There is always good travelling weather in Hellas...

Temperatures in Greece

Summers in Greece are at their best: temperatures of 30 °C, up to 12 hours of sunshine a day and very little chance of rain. You can rely on sunny, warm, dry weather from May to October, with temperatures rarely dropping below the 20°C mark. The warmest months are July and August - in the capital Athens, for example, temperatures can reach 33°C. During this time, there are often longer periods of heat, with thermometers climbing to more than 40°C in the shade. There are often heavy thunderstorms inland, where it rarely really cools down at night. Apart from that, you can expect the best bathing weather anywhere in Greece in the summer months, as the water temperatures can reach up to 25 °C.

If you want to escape the heat, you should not stay in the south of the island, on the Peloponnese or Crete, as maximum temperatures are already reached here in June. It is more pleasant, with milder temperatures, on the east and north coast of Greece. As autumn approaches, it cools down only slowly: from October to January, you can explore the country in pleasant temperatures of 17 °C to 9 °C, but you have to be prepared for fewer sunny days and more rainy days.

Due to the Mediterranean climate, there is no freezing cold in winter; snowfall is only to be expected in the mountains. Nevertheless, from October onwards, it gets significantly cooler on the coasts and islands of Greece - with average temperatures of 10 °C - 13 °C. As the water temperatures drop and the number of hours of sunshine per day decreases, accommodation closes in many seaside resorts. While you can sometimes still expect sunny days and temperatures of up to 20 °C in November, the number of rainy days increases.

December is often the wettest month in Greece; in Athens you can expect 12 days of rain. There is also a lot of rain on Crete and in other regions of the mainland, with the heaviest rainfall expected between October and January. If you are prepared for rainy days and are not looking for a sunny beach holiday, the low season from October onwards offers the perfect conditions to discover the Greek islands, as well as the many natural sights that are accessible all year round!

Best time to travel to Greece

The best time to travel depends on what you have planned for your holiday in Greece. As bright and sunny weather with temperatures above 30°C is guaranteed in the summer months, June, July and August are undoubtedly the best time to travel for all sun-seekers who want to discover Greece's dream beaches. However, this period, from the end of April to the end of September to be precise, is also the peak season, so you have to reckon with lots of other tourists flocking to the beaches, islands and historical sites.

Those looking for rest, relaxation and tranquillity should therefore travel to Greece in the low season - from the beginning of October to the end of March. September in particular is still warm in summer, so you can still go swimming, hiking or on sightseeing tours. The low season is ideal for active and adventure holidaymakers and families with children, as sightseeing, beach excursions and water sports activities are much more relaxed! The only thing you should be prepared for during this time is fewer sunny days and more rainy days.

Spring in Greece - tips and recommendations

From March onwards, temperatures in Greece start to rise: Up to 18 °C are measured during the day, while at night it is still quite cool at 17 °C to 10 °C. Not only does the snowfall in the mountains in the centre of the country stop, but rainfall also decreases. In April, temperatures finally rise to such an extent that trees, flowers and shrubs begin to bloom all over Greece. A round trip is also worthwhile at this time of year - although most hotels and restaurants are still closed.

Only on Crete, which already boasts water temperatures of 20 °C, are some of the tourist centres waking up from their winter slumber. However, the real rush does not start until Easter, as many regions are famous for their Easter celebrations. If youwant to travel to Greece in the low season, you should come in May: While the countryside is in full bloom, you can visit many of the sights or explore otherwise crowded regions at average temperatures of 20 °C (often still almost to yourself). With water temperatures of 18-19 °C, you may even be able to venture into the sea.

Tips for Greece in spring

Travelling to Greece in spring offers the best opportunities for a relaxing holiday. As there are only a few tourists in Greece in spring. Here are three tips for excursions that are particularly perfect in the Greek spring:

• City trips: romantic strolls through winding old towns, without long queues; visiting restaurants or museums or taking a relaxed stroll along the promenades of city centres: all of this is possible in spring, without the crowds of tourists that populate Greece's popular cities. The months of March, April and May are ideal for planning city trips to Athens, Thessaloniki or Corfu.
  
  
• Cultural trips: The many archaeological sites scattered across Greece are also less crowded in spring. Those interested in culture can visit the Acropolis, Delphi or Olympia in a relaxed manner without long queues - or even book private tours of the historical sites.
  
