Are you thinking about a trip to Greece? With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it's easy to see why this country is a popular tourist destination. But when is the best time to go to Greece? The answer depends on what you're looking for in a vacation.
In general, the best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to October. During these months, the weather is still mild and sunny, but the crowds are smaller and prices are lower. Plus, the shoulder seasons are a great time to experience some of Greece's most popular activities, such as hiking, swimming, and exploring ancient ruins.
Of course, the best time to visit Greece for you will depend on your individual interests and preferences. If you're interested in history and culture, you might want to visit during the summer months, when many of Greece's museums and archaeological sites are open late. Or, if you're a beach lover, you might prefer to visit during the peak season, from June to August, when the water is warm and the beaches are buzzing with activity.
best month to go to greece
Shoulder seasons are best: April-May and September-October.
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Mild weather
- Ideal for hiking
- Great for swimming
- Exploring ancient ruins
- Summer for history buffs
- June-August for beach lovers
No matter when you visit, Greece is sure to amaze you with its beauty, history, and culture. So start planning your trip today!
Fewer crowds
One of the best things about visiting Greece during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) is that you'll encounter fewer crowds. This means shorter lines at popular tourist attractions, more availability at restaurants and hotels, and a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience overall.
- More space to roam: With fewer people around, you'll have more space to explore Greece's many ruins, museums, and beaches without feeling overwhelmed.
- Better photos: Without crowds of people in your shots, you'll be able to take better photos of Greece's stunning scenery and landmarks.
- More personalized service: With fewer tourists to cater to, locals will have more time to provide you with personalized service, making your trip even more enjoyable.
- Lower prices: Because demand is lower during the shoulder seasons, you'll often find lower prices on flights, hotels, and tours.
So if you're looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience in Greece, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. You'll still get to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer, but without the crowds.
Lower prices
One of the best things about visiting Greece during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) is that you'll find lower prices on a variety of things, including:
- Flights: Airfare to Greece is often cheaper during the shoulder seasons than during the peak season (June-August). You can sometimes find round-trip tickets from major cities in Europe for as low as $200-300.
- Hotels: Hotel rates are also lower during the shoulder seasons. You can often find a decent hotel room for around $50-100 per night, even in popular tourist destinations like Athens and Santorini.
- Tours: Tours and activities are also often discounted during the shoulder seasons. For example, you might be able to find a guided tour of the Acropolis for half the price you would pay during the peak season.
- Food and drink: Restaurants and bars often offer lower prices on food and drink during the shoulder seasons. You can often find a delicious meal for around $10-15, even at popular tourist spots.
So if you're looking to save money on your trip to Greece, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. You'll still get to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer, but for a fraction of the price.
Here are some tips for finding the best deals on flights, hotels, and tours in Greece:
- Book your flights and hotel room in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season.
- Look for discounts and deals on websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Booking.com.
- Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel. Hostels often offer dorm beds for around $20-30 per night.
- Take advantage of free activities, such as visiting the many museums and archaeological sites that offer free admission.
Mild weather
The weather in Greece is generally mild during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring ancient ruins.
- Comfortable temperatures: The mild weather during the shoulder seasons makes it comfortable to walk around and explore Greece's many attractions without getting too hot or too cold.
- Less humidity: The humidity is also lower during the shoulder seasons, making it more pleasant to be outdoors.
- Fewer rainy days: There are fewer rainy days during the shoulder seasons than during the winter months, so you're less likely to have your plans ruined by bad weather.
- Beautiful scenery: The scenery in Greece is stunning during the shoulder seasons. The wildflowers are in bloom, the trees are changing color, and the air is crisp and clear.
So if you're looking for mild weather and pleasant conditions for your trip to Greece, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. You'll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without having to deal with extreme heat, humidity, or rain.
Ideal for hiking
Greece is a hiker's paradise, with a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The mild weather during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) makes it an ideal time to go hiking in Greece.
Here are some of the best hiking trails in Greece:
- Samaria Gorge: This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Greece. It is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike through a stunning gorge, with towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The hike takes about 4-6 hours to complete.
- Vikos Gorge: This is another popular hiking trail in Greece. It is a 20-kilometer (12-mile) hike through the Vikos Gorge, which is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The hike takes about 6-8 hours to complete.
- Mount Olympus: This is the highest mountain in Greece, and it is a challenging but rewarding hike. There are several different trails to choose from, ranging from a few hours to several days. The most popular trail is the one to the summit of Mount Olympus, which takes about 8-10 hours to complete.
