Best time to visit Greece: The ultimate guide to planning your trip

Want to enjoy stunning beaches, warm weather, and sunshine? However, you must be sure you're visiting Greece at just the right time to enjoy your trip fully!

Greece is known for its blissful beaches, fishing villages, and breathtaking blue waters. Known as the ultimate destination for leisure and recreation, Greece has tons to offer.

The best time to visit Greece depends on what you want to achieve during your trip. Below, we have broken down multiple factors that will affect when you visit this stunning country.

Overview of the best time to visit Greece

Greece is famous for its beautiful weather, especially between May and October. However, this is also the peak season for tourists in Greece!

How to plan for the best weather and to avoid crowds

If you prefer to avoid navigating new countries with groups of other tourists also milling about, we recommend avoiding Greece during July and August, which is the peak tourist season in Greece. The temperatures are also incredibly high during this time.

Instead, opt to visit just before or after the busy season for fewer crowds and lower prices. Travel in June and September to guarantee that you still enjoy great weather without fighting for a spot on the beach. Other fantastic seasons to travel are early spring, between April and May, and fall in October.

Best time to visit the Greek Islands

The best months to enjoy the Greek islands and avoid extreme temperatures and tourist crowds are usually late April, May, June, September, and early October. During these months, hotel and car rental prices are lower, and booking ferry tickets or Greek island hopping tours is much easier.

Best time to visit Athens and the mainland

Planning to visit Athens but nervous about whether it's the right time? The best time to visit this bustling city is between March and May or September and November. Remember that flights to Athens are cheaper during this time as well.

Peak season vs. low season: Pros and cons

Peak season may be expensive and overcrowded, but it's popular for a reason. There is plenty to do and see during the peak summer season!

Pros of visiting during the low season:

That said, traveling in the low season has many advantages. These include:

1. Fewer tourists

2. Lower prices

3. Rainy seasons bring lots of greenery

Cons of visiting during the low season

Keep in mind that there are some cons to traveling off-peak. For instance:

1. Many businesses are closed

2. You may have cooler weather with lots of rain during your trip

Special events and festivals to consider when planning your trip

Greek religion plays a big part in holidays like Greek Easter. Carnival, Greek Independence Day, and Oxi Day are celebrations tied to Greece's traditions, customs, and history.

Here are some of the most important festivals and national holidays in Greece:

• January 1st – New Year's Day: People in Greece cut a special cake, called vasilopita, with a hidden coin, and the person who gets the piece with the coin is believed to have good luck for the whole year!

• January 6th – Epiphany: The day the Greek Orthodox church celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Priests in Greece throw a cross into the sea, and people dive into the ocean to retrieve it. On Epiphany, sites and museums are open, but stores remain closed.

• February / March – The Greek Carnival, or Apokries: People dress up in costumes. While this is a funevent for children, you will see people of all ages dressing up, often in elaborate costumes and makeup. The most famous Carnival celebrations in Greece are held in Patras and Xanthi, where you can enjoy Carnival parades, parties, and lots of drinking and dancing on the streets.

• February – All Souls' Day or Psihosavato: a memorial day when the Orthodox Church commemorates the deceased, similar to All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the United States. The concept resembles the Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. However, it is more of a religious holiday with no parades.

• February 27th – Clean Monday: The first day of Lent before Easter. It is an official public holiday in Greece.

• March 25th – Greek Independence Day: Celebrates the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, which began on March 25th, 1821. It is celebrated with student and military parades throughout Greece and the Greek islands. March 25th also coincides with a religious celebration called the Annunciation of the Virgin. Note that archaeological sites, museums, and all stores remain closed on Independence Day. You can visit the Acropolis Museum, which has free entrance.

• April / May – Holy Week and Easter Sunday: Greek Orthodox Easter, or Pasha, is the most significant religious festival on the Greek Calendar. During Holy Week, people attend various masses at the Greek Orthodox church. On Holy Thursday, there is a re-enactment of the Crucifixion. On Good Friday, you will see Epitafios processions throughout Greece, symbolizing Jesus's death.

Tips for traveling to Greece during the shoulder season

If you can, visit in the shoulder seasons and see a few out-of-the-way villages to experience traditional Greek culture. Rent a car and explore the country at your own pace.

Stop for lunch, check out the local shops, and test your Greek. Visit at least one local coffee shop (kafeneio), one seafood tavern next to a port, and one traditional live-music venue among the more touristy destinations to see ancient ruins.

Remember that many sites offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month, except in July and August. Also, some internal flights and island ferries reduce their schedules during the shoulder season.

Best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming

The mild Mediterranean climate and bright sunlight during spring, autumn, and winter mean you can enjoy outdoor activities no matter when you visit. If you're visiting during summer, stick to higher altitudes like the Pindos Mountains.

How to make the most of your trip to Greece?

Greece is a popular choice for travelers. However, there are a few things you need to know before booking your trip. From sinkhole warnings to hot weather, here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip regardless of when you visit:

1. Pack your sunscreen! We know you want a golden tan, but sunburns aren't cute or fun.

2. Plan ahead! The Greeks believe “a good man cooks before he gets hungry,” meaning planning ahead is the key to a successful trip. This includes reserving tables at popular restaurants and buying tickets to monuments.

3. Make sure you have cash on you. Credit cards are less prevalent in Greece than in other countries, and many small shops, mini markets, and countryside establishments will require cash.

4. Keep in mind that everything is closed on Sundays! Greece reserves Sundays for rest and repose. Still, there are some exceptions to this rule. Shops remain open on the first Sunday of each regular discount period, two Sundays before Christmas, Poor Sunday, and the last Sunday of each year.

5. Greece isn't the most disability-friendly country, so plan accordingly. The poor infrastructure for specially-abled citizens and visitors can be disheartening and frustrating. It's nearly impossible to navigate alone, and you will need help regardless of disability. We advise taking a friend with you.

Do you need a Visa to travel to Greece?

Ready to go to Greece for your honeymoon but need a visa to travel to Greece? We have the answer for you. Residents of the following countries must

apply for the Greece Schengen Visa:

You have enough on your plate with the upcoming trip. So, save yourself the stress and let iVisa help you [apply for a Greek Schengen Visa]()!