  
• Island hopping: The Greek islands - such as Santorini, Corfu and Crete - are also tourist magnets. In the summer months, thousands of individual holidaymakers and cruise tourists are drawn to the islands in the Mediterranean. Those who want to explore the islands in a more relaxed atmosphere will find the best conditions in spring.
  
  You can choose one of the dream islands or explore several of them at once. From the beginning of spring, there are already some offers to hop from island to island by speedboat or ferry to see as much as possible!

Summer in Greece - tips and recommendations

Greece's summer begins in June, with temperatures on Crete that are already ideal for swimming, but the rest of Greece also averages 26 °C during the day. June also sees the arrival of the Meltemi winds from the north, which ensure that it is pleasantly warm and dry throughout the summer. In many regions, it is already too hot for hiking and trekking tours in the open air.

On the other hand, ten hours of sunshine a day and water temperatures of over 20 °C mean that you can already take a dip in the water everywhere. From June onwards, more and more tourists come to Greece, which is why prices for accommodation gradually increase - although the peak tourist season does not begin until July. Temperatures climb to highs of 33 °C and the sun shines down from a cloudless sky for up to 12 hours a day.

Even though it can get very hot inland and on the islands, the heat is more bearable than in the world's tropical climate zones, for example, thanks to the low humidity. July and August are the warmest months of the year and are also popular times for beach and bathing holidays due to the water temperatures of up to 28 °C. But the ancient sites are also teeming with individual holidaymakers and tour groups.

Tips for Greece in summer

You can enjoy summer in Greece until September, when the temperatures are often still at midsummer levels. In the Aegean, you can even enjoy marvellous bathing weather until October on any of the beautiful beaches with azure blue water and golden sand. That's why summer in Greece is predestined for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts who want to relax on a perfect beach and beach holiday, surf the sea or explore the underwater world.

• Chalkidiki: The Halkidiki peninsula in the ... is the best address for sun worshippers and bathers of all ages. Long sandy beaches, quiet bays and crystal-clear water can be found on all "fingers" of the island. Families with children in particular feel at home on the dream beaches, as they usually slope very gently into the sea.
  
  
• Zakynthos: swimming, snorkelling, diving: If you are fascinated by the underwater world of Greece, Zakynthos is the place to be. The southernmost of the larger Ionian Islands is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, which are particularly interesting for divers. This definitely includes Navagio Bay, where you can explore a shipwreck that sank in 1980. Those who are more interested in the colourful underwater world, fish and sea turtles will also find them on Zakynthos - for example around the small offshore island of Marathonisi.
  
  
• Lefkada: South of Crete lies Lefkada, the "white pearl of Greece". The island is a favourite spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, who can always count on a reliable breeze to carry them impressively over the surface of the sea. Many sailors and surfers can also be found in Lefkada, and those who go diving off the island will find historic shipwrecks and caves waiting to be explored underwater. For beginners, there are diving centres in Nydri and Vasiliki, which also offer guided tours.

Autumn in Greece - tips and recommendations

From September onwards, it gets quieter in Greece as the air and water temperatures drop. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy midsummer temperatures of up to 28 °C in some places, water temperatures of over 22 °C and hardly any rainy days, for example in the capital Athens.

It is not until the end of September that the hours of sunshine drop to nine hours - and there are isolated rainy spells. Nevertheless, this is the best time to discover historical, urban and natural sights without the crowds of tourists. In October, it slowly gets cooler, both on land and in the water. Water temperatures drop to 20 °C and the sun only shines for seven hours, which is why accommodation closes from September, especially in tourist resorts. While you can still enjoy water sports activities until October, it gets too cold and stormy from November onwards.

Tips for Greece in autumn

Autumn is the best time of year to discover the otherwise overcrowded sights and crowded beaches of Greece - and to enjoy them in a relaxed atmosphere. September and October are the best months for active holidaymakers in particular, as you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or climbing in pleasant temperatures. This is exactly what you should consider our following tips for:

• Water sports: kayaking or canoeing to the Blue Cave of Zakyntho, a rafting tour to the Meteora monasteries or sailing across the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, all these water sports activities are ideal in autumn. With pleasantly mild temperatures, you can discover deserted islands and beaches, swim in bays with emerald green water and explore Greece from the water, away from mass tourism.
  
  
• Extreme sports: Those looking for an adrenaline rush will not be disappointed in Greece. Unique off-road tours lead through the Agrafa or Parnon mountains, the stone villages of Evrytania or the mountain ranges of Crete. But apart from exciting car and motorbike tours, it is also possible to try skydiving on the coast. There are flying schools in Lamia, Megara, Thessaloniki, Thiva and Crete where you can book instructors with many years of experience to see Greece from above.

Winter in Greece - tips and recommendations

As December approaches, the ski season begins in the mountains. While the lower regions remain free of frost and snow with average temperatures of 10 °C, snow falls in the mountainous interior of the country and remains on the plateaus. Many ski enthusiasts travel to Greece in December to explore the country's slopes. On the coasts and islands, on the other hand, there is more rainfall, which is why it tends to be a little less cosy.

Due to storms, ships and ferries rarely travel to the Greek islands, where hardly any accommodation is open anyway. This situation continues into January and February. While only a few tourists visit the ancient sights or the popular seaside resorts, the ski centres are well frequented.

Tips for Greece in winter

With the onset of snow, Greece's winter sports and ski resorts open in the mountainous interior. These include excellent ski resorts such as Falakro, Kaimaktsalan, Vasilitsa, Seli, Karpenissi, Elatohori and Kalavryta. Even those who are not keen on skiing will find beautiful, almost unspoilt trails for hiking and even routes for horse riding and mountain biking in the surrounding area. We have three tips for skiing holidays in the Greek winter for you!

• Arahova: Arahova, the "Mykonos of winter", lies at an altitude of 973 metres. The name is no coincidence, because in this cosmopolitan mountain village you will find tavernas, bars, restaurants and many opportunities to try out winter sports. Skiers and snowboarders will find the Parnassos ski centre here, where there is usually snow from the beginning of November. Trekking and mountain bike fans can explore impressive natural sights such as caves and glaciers on the Hellas Parnassos trails.
  
  
• Vasilitsa: Vasilitsa is also a popular ski resort in Greece, located in the centre of the Pindos Mountains. You can let off steam on 16 pistes at the ski centre located 2113 metres above sea level - whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier. In the area, which is popular with tourists, newcomers can take skiing and snowboarding lessons or try their hand at other sports such as hiking and climbing. There is also more than one place to stop for traditional food and wine around the ski centre.
  
  
• Elatohori: You will also find excellent cross-country ski trails and pistes at the Elatohori Pierias Resort in the Pieria Mountains to the north-west of Mount Olympus. Winter sports enthusiasts can ski down a total of ten pistes on the 1299-hectare site. Those taking a break from skiing can breathe in the fresh mountain air on hikes, visit one of the waterfalls in the surrounding forests or take a trip to the picturesque village of Elatohori, 8 kilometres from the resort.

Mykonos in the rain

The typical Mediterranean climate means that the weather on Mykonos is very predictable. In summer, rain is a rarity on Mykonos, instead the weather remains very stable from May to August with temperatures of up to 30 °C and without a single day of rain.

However, you should be prepared for increased rainfall from November to February. The rainiest month is December with 12 rainy days and up to 89 millimetres of rainfall. So if you are holidaying on Mykonos in the low season, you should make a plan for days with bad weather!

• Spa and wellness day on Mykonos: Mykonos has a reputation among the Greek islands as a party island that attracts tourists from all over the world for its Ibiza-like feeling. But there is a slower side to Mykonos, far away from the party hotspots and tourist crowds. A wonderful way to find peace and relaxation can be a spa and wellness day - after a long night or on one of the (rare) bad weather days.
  
  Most of the options are available in Mykonos Town: there are not only many wellness hotels here, but also spas and yoga studios that promise total relaxation. The CIEL MYKONOS SPA, for example, not only runs hotels in Ornos, Saint Stefanos and Mykonos Town, but also offers private massages, for which masseurs come to your holiday home or hotel room. This is the perfect way to spend a spa and wellness day - ideally against one of the island's magnificent backdrops!
  
  
• Art and culture day on Mykonos: If the weather is bad, it's a good idea to explore the art and culture scene on Mykonos - and visit the many museums and galleries. Mykonos Town makes it easy for art lovers: there are more than ten galleries around Kalogera Street in the Chora, where mainly contemporary, local and regional art is exhibited.
  
