Discover the Best Time to Visit Greece for Ideal Weather

Introduction

Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern Europe, Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Beautiful beaches, stunning islands, breathtaking mountains, and sprawling cities attract upwards of 30,000,000 tourists each year! In addition to the amazing natural beauty in Greece, the country is also home to an amazing culture. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed all throughout Greece accompanied by dazzling musicians, street performers, and more. The country also offers a rich history including many museums to learn about ancient civilizations and Greek mythology. Part of what makes Greece such a wonderful place to visit is the opportunities for both education and relaxation. However, in order to truly enjoy Greece, it is important to visit the beautiful country at the right time of year. Keep reading to discover the best time to visit Greece for ideal weather, and what to do while there.

The Best Time to Visit Greece

So, when is the best time to visit Greece? Well, this depends on the preference of the traveler. For those who love hot weather, the best time to visit Greece is during the months of July and August. During this time, temperatures range from 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). While this may seem fairly hot, these temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to cool off in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. However, these hot temperatures are not for everyone.

For a more mild climate with the same iconic sunny weather Greece is known for, one should visit the country in the month of May. Average temperatures in May usually stay around 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). With this type of climate, visitors can still enjoy Greece’s amazing weather and all it has to offer without tiring out in the extreme heat.

Although the month of May offers the best weather for visiting Greece, it is probably the busiest time for tourists. This is because many people choose to travel during the summer months, creating an influx of people that may take away from the enjoyment of the trip. However, there is good news. During the months of September and October, temperatures in Greece are almost identical to the climate in May. In addition to good weather, there are far fewer tourists during this time. This makes seeing the iconic sights much easier and relaxing.

What to do When Visiting Greece

While it is important to know the best time to visit Greece, the right activities and excursions are what make the trip great. Here are a few suggestions for how to get the most out of a trip to Greece and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit Athens

Once the central hub of the entire world, Athens is the current capital of Greece. Across the 15 square miles the city encompasses are countless opportunities to immerse oneself in Greek culture. Ancient ruins such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and other temples are an absolute must-see. In addition to visiting the sites themselves, there are also several fantastic museums that offer a more in-depth look at Greek history and mythology.

After a long day of sightseeing, eating some authentic Greek food is an absolute must. Because Athens is so large, the city offers plenty of opportunities for both casual and fine dining. For a quicker option, visit one of the many bustling markets to try iconic street food such as souvlaki and gyros. If fine dining is more your style, check out a quaint rooftop terrace or a critically acclaimed establishment in the downtown area.

Once dinner ends, the nightlife in Athens absolutely needs exploration. The city offers a wide variety of more casual, chill clubs as well as packed-out venues with musical guest artists. There is truly something to love for everyone in Athens, which is why the city is a must-visit on a trip to Greece.

Santorini

Aside from Athens, Santorini is probably the most iconic spot in all of Greece. Although the island is only home to about 15,000 permanent residents, Santorini explodes with tourists year-round. In fact, almost 2,000,000 people visit the beautiful island each year! So, why is Santorini so popular? Well, the island is a fairly rare natural occurrence. The entire island consists of one large volcanic rock formed over thousands of years from countless eruptions. This makes the landscape incredibly unique, with rocky mountains leading directly to glistening multi-colored beaches.

Aside from the breathtaking landscape, the architecture in Santorini is also incredibly iconic. The majority of the buildings shimmer a brilliant white color in the Mediterranean sun, which creates a stunning contrast to the deep blue water surrounding the islands. Just like Athens, Santorini is also overflowing with culture. In fact, it is rumored that there are more churches than private residences on the island!

Finally, Santorini offers a fantastic selection of wine. Surprisingly, nine different indigenous varieties of grapes grow year-round on the island. Because Santorini gets such little rain, wine is often easier to find than water! Overall, the many amazing aspects of Santorini make it a fantastic place to visit on a trip to Greece.

Meteora

A lesser-known spot in Greece is the village of Meteora. Located in Thessaly, the area consists of six ornate monasteries built on the sides of looming cliffs that overlook the Greek countryside. Visiting Meteora transports guests back in time centuries ago, and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once inside the monasteries, guests can learn about Orthodox rituals, receive a tour of ancient rooms and artifacts, and get a glimpse of the daily life of a monk. Meteroa is perfect for those who want to learn more about other cultures, people who love history, and those who just want an absolutely astonishing view.

The monasteries of Meteora were built at the end of the 14th century, meaning that the architecture is incredibly rare and well-preserved. 20 monasteries were originally built, but only six remain today. While the loss of 14 monasteries is tragic, the remaining six are still fully functioning.

Ancient Ruins

Because Greece is one of the oldest countries in the world, ancient ruins are scattered across every city and town. It may be hard to visit all of the ruins in the country, so here are a few that are the most worthwhile.

• Phillippi – One of the oldest cities in the world is Phillippi. Only ruins remain, but the remnants of a once vibrant and bustling conglomerate are well-maintained and truly fascinating. Many important historical events happened in Phillippi, making it worth a visit.
• Delos – Delos is a small island near Mykonos. Today, the island is completely covered in remnants of temples, marketplaces, amphitheaters, and more. Often called the “most sacred of all islands,” Delos was thought to be the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo.