With breathtaking islands, rich history, and vibrant culture, Greece has something for every type of traveler. But what time of year is best to visit? That depends on what you're after, whether it's island hopping and outdoor activities or fewer crowds and low prices. And we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through the best time to visit Greece.
In this article:
- Greece's main tourist seasons
- Best time to visit for fewer crowds
- Best time to visit for low prices
- Best time to visit for good weather
- Best time to visit the Greek Islands
- Best time to visit for festivals
- Best time to visit for outdoor activities
- Stay connected with Airalo
Greece's Main Tourist Seasons
Here's a breakdown of Greece's main tourist seasons:
- High Season: June to September
- Shoulder Seasons: April to May and October
- Low Season: November to March
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Best Time To Visit Greece for Fewer Crowds
December to February
The most popular times to visit Greece are late spring, summer, and early fall when tourists flock to the Greek islands. If you don't plan on hitting the beach, consider visiting Greece from December to February. The weather cools, and the crowds thin out, making for a more relaxing trip. It's a fantastic time of year to visit world-famous archeological sites in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras.
Best Time To Visit Greece for Low Prices
April to May and October
Believe it or not, it's possible to do Greece on a budget. The best time of year to score a deal is during the shoulder seasons. Outside of the high season, flights and accommodations for popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos take a dip. If you're set on taking a trip to Greece in the summer, try lesser-known islands like Sifnos and Naxos, where you can still enjoy a more affordable vacation.
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Best Time To Visit Greece for Good Weather
April to June and September to October
Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Greece for good weather. April to June and September to October bring ideal conditions to explore all Greece has to offer, from ancient archeological sites to pristine island beaches. You'll see warm, sunny days, but skip the sweltering heat of July and August.
Best Time To Visit the Greek Islands
May to June and September
The best time to visit the Greek islands is early summer and early fall. At this time of year, you'll have guaranteed sun, warm seas, and plenty of events and activities to enjoy. If you're after beach parties, aim for July and August, but be prepared for heatwaves, crowded venues, and high season prices.
Related: Greece Travel Guide: 12 Best Greek Islands To Visit
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Best Time To Visit Greece for Festivals
June to August
Greece is full of cultural events throughout the year; however, the summer months (June to August) are when many of the country's festivals occur, particularly those in Athens. From the Athens & Epidaurus Festival to the Naoussa International Film Festival and the August Moon Festival, it's a fantastic time of year to visit.
Best Time To Visit Greece for Outdoor Activities
April to May and September to October
Late spring and early fall are perfect for hiking and exploring Greece's countryside. From April to May and September to October, you'll get fantastic weather without summer's intense heat, making it the perfect time of year for activities such as hiking, biking, sailing, and more.
Stay Connected with an eSIM From Airalo
No matter when you travel, stay connected with an Airalo eSIM. Airalo gives you access to affordable eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions — including Greece.
Why Airalo? Here are a few reasons to use an Airalo eSIM when you travel:
- Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival.
- Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
- Eliminate the need to find a local SIM vendor.
- Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
- Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
- Running out of data? Top up in the Airalo app.
Planning a trip to Greece? Get a Greece eSIM to stay connected during your trip.