The Best Time to Visit Greece (Month-by-Month Breakdown)

Here's the question everyone asks: when should I go to Greece?

The answer, frustratingly, is that it depends. On what you want, who you're travelling with, what you can tolerate in terms of crowds and heat, and frankly, when you can get the time off work. Greece works across all twelve months, but visiting Greece in May delivers a completely different experience than visiting Greece in August or December.

This isn't one of those "spring and fall are best!" cop-outs. This is a proper month-by-month breakdown of Greece weather by month, what the country actually looks like, feels like, and costs throughout the year, written specifically for Australians trying to figure out when to make that long-haul flight worth it.

The best time to visit Greek islands isn't the same as the best time to explore Athens or ski the mountains near Arachova. A family with school-age kids faces different constraints than a couple with flexible work schedules. Someone chasing perfect beach weather has different priorities than someone who wants to explore ancient sites without melting into the pavement.

So let's break it down properly.

Greece Weather by Month: Quick Reference

Warmest months: July, August (28-36°C)

Coldest months: January, February (8-15°C)

Wettest months: December, January, November

Driest months: July, August

Best swimming: July, August, September (24-26°C sea temp)

Cheapest months: January, February, November, December

Most expensive: July, August

Most crowded: July, August

Least crowded: November, December, January, February

Ski season: December-March (Parnassus/Arachova)

Greece Weather Comparison Table

Month	Avg Temp (°C)	Sea Temp (°C)	Rainfall	Crowd Level	Price Level	Best For
January	8-15	15	High	Minimal	Cheapest	Athens, skiing, museums
February	8-15	15	High	Minimal	Cheapest	Skiing, Carnival, mainland
March	10-16	15-16	Medium	Low	Low	Hiking, wildflowers, Easter
April	15-20	16-18	Low	Moderate	Medium	Sightseeing, sailing, spring
May	20-25	19-20	Minimal	Increasing	Medium-High	Best overall, festivals
June	25-30	21-23	Minimal	High	High	Summer start, long days
July	28-35	24-25	Minimal	Peak	Highest	Beach, guaranteed sun
August	28-36	25-26	Minimal	Peak	Highest	Beach, nightlife, full moon
September	24-30	24-25	Low	Decreasing	High-Medium	Best overall, warm sea
October	18-25	21-23	Medium	Low	Medium	Autumn, fewer crowds
November	15-20	19	High	Minimal	Low	Athens, mainland, budget
December	10-15	16	High	Minimal	Cheapest	Christmas, skiing starts

Understanding Greece's Climate

You need to understand that Greece isn't one monolithic climate zone. The islands differ from the mainland. The north differs from the south. The Ionian islands on the west coast get different weather than the Cyclades in the central Aegean.

Generally speaking, Greece has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. But "mild" is relative. Athens in January feels different from Melbourne in January, obviously, but it also feels different from Crete in January or Corfu in January.

The tourist season traditionally runs May through September, with July-August representing peak madness. Everything costs more, everything is busier, and locals are exhausted. Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer what most travel writers consider the sweet spot: good weather, manageable crowds, reasonable prices.

But winter Greece (November-March) has its own appeal if you know what you're getting into. And even peak summer works for certain types of travelers who thrive in heat and chaos.

Here's what to expect, month by month.

January: Winter Greece

Weather: Cold by Greek standards (8-15°C in Athens, cooler in the north), rainy, short days. The islands can be downright bleak with wind and rain.

Crowd levels: Minimal. Most islands are essentially closed for business. Athens and major mainland cities continue as normal.

Why you'd go: You're chasing authentic Greek life without any tourist overlay. You want to see Athens, Thessaloniki, or mainland destinations like Meteora or Nafplio without crowds. You're okay with restaurants having limited hours and some archaeological sites closing early.

Why you wouldn't: Most island hotels and restaurants are closed. Ferry schedules are reduced. Beach weather is non-existent. It's actually cold, and Greeks don't really do central heating the way Australians expect.

Australian perspective: This is peak summer back home, so you're trading Australian heat for Greek cold. Flight prices from Australia are typically lower in January (post-Christmas drop), but you'll need to really want the winter Greece experience to justify the journey.

What to know: Epiphany (January 6) is a big deal, with priests blessing waters and young men diving to retrieve crosses. Athens' museums and archaeological sites are glorious without crowds. Mountain villages in places like Zagori offer a completely different Greece than most people ever see.

But here's what most people miss about January in Greece: skiing. The Parnassus ski resort near Arachova (2.5 hours from Athens) operates December through March, offering an entirely different Greek experience. You can ski in the morning and be eating seafood by the coast in the afternoon. Lift tickets cost a fraction of Alpine resorts, and the mountain village of Arachova becomes a weekend escape for Athenians seeking snow.

February: Still Winter, But Stirring

Weather: Similar to January (8-15°C), though days start getting slightly longer. Still rainy, still cold by Greek standards.

Crowd levels: Still minimal. The country hasn't woken up for tourist season yet.

Why you'd go: You're specifically interested in Carnival (usually late February/early March), which is huge in places like Patras. You want even cheaper accommodation than January. You're exploring mainland Greece and don't care about islands or swimming.

Why you wouldn't: Same reasons as January. Cold, limited services on islands, not beach weather.

Australian perspective: We're heading into autumn at home, so the weather differential isn't quite as dramatic. Flight prices remain reasonable. If you're child-free and can travel outside school holidays, February offers significant savings.

What to know: Greek Carnival (Apokries) is wild in certain cities, particularly Patras which hosts one of Europe's largest celebrations. Parades, costumes, street parties, and a general loosening of the usual Greek reserve. It's nothing like what most tourists expect from Greece, which is exactly why it's interesting.

February is also peak ski season at Parnassus. The snow is most reliable, and the mountain resort gets busy with Greeks escaping Athens for weekend skiing. Arachova, the stone village at the base of the slopes, fills with skiers and becomes surprisingly lively for a winter mountain town.

March: The Shift Begins

Weather: Starts cold (10-16°C) but warms by month's end. Still rainy but less so than winter months. By late March, spring is arriving.

Crowd levels: Low, though Easter (if it falls in March) brings Greek domestic tourism. International tourists remain rare.

Why you'd go: You want Greece before the crowds arrive. You're comfortable with unpredictable weather. You want to see wildflowers blooming across the islands (genuinely spectacular). Accommodation prices are still off-season low.

Why you wouldn't: Swimming is cold at best, impossible at worst. Many island businesses remain closed until April. Weather is unpredictable - you might get sunshine or you might get rain.

Australian perspective: Autumn is settling in at home, so the temperature difference is manageable. School holidays (Easter) can complicate things if Greek Easter coincides with Australian Easter, but this varies year to year.

What to know: March 25 is Greek Independence Day, a national holiday with parades and celebrations. The country feels alive in a way it doesn't in January-February. Wildflowers on islands like Naxos and Crete are absurdly beautiful. This is when serious hikers come to Greece, before the heat makes trails miserable.

April: Spring Arrives Properly

Weather: Lovely. 15-20°C, sunshine becoming more reliable, occasional rain. Not quite swimming weather for most people, but some hardy souls start.

Crowd levels: Moderate. European tourists start arriving, particularly around Easter if it falls in April. Still relatively peaceful compared to summer.

Why you'd go: This is the best time to visit Greece for most people. Weather is perfect for sightseeing, crowds are manageable, wildflowers are at peak bloom, prices are reasonable. You can walk through Athens without melting. Island villages are opening up for the season.

Why you wouldn't: Sea temperature is still cool (16-18°C). Not ideal if your priority is beach time and swimming. Greek Easter can complicate travel logistics when everything shuts down.

Australian perspective: This is our autumn, which makes the timing feel slightly counterintuitive (leaving cooling weather for warming weather). But it works beautifully. Airfares start creeping up as European spring break kicks in, but still cheaper than summer. If you're exploring Athens neighbourhoods, April weather is perfect for walking the city.

What to know: Greek Easter is massive. The entire country participates in Holy Week services, and if Easter falls in April, you'll witness something profound. The downside is that ferries and transport run on reduced schedules, and everything closes Good Friday through Easter Monday. Plan accordingly.

April is also excellent for sailing. The winds are moderate, marinas are less crowded than summer, and the weather is ideal for being on the water without the scorching heat of July-August. Yacht charter companies start their season in April, and you'll find better availability and pricing than peak summer months.

May: Peak Shoulder Season

Weather: Beautiful. 20-25°C, mostly sunny, minimal rain. Sea temperature hits 19-20°C, which is swimmable for Australians used to cooler ocean temps.

Crowd levels: Increasing but still manageable. This is when smart travelers come to Greece.

