Choose your place first. Athens and the islands differ. Compare mainland, Ionian and southern island weather below.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Athens. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Apr.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Compare current prices for your dates. Weather cannot show the cheapest month.
The year at a glance
The month ratings above track Athens. Summer is hotter there than in Heraklion. Check the city table for your destination.
Island and mountain conditions differ. Summer winds can affect ferry trips; check current sailings before travel.
Greece weather by place
The score above uses Athens. Compare northern Greece, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes before choosing a month.
Swipe the table sideways on a small screen.
Average daytime high and monthly rain, 2001–2020
| Month | Athens | Thessaloniki | Corfu | Heraklion | Rhodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C 66 mm rain | 9°C 47 mm rain | 13°C 125 mm rain | 14°C 88 mm rain | 15°C 167 mm rain |
| Feb | 13°C 58 mm rain | 11°C 38 mm rain | 13°C 110 mm rain | 15°C 75 mm rain | 15°C 112 mm rain |
| Mar | 16°C 53 mm rain | 14°C 48 mm rain | 15°C 96 mm rain | 16°C 42 mm rain | 17°C 63 mm rain |
| Apr | 19°C 30 mm rain | 18°C 40 mm rain | 18°C 55 mm rain | 19°C 23 mm rain | 19°C 41 mm rain |
| May | 25°C 21 mm rain | 24°C 46 mm rain | 22°C 42 mm rain | 22°C 15 mm rain | 24°C 22 mm rain |
| Jun | 30°C 19 mm rain | 30°C 37 mm rain | 26°C 27 mm rain | 26°C 5 mm rain | 28°C 6 mm rain |
| Jul | 33°C 12 mm rain | 33°C 29 mm rain | 29°C 16 mm rain | 28°C 3 mm rain | 31°C 3 mm rain |
| Aug | 32°C 8 mm rain | 33°C 24 mm rain | 30°C 25 mm rain | 28°C 4 mm rain | 32°C 3 mm rain |
| Sep | 28°C 29 mm rain | 27°C 47 mm rain | 26°C 81 mm rain | 26°C 18 mm rain | 29°C 18 mm rain |
| Oct | 23°C 49 mm rain | 21°C 51 mm rain | 22°C 115 mm rain | 23°C 46 mm rain | 25°C 52 mm rain |
| Nov | 18°C 69 mm rain | 15°C 44 mm rain | 18°C 151 mm rain | 20°C 59 mm rain | 20°C 95 mm rain |
| Dec | 14°C 86 mm rain | 10°C 64 mm rain | 14°C 155 mm rain | 16°C 85 mm rain | 17°C 161 mm rain |
In October, Corfu gets more rain than Heraklion. July days are hotter in Athens and Thessaloniki than Heraklion.
These five points miss the Cyclades, mountain weather and sea conditions. Summer island winds can also affect a trip.
Sources and weather limits
NASA POWER / MERRA-2 estimates use daily data from 2001–2020. Highs are average daily highs; rain is the average monthly total. These are map-based averages, not forecasts or station records. The Athens score and older city map use separate inputs.
Athens data · Thessaloniki data · Corfu data · Heraklion data · Rhodes data · Visit Greece climate guide · Ionian Islands · Checked October 2026
Greece month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Athens.
JanuaryCool with a little rain.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 13°C / 55°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 56 mm
Cool with a little rain.
FebruaryCool and dry.Ideal 75
- Daytime high
- 14°C / 57°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 47 mm
Cool and dry.
MarchCool and dry.Ideal 83
- Daytime high
- 16°C / 61°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 41 mm
Cool and dry.
AprilMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 30 mm
Mild and dry.
MayWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 23 mm
Warm and dry.
JuneHot and dry.Ideal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 20°C / 68°F
- Rainfall
- 11 mm
Hot and dry.
JulyHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 6 mm
Hot and dry.
AugustHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 6 mm
Hot and dry.
