When to Go

Holidays by Destination Europe Greece General When to Go 

Busiest time is July and August when some islands and the busier mainland resorts are heaving and it can be very hot as well as dry. Late May and June and September see good weather, though October may be stormy. April is also not reliable and, as in October and November, the water will probably not be warm enough to swim. Out of season there will be fewer businesses operating, including restaurants. However, it's worth thinking about going for Easter (the Orthodox dates generally differing from the Catholic/Protestant ones), if you like the idea of seeing one of the biggest Greek celebrations.

In winter Crete is the warmest of the islands, averaging maximums of 600F in January, Rhodes not too far behind and both have been aiming to attract more winter tourists. Crete also has the longest summers, though the Ionian and East Aegean get slightly hotter, averaging highs of 880F.

The north and mountainous areas have cold, wet and snowy winters and cooler summers while the rest of the country tends to warm, wet winters.

Beware the cool, fine weather wind from the north Aegean down to Crete which affects the north-facing coasts. Crete, the Cyclades and Dodecanese can be windswept to the extent of blowing furniture about, particularly in July and August. In addition early spring and late autumn can see storms in the Cyclades. The Ionian on the other hand can see heavy rain October to March.