Santorini Secrets

8 Best Greek Islands to Visit in June: Weather and Crowds

Aerial view of Chora Old Town, Naxos Greece, Mediterranean scenery, whitewashed buildings, and historic castle.

Greek islands are some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but they are completely different every month. I believe June is the best time of the year to visit any Greek island, and I am explaining why below.

greek islands in june
Santorini is great in June, and it’s probably the best month to visit the island, but many more Greek islands are great in June

I believe June is the best month to visit the Greek islands.

BEST HOTEL FOR JUNE ON A GREEK ISLAND (CRETE): Creta Maris

BUT ALSO CHECK THESE ON THE FOLLOWING ISLANDS:

The most crowded months for the Greek islands are July and August, when millions of tourists visit the most famous islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and many more. However, June is less busy as schools are open in most of Europe, and few people take holidays.

READ ALSO:

when is summer in greece
June is the start of the high season, and it is perfect if you are looking for cheaper prices and fewer crowds overall

The best Greek islands to visit in June are:

greek island beach
This is Elafonissi beach in Crete, which will be yours if you visit in early June!

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Which Greek island is hottest in June?

The hottest Greek island in June is Crete. June’s weather is very predictable. It will be sunny 99.9% of the time and have very nice summer temperatures.

However, Crete is the warmest of all the Greek islands, or even mainland Greece. The main reason is that Crete is the southernmost island in Greece, and it faces Africa. You should also know that Crete is hotter than other Greek islands in July and August.

Is June a good month to visit Greece??

June is the best month to visit Greece and the Greek islands because the weather is excellent for swimming, and most of the islands and the most famous places in Greece will be less crowded with tourists. June is the start of the high season, and prices can also be lower for accommodation, ferry, and plane tickets. You should also know that Greeks rarely go on holiday in June (apart from the long weekend of the Holy Spirit Bank Holiday in June), making things even better regarding available rooms and hotels.

How busy is Greece in June?

Greece is quite busy in June, but it is less busy than in July and August, so June is a great month to visit if you are not looking to be in a tranquil place and also be able to enjoy the sunny summer weather of Greece. However, the most famous islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, can still feel quite busy in June because they have a longer tourist season. Any islands other than these two would feel very relaxing and quiet in June (always compared to July and August).

Is it warm enough to swim in Greece in June?

You can swim in Greece in June because the seawater is still warm. The ambient temperature during the day is usually between 25 and 35 degrees C, and it will be sunny almost daily. June is perfect for summer holidays because there won’t be many people, even on the best beaches in Greece.

Greek islands in June
The weather in Greece is perfect in June: not too hot but not too cold either.

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So, let’s see the best Greek islands to visit in June:

1. Santorini

red beach santorini
Red Beach in Santorini will still be busy in June, but it will be nothing compared to August

Santorini is without a doubt the most famous Greek island. June is still a busy month for Santorini as it is the start of the tourist season, but Santorini is one of the best Greek islands, and if you want to visit it, then June and late September are the best times to visit the island.

You will enjoy Perissa Beach (Black Beach), Kamari Beach, and Vlychada Beach, as well as the famous and unique Red Beach with fewer crowds. However, visit Santorini in the first half of June if you can.

The weather would be the same, but it would be even less busy. June is also great to have your honeymoon in Santorini.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Santorini

2. Mykonos

mykonos beach
Elia beach in Mykonos is very well organized and won’t be that busy in June.

Mykonos is the second most famous Greek island after Santorini. They are both unique but different islands (you can read my detailed comparison of Mykonos vs. Santorini). Everything I mentioned above regarding visiting Mykonos in June also applies to Mykonos.

However, Mykonos is also a famous party island, and June is the month most Greeks go to party for the Holy Spirit Bank holiday (usually around mid-June). Also, June is when most students in Greece go on holiday so that it might be slightly busier, but it will still feel empty compared to July and August.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Mykonos

3. Naxos

naxos beach
Plaka beach in Naxos is the best family beach in Greece, and in June, it would feel empty!