  These include the RARITY GALLERY and the Dio Horia Gallery, which specialise in young, up-and-coming artists. Paintings, photographs and sculptures are carefully selected and exhibited in changing exhibitions. It's best to take a few hours if you want to discover more than one of the many first-class galleries and perhaps take one of the works of art home with you.
  
  
• Bars and clubs on Mykonos: After a day of wellness or culture, you can't miss the world-famous bar and club scene on Mykonos. The best place to do this is in the "Little Venice" neighbourhood and in the streets and alleyways around the popular district, where bars, pubs and clubs are lined up side by side.
  
  From the picturesque Alefkandra beach up to Agios Nikolaos Church, it's no problem to go on a pub crawl until you arrive at Jackie O, a bar that is famous throughout Mykonos. But you can just as easily sink into small, quaint pubs in the charming Chora or in beach bars with a view of the Aegean. Anything is possible on the island that never sleeps!

Santorini in the rain

Santorini is also known for its hot, dry temperatures in summer, which are typical of the Mediterranean region. Summer lasts from mid-May to mid-October, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 °C. Rain is not to be expected during this time - although it is in the winter months. From November to February, and occasionally into March and April, there are more rainy days.

The rainiest month is December, when it rains an average of 75 millimetres on 11 days. Although most of the rain falls during this time, temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees. This is why late autumn, spring and autumn are ideal for an active holiday on Santorini. And even when it rains on Santorini, there is plenty to experience on the Cyclades island!

• Enjoy Santorini's cuisine: If you catch a bad weather day on Santorini, this is the best opportunity for a visit to a restaurant or taverna. Especially on the popular Cycladic island, you should savour the traditional Greek cuisine. Dishes cooked with ingredients typical of the island, such as sun-dried tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes or pork and goat meat, are popular.
  
  Santorini dishes reflect exciting influences from the Balkans, Italy and Egypt, making them some of the healthiest dishes in the world. If you're lucky, you'll find a seat in one of the tavernas or cosy cafés in Oia or Fira and enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcano in Nea Kameni at sunset over dinner!
  
  
• Visit monuments worth seeing: Bad weather on Santorini rarely means rain, at least in the summer months. However, it may be too cloudy or too windy for a day at the beach, which is why you should opt for indoor activities instead. It is also possible to visit the many monuments worth seeing on the island.
  
  You can also stay in Fira, as the Metropolis Cathedral and the churches of Ieros Naos Agiou Ioannou tou Baptistou are two of the most impressive buildings in the island's capital. It is generally worth staying in the neighbourhood around the Catholic church, which is also home to the Megaro Gizi Museum and many opportunities to enjoy a delicious meal.

Crete in the rain

Due to its southern location in the Mediterranean, Crete is a guarantee for hours of sunshine. With up to 12 hours of sunshine a day, Crete is consistently warm and dry in summer with an average temperature of 26 °C. Rainy days are hardly to be expected from May to September. However, several micro-climate zones run through the island, which is why the weather can change when travelling from one region to another.

While it is always 4-5 °C warmer on the south coast, which is also reached by warm winds from Africa, it is cooler in the mountainous north, with snowfall even occurring in winter. In general, it can also rain - especially in the winter months from the end of October to the end of March. In northern Crete, you can expect up to 12 days of rain, especially in January and February. However, there are some activities that are suitable for Crete in the rain!

Museum visits on Crete

Rainy days are perfect for museum visits and Crete has a number of interesting institutions - including historical and archaeological museums, military museums, aquariums and wineries.

• Archaeological Museum in Heraklion: The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is an important museum throughout Europe, covering several millennia of Cretan and Greek history with its collection of exhibits. All artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman period that have been unearthed at excavation sites are on display here.
  
  
• Natural History Museum in Heraklion: The Natural History Museum in the island's capital is also worth a visit, as it brings the flora and fauna of the eastern Mediterranean closer to the curious young and old. There is also an exciting earthquake simulator, life-size dinosaur replicas and a small zoo with aquariums and terrariums.
  
  
• Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre in Gavros: Not only the island's capital has many museums, there are also interesting excursion destinations in the surrounding area. The first aquarium in Crete is a special place, especially with children, should it rain. At the aquarium in Gavros, you can learn a lot about the life of the marine animals and reptiles that have found a new home at Aquaworld - and touch them if you're brave enough!