- Pelion Peninsula: This is a beautiful area of Greece with many hiking trails to choose from. The trails range from easy walks to challenging treks, and they offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The most popular trail is the one to the summit of Mount Pelion, which takes about 4-6 hours to complete.
These are just a few of the many hiking trails that Greece has to offer. With its mild weather and stunning scenery, Greece is the perfect place to go hiking during the shoulder seasons.
Here are some tips for hiking in Greece:
- Choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Great for swimming
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy shores. The water temperature in Greece is warm enough for swimming from May to October, making the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) a great time to visit if you're looking to enjoy a refreshing swim.
- Warm water: The water temperature in Greece during the shoulder seasons is typically in the mid-20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit), making it warm and inviting for swimming.
- Fewer crowds: The beaches in Greece are less crowded during the shoulder seasons than during the peak season (June-August). This means you'll have more space to relax and enjoy your swim.
- More affordable: Prices for hotels and restaurants are often lower during the shoulder seasons, so you can save money on your trip.
- Beautiful scenery: The scenery in Greece is stunning during the shoulder seasons. The wildflowers are in bloom, the trees are changing color, and the air is crisp and clear.
Here are some of the best beaches in Greece for swimming:
- Elafonisi Beach, Crete: This beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Mykonos Beach, Mykonos: This beach is known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It's a great place to swim, sunbathe, and party.
- Navagio Beach, Zakynthos: This beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and shipwreck. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking photos.
- Balos Beach, Crete: This beach is known for its shallow waters and lagoon. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
Exploring ancient ruins
Greece is home to some of the most iconic ancient ruins in the world, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and the ruins of Delphi. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are a great time to visit these ruins, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
- Fewer crowds: The ancient ruins in Greece are less crowded during the shoulder seasons than during the peak season (June-August). This means you'll be able to explore these iconic sites without having to deal with large crowds of tourists.
- Better photos: Without crowds of people in your shots, you'll be able to take better photos of Greece's ancient ruins.
- More personalized experience: With fewer tourists to cater to, tour guides and other staff at the ancient ruins will have more time to provide you with a personalized experience.
- Mild weather: The weather in Greece during the shoulder seasons is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring ancient ruins. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold.
Here are some of the best ancient ruins in Greece to explore:
- Acropolis, Athens: This is one of the most iconic ancient ruins in the world. The Acropolis is home to several important buildings, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
- Temple of Zeus, Olympia: This temple was once one of the largest and most impressive temples in the ancient world. Today, only a few columns remain, but it is still a popular tourist destination.
- Ruins of Delphi: This ancient site was once home to the Oracle of Delphi, who was consulted by people from all over the ancient world. Today, you can visit the ruins of the temple and other buildings.
- Epidaurus Theater: This ancient theater is known for its excellent acoustics. It is still used today for performances of classical plays.
Summer for history buffs
If you're a history buff, you might want to consider visiting Greece during the summer months (June-August). This is when many of Greece's museums and archaeological sites are open late, and there are also a number of special events and festivals that celebrate Greek history and culture.
- Longer opening hours: Many museums and archaeological sites in Greece have longer opening hours during the summer months. This means you'll have more time to explore these fascinating places.
- Special events and festivals: There are a number of special events and festivals that take place in Greece during the summer months. These events celebrate Greek history and culture, and they're a great way to learn more about this fascinating country.
- More guided tours: During the summer months, there are also more guided tours available at museums and archaeological sites. These tours are a great way to learn more about the history and significance of these places.
- More opportunities to see traditional Greek culture: During the summer months, there are more opportunities to see traditional Greek culture in action. For example, you might see people dancing the traditional Greek dances, or you might hear traditional Greek music being played.
Here are some of the best things for history buffs to do in Greece during the summer months:
- Visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Acropolis, including the famous Parthenon sculptures.
- Take a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Delphi: This site was once home to the Oracle of Delphi, who was consulted by people from all over the ancient world.
- Visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete: This palace is the largest and most impressive Bronze Age site in Greece.
- Attend the Athens Festival: This annual festival features a variety of cultural events, including theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.
June-August for beach lovers
If you're a beach lover, the best time to visit Greece is during the peak season, from June to August. This is when the water is warm and the beaches are buzzing with activity.
Here are some of the best things for beach lovers to do in Greece during the summer months:
- Visit the beaches of Mykonos: Mykonos is known for its beautiful beaches, including Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Elia Beach. These beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and partying.