Why you'd go: The weather is perfect. Not too hot for sightseeing, warm enough for swimming. Prices are still reasonable. Islands are fully operational but not overwhelmed. This is the month that travel writers mean when they say "shoulder season is best."

Why you wouldn't: It's getting busy, particularly late May as European summer holidays approach. Prices are higher than April. If you need guaranteed hot weather for beach days, May can still have cooler days.

Australian perspective: This is our autumn/early winter, so you're escaping the cold. School holidays don't fall in May, making this perfect for couples or retirees. Travelling to Greece from Australia in May means you arrive just as Greece is hitting its stride. Visiting Greece in May gives you the best combination of weather and value before summer peak season.

What to know: May is festival season. Wildflowers are still spectacular on islands like Sifnos and Naxos. The light in Greece during May is extraordinary, that particular Mediterranean quality that painters obsess over. Restaurant terraces open fully. Life moves outdoors.

June: Summer Begins

Weather: Warm to hot. 25-30°C, reliably sunny, sea temperature 21-23°C. Perfect beach weather without being oppressive.

Crowd levels: High and getting higher. June is popular with Europeans who have the sense to avoid July-August.

Why you'd go: If you want classic Greek summer without peak chaos, this is it. The weather is ideal, islands are fully alive, swimming is perfect. You get the full summer experience with slightly less insanity than July-August.

Why you wouldn't: Prices are summer-high. Popular islands and archaeological sites get crowded. Athens is hot enough that midday sightseeing becomes unpleasant.

Australian perspective: This is our winter, so you're trading cold for warm. Australian winter school holidays fall in late June/early July, which complicates things if you're travelling with kids. Airfares are at summer prices. But if you can swing it, June works beautifully for escaping Australian winter.

What to know: The Summer Solstice (around June 21) means long days with sunset around 9pm. Greeks start their serious summer mode. Dinners get later, beaches fill up, island nightlife kicks into gear. In Athens, bouzoukia venues open for the season, offering a uniquely Greek nightlife experience. Greek islands in 2026 are fully operational and gorgeous in June.

July: Peak Summer Chaos

Weather: Hot. 28-35°C, blazing sun, sea temperature 24-25°C. Beach weather is perfect, but Athens is brutal for sightseeing.

Crowd levels: Intense. This is peak tourist season. Ferries are packed, beaches are crowded, popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos) are overwhelmed.

Why you'd go: You want guaranteed hot weather and perfect swimming. You thrive in heat and crowds. You're okay with high prices in exchange for reliable sunshine. You're traveling with kids during Australian winter school holidays.

Why you wouldn't: Crowds are genuinely oppressive on popular islands. Prices are at yearly highs. The heat makes Athens exploration miserable between 11am-5pm. You'll spend half your time in queues.

Australian perspective: Australian winter school holidays (late June/early July) force many families into this period despite the downsides. If you're child-free, absolutely avoid July. The heat differential from Australian winter to Greek summer is dramatic - pack accordingly.

What to know: Greeks who can afford it leave Athens for the islands in July. Locals on popular islands are exhausted from tourist season. Book everything in advance. Consider less popular islands (Sifnos, Folegandros, Paros) over Santorini/Mykonos if you want to maintain sanity.

August: Maximum Greece

Weather: Hot to oppressive. 28-36°C, relentless sun, sea temperature 25-26°C. Perfect for swimming, tough for much else during midday.

Crowd levels: Peak insanity. August is when Europe goes on holiday. Ferries are sardine tins. Popular beaches require arrival at dawn for decent spots.

Why you'd go: You love heat and don't mind crowds. You want the full Greek summer party experience. You're young and energetic and want to dance until 5am on Mykonos. Your only time off work is August.

Why you wouldn't: Greece is expensive in August, more than any other month. Crowds are overwhelming. The heat is genuinely uncomfortable for sightseeing. Many Greeks consider August slightly gauche for tourism.

Australian perspective: This is our winter, but August is expensive from Australia because it's European peak season. If you're traveling with kids during Australian winter holidays, late July or early September work better than mid-August madness.

What to know: August 15 (Feast of the Assumption) is a major holiday when Greeks travel domestically. Transport and accommodation get even more packed. That said, August does have its charm if you embrace it: late-night dinners, beach clubs, island nightlife, everyone outdoors until midnight because it's too hot to be inside. The August full moon brings ancient sites alive at night, with special evening openings across the country.

September: The Smart Choice

Weather: Still warm but less oppressive. 24-30°C, mostly sunny, sea temperature 24-25°C. Perfect for everything.

Crowd levels: Dropping fast after mid-September. Early September is still busy with stragglers, but by late September you get the weather without the crowds.

Why you'd go: This is, objectively, one of the best times to visit Greece. The weather is excellent, the sea is at its warmest, prices drop after mid-month, crowds thin out, and locals are friendlier after peak season ends.

Why you wouldn't: Early September is still quite busy and expensive. Some businesses start closing by late September. If you need guaranteed late-night party scenes, things are winding down.

Australian perspective: This is our spring, so weather-wise it's a nice flip. Australian spring school holidays fall late September, which works perfectly for Greece. Airfares drop after European summer ends. Greece in September delivers excellent value with near-perfect conditions. This is prime time for Australian families and couples.

What to know: Greeks consider September their secret month. The heat eases, the tourists thin out, and there's a palpable sense of relief across the islands. Restaurant owners have time to chat again. You can get beach spots without 7am arrivals. The light is softer, perfect for photography.

October: Autumn Arrives

Weather: Mild and lovely. 18-25°C, mostly sunny but occasional rain returns. Sea temperature 21-23°C, still swimmable.

Crowd levels: Low. By mid-October, tourism season is essentially over on smaller islands.

Why you'd go: You want Greece to yourself. Prices drop significantly. The weather remains pleasant for sightseeing and beach time. Locals are relaxed and appreciative of tourists who visit outside peak season.

Why you wouldn't: Many island hotels and restaurants close around October 20th. Ferry schedules reduce. Swimming weather isn't guaranteed - some days are perfect, some are cool and windy. Rain becomes more frequent.

Australian perspective: This is our late spring, so temperature-wise it's equivalent. October works beautifully for escaping Australian heat before summer hits. Airfares are reasonable. School holidays don't interfere.

What to know: October 28 is Ohi Day, a national holiday celebrating Greece's refusal to surrender to Italy in WWII. Expect parades and closed shops. By late October, islands start shutting down for winter. If you're visiting smaller islands, plan for early October rather than late.

November: The Quiet Descends

Weather: Cool and rainy. 15-20°C, frequent rain, sea temperature 19°C (too cold for most people). Days get short.

Crowd levels: Minimal to none on islands. Athens and major mainland cities continue normally.

Why you'd go: You're interested in mainland Greece, museums, and archaeological sites without crowds. You want the absolute cheapest accommodation. You appreciate Greece in its off-season authenticity.

Why you wouldn't: Most islands are closed. Weather is unpredictable and often rainy. Beach time is off the table. It's genuinely off-season, which means limited services and early closures.

Australian perspective: This is our late spring/early summer, so you're trading warming weather for cooling weather. Most Australians wouldn't choose November for Greece unless they're specifically interested in Athens, Thessaloniki, or mainland destinations.

What to know: November is when Greeks return to their regular lives. Tourism infrastructure shuts down. But Athens is lovely in November - museums and cafes without crowds, crisp autumn air, chestnuts roasting on street corners. If you're interested in urban Greece rather than island Greece, November works.

December: Winter Settles In

Weather: Cold and often rainy. 10-15°C, short days, occasional storms. Sea temperature drops to 16°C.

Crowd levels: Essentially none, except a small bump around Christmas/New Year in Athens.

Why you'd go: You want to experience Greek Christmas traditions. You're exploring Athens and mainland cities. You want absolute bottom-of-barrel prices. You're okay with cold, rainy weather.

Why you wouldn't: It's winter. Islands are closed. Beach weather is impossible. Many archaeological sites have reduced hours. It's cold in a way that Greek buildings aren't designed to handle well (heating is often inadequate).

Australian perspective: This is our early summer, so the temperature inversion is dramatic. Flight prices can be reasonable if you avoid the Christmas/New Year rush. But you're trading Australian summer for Greek winter, which most people wouldn't choose.

What to know: Greek Christmas (December 25) is celebrated but less commercially than in Australia or the US. New Year's Eve is bigger, with fireworks and celebrations. If you're in Athens over the holidays, it has charm, but don't expect the city to feel festive in the way Northern European cities do. Greeks do Christmas privately, with family, not publicly with markets and decorations.

December marks the start of ski season at Parnassus near Arachova. If snow has arrived (not guaranteed until late December), you can ski Greece's premier resort. The mountain town of Arachova does a festive winter vibe better than most Greek destinations, with fireplaces, mountain tavernas, and a genuine alpine atmosphere.