City trip to Rethymnon

If it's raining in Crete, it's a good idea to travel to the coastal town of Rethymon. There are many ways to avoid the rain in the town. You can also learn more in Rethymon, for example in the restored mosque of Mastampas, which also houses the Palaeontological Museum of Rethymnon. In the natural history museum, inquisitive minds can learn more about the history of Crete's origins and marvel at imprints of endemic elephants and deer as well as millennia-old marine fossils. If shopping is more your thing, you can stroll through the old town even in light rain and get lost in the many shops, which mainly sell handicrafts.

Monastery tour across Crete

If you are looking for dry places, you should not miss out on the monasteries, churches and chapels of Crete, all of which can usually be visited. The monasteries scattered across the island are particularly impressive - due to their size, their architecture and their history. The latter is often presented in small monastery museums, which you should not forget on your tour!

• Arkadi Monastery near Rethymnon: The most famous monastery on Crete is certainly the Arkadi Monastery, which was built on the slopes of Psiloritis. The monastery, which was a key site in the resistance against the Turkish occupation, is now a Cretan national shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery, which is worth a visit for its history as a monument to freedom alone, is also popular for its baroque architecture. There is also a small museum in which sacred relics are exhibited.
  
  
• Chrissoskalitissa Monastery near Elafonissi: A highlight on Crete, on the Elafonissi peninsula, is the "Moni Chrissoskalitissa" monastery. The former women's monastery attracts many tourists to the otherwise little-visited peninsula, as legend has it that anyone of good conscience can turn the monastery's stairs into gold. If it doesn't work, you've done something wrong. Try it out!
  
  
• Agia Triada Monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula: The monastery of the Holy Trinity ("agia triada") has had an eventful history after it was burnt down in the revolution of 1821, but was later rebuilt. Today, the monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula resembles a fortress and has been home to the theological school of Crete since 1930. Tourists can admire the size and architecture of the Venetian monastery or view icons, manuscripts or vestments in the small museum. A speciality of the Agia Triada monastery is the production of balsamic vinegar, schnapps and organic olive oil. The monastery has even been honoured for the latter!

Rhodes in the rain

Rhodes is a popular holiday destination - not least because the island is one of the sunniest places in Europe thanks to its 3000 hours of sunshine a year. Sun-seekers are particularly drawn to the island in midsummer, where temperatures of up to 38 °C are possible in July and August. There is no rain at all during this time, and it remains very dry on Rhodes from April to September.

In contrast, the winter months from November to February are wetter with rainfall of up to 148 millimetres. January and February bring the most rain, although it is quite mild during the day at 15 to 18 °C. If you are prepared for the rain during this time, you can still go on some wonderful excursions on Rhodes in the rain!

• Exploring Santorini's cuisine: On Santorini, it's not hard to find fantastic restaurants to sample your way around the Greek coast. However, as the island attracts tourists from all over the world, the cuisine is not only Mediterranean, but also Italian, Asian and modern. Far more exciting than trying your way through the menus can be to take part in a cookery course - and learn Santorini's cuisine for yourself.
  
  
• Wine tasting: Santorini is known for its unique grape varieties, which you can best discover for yourself at the renowned wineries. There are countless opportunities on the island to visit vineyards in small groups during a half-day island tour. If it rains on Santorini, the vineyard tour is cancelled - but you can taste the famous volcanic vineyards of Santorini and learn more about the local wine production methods.
  
  
• Discover art: If you are interested in Santorini's art, you will find several galleries on the island that exhibit works of art in a special atmosphere. There are two art galleries in Kamari that you should visit: the Eduart Gjopalaj Workshop and the Gabbiano Nero Gallery. Whether in the galleries in Kamari or elsewhere, you can not only marvel at works by local artists, but also buy them.
  
  One place where Santorini's art and culture scene reveals itself is the Cultural Village in Pyrgos. In the cultural village, visitors can expect changing exhibitions, events and workshops centred around Santorini's diverse cultural scene!

Corfu in the rain

In the summer months, Corfu is very hot and dry, with temperatures climbing to over 30 °C in July and August in particular. There is usually very little rain during this time, with three to four rainy days to be expected. Outside the summer months, between the end of September and the end of April, more rainfall is to be expected:

While it remains pleasantly warm at an average of 7 °C to 16 °C, it is not unlikely to rain. As the air and water temperature are no longer suitable for a typical beach holiday on Corfu, it is important to discover alternatives for Corfu when it rains!