Greece is a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, the sea and the rich cultural heritage of this ancient country. But what is the climate and weather like in Greece, and when is the best time to go? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to plan your trip to Greece according to your preferences and expectations.
The climate of Greece
Greece has a
Mediterranean climate
on its coasts and islands, which means that it has mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. However, there are some regional variations depending on the location, altitude and exposure to different winds and sea currents. Generally speaking, the northern part of the country has a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers, while the southern part has a more maritime climate, with milder winters and cooler summers. The mountainous areas have a colder and wetter climate, with snowfall in winter and thunderstorms in summer.
Here are some of the main climatic zones of Greece:
-
The Aegean Sea
: This is the sea that separates Greece from Turkey and includes many islands, such as the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete and Rhodes. The Aegean Sea has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. However, it is also influenced by a strong north or north-east wind called
Meltemi
, which blows from May to September and can make the weather cooler and drier than expected. The Meltemi can also cause rough seas and affect ferry schedules. The islands closer to Turkey, such as Rhodes and Kos, have a warmer and more humid climate than the ones closer to mainland Greece, such as Mykonos and Santorini. -
The Ionian Sea
: This is the sea that borders Greece to the west and includes islands such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Lefkada. The Ionian Sea has a more humid and rainy Mediterranean climate than the Aegean Sea, especially in winter. The summers are hot but not as dry as in the Aegean Sea. The islands exposed to the west receive more rainfall than the ones facing east. The Ionian Sea is also affected by a seasonal wind called
Maistros
, which blows from the northwest and can bring cool air and storms. -
The mainland
: The mainland of Greece can be divided into three regions: Epirus, Macedonia and Thessaly in the north; Central Greece and Peloponnese in the center; and Attica (where Athens is located) in the south. The mainland has a more continental climate than the islands, with greater temperature variations between seasons and between day and night. The winters are colder and sometimes snowy, especially in the northern plains and mountains. The summers are hotter and sometimes scorching, especially in the inland areas and in the large cities. The mainland also experiences different winds depending on the season and location: for example, a cold north wind called
Vardaris
blows in Thessaloniki in winter, while a hot south wind called
Sirocco
brings dust from Africa to Athens in summer.
The weather of Greece
The weather of Greece varies throughout the year depending on the season and location. Here are some average monthly temperatures (in degrees Celsius) and rainfall (in millimeters) for some popular destinations in Greece:
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 10/5/56 | 11/6/46 | 13/7/40 | 18/10/26 | 23/14/15 | 28/18/6 | 31/21/6 | 31/21/6 | 27/17/14 | 21/13/52 | 16/9/58 | 12/7/69 |
| Thessaloniki | 8/1/37 | 10/2/40 | 13/4/38 | 18/8/38 | 24/12/44 | 28/16/29 | 31/19/24 | 30/18/20 | 26/15/29 | 20/10/45 | 14/6/55 | 10/2/48 |
| Santorini | 14/10/74 | 14/10/54 | 16/11/46 | 19/13/22 | 23/16/9 | 27/20/0 | 29/23/0 | 28/23/0 | 26/21/10 | 22/17/38 | 19/14/58 | 16/12 |