So When Should You Actually Go?

If you want the objective best weather and experience: May or September. Perfect conditions, manageable crowds, reasonable prices. Visiting Greece in May or September gives you peak shoulder season benefits.

If you're traveling with kids tied to school holidays: June or early July, accepting that you'll pay more and deal with crowds. Greece in June offers full summer without August insanity.

If you want guaranteed hot beach weather and don't mind chaos: July-August, but pick less touristy islands. Greece in August is peak summer party mode.

If you want Greece to yourself and can handle uncertainty: October or April, but do your homework on what's open. Greece in October delivers autumn beauty with fewer tourists.

If you're interested in winter Greece: March or November, when spring/autumn provide better weather than deep winter. Greece in winter offers skiing at Parnassus and crowd-free archaeological sites.

The truth is, there's no perfect answer. Every month delivers a different Greece. The question is which version appeals to you, what compromises you're willing to make, and when you can actually get the time off work.

For most Australians making the significant journey to Greece, May, June, or September represent the sweet spot: good weather, reasonable prices, manageable crowds, and that sense that you're experiencing Greece rather than performing tourism in Greece.

But even peak summer or deep winter have their place. Greece works year-round if you know what you're getting into.

Understanding Greece weather by month and matching it to your travel style makes the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. The best time to visit Greece is ultimately the time that works for your schedule, your budget, and your tolerance for heat or cold, crowds or solitude.

Choose your Greece accordingly.

Greece in May vs September: Which Is Better?

Both May and September dominate "best time to visit Greece" recommendations, but they deliver different experiences. Here's the honest comparison:

Weather:

• May: 20-25°C, spring freshness, occasional cooler days

• September: 24-30°C, summer warmth holding, more reliable heat

• Winner: September (warmer, more consistent)

Sea Temperature:

• May: 19-20°C (swimmable but cool for some)

• September: 24-25°C (peak warmth, perfect swimming)

• Winner: September (warmest water of the year)

Crowds:

• May: Increasing but manageable, Europeans arriving

• September: Decreasing rapidly after mid-month, locals relieved

• Winner: May (slightly fewer tourists overall)

Prices:

• May: Medium, rising toward summer

• September: High early month, dropping after Sept 15

• Winner: May (better value, especially late May)

Scenery:

• May: Wildflowers blooming, green landscapes, spring energy

• September: Dried golden landscapes, softer light, autumn beauty

• Winner: May (if you love wildflowers and green hillsides)

Island Operations:

• May: Everything opening, services ramping up, fresh energy

• September: Everything open but some places showing fatigue, mid-month wind-down begins

• Winner: May (more enthusiastic service)

Events & Atmosphere:

• May: Festivals, outdoor terraces opening, Greeks optimistic about summer

• September: End-of-summer relief, locals more relaxed, better conversations

• Winner: September (better Greek interactions, post-season warmth)

For Australian Travellers:

• May: Escaping our autumn/early winter

• September: Spring school holidays (late Sept) work perfectly

• Winner: September (better for families with school-age kids)

The Verdict: Choose May if you want: wildflowers, greener landscapes, slightly fewer crowds, better value, spring freshness

Choose September if you want: warmest swimming, more reliable heat, post-summer relief, easier Greek interactions, family-friendly timing for Australian school holidays

Both are excellent. May feels like anticipation, September feels like satisfaction. You can't go wrong with either.

Quick Month-by-Month Summary

Best overall: May, September

Best weather: June, July, August, September

Best value: January, February, November, December

Best for families: June, early July, September

Best for couples: May, September, October

Best for avoiding crowds: November-March, October

Best for swimming: July, August, September

Best for sightseeing: April, May, September, October

Best for festivals: February (Carnival), March/April (Easter), May

Choose your Greece accordingly.

Cheapest Time to Visit Greece

If budget is your priority, winter delivers the lowest costs across the board, but with significant trade-offs.

