Best time to go
Best time to visit Greece: month by month, with wind and crowds
When the sea is warm, when the islands are windiest and busiest, and when Greek Easter falls in 2027.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- June and September are the best months for most of Greece: hot and sunny, with warm sea and fewer people than in July and August.
- July and August are the hottest and busiest months, and the meltemi wind often blows strongly across the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Naxos.
- Greek Orthodox Easter is on 2 May 2027, a lovely time to see local traditions, although the sea is still cool.
| Best months | June, September |
|---|---|
| Hottest and busiest | July–August |
| Windiest islands | Cyclades, July–August (meltemi) |
| Sea temperature | About 19°C in May, 24–26°C in August–September |
| Greek Easter 2027 | 2 May |
| Flight from London | About 3.5–4 hours |
Spring (April and May)
Spring is green, full of wildflowers and good for sightseeing in Athens, Delphi and the Peloponnese. The sea is still fresh, at around 18–20°C, and some island hotels only open from late April or May.
Greek Orthodox Easter is the biggest celebration of the year, with candlelit processions and lamb roasts. In 2027 it falls on 2 May, five weeks after Western Easter.
Early summer (June)
June has long days, hot but not extreme temperatures and a sea warm enough for most swimmers. Everything is open and ferries run frequently, but schools in England and Wales are still in term, so it is quieter than later in the summer.
High summer (July and August)
Expect temperatures in the low to mid 30s°C, with heatwaves pushing higher, especially in Athens. This is peak season, with the highest prices and busiest beaches. Mid-August is especially busy because of the 15 August holiday, when many Greeks travel too.
The meltemi, a strong northerly wind, blows across the Aegean on many days in July and August. It keeps temperatures bearable but can make the sea choppy and cancel small ferries. The Ionian islands, such as Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, are much calmer.
Autumn (September and October)
September is many people's favourite month: the sea is at its warmest, crowds thin after the first week and prices fall. October is still warm in the south, Crete and Rhodes, but island ferries become less frequent and many hotels and tavernas close by the end of the month.
Winter (November to March)
Athens and the mainland are mild and quiet, with museums and ancient sites free of queues. Most smaller islands largely close for the winter, and ferry timetables are reduced.
- Greece charges a small per-night climate resilience fee on accommodation, which is higher in summer.
- Timed tickets are needed for the Acropolis; book the earliest slot in summer to avoid the heat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go to Greece?
June or September: hot, sunny and less crowded than July and August, with warm sea, especially in September.
When is Greek Easter in 2027?
Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday is 2 May 2027.
Which Greek islands are least windy in summer?
The Ionian islands, such as Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, are much less affected by the meltemi than the Cyclades.
