When is the best time to visit Greece?

Last Updated On December 02, 2022

When is the best time to visit Greece, the age-old question? The majority of people's answers would be far more simplistic than the one we'll provide here. The apparent response exclaims, "Of course, it's July!"

Yes, the simple answer is correct: The best time to visit Greece is in the summer season when the sun shines brighter than ever, and the sandy beaches provide a welcome break from the severe summer heat. However, while Greece is best recognized as a summer destination, keep in mind that you will not be alone, far from it, if you decide to travel between late June and late August.

Athens, Greece

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

When determining the optimum time to visit your favorite Greek resort, keep in mind the flow of tourists who select Greece for their exotic vacations each year. If you don't mind enormous crowds, clogged roads, and packed beaches, you'll be OK; the high-season months won't be a problem, so plan your Greece visit accordingly.

On the other hand, if you prefer a much more calm and authentic Greek experience, you should wait until spring or early autumn to plan your Greek vacations. If you visit Greece in May, early June, and September, which may be considered the beginning of autumn but is not in Greece logistically, you get the best of both worlds. You'll have the opportunity to experience the perfect weather and stunning beaches while also avoiding mass crowds and seeing an aspect of Greece reserved only for its locals; a much more authentic and enjoyable endeavor, in our opinion.

In our humble view, late spring is the ideal time in Greece because it is warm sufficiently to enjoy but not hot enough to suffer heatstroke. If you follow our suggestion and travel on a Greek holiday in the spring, don't forget to look at the best spring places in Greece. Of course, there is the alternative of visiting Greece in the winter, which is not the most usual, but it is a valid option. We don't recommend visiting the Greek islands during the colder months because they are abandoned, with only a handful of people and little to do – not to mention the piercing cold and powerful winds that the Greek islands are famous for.

Several areas on the Greek mainland are excellent for a winter adventure. Yes, there will be no glittering beaches. Still, there will be gorgeous landscapes, beautiful castles, imposing mountains, our favorite ski resorts, and a lush environment that will not make you second-guess your decision.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece for Hiking?

If you prefer active vacations to sunbathe on one of the many beaches, a lovely time to visit is in the spring, between April and early May, when the sun begins to warm the isles, but it isn't unbearably hot. It is also an excellent time to see wildflowers in bloom. Hiking, cycling, and sightseeing are all enjoyable during these months, in October, when temperatures drop to 21°C, and in November when temperatures hover around 17°C.

Apart from being significantly cheaper during these months, it is also an excellent time to visit Athens, particularly if you intend to climb the hill to see the majestic Acropolis. Summer temperatures in the country can often approach 40°C, or even higher in Athens' built-up regions.