bookings in advance according to the trip itinerary to avoid a rush.
Cost: Average flight tickets range between ₹15,656 to ₹16,495 for one-sided trips. The air ticket fares constantly fluctuate as it is the peak season, and changes based on the location in Greece you are flying to from India.
Greece in September to October - Autumn
The period between September to October is autumn in Greece, with warm and pleasant weather on most days with chances of rainfall almost every other day. As the hot summers start to settle down during this period, the weather is considered the best time to go to Greece Santorini to explore the whitewashed architecture firsthand.
This is Greece's shoulder season, meaning lower crowds and temperatures and higher availability of top hotels and other accommodations. Moreover, you can still explore the beaches and hop between islands during this season, with colder breezes and occasional rain showers.
Events & Festivals: Pistachio Festival (Aegina Fstiki Fest), Ifestia Festival Santorini, Armata Festival, Athens International Film Festival, Anilos Wine Festival, Corfu Autumn Festival and Genesis tis Panagias.
Best Places to Visit: Crete, Mykonos, Chania, Syros, Mani Peninsula, Kerkini Lake and Kefalonia.
Best Activities to Do: Plan a long Santorini vacation, attend the10-day long Anilos Wine Festival, go island hopping, witness sun-kissed beaches and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy fresh produce during your visit.
What to Know Before Visiting: The weather is mild and pleasant, but cooler temperatures after sunset might restrict many beach activities. Always carry layers when stepping out to avoid catching a cold, and make bookings a little in advance as the crowds start to shrink during autumn.
Cost: Average flight tickets range between ₹15,497 to ₹16,683.
Greece in November to December - Winters
The period between November to December is the winter welcome season for Greece. Temperatures during the day are pleasant, but the evenings and nights can be cold, especially in Thessaloniki, with occasional rain showers in certain regions.
Hotels and restaurants might have shorter opening hours due to the changing weather. It is the best time to go to Greece if you prefer colder weather and limited crowds during your trip for an uninterrupted merry time.
Events & Festivals: Thessaloniki International Film Festival and Athens Marathon.
Best Places to Visit: Epirus, Ancient Agora of Athens, Coast of Crete, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis Museum, Delphi, Lake Plastira, Tzoumerka National Park and Vergina Royal Tombs Museum.
Best Activities to Do: Enjoy a self-driving experience around the Coast of Crete, witness stunning sunsets at Santorini, go for a hike to Samaria Gorge or Vikos Gorge, go skiing in Arachova, take a dip in thermal springs and witness Olive Harvest season.
What to Know Before Visiting: As this season marks the onset of winter in Greece, the crowds are limited, allowing more affordable booking rates. While packing, you must carry both winter and summer clothing and layer them up according to changes in temperature from day to night.
Cost: Average flight tickets range between ₹16,929 to ₹19,189.
Greece in January to March - Winters
The period from January to March is Greece's official winter season, with rain expected for at least 10-15 days per month. During this period, crowds start to reduce further, and overall stay and activity expenses drop to the lowest range, making it the cheapest time to travel to Greece.
Most people consider Greece to be a summer destination, but the winter season is an experience in itself. You get to enjoy crowd-free tourist destinations, budget travelling, and a wide range of winter activities.
Events & Festivals: Apokries Greek Carnival, The Carnival of Corfu, Athens Carnival and Athens Half-Marathon.
Best Places to Visit: Orthodox Church Crete, Rhodes, Dodecanese Islands, Acropolis of Athens, Paros, Nafpolio and Chios.
Best Activities to Do: Book a luxurious villa by the sea at Milos, explore the cultural beauty of Thessaloniki, go skiing at Mt Parnassos and Mt Helmos, book a Delphi excursion, and explore the stunning coastline of Chios.
What to Know Before Visiting: Some shops and beach resorts might be shut due to the winter season so plan in advance and make prior bookings. Pack warm clothes and avoid going out when it's too cold to avoid sickness during the trip.
Cost: Average flight tickets range between ₹17,973 to ₹19,734.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Greece?
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, and thus, Indians looking to explore Greek Island holidays must apply for a valid Schengen visa to enter and explore Greece and any other Schengen country.
However, you need valid
travel insurance for a Schengen visa to be allowed to enter and explore Greece without any hassle. Along with the visa mandate, travel insurance also provides extensive coverage for medical and other emergencies during or before your international trip.
The scope of coverage within
travel insurance benefits includes flight delays and cancellations, lost baggage, third-party liabilities, personal accidents and more.
Reliance General Insurance offers a wide range of travel insurance plans, including Schengen travel insurance, Asia travel insurance and student travel insurance. All our plans are tailored to ensure maximum financial protection in times of need.
Conclusion
Greece is one of the top tourist destinations for India with over
32 million Indian tourists having visited the country in 2023 alone.
Whether you are looking to explore the beautiful Santorini, visit the ancient marvels at Athens, or witness the Miaoulia Festival at Hydra, you must plan your trip based on the season to have the best vacation in Greece.
Moreover, to ensure maximum peace of mind and ensure visa approval, purchase valid travel insurance for your Santorini vacation or other excursions in Greece prior to finalising your trip itinerary and bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-try dishes in Greece?
Some of the most famous and must-try dishes in Greece include Spanakopita, Moussaka, Gemista, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, Gyros and Loukoumades.
What is the best transportation option to go around Greece?
To explore Greece at your own pace, you can explore transportation options like public buses, trains, ferries and car rentals.
The public transportation network is excellent in the country but to explore some islands, car rentals add to the overall experience by allowing you to witness stunning landscapes with the convenience of easy stops when required.
Is Greece a budget-friendly tourist destination?
Greece, as a popular tourist destination, is also one of the most affordable countries in all of Europe. However, if you are looking for the cheapest time to travel to Greece, you must plan your trip around the shoulder or off season. You will not only enjoy budget-friendly travel but also witness fewer crowds.
Are there cultural do and don'ts to keep in mind when visiting Greece?
Always wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites to avoid hurting the sentiments of the locals.
Avoid taking pictures during religious ceremonies.
Tipping is expected and acceptable in Greece so be generous with tips to appreciate the supporting staff at any hotel or restaurant.
Be polite and kind. Loud crowds can often attract unwanted attention and cause discomfort to the people around.
Do not litter the streets, lanes, tourist destinations and beaches, as it might be a punishable offence.
People of Greece enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and often take things slowly, so do not rush them or push them to get your work done. Instead, be kind and patient to get the best services.