SeptemberHot and dryIdeal 97
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 19°C / 66°F
- Rainfall
- 14 mm
Hot and dry.
OctoberWarm and dry.Ideal 97
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 52 mm
Warm and dry.
NovemberMild with a little rain.Ideal 91
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 57 mm
Mild with a little rain.
DecemberCool with a little rain.Great 73
- Daytime high
- 14°C / 57°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 65 mm
Cool with a little rain.
Which city, which month
The strip above rates Athens. Pick a month to see how 8 cities compare.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens Attica | 70 | 75 | 83 | 100 | 100 | 93 | 80 | 80 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 73 |
| Thessaloniki The north | 50 | 67 | 79 | 100 | 98 | 93 | 87 | 87 | 100 | 99 | 83 | 62 |
| Ioannina Epirus and the Pindus | 41 | 51 | 71 | 81 | 89 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 96 | 77 | 55 | 46 |
| Corfu Ionian islands | 56 | 64 | 76 | 87 | 100 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 66 | 51 | 50 |
| Mykonos Cyclades | 73 | 75 | 83 | 96 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 91 | 77 |
| Santorini Cyclades | 68 | 78 | 83 | 96 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 90 | 76 |
| Rhodes Dodecanese | 53 | 71 | 85 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 97 | 94 | 82 | 52 |
| Heraklion Crete | 76 | 81 | 87 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 97 | 97 | 100 | 96 | 94 | 81 |
Same 0 to 100 rating as the strip above, from each city's own long-run normals.
Where you go changes when you go
Athens and the mainland
Hot summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are ideal for the Acropolis and ancient sites, without the summer heat.
The Cyclades and islands
Santorini, Mykonos and the rest are at their best from May to mid June and late August into September, warm but a touch calmer.
Crete and the south
The warmest, longest season of all, with swimming well into October and mild winters.
Athens, Meteora and down the Cyclades to Crete
A few days in Athens, a train north to the monasteries at Meteora, then ferries south through the Cyclades to Santorini and on to Crete. Late May, June and September are the sweet spot: ferries running, sea warm, crowds thin.
Lines show the order of stops, not the roads or ferry tracks.
Athens
The Acropolis, Plaka and Psyrri. Base for the train north and the ferries south.
Nafplio
A Venetian harbour town, with Epidaurus and Mycenae close by.
Meteora
Monasteries on rock pillars. One full day covers the main ones; cover shoulders and knees.
- Train back, then the ferry from Piraeus
Paros
Naoussa harbour, Parikia and the beaches in between. A sociable hub island.
Naxos
The biggest Cycladic island: long beaches, hill villages, and the best value of the group.
Milos
Volcanic coves and the moonscape at Sarakiniko. Rent a scooter.
Santorini
The caldera, Oia at sunset and the Fira to Oia walk. Two nights is plenty.
Heraklion, Crete
Knossos, the old harbour, then Chania or the Samaria gorge. Fly home from Heraklion.
Chania
The prettiest harbour in Crete, and the base for the Samaria gorge and Balos.
Route drawn from Santorini Dave, Greece itinerary and island hopping, Tourlane, Greece itinerary 2 weeks, Bucketlistly, 2 weeks backpacking Greece, Hostelz, Greek islands backpacking route. Check timetables for the month you travel.
Best time to visit Greece for
Islands and beaches
Late May to mid June and September, with warm seas, sunshine and fewer crowds than the August rush.
Ancient sites
April, May, June, September and October, when Athens and Delphi are pleasant rather than scorching.
Nightlife
July and August, when Mykonos and the party islands are at full tilt.
Quiet and value
Compare weather and current prices for your dates.
What is on, and when
Island season, May to Oct
Ferries run, tavernas open and the Aegean warms up for swimming.
Warm seas, September
The sea is at its warmest after a summer of sun, ideal for late swimming.
Where to stay in Greece
Compare places to stay around Athens. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Greece?
Can you visit the Greek islands in winter?
When is the sea warmest in Greece?
Plan another month or destination
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