Best Time to Visit Greece: A Personal Journey Through the Seasons
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Hello fellow travelers! I am super excited you are here and are hopefully thinking about a trip to Greece. One of the top questions I am asked is “when is the best time to visit Greece?” Honestly, the best time to visit depends on where in Greece you are going, what you want to do, and your budget. The best part about Greece is you can be visiting ancient ruins one day in Athens and then soaking in the sun on the beach in Mykonos that same day. Timing to this amazing country can be everything. So, whether you are coming to enjoy some fun beach parties, are a history buff, or are looking to avoid the crowds, this guide on when to visit Greece will guide you every step of the way. Now, let’s dive in!
Introduction: Best Time to Visit Greece
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Greece. Depending on your budget and what you are looking to experience, each season in Greece offers something a little different. In this guide, I will break down the best time to visit Greece based on weather, crowds, things to do, and my own personal experiences on my adventures through Greece. These experiences and insider tips will hopefully help you decide when the best time to visit Greece for you is.
Spring in Greece (March to May)
One of my favorite times of year to visit Greece is during the spring. The temperatures are warm, but not too warm, and it’s also the beat time of year to beat the crowds. The landscapes are lush and blooming spring flowers, the air is fresh and pleasant, and it’s the best time of year to wander the streets and ruins of Athens or enjoy the sunshine on a beach in Mykonos. The ferries are back and operational during the spring and hotel pricing is very reasonable this time of year.
Pro Tip: Plan your trip over Easter and experience the amazing Easter traditions and festivals that Greece has to offer.
Some of my favorite things to do in Greece in the springtime are:
Athens: Explore the Acropolis without as many crowds, and without the intense summer heat. Another great springtime activity is taking a day trip from Athens to Delphi for even more Greek history.
Mykonos: Enjoy wandering the cobblestone paths and pathways in the city without the crowds and cruise ship tourists. This is also a great time to visit the many beach clubs without the intense heat and crowds that summer typically brings.
Santorini: This is the best time of year to wander the treats of Oia and capture those amazing Instagram pictures of the blue building tops. This is a great time of year to experience the cable car and/or walk down the donkey path, which is typically incredibly busy during the summer. I have seen the cable car line be as long as a 2 hour wait during the busy summer season.
Summer in Greece (June to August)
Visit Greece in the summer is not only the most expensive time of year to visit, but also the most crowd time of year. The islands, like Mykonos and Santorini tend to be the busiest in the summer due to the sunshine, busy cruise ships that dock, and its prime time to island and beach hop. I visited both Mykonos and Santorini in the summer, and it was honestly too warm (and i live in Phoenix) and way too busy for my liking. That being said, if you want to visit Greece in the summer and are looking for a little more of a beach vacation, but with less crowds, then I would recommend visiting Naxos, Paros, or Milos.
Some great things to do in the summer in Greece are:
Greek Ilse: Island hop between the various islands to see more islands and get a different vibe and perspective on Greek life and culture. This is a great way to see various islands, enjoy the beaches, and not only see the hot spots like Mykonos and Santorini in their prime, but also see a few of the others that are equally as beautiful, but less busy.
Pro Tip: Since Greece is the busiest in the summer, make sure you book your accommodations, beach clubs, and all excursions well in advance in order to secure a spot.
Fall in Greece (September to November)
When I think about the absolute best time to visit Greece, in my opinion, it’s the Fall. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy, and the water is also still warm enough to swim in. But the past part – hotels are cheaper and the crowds are much less! You can actually enjoy the streets and beaches on the islands and capture those amazing Instagram photos that we all try to get without the crowds. This is a great time of year to enjoy the beaches, take part in outdoor activities, maybe do a road trip on mainland Greece, and visit some olive and wine harvests.
Some of my favorite excursions to do in Greece during the Fall are:
Greek Isles: Sailing around the islands is a great way to take in new perspectives of the islands and enjoy some water activities as well. My recommendation is to do these in the later afternoon and sunset to enjoy the amazing Fall sunsets that Greece has.
Mainland Greece: Enjoy seeing the historical sites in Athens or Delphi as the temperatures will be bearable and the crowds will be less. This time of year, is also prime time for local wine and olive festivals, which is a great way to interact and support the local community.
Pro Tip: The islands start to shut down and close for the season in late October, so plan your visit accordingly.
Winter in Greece (December to February)
One of the most underrated times to visit Greece has to be the winter season. While the Greek islands are pretty much shut down for the winter, the main island of Greece still has plenty of things to do. I explored Athens and Olympia both during the winter, and I found the temperatures to be cooler, but pleasant. The other great aspect about visiting the main attractions during the winter is less crowds, allowing you to capture amazing photos without all of the people in the background.
Visiting Greece in the winter is also a great time to visit northern Greece and actually go skiing! It’s crazy to think about Greece getting snow and have the ability to ski, but there are places in Greece that do snow! Visiting in the winter can give you some new perspectives and new experiences, that you wouldn’t necessarily get in any other season.
Conclusion: Best Time to Visit Greece
One of the best aspects of Greece is that it is truly a year-round destination. Spring and Fall seasons offer outdoor activities, less crowds, and budget-friendly pricing on accommodations. The summer offers beaches and island hoping, but it is the peak season for Greece. Regardless of what kind of experience you want to have, Greece has something to do for everyone. The best time to visit Greece depends on you, what you want to see and do, and what kind of experience you want to have.
