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The Best Time to Travel to Greece

You want to visit Greece, but you're not sure when is the best time. Is it winter? Autumn? What about summer or springtime? It depends on what you want to do and where you want to go! This article will answer these questions and more so that your trip will be amazing! 

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The Best Weather in Greece

The weather in Greece is generally pleasant and mild. However, depending on the time of year you visit there can be variations in temperature and humidity levels.  

Generally, the best time of year to visit Greece is from April through October. The weather during these months is warm and sunny with generally low humidity levels. July and August are the hottest months in Greece, with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).

The weather in Greece is generally pleasant and mild. However, depending on the time of year you visit there can be variations in temperature and humidity levels.  

Generally, the best time of year to visit Greece is from April through October. The weather during these months is warm and sunny with generally low humidity levels. July and August are the hottest months in Greece, with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).

The exception to this rule is Crete which experiences milder winters and hotter summers than the rest of Greece. One benefit Crete has over other parts of Greece is its lack of humidity during the summer months, making it a much more comfortable place to visit at this time.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds and don’t mind a little rain, then visiting Greece during the winter months (November through March) may be a good option for you. The weather is cooler during this time of year, but it is also generally wetter. If you are planning on visiting Athens or other popular tourist destinations during this time, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance as they are generally more expensive during the winter months.

The Best Times to Visit Cities in Greece

If you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beaches, then summer is your best bet. However, if you want to explore the ancient ruins, spring or fall are better times to go.

No matter when you visit Greece, be prepared for some rain. The country experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, but especially in winter.

During summer, most Greeks take their vacation so it is not a good time to visit Greece if you are looking for authentic experiences with locals. 

The Peloponnese Peninsula has hot summers and mild winters, making it a great place to visit year-round.

The islands are hot during the summer months but milder in the winter with fewer crowds. Avoid visiting Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini between June 15th and August 30th which is their peak season so you can experience this city at its best without fighting for space.

In the winter, Athens can be a bit chilly and wet but it remains one of the best times to visit Greece as you will have plenty of space on public beaches. The weather is milder in other areas so if you go during this time try visiting some new cities or regions that are less popular at this time of year.

When to Visit Greece for Events

There are many interesting places to visit in Greece, depending on whether you are looking to relax or be active. All four seasons offer a diverse array of activities and attractions.

Spring Events in Greece

Greece has many events that take place in the spring. The most famous event that takes place in the spring is Carnival. Every year, Greece hosts a huge carnival celebration before Lent and other fasting periods for Greek Orthodox Christians which starts on the Sunday of Vlakas (Shrove Monday). The period between Christmas and Lent is also an interesting time to visit Greece as it coincides with many holiday celebrations.

Another event that takes place in the spring is Easter. Celebrated with special foods, services, and traditional Greek dancing on Holy Friday evening until midnight mass of Resurrection Sunday morning, this holiday always falls on a different date each year as it follows the moveable feast of Passover (Nisan 15 on the Jewish Calendar). During these days, many Greeks will travel back to their hometowns to spend time with family.

Summer Events in Greece

The weather is still good during the summer months in most parts of Greece, which makes it a great time to visit. Many music festivals take place throughout Greece each year and many are free events. For example, there’s an annual festival at Epidaurus theatre where you can watch ancient Greek plays for free.

The Athens and Epidaurus classical music festivals are also very popular and draw visitors from all over the world. If you’re a fan of jazz, there’s no better place to be than Greece in July when the International Jazz Festival takes place in Athens. And if you love opera, make sure to visit during the Athens and Epidaurus opera festivals.

Many food festivals take place in Greece during the summer months. Some of the most popular ones include the Thessaloniki International Food Festival, the Corfu Gastronomy Festival, and the Rhodian Gourmet Festival. These festivals offer visitors a chance to taste traditional Greek dishes and wines while enjoying live music, dance performances, and various other activities.

Autumn Events in Greece

Autumn is a great time to travel to Greece, as the weather is mild and there are many events taking place. One of the most popular fall events in Greece is the Athens Classic Marathon, which takes place every year in November. This marathon attracts runners from all over the world, and it's a must-see event for both visitors and locals. If you are in Athens during the fall, make sure to catch this event!

Another popular autumn festival is the Agrinio Wine Festival which takes place at the end of September every year. During the festival, there are wine tastings, traditional music concerts, cooking workshops, and many more events that take place around town. There is also a parade with floats made entirely out of wine barrels!

If you're looking for some beautiful scenery during your autumn trip to Greece, be sure to check out the colors of nature in Zagori. This region is known for its stunning autumn foliage, and it's worth a visit. The best time to go is usually in October, but you can also go in November if the weather is mild. The spectacular colors here are something that you don't want to miss!

