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Greece and travel seasonality
The seasonality of holidays in Greece is usually the main factor that influences the purchase of a tour to this country. After all, the weather affects the type of holiday, the impressions you get, and the actual price of a travel package from Chisinau.
Greece has a classic Mediterranean climate, which makes it attractive to travelers at any time of year. Here you can enjoy sunny beaches in summer, as well as cooler but sunlit walks filled with ancient history during the winter period.
If you find Greece on the map, it becomes clear that it consists of a mainland part and hundreds of islands. That is why it is important to understand in advance which time of year and which region are best for your trip, because the weather on the southern islands and on the northern coast can differ noticeably.
Top highlights
Key takeaways before booking your tour
The beach season in Greece lasts from June to September, while Crete and Rhodes allow comfortable swimming for longer.
June and September are especially convenient for a holiday without extreme heat and with more pleasant prices.
July and August are the peak season: the sea is warm, the sun is bright, and the resorts are at their busiest.
Autumn is great for excursions, festivals, walks and a calmer travel rhythm.
The low season from November to May is ideal for history, pilgrimages, gastronomy and budget-friendly trips.
Tourist season in Greece
The active holiday season in Greece usually lasts about six months — from late spring to late autumn. The country’s warm climate allows it to welcome guests all year round, but the mass flow of tourists comes precisely during the warm months.
The official start of mass tourism falls at the end of April or the beginning of May. During this time, seasonal hotels open and additional ferry routes between the islands are launched. The active period ends at the end of October, gradually turning into a quiet shoulder season.
When the season starts in Greece is largely determined by geography. Southern destinations, such as Crete or Rhodes, warm up several weeks earlier than the mainland.
High season in Greece
High season in Greece is the time of the brightest sun and cloudless skies, so from June to August the resorts live to the rhythm of an endless celebration. It is during these months that a beach holiday in Greece will be especially successful, offering ideal conditions for a summer vacation by the sea.
The water temperature in Greece from June to August is in the most comfortable range. At the same time, the Aegean Sea attracts lovers of refreshing breezes and waves, while the Ionian and Mediterranean seas delight with calmness and warmth.
June
The weather in Greece by month for holidays is divided into a warm “beach” period and a cooler off-season. At the same time, the high season begins precisely in June. This is when nature delights with flowers and lush greenery, but the intense heat has not yet arrived.
- Air temperature: on average +28...+32°C.
- Water temperature: around +23...+24°C.
- Resort occupancy: gradually increasing.
- Prices for tours to Greece in June are usually lower than in the height of summer.
Greece in June is the ideal moment to visit the pine-covered peninsula of Halkidiki, walk through the Old Town of Rhodes, or take sea trips.
July
When is the best time to go to Greece for a bronze tan? Most likely, your month is July. Rain practically disappears, the sun shines brightly, and the sea is excellently warmed up.
- Air temperature in Greece in July: +33°C, sometimes reaching +40°C.
- Water temperature: +25...+26°C.
- Prices: high, because demand for flights and hotels is huge.
- Resort occupancy: very high.
Thus, in July, only Crete receives an average of about 30,000 people every day!
August
August in Greece is the peak of the high tourist season. This is the time of the warmest water of the year, while the northern wind “Meltemi”, which actively blows across the Aegean Sea basin, saves tourists from the heat.
- Air temperature: on average +34...+37°C.
- Water temperature: +26...+28°C.
- Prices: the highest of the year, as it is the holiday season in Europe, including Greece.
- Resort occupancy: at the maximum possible level. The island of Corfu alone receives about 15,000 people daily in August.
Velvet season in Greece
Buying a tour to Greece for September or October is an excellent idea! Many tourists from Moldova say that the velvet season in Greece is the best time for a trip. In autumn, the sun is no longer so intense, but the warmth accumulated during the summer is kept by the sea for a long time, and prices for tours to Greece from Chisinau become significantly lower.
September
When is the best time to go to Greece if you do not want to suffer from the heat but still want to swim a lot? September, both in Halkidiki and on the islands, is a pleasant time: the sea water is warm, families with children start leaving, and accommodation prices decrease.
The weather in Greece in autumn, especially in September, is still summery, while the air becomes soft and pleasant for long walks.
- Temperature: +27...+29°C during the day.
- Water temperature: +25°C.
- Resort occupancy: the tourist flow gradually decreases.
- Excursions: this is the best time for excursions around Greece, as it is comfortable to explore ancient monuments, natural attractions and cities.
- Events: In September, grape harvest celebrations and wine festivals take place — part of the country’s centuries-old tradition.
October
The seasonality of holidays in Greece is such that even October is not a reason to forget about swimming. The beach season lasts especially long in the south of the country: on the islands of Crete and Rhodes, you can swim until the middle of the month.
- Air temperature: around +24°C during the day.
- Water temperature: around +22°C.
- Advantages: significant accommodation discounts of -20–30% and no queues at museums.
- Festivals: Chestnut festivals are held in Rhodes and the Peloponnese, celebrations in honor of tsipouro and raki, traditional drinks, take place in Crete, and the Pomegranate Festival is celebrated at the end of the month.
Low season in Greece
When can you holiday in Greece more cheaply, but no less interestingly than in high season? Tours to Greece in late autumn, winter or early spring are the choice of those who prefer authenticity and value cultural tourism.
November – May
The low season in Greece is a time for exploring history, pilgrimages and discovering local cuisine. Winter trips are radically different from summer ones: instead of beach holidays, the focus shifts to archaeology and natural beauty.
- What to do in winter: visit sights or ski resorts, such as Parnassos, and warm up in the thermal springs of Loutraki.
- Prices: the period from November to May is exactly the time when the cost of travel packages to Greece is minimal.
- Weather in Greece in the off-season: mild but humid. The air temperature ranges between +10...+15°C. From April to May, the air temperature in Greece rises steadily, but the sea water still remains cool for swimming.
Weather in Greece by month
January
Average air temperature: +12°C
Average water temperature: +15°C
Recommendations: Museums, pilgrimages, shopping
February
Average air temperature: +13°C
Average water temperature: +15°C
Recommendations: Carnivals, skiing
March
Average air temperature: +16°C
Average water temperature: +15°C
Recommendations: Hiking, nature, photo tours
April
Average air temperature: +20°C
Average water temperature: +17°C
Recommendations: Easter holidays, excursions
May
Average air temperature: +24°C
Average water temperature: +19°C
Recommendations: Ideal for walks
June
Average air temperature: +29°C
Average water temperature: +23°C
Recommendations: Start of the swimming season
July
Average air temperature: +34°C
Average water temperature: +25°C
Recommendations: Hot summer, island holidays
August
Average air temperature: +35°C
Average water temperature: +27°C
Recommendations: Peak heat, warmest sea
September
Average air temperature: +28°C
Average water temperature: +25°C
Recommendations: Comfortable holiday for everyone
October
Average air temperature: +24°C
Average water temperature: +22°C
Recommendations: End of season, budget tours
November
Average air temperature: +18°C
Average water temperature: +19°C
Recommendations: Gastronomy, olive harvest
December
Average air temperature: +14°C
Average water temperature: +17°C
Recommendations: Christmas, festive atmosphere
When to visit Greece for different types of holidays
For a beach holiday
The beach season in Greece lasts from June to September. If your goal is the warmest sea, choose August. And if you have sensitive skin or do not like intense heat — choose June or September. On the southern shores of Crete or Rhodes, comfortable swimming lasts the longest.
For excursions
When is the best time to go to Greece to discover its ancient culture or natural features? It is worth buying a travel package to Greece from Chisinau for April, May or October. During these months, the sun does not interfere with exploring ruins, while nature delights the eye with bright colors and freshness.
For holidays with children
The ideal holiday season in Greece for families is June or September. A temperature of around +28°C is easily tolerated by little ones, while the Mediterranean Sea is known for its gentle entry and sandy beaches.
For a budget holiday
The most budget-friendly tours to Greece are from November to March: prices for flights and hotels are minimal during this time. But when is it cheaper to holiday in Greece if you dream of swimming? In that case, look for last-minute offers for the end of May or October.
Conclusion: the best season for a holiday in Greece
Let’s sum it up briefly for those planning to buy a travel package to Greece from Chisinau.
- When to go to the sea: the best choice is September or June.
- When it is cheapest: from November to early March.
- When it is most comfortable: during the September velvet season in Greece, when it is still warm, but no longer hot and not so crowded.
Greece’s climate allows it to welcome tourists all year round!
Plan your trip to Athens, Halkidiki or the unique Greek islands in advance to get the most enjoyment from this journey!
FAQ: Greece travel seasons
When does the tourist season start in Greece?
The active season usually begins at the end of April or the beginning of May, when seasonal hotels and ferry routes open.
When is the best time to go to Greece for the sea?
The best months for a beach holiday are June and September: it is warm, the sea is comfortable, and the heat is not too intense.
What is the hottest month in Greece?
July and August are usually considered the hottest months, when air temperatures can rise to +34...+40°C.
When is the sea warmest in Greece?
The sea is usually warmest in August, when the water reaches +26...+28°C.
Is it worth going to Greece in September?
Yes, September is often considered one of the best months: the sea is warm, the sun is softer, and there are fewer tourists.
Can you swim in Greece in October?
Yes, especially in Crete and Rhodes, where the beach season often continues until mid-October.
When is it cheaper to holiday in Greece?
The lowest prices are usually from November to March, while late May and October are good-value options for beach holidays.
When is the best time to go to Greece with children?
For family holidays, June and September are best, when there is no extreme heat and swimming is comfortable.
When is the best time to visit Greece for excursions?
April, May and October are convenient for excursions: the weather is mild and sightseeing is more comfortable.
What is good about the low season in Greece?
The low season is suitable for museums, pilgrimages, gastronomy, thermal springs and peaceful walks.
Where does the season start earlier in Greece?
The southern destinations warm up first, especially Crete and Rhodes.
When is it better to buy a tour to Greece from Chisinau?
For a better choice of hotels, it is best to plan the trip in advance, especially for July, August and September.
