The Best Time to Visit Greece

Spring in Greece: March, April & May

Why Visit Greece in the Spring?

Greek landscapes transform considerably throughout the spring season, with daily showers becoming less frequent, wildflowers coming into bloom, and the hillsides becoming increasingly lush as April turns into May. Most travelers opt to visit Greece in the summer months, leaving the warm spring days and refreshing Mediterranean breezes to be enjoyed in relative calm for those who opt for a shoulder season trip. That said, this is peak rainy season, with short daily showers to be expected until late May, particularly in more inland regions.

Spring is a fantastic season to explore popular cultural and historic sites, from Mt. Olympus and the Meteora monasteries in the north to the Minoan sanctuaries of Crete. In towns and cities, Easter brings candlelit processions and feasts in celebrations that give a refreshing window into local life in this popular destination. Visitors can experience Athens at a more relaxed pace in the spring, whether by paying an early morning visit to the nearby Acropolis or enjoying an evening of people-watching and outdoor dining.

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

Our spring trips make the most of this calm season in Greece, with a focus on impactful cultural sites and local cuisine at every stop. On May departures of our Hiking in the Greek Isles tour, you’ll take in views of the Aegean from lavender-lined coastal paths and dine on seasonal dishes at local tavernas. Further south, Hidden Treasures of Crete tours explore the high mountains, footpaths, villages, and cuisine of this culturally rich Greek island. For more inland exploration, spring departures of Hidden Villages of Northern Greece travel through the spectacular Vikos Gorge and Mt. Olympus, following historic trails to remote villages and cultural sites.

Summer in Greece: June, July & August

Why Visit Greece in the Summer?

Lively beaches, intensely sunny days, and an undeniably energized atmosphere characterize Greece in the summer, whether you’re visiting Athens or the islands. Visiting Greece in peak season comes with some compromises—you can expect to share the beaches with fellow vacationers, and tickets for archaeological sites are worth purchasing in advance—but there is nothing like a Mediterranean summer. The warm evenings make late-night dinners at Greek tavernas all the more enjoyable, and the people watching during this season is at its best.

Despite the crowds, summer is the most popular time of year for island hopping in Greece, with ferries running more frequently and dips in the Aegean at their most refreshing. But whether you’re planning to spend your days on the beach, exploring Greece’s cities, or hitting the trails, come prepared for inescapable sun and intense heat. Afternoons can be prohibitively hot for some, so planning respites for the hottest part of the day is prudent.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours

The whitewashed villages and azure Aegean waters are at their prime in the summer, when June departures explore the Cyclades and Crete. You can expect daily outdoor adventures and unbeatable views, with regular swims in the sea and frequent encouragement by our local Trip Leaders to sample the rich, homemade dishes of each island. On Hidden Villages of Northern Greece, you’ll make the most of the long, sunny days on unforgettable hikes through steep gorges, up Mt. Olympus, and to the clifftop Meteora monasteries.

Fall in Greece: September & October

Why Visit Greece in the Fall?

More popular than the spring shoulder season, fall in Greece nonetheless sees a distinct ebb in tourism that leaves the beaches, cities, and trails refreshingly uncrowded and unhurried. Fall is also harvest season, bringing a new roster of flavors and seasonal dishes to sample as fresh salads, olives, and tomatoes give way to chestnuts, pomegranates, grapes, and heartier vegetable dishes. 

September may be the best month to visit Greece, as the sea is still plenty warm for swimming, the skies remain clear, and the beaches and islands become increasingly quiet. By October, mild conditions make for beautiful hiking and exploring outdoors, though it’s worth packing light layers for noticeably chillier evenings. Far south, the water can remain swimmable well into October, although the country starts to move into its rainy season by the end of the month. This is the time of year to make your way to Crete and other southern islands, which enjoy warm days and clear skies a little further into the fall season.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours

Enjoy comfortably warm days and dry trails on a September departure of Hidden Villages of Northern Greece, which enjoys prime hiking conditions at Mt. Olympus, the Vikos Gorge, and Meteora. In Naxos, Tinos, Amorgos, and Crete, travelers on our Hiking in the Greek Isles and Hidden Treasures of Crete tours enjoy the beaches, trails, and cuisines of these world-class islands when most travelers have headed home for the season, leaving trails a little more peaceful.

Winter in Greece: November, December, January & February

Why Visit Greece in the Winter?

Winter in Greece is an entirely different experience, as snow sticks to the peaks of Mt. Olympus and the focus shifts from beachgoing and island-hopping to savoring the holiday season in Greece’s cities and inland towns. The Christmas season brings festive markets and light displays to Athens and Thessaloniki, which is known for its larger-than-life Christmas tree display. 

In contrast, tourism in the islands comes to a virtual halt as businesses close shop for the season and the ferries run on drastically reduced schedules. Inland hikes further north also become inaccessible to the casual hiker, as snow and ice often demand thoughtful preparation and, in the case of Mt. Olympus, microspikes or crampons.

Those seeking to revel in the history and grandeur of the Acropolis will find it refreshingly subdued in the winter. Nearby, days in Athens can be enjoyed exploring museums and sampling the lively restaurant scene. Thessaloniki offers a similarly cozy atmosphere in the winter, with its famous culinary scene taking center stage.

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours

Greece itineraries are on pause through the winter months, while reduced ferry operations and icy trail conditions render some destinations inaccessible. Our Greece tours resume in April and run through October, when our local Trip Leaders can showcase the destinations they love in comfortable conditions.