- Go island hopping: One of the best ways to experience Greece's beaches is to go island hopping. There are many different islands to choose from, each with its own unique beaches and attractions.
- Take a boat trip: Another great way to see Greece's beaches is to take a boat trip. There are many different boat trips available, ranging from short day trips to longer overnight cruises.
- Enjoy the nightlife: Greece is known for its vibrant nightlife, and the summer months are the best time to experience it. There are many bars and clubs to choose from, and you're sure to find something to your taste.
Here are some tips for beach lovers visiting Greece during the summer months:
- Book your accommodation in advance: The summer months are the busiest time for tourism in Greece, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you're planning on visiting popular destinations like Mykonos or Santorini.
- Pack light: You won't need to pack a lot of clothes for your trip to Greece. The weather is warm and sunny, so you can pack light and casual clothing.
- Bring sunscreen: The sun in Greece can be very strong, so it's important to bring sunscreen. You should also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Stay hydrated: It's important to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Greece for different interests:
Question 1: What is the best month to visit Greece overall?
Answer: The best month to visit Greece overall is September. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller and prices are lower. This makes it a great time to experience all that Greece has to offer, from its ancient ruins to its beautiful beaches.
Question 2: What is the best month to visit Greece for fewer crowds?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for fewer crowds are April, May, and October. These months are just outside of the peak season, but the weather is still mild and pleasant. You'll be able to enjoy all that Greece has to offer without having to deal with large crowds of tourists.
Question 3: What is the best month to visit Greece for lower prices?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for lower prices are April, May, and October. These months are just outside of the peak season, so you'll find lower prices on flights, hotels, and tours. You'll also be able to find good deals on food and drinks.
Question 4: What is the best month to visit Greece for mild weather?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for mild weather are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the temperatures are moderate and the humidity is low. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring ancient ruins.
Question 5: What is the best month to visit Greece for swimming?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for swimming are June, July, and August. During these months, the water temperature is warm and inviting. You'll find many beautiful beaches to choose from, both on the mainland and on the islands.
Question 6: What is the best month to visit Greece for exploring ancient ruins?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for exploring ancient ruins are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. You'll be able to explore Greece's many ancient ruins without having to deal with large crowds of tourists.
Question 7: What is the best month to visit Greece for history buffs?
Answer: The best months to visit Greece for history buffs are June, July, and August. During these months, many of Greece's museums and archaeological sites are open late. There are also a number of special events and festivals that celebrate Greek history and culture.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
No matter when you visit Greece, you're sure to have a wonderful time. This beautiful country has something to offer everyone, from stunning beaches to ancient ruins to delicious food. So start planning your trip today!
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Greece:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips for planning your trip to Greece, no matter what time of year you visit:
Tip 1: Book your flights and accommodation in advance.
Greece is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season (June-August). This will help you get the best prices and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Tip 2: Pack light.
You won't need to pack a lot of clothes for your trip to Greece. The weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, so you can pack light and casual clothing. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Tip 3: Learn some basic Greek phrases.
While many people in Greece speak English, it's always helpful to learn a few basic Greek phrases. This will help you communicate with locals and get around more easily. Some useful phrases include "hello" (γεια σας), "thank you" (ευχαριστώ), and "goodbye" (αντίο).
Tip 4: Be prepared for crowds.
Greece is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to be prepared for crowds, especially during the peak season. If you're visiting popular attractions, such as the Acropolis in Athens, it's best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious food, Greece is a great place to visit any time of year. By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip and have a truly unforgettable experience.
Now that you know the best time to visit Greece for your interests and how to plan your trip, it's time to start packing your bags and getting ready for an amazing adventure!
Conclusion
Greece is a beautiful and welcoming country with something to offer everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or simply relaxing on a beach, you're sure to have a wonderful time. And with its mild climate, Greece is a great place to visit year-round.
To summarize the main points of this article:
- The best time to visit Greece overall is September, when the weather is still warm and sunny but the crowds are smaller and prices are lower.
- If you're looking for fewer crowds, the best months to visit Greece are April, May, and October.
- For lower prices, the best months to visit Greece are also April, May, and October.
- If you're interested in mild weather, the best months to visit Greece are April, May, September, and October.
- For swimming, the best months to visit Greece are June, July, and August, when the water temperature is warm and inviting.
- And for exploring ancient ruins, the best months to visit Greece are April, May, September, and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
No matter when you visit Greece, you're sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience. So start planning your trip today and get ready to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer!
Καλό ταξίδι! (Have a good trip!)