By doing a little research into the best time to travel to Greece, in terms of the weather and the local festivities that will be happening, you can make sure your trip is off to a good start, and you can genuinely look forward to encompassing everything you want from this trip.
One of the best ways to do this is by getting in touch with a’ who has all the tips and tricks you could need when it comes to a new destination, but until then, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Let’s look at the seasons, local holidays, and best times to travel to Greece.
Seasons in Greece
Greece is by far the sunniest country in Europe, with an average of 250 days of sunshine per year, but of course, if you are looking for the sun, in particular, you may want to make sure you are traveling during that time frame. Otherwise, you may be surprised at how chilly it can be, especially at night. Greece offers a lot to its tourists. For a good reason, it appeals to many, with its diverse landscapes, fantastic cuisine, adventure activities, and warm-hearted people, so to make the most out of these aspects, it is essential to plan.
Greece can be a great place to travel all year, but of course, one person’s ‘best time’ can be another person’s ‘worst time,’ so always do a little research into the region you are going, the things you have planned and the weather at that time of year, because this will help you out in the long run.
The high season in Greece is generally from April to late October, especially in the Greek islands, and this is when you will find the most elevated temperatures, warmer seas, and the crowds to come with it; however, if you travel at the beginning of the end of this season, you can beat the crowds.
December to March is winter in Greece, so you can expect much fewer people, lower temperatures, and many seasonal businesses will be closed, but if you want to get away from it all and experience a mild winter without the crowds, then this is an excellent choice for you. The north and center of Greece, especially in the mountains, can be frigid, wet, and snowy. At the same time, the Greek islands and even the Peloponnese region of the Greek mainland can have winter days with clear blue skies, calm seas, and very mild temperatures. You can expect lower prices; however, it is essential to know that ferries may have reduced schedules, and some tours and accommodation may not be running, so check in advance.
The best time to travel
Of course, the best time for great weather is in June, July, and August, while the best time for good weather and fewer crowds are in April, May, and September, October. If you are spending the winter in Greece, the warmest places to go are Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and The Peloponnese region, which will still cater to tourists in the low season. August is by far the busiest and hottest month, so be prepared for active tours, book out accommodation, and everything else that comes with this ideal destination, so if this is not for you, it is best to go in April or September.
Local holidays and festivities
When it comes to public holidays or local festivities, it is worth doing some research so you don’t get caught off guard, especially if you are booking accommodation or are planning to visit a place when everything turns out to be closed. Greek law states that every Sunday of the year is a public holiday, but as well as this, there are an extra six public holidays that are obligatory, and they include:
New Year’s Day/25th March/Easter Sunday/Easter Monday/15th August/25th December.
It is worth noting that Greece also has twelve ‘nonfixed’ public holidays, which can technically be changed every year by the Minister of Labour. Still, they haven’t changed for decades, so it is worth looking at them here to see if they fall anywhere along your trip.
In terms of festivities, there are many great festivals that you should not miss out on in terms of celebrations, especially if you find yourself holidaying during this period. Considering the Greeks are a very social nation and have incredible culture, let’s look at some of the biggest ones that Greece celebrates.
Orthodox Easter:
This is by far the biggest holy celebration that Greeks look forward to each year during the last week of lent in April, and if you find yourself in this great country during the Holy Week, you can expect to see fireworks, eat baked treats, and attend various events starting from St Lazarus Day up to Easter Sunday. No matter where you are in Greece, you will find something going on for Holy Week.
Apokreas:
This is known as the Greek Carnival and is one of the best festivities to attend, while in the country, it happens before the forty days of lent during the end of February/early March. It is a time to celebrate with friends and family by dancing, drinking, and eating, marking the beginning of spring, the end of winter, and the coming Easter. This is one of the best festivals to attend, and if you find yourself in Athens, make sure to go to the neighborhoods of Plaka and Psiri, where thousands of people flock to during the last two weekends of the carnival.
Hellenic Festival:
This fantastic summer festival, which is held from June until August, hosts many international and local dance, theatre, and drama events and is an absolute must if you are into the arts, especially with some incredible backdrops such as the ancient Greek theatre of Epidavros, it is one unique experience not to be missed.
August Moon Festival:
This festival celebrates the August full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, and sees many towns in Greece; it hosts various nighttime events and parties, which are a sight to see. If you find yourself in Athens, you may be lucky to attend some free dance and theatre performances under the bright moonlight.
Matala Beach Festival:
This large music festival is held every June on the island of Crete and is an absolute haven for music lovers, so if that is you, make sure to plan and get a ticket in advance for this spectacle. As the name suggests, the event is held at Matala Beach, which has a history of party-goers since the 60s, so you know it will be a good one.
Kalamata International Dance Festival:
For anyone interested in the arts wildly dancing, this is a great festival held in Kalamata in the Peloponnese region of Greece during July and lasts for ten days. You can see all events, including dance seminars and ballet performances.