Naxos is quite a big island, so that it would feel less busy in June. Naxos is the best family Greek island, with some of the best beaches in Greece, which are great for families and kids. June is a quiet month for Naxos, so it is ideal if you want to relax and have a completely stress-free holiday.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Naxos

4. Crete

crete beach
Balos beach in Crete is difficult to reach, but in June it will feel less busy

Crete is the largest Greek island, and it never feels busy, to be honest. It is one of the hottest places in Greece, and you will get the best weather if you visit in June. It won’t be unbearably hot, and the sea waters will be warm enough for swimming.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Crete

5. Corfu

paleokastritsa beach corfu
Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu is quite busy in August, but not that much in June.

Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands group in the sea between Greece and Italy. It has slightly colder weather overall because it is northern than the Cyclades islands, but June is a great month to visit as you may also get cheaper packages.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Corfu

6. Skiathos

koukounaries beach skiathos
Koukounaries beach in Skiathos will be quiet in June

Skiathos is a little gem in the Aegean Sea, but it’s north of the Cyclades islands and belongs to another group of islands called the Sporades. Skiathos will have great summer weather in June and be warm enough to swim on its beautiful beaches.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Skiathos

7. Milos

sarakiniko beach milos
This is the breathtaking Sarakiniko beach on Milos island, which would be all yours in June!

Milos is called the “Love Island” among Greeks because it is ideal for young couples. It is a little gem with incredible beaches and a unique volcanic landscape (it sits on an active volcano, like Santorini).

Milos would be even better in June, but in general, even in August, it is excellent. The best thing you can do in Milos is a boat cruise to the incredible Kleftiko Coves.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Milos

8. Ios

mylopotas beach ios island greece
Mylopotas is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Greece

Ios was a party island back in the day, but it’s now a very well-developed island with great hotels and a very relaxing atmosphere. The island can be quite busy in July and August, but it is perfect to visit in June (and September).

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Ios

9. Paros

kolibithers beach paros Greece island
Kolibithres is the best beach on Paros island

Paros island is in the Cyclades group of islands, and it is extremely busy with Greeks and non-Greek visitors in July and August. That’s why June is the perfect month to visit the island of Paros without being overwhelmed by the crowds in the picturesque little towns of Paroikia and Naoussa.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Paros

10. Kefalonia

myrtos beach kefalonia
Myrtos has been voted the best beach in the world for many years

Kefalonia is one of the biggest Greek islands, located close to Corfu in the Ionian Sea. It is a lovely island with white sand beaches and dramatic views. June is a quiet month for Kefalonia, but the weather will still be great and hot.

11. Zakynthos

navagio beach zakynthos
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) is busy in July and August, but has fewer people in June.

Zakynthos is an island near Kefalonia and Corfu. It is usually very busy in July and August, but June is pretty relaxed and quiet. The island has the famous Navagio or Shipwreck beach, which is usually flooded with tourists and is only accessible by boat.

CONCLUSION

So, these are the best Greek islands to visit in June. June is a great month to visit Greece and the Greek islands, but September is also great. In June, you can go swimming and the islands, in general, will be quieter.

The busiest months for the Greek islands are July and August. These are also the most common months for Greeks to go on holidays, so that everything will be more expensive (accommodation, ferry tickets, and even restaurants).

If you plan to visit Santorini or Mykonos in June, try to make it in the first half of the month, as they will feel less busy. June is still considered high season for these two islands, so the earlier the better. On the other hand, if you want to meet more people and have a party, you should consider July and August.

FAQs

Which Greek island is hottest in June? 

Crete is the hottest Greek island in June because it is the southernmost island, facing Africa. You can expect almost guaranteed sunshine and very warm summer temperatures. While other islands are pleasant, Crete consistently records the highest temperatures in June.

Is June a good month to visit Greece? 

Yes, June is arguably the best month to visit Greece. The weather is excellent for swimming, but you avoid the massive crowds of July and August. Because it is the start of the high season, you can often find better availability and slightly lower prices for hotels and ferries.

How busy is Greece in June? 

Greece is busy in June, but significantly less crowded than peak summer. Famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos will still feel lively because they have a longer tourist season. However, other islands will feel very relaxing and quiet compared to the heavy crowds of July and August.

Is it warm enough to swim in Greece in June? 

Yes, you can easily swim in Greece in June. The seawater has warmed up, and daytime temperatures usually range between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It is perfect beach weather without the extreme heat waves common later in the summer.

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