When is it really the best time to visit Greece? This is the major question that comes in mind when thinking about travelling to Greece. Your decision will depend on many factors including your interests, the weather, your desired destination and the motive of your travel. Greece is a year-round destination with four seasons of relatively temperate weather, so you can choose any season that suits your tastes and enjoy your vacations either relaxing on an island or exploring the beauties of the mainland.
Spring
Spring marks the start of the vacation season, which is mostly during April and May. The visitors start to arrive just in time to celebrate with the locals the Orthodox Easter, which is usually around April. Between Easter and mid-June the weather is pleasantly warm in most places. One can indulge in sightseeing and delight in charming beaches as they are relatively less crowded. Lush vegetation of green forests and the verdant slopes of the brown-reddish mountains, prosperous plains and bloomed uplands will uplift and refresh you from the gloomy atmosphere of the past winter months. There is variety of accommodation options to choose from as hotel availability is higher during spring and prices are affordable throughout the country, while public transport runs on more frequent schedules.
Summer
To many people, Summer vacations is synonym to Greece! From mid-June to the end of August it is the high season in Greece. Hot, sunny summer days, perfect for relaxing on the beach in the ideal backdrop of the blue sky merging with the turquoise blue sea. Most of the Greek islands, as well as many coastal parts of the mainland, are packed with visitors, vibrant, lively and vivid! If you plan to visit Greece during summer you have to book in advance, especially if your desired dates are between July 20th – August 20th which is the peak of the holiday season. During summer, one can join folklore festivals, dance and taste local wines and traditional dishes in their most authentic flavors. The 15th of August is a public holiday and the Dormition of Virgin Mary is celebrated. Throughout the country, thousands of people attend religious services, celebrate and participate at local festivities and feasts.
Autumn
Autumn is considered a great time to visit Greece, specifically September and October. The high season starts to wind down in September and conditions are ideal until the end of October. The weather is still warm, mostly on the islands, with a few drops of rain here and there, but still, you can enjoy your holiday without being suffocated by the crowds. The Ionian and the Aegean islands, the southern Dodecanese and Crete are extremely pleasant as nature is a charm; the light is softer, the sea calmer than the winds and the colors subtler. If tranquility in a dramatic landscape is what you seek, Greece during autumn is a perfect destination. Unfortunately, by November the infinite blue summer skies give their place to clouds but there are always surprisingly sunny days. The national holiday of Ochi Day is celebrated throughout Greece on October 28th, commemorating Metaxa’s bold and unexpected refusal to allow Axis troops to cross into Greece during World War II.
Winter
Although much milder than in Northern Europe, the winter months in Greece are still rainy and quite cold with strong winds and snowfalls mostly in the North. Though, there are many crystal-clear, fine days with blue skies and bright sunlight. The majority of the seasonal businesses- hotels, cafés, shops, restaurants – close down from November until the beginning of April. The transportation around the islands is drastically reduced and weather dependant, the sights and museums close earlier while winter travel on the mainland presents no special problems. The busiest time of winter is around Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays, when Greek people and winter travellers as well, travel to winter destinations. Skiing centres, Alpine resorts and traditional mountain villages covered in snow, thrive with visitors and offer unique winter experiences.
After all, the best time to visit Greece depends on your expectations. You can enjoy Greece and its treasures whenever you choose to go! Have fun and explore its every part!