Winter Events in Greece

Greek winter has many events that you will not want to miss. The largest event in the world, The Festival of Dionysus Dendrites, is held every year. It takes place on Parnitha Mountain and brings over 100 thousand people together for a week-long festival celebrating wine, music, food, and dance! There are also several other wine festivals throughout the country, as well as carnivals and smaller cultural events.

If you are looking for a more relaxing time to visit, winter is a great time to go. The weather is milder than in summer and the beaches are not as crowded. You can also enjoy skiing or snowboarding on some of Greece's fantastic mountains.

Winter is also a great time to visit Greece because most of the tourists have gone home for winter break! This means you will be able to experience many attractions without very large crowds. For example, in Athens, it’s possible to visit some ancient sites like the Acropolis and Agora with only one or two other people around.

However, keep in mind that some businesses may be closed from November to March due to the off-season. So make sure you do your research before you go! 

The Best Times to Explore the Greek Islands

The best times to explore the Greek Islands are from April to June and September to October. The weather is mild with average temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24 degrees Celsius). These months are also less crowded, so you can enjoy the beaches and sights without having to worry about crowds. The Greek Islands are perfect for a honeymoon. Booking a hotel room is easy during this time period. Global flower delivery service will help you to get flowers in the room to surprise your dear one.

July and August are the busiest months, with peak tourist season bringing hordes of people to the islands. The weather is also very hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius). If you don't mind crowds and are looking for some hotter weather, then July and August may be a good time to go.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many businesses on the Greek Islands close during the low season, so you may have limited options for things to do outside of visiting beaches and restaurants.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a more relaxed trip with fewer crowds, then April to June or September to October are the best times to go. If you're looking for hotter weather and don't mind some crowds, then July and August may be good months for you as well. 

The Best Times to Visit Mykonos and Santorini

The best times to visit Mykonos and Santorini are during May, June, September, and October. The summer season runs from July through August which is extremely popular with tourists because of its warm weather and long daylight hours. During this time hotel prices can more than double the typical price and the islands get crowded fast. If you are traveling to Greece during the summer months, book your accommodations well in advance. The shoulder seasons of May and October offer more moderate prices but maybe hit with inclement weather. If spending all day at the beach is important then visit in June or September when hotel rates are lower than peak season along with better chances for good weather.

Mykonos and Santorini can also be visited during the winter months. If you can handle cooler weather and don’t mind fewer daylight hours then visiting between November through March will save you a lot of money on lodging and flights. The downside is that it gets very cold, especially at night along with shorter days to explore attractions before they close for the day.

The bottom line is that the best time to visit Mykonos and Santorini depends on what you are looking for. If you want good weather, plenty of daylight hours and lower prices then go during May, June, September, or October. However, if you don’t mind colder weather and shorter days then visiting during the winter months is a great option.

When to Visit Greece to Avoid Crowds?

Greece is a popular tourist destination, so it's best to avoid the busiest times of the year if you want to have an enjoyable visit. The peak season is July and August when the weather is warmest and most people are on vacation. If you can travel during shoulder seasons — May or September — you'll find smaller crowds and lower prices.

In the shoulder season, the weather is still fine — most of Greece's annual rainfall falls in winter. And although some tourist attractions may be closed for cleaning and refurbishment during this period, you'll have a better chance of getting seats at restaurants and on ferries. In September especially, after most students have returned to school but before many locals have gone on holiday, you may have the ancient sites and beach resorts to yourself.

January and February can be cold, windy, and rainy in some parts of the country. Athens is busiest in March during Greek Easter week when many locals take a vacation. October is a good time to visit the islands but avoid Athens; it's still warm but not as hot as in summer, and there are fewer tourists.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Greece

The cheapest times to visit Greece ​are from November to March. Prices for flights and hotels are lower, and the weather is still mild. However, it’s best to avoid Christmas and New Year’s, as the country is crowded with tourists at that time

The busiest times in Greece are from May to September. This is when the weather is warmest, and the beaches are most crowded. However, this is also when prices tend to be highest.

The shoulder seasons from early April till May or September till October offer a great compromise as you’ll get good weather at reasonable rates. It can still rain in these months though too so it is important to have some flexibility with your plans if you’re visiting in the fall.

So, the best times to visit Greece for smaller crowds and better value are from late April till early May or mid-October till November. These months offer pleasant weather at reasonable rates with fewer visitors than a high season but more than shoulder season, making it a great time to plan your trip! 

Conclusion

The best time to travel to Greece depends on what you are looking for in your holiday experience. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxing vacation, then spring or autumn would be the best times to go. However, if you are looking for warmer weather and don't mind dealing with some tourists, then summer is the perfect time to visit.


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