Planning · When to go

The best time to visit Greece, month by month

Greece has a long season, and the best month depends on what you want: warm swimming, quiet sites, wildflowers or winter sun. A month-by-month guide, with a mainland advantage.

The short answer

May, June, September and October.

For warm weather, a swimmable sea and fewer people, the best months to visit Greece are May, June, September and October. July and August are the hottest and busiest, and winter is mild on the coast and quiet.

Mainland Greece, especially the Peloponnese, stays open and lively for much longer than the islands, where many hotels and ferries wind down in late October.

We run a small hotel on the east coast of the Peloponnese, and we see how the seasons change the place. Here is the month-by-month version.

Written by the Sampatiki Suites team. Updated September 2026.

Best overall

May, June, September, October

Hottest

July and August

Wettest

November to February

Quietest

November to March

Month by month

What each month is like.

March to April

Spring begins

Green hills, wildflowers and Easter. The sea is cold, so it is best for walking and sightseeing.

May

The sweet spot for sites

Warm days, quiet sites and a sea that is just swimmable. One of the best months for walking.

June

Early summer

Hot and sunny, with a warmer sea and long days, before the peak crowds arrive.

July and August

Peak summer

The hottest and busiest months, with strong winds in the Aegean islands. Best for the sea, with early starts for sightseeing.

September

The warmest sea

The sea is at its warmest, the crowds thin and the evenings are soft.

October

Golden light

Still warm, with quiet beaches and the first autumn rain.

November to February

Mild and quiet

Mild on the coast, with rain and snow in the mountains. The season for climbers, walkers and spas.

Our tip

If you can only pick one month, choose late May or September. You get warmth, light and space.

Islands and mainland

Why the mainland wins outside summer.

Many island hotels, restaurants and ferries reduce service from late October to April. The mainland keeps going all year, with towns, ancient sites and villages open and lively.

That is why we recommend the Peloponnese in spring and autumn, when the islands are quiet and the mainland is at its best.

Weather

The numbers behind the seasons.

Summer

Very hot

Coastal highs of 31 to 34 degrees, and higher inland.

Winter

Mild on the coast

Roughly 8 to 14 degrees on the coast, much colder in the mountains.

Rain

Winter storms

The driest months are July and August, and the wettest are November to February.

Wind

The meltemi

A summer north wind from May to October, strongest in July and August, which cools the Aegean islands.

From us at Sampatiki

Whatever month you choose, our hotel on the east coast works as a base, with a spa and a pool for the warm months and cooler evenings. Ask us what the month is like.

Keep exploring

Keep planning.

Planning

Best time to visit the Peloponnese

Month by month, with the sea and the crowds in mind.

Guide

The Peloponnese travel guide

Routes, seasons and day trips across the peninsula.

Itinerary

Peloponnese in 10 days

A ten-day route beyond the famous sites.

Questions

Before you go.

What is the best month to visit Greece?

May, June, September and October give warm weather and a swimmable sea without the peak crowds. September is often the best month for the sea.

When is the cheapest time to visit Greece?

Outside July and August, and especially in spring and late autumn, when rates are lower.

When is the hottest time in Greece?

July and August, when coastal highs reach 31 to 34 degrees and inland valleys can be hotter.

When is the rainy season in Greece?

Mostly November to February, as winter storms. Summers are very dry.

Is Greece worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you like quiet. The mainland coast is mild, the sites are empty and many things stay open.

Is the mainland better than the islands outside summer?

Often yes. The mainland stays open and lively, while many islands wind down from late October.

Stay with us

Come and see it for yourself.

Eleven sea-view suites, a spa and a breakfast built around local produce, a few minutes from Leonidio.

Sampatiki Suites hotel Leonidio

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. Prices and Taxes: 1.1 All room rates and charges are subject to applicable taxes and fees as mandated by local authorities. 1.2 The hotel reserves the right to adjust prices based on seasonal demands, events, or any other relevant factors.

  2. Payment and Terms at Check-in/Check-out: 2.1 Payment is required in full at the time of check-in. 2.2 Accepted forms of payment include cash, credit cards, and other methods approved by the hotel. 2.3 Early check-in or late check-out may be subject to additional charges.

  3. Traveling with Minors: 3.1 Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 3.2 The hotel reserves the right to request proof of age for minors.

  4. Accessibility or Special Needs: 4.1 Please inform the hotel in advance of any special needs or accessibility requirements. 4.2 The hotel strives to provide accessible accommodations, but availability may be limited.

  5. Parking: 5.1 Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 5.2 The hotel is not responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles parked on the premises.

  6. Hotel Events: 6.1 The hotel may host events that could impact guest services. 6.2 Guests will be notified of any major events that may affect their stay.

  7. Dispute Resolution/Issues: 7.1 Any issues or disputes should be reported to the front desk immediately for resolution. 7.2 If resolution cannot be reached, guests agree to pursue dispute resolution through arbitration.

  8. Use of Personal Information: 8.1 The hotel collects and processes personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws. 8.2 Personal information is used for booking, communication, and internal marketing purposes.

  9. Liability: 9.1 The hotel is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to guests’ personal property. 9.2 Guests are responsible for any damages caused to hotel property.

  10. Force Majeure: 10.1 The hotel is not liable for any failure to perform its obligations due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control.

  11. Third Party Rights: 11.1 Only registered guests are entitled to hotel services and amenities.

  12. Waiver: 12.1 Failure to enforce any provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

  13. Severance: 13.1 If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

By booking a stay at our hotel, guests agree to abide by these terms and conditions. The hotel reserves the right to amend these terms as necessary, with any changes being effective upon posting.