Historic gems, pristine beaches, and spellbinding sunsets make Greece an utterly unique destination. Few places combine all this with enviable nightlife, perfect weather, and a laidback culture that welcomes everyone.
This picture-perfect country has another enviable secret: there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit. That said, read on for tips on when to travel, when to find the best deals, and when to catch the best events and festivals.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Greece
- Greece’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Greece (And When to Visit Them)
- Greek Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
- Greek Public Holidays and Occasions
The Weather in Greece
Greece is a country for all seasons, and each one has something special to offer. Read on for advice on what type of weather to expect from one season to the next.
Spring (March to May)
From March onwards, it’s warm enough to wear light shirts and jackets, with average temperatures of 63°F. But for the best weather outside of summer, book your flights for April or May, when highs can reach 81°F. You’ll also find some great spring deals, with cheaper airfares and hotel rates.
Summer (June to August)
Summer means warm weather and peak travel season, with the flight prices to match. July and August tend to be the busiest (with highs of 91°F), so book accommodation in advance if you’re planning a summer vacation. For slightly cheaper rates—but still fantastic weather—fly out in June.
Fall (September to November)
With still warm sea temperatures, though slightly nippier days, fall is the best time to visit Greece for sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The average high in Athens is 84°F in September, 73°F in October, and 64°F in November.
Winter (December to February)
While December marks the start of winter for most of Greece, the northern region starts to get chilly in November. So stick near the coast for mild winter weather, but be prepared for some rainfall. January and February are the coldest months (with highs of 55-56°F in Athens), but islands in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea promise slightly warmer days.
Greece’s Most Popular Annual Events
Greek culture has evolved over thousands of years, beginning in the Minoan and Mycenaean periods. One of the best ways to learn more about its diverse culture is by diving headfirst into the country’s annual events and festivals. Here are some fascinating additions to include in your itinerary.
Apokries (February/March)
The end of winter welcomes carnival season, which precedes the 40 days of fasting in the run-up to Easter. Apokries is the nation’s official period of partying, eating out with friends and family, drinking, dancing, and celebrating—making it an exciting time to plan your trip. Head to Patra in the Peloponnese for the wildest parties!
Orthodox Easter (April)
Easter is the biggest celebration in Greece, observed across the country with candlelit processions, street parties, late-night fireworks, and delicious food like spit-roasted lamb. One of the most impressive parades can be seen on Lykavittos Hill in Athens, and it’s free to watch.
Navy Week (June)
Attend this special event in Crete, honoring the island nation’s relationship and connection to the sea. Traditions include dancing, live music, swimming, and sailing in Souda (near Chania).
August Moon Festival (August)
What a time to be in the capital! For one night, when the moon is at its brightest and most beautiful, venues like the Acropolis and the Roman Agora open to the public for free, providing moonlit performances of theater and dance. Each year the program changes, so don’t forget to check the schedule in advance.
Athens Epidaurus Festival 2022
Every summer, from July to August, the capital city transforms into a playground for the arts. Enjoy everything from ancient theater and modern-day productions to opera, ballet, and jazz. Ticket information and the 2022 program is available on the festival website.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Greece (And When to Visit Them)
There simply isn’t enough time in the world to explore all of Greece’s historical, cultural and natural gems. But here are some that will make your trip unforgettable.
Acropolis, Athens
The unmissable capital is home to endless tourist sights and attractions, but the most famous is the Acropolis. Admission is around €20 ($21 USD), and advanced booking is advised if you want to skip the queue.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Travel in the fall or winter to beat the crowds!
Delphi Museum & Archaeological Site
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi is located in central Greece, at the foot of Mount Parnassos. The archaeological site is open daily, and tickets are priced from €12 ($13 USD).
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Avoid the hottest and busiest months of July and August for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Mount Athos
The holy mountain of Athos isn’t just a mountain; it’s also a peninsula. Located in northern Greece, Mount Athos houses more than 1,400 monks across 20 different monasteries. Enjoy views of the mountain with a boat tour, but bear in mind that entry to Mount Athos is strictly controlled. Unfortunately, women have been banned from entering the monastery to preserve the celibacy of the monks.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Greece for boat tours is during the summer when the weather is good and there’s little chance of rain.
Firá, Santorini
The capital of Santorini is a must if you love sunset views. Explore the area’s whitewashed buildings, charming terraces, winding lanes, and blue-domed churches, finished off with an ocean backdrop.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit this popular tourist destination between May and October for the best weather and sunsets.
Corfu Old Town
This picturesque Old Town dates all the way back to the 8th Century. Here you’ll find a delightful mishmash of Venetian, British, French, and Greek cultures. Be sure to visit the Old Fortress and the Church of Saint Spiridon.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Travel in the shoulder season ( May/June or September/October) to avoid the summer crowds.
Greek Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
Get into the sporting spirit! While in town, don’t miss the chance to experience these popular sporting events in person.
Super League Football
Greece’s national sport is football, with the country’s Super League running from August to May. Some top teams to watch include AEK Athens, Apollon Smyrnis, Aris, PAOK, Asteras Tripolis, Olympiacos, Volos, and Lamia.
Greek Basket League
Basketball is the country’s second most popular spectator sport, and the Greek Basket League runs from October to June. The best teams to cheer on are Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Aris, and AEK.
Greek Public Holidays and Occasions
The biggest occasion in Greece is Easter. You can expect towns and cities to get busy due to local celebrations. Street parades and processions may also cause some road closures or impact transport.
The eventfulness of Easter is followed by the Christmas and New Year celebrations, another busy period for tourism. Other public holidays that may impact shops, services, and public transport include Independence Day on March 25th, Labor Day on May 1st, Assumption on August 15th, and Ochi Day in October.
Enjoy Greece’s history, culture, and beaches no matter the season (or holiday) by signing up for the Next Vacay Newsletter.