Rock-bottom cheapest: January and February

• Flights from Australia: $1,200-$1,800 (lowest of the year)

• Accommodation: 50-70% cheaper than summer

• Reality check: Most islands are closed, weather is cold and rainy, limited services

Best value (cheap + decent experience): November and early December

• Flights: $1,400-$2,000

• Accommodation: 40-60% cheaper than peak

• Reality check: Still off-season but Athens and mainland cities operate normally, occasional good weather days

Budget shoulder season: Late October and early April

• Flights: $1,600-$2,200

• Accommodation: 30-40% cheaper than summer

• Reality check: Weather is unpredictable but can be lovely, many islands winding down (October) or just opening (April)

Cheapest time with good weather: Early May or late September

• Flights: $1,800-$2,400

• Accommodation: 20-30% cheaper than peak summer

• Reality check: This is the sweet spot - good weather, manageable crowds, reasonable prices

What makes Greece expensive in summer:

• Accommodation triples in price July-August

• Flights from Australia hit peak pricing

• Ferry tickets increase 30-40%

• Restaurant prices rise in tourist areas

• Car rentals cost 50% more

• Everything has "summer premium" pricing

Money-saving strategies:

• Book flights 3-4 months ahead for best prices

• Travel in May or late September for value + weather

• Stay in less touristy islands (Sifnos vs Santorini saves 40%)

• Eat where Greeks eat (away from tourist waterfronts)

• Use Ferries in Greece to compare ferry prices

• Consider winter if you're truly budget-focused and okay with trade-offs

Greece has gotten more expensive in recent years, but strategic timing still makes a massive difference to your total costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greece Weather and Timing

When is the cheapest time to visit Greece? January and February offer rock-bottom prices but most islands are closed. For the best combination of value and experience, visit in early May or late September. See our detailed breakdown above in the "Cheapest Time to Visit Greece" section.

What is the best month to visit Greece? May and September offer the best combination of weather, crowds, and prices. May brings spring wildflowers and perfect sightseeing weather. September delivers warm seas and post-summer relief.

Is Greece too hot in summer? July and August can be uncomfortably hot (28-36°C), particularly in Athens and inland areas. Islands have coastal breezes that help, but midday heat is intense. If you're heat-sensitive, stick to May, June, or September.

Can you swim in Greece in May? Yes, though sea temperature is around 19-20°C, which some find cool. Australians used to ocean swimming usually find it fine. By late May, swimming is comfortable for most people.

When is the cheapest time to visit Greece? January-February and November-December offer the lowest prices, but many island services are closed. For value with decent weather, try late October or early April.

What's the rainy season in Greece? November through March sees the most rain, with December and January being wettest. October and April can have occasional rain. May through September is reliably dry.

When do Greek islands close for winter? Most smaller islands wind down around October 20th. Larger islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) operate year-round. Athens and mainland destinations never close.

Is Easter a good time to visit Greece? Greek Easter is spectacular for cultural immersion, but logistics are tricky. Everything closes Good Friday through Easter Monday, and domestic tourism peaks. Book well in advance and expect transport complications.

Can you ski in Greece? Yes. The Parnassus ski resort near Arachova (2.5 hours from Athens) operates December through March. Greece's ski season runs when most tourists think of beach holidays, offering an alternative winter experience with lower prices than Alpine resorts.

What's the warmest month in Greece? August, with temperatures reaching 28-36°C across most of the country. July is similarly hot. Both months see sea temperatures at their peak (24-26°C).

When is Greece least crowded? November through March sees minimal tourism, though many island services close. October and April offer good weather with significantly fewer crowds than peak season.

Is Greece expensive in summer? Yes, particularly July and August. Accommodation costs double or triple compared to off-season. Flights from Australia are at peak pricing. Ferry tickets, car rentals, and restaurant prices all increase. Greece has gotten more expensive across the board, but summer sees the highest premiums.

What should I pack for Greece in spring? Layers. Spring (March-May) means variable weather. Pack light jackets, long pants for cooler evenings, but also shorts and t-shirts for warm days. Comfortable walking shoes essential. Sunscreen and hat by late April. Bring a light rain jacket for early spring.

What should I pack for Greece in summer? Light, breathable clothing. Linen over denim. Sun protection is critical (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses). One light layer for air-conditioned spaces and evening ferry rides. Comfortable sandals plus proper walking shoes for archaeological sites. Reef-safe sunscreen for swimming.

Best month to visit Greek islands? May or September for most islands. June works if you want guaranteed warm weather. Avoid July-August unless you love crowds and heat. October is beautiful but many smaller islands start closing mid-month. Each island group (Cyclades, Ionian, Dodecanese) has slightly different optimal timing.

Should I visit Greece in May or September? Both are excellent. May offers wildflowers, greener landscapes, and slightly better value. September delivers warmer swimming (24-25°C vs 19-20°C), more reliable heat, and works better for Australian school holidays. See our detailed "Greece in May vs September" comparison above for the full breakdown.