Greece Weather by Month & Climate Guide
Greece and the Greek Islands have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. For most travelers, the best weather is in May, June, September, and October, when days are warm and the heat is less intense.
- Hottest months: July and August (around 29°C+ / 84°F+)
- Coldest months: January and February (around 10°C / 50°F)
- Rainiest season: November through March
- Wind factor: Meltemi winds are strongest across the Cyclades in midsummer
Greek weather, month by month
Compare temperatures, sea conditions, rain, sun, and Meltemi wind patterns before choosing your island dates.
Right now
Santorini
Historical climate averages
Santorini weather by month
Best for
August is strongest for nightlife, festivals, hot beaches.
What to pack
Swimwear / Light cottons / Hat / SPF 50
Traveler note
Build ferry flexibility into your plan. High-speed catamarans are more sensitive to wind.
What is Greece weather by month in Santorini?
Use this crawlable month-by-month snapshot to compare average temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions for Santorini trip planning.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sea Temp | Best For | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 70 mm | 16°C / 61°F | Athens museums, low fares | Santorini in January |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 55 mm | 15°C / 59°F | Athens, Crete hikes, ferry deals | Santorini in February |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 50 mm | 15°C / 59°F | Hikes, archaeological sites, Easter | Santorini in March |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 12°C / 54°F | 25 mm | 16°C / 61°F | Easter, sightseeing, hiking | Santorini in April |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 15°C / 59°F | 15 mm | 18°C / 64°F | Island hopping before the rush | Santorini in May |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 19°C / 66°F | 5 mm | 21°C / 70°F | Beaches before August, sailing | Santorini in June |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 1 mm | 24°C / 75°F | Beach lovers, nightlife, sailing | Santorini in July |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | 25°C / 77°F | Nightlife, festivals, hot beaches | Santorini in August |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 20°C / 68°F | 10 mm | 25°C / 77°F | Warm sea, harvest, value pricing | Santorini in September |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 63°F | 35 mm | 23°C / 73°F | Quieter Crete and Athens, late swims | Santorini in October |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 13°C / 55°F | 65 mm | 20°C / 68°F | Mainland trips, food, wine | Best time to visit Greece |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 10°C / 50°F | 80 mm | 18°C / 64°F | Athens, Christmas, low fares | Best time to visit Greece |
When is the best time to visit Greece and the islands?
The best time to visit Greece is from late April to early October when the weather is warm and sunny. Each season offers different experiences:
Spring (April-June)
Mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, fewer tourists
Summer (July-August)
Hot and dry, peak tourist season, perfect for beaches and islands
Fall (September-October)
Pleasant temperatures, warm sea, harvest festivals
Winter (November-March)
Mild but can be rainy, perfect for city explorations and cultural sites
What climate does Greece have?
Mediterranean Climate
Most of Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
Regional Variations
Northern regions can be cooler with more rainfall, southern islands are typically warmer and drier
Meltemi Winds
Strong northern winds blow across the Aegean Sea in summer, providing relief from the heat
Sunshine Hours
Greece enjoys 250-300 sunny days per year, making it one of Europe's sunniest countries
Plan Your Trip
Ready to plan your Greek adventure? Use our comprehensive guides to find the perfect accommodations, activities, and travel tips for your trip:
Custom Itinerary Planner
Create your perfect Greek itinerary
Destination Guides
Comprehensive guides to Greek destinations
Accommodation Guides
Best hotels, villas, and rentals in Greece
Travel Tips
Essential advice for traveling in Greece
Continue planning with our Greece hotels and Greece travel essentials guides. If you are visiting during the most-searched shoulder month, check out our guide to October weather in Santorini.
Frequently asked questions about Greece weather
What are the Meltemi winds?
The Meltemi winds are strong, dry northerly winds over the Aegean Sea, especially around Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros. They peak in July and August, cooling hot afternoons but sometimes creating rougher ferry crossings.
When is it warm enough to swim in Santorini?
Most travelers find Santorini warm enough for swimming from late May through October. Sea temperatures usually peak in August and September at around 25°C (77°F).
Does it rain in Greece during summer?
Rain is rare in Greece from June through August, particularly in the Cyclades islands. The main rainy period usually runs from November through March.
Is October a good time to visit Greece for weather?
October is a strong shoulder-season choice for Greece with mild temperatures, lower crowds, and good value. Santorini often stays around 23°C (73°F) during the day, with higher rain chances late in the month.
How hot does Santorini get in July and August?
Santorini typically reaches 29–30°C (84–86°F) in July and August, with occasional hotter spells during heat waves. Conditions are dry, and Meltemi winds can make exposed areas feel cooler.
Greece Weather FAQs for August
These answers update automatically each month using the latest Greek climate averages.