Your holiday awaits! With elegant white houses, sandy beaches, and the beautiful blue sea, Greece and the Greek islands look like endless summer. But what is the best time to visit Greece, weather-wise? Make the most of any season in Greece by picking your favourite season. Spring flowers, summer sun or winter solitude, Greece truly has it all!
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The best time to visit Santorini – Greece in spring
Santorini is the picture-perfect image of Greece. Colourful blooming flowers, white houses nestled on top of high cliffs, and the crystal-clear blue ocean as far as the eye can see. Spring is the awakening of life, and this includes island life. As the temperatures start to rise in spring, it’s the ideal time to enjoy the calm before the hustle and bustle of the summer holiday season begins. The temperature of the Mediterranean surrounding the Greek islands is not for the faint-hearted, but with many outdoor hotel pools heated or hotels with indoor pools like the TUI BLUE Meltemi in Santorini, you can go for a relaxing swim no matter the season. The sun is warm enough to enjoy the beach and the sights before the heat of summer makes you want to stay cool in the pool all day long. In Santorini, the most famous Greek island, you’ll get a prime spot to gaze at those famed sunsets, and a table with a view at the restaurant of your choice.
Summer in Greece – best time to visit
Greece is one of the main holiday destinations for the summer. While many islands can be visited in the off-season, Crete, the largest Greek island, is a destination that is best visited in the summer season. Especially if you like hiking and the outdoors. The mountainous backcountry can be cold and unforgiving during winter and the shoulder seasons, and the beautiful Samaria Gorge is even closed between October and May. The island comes back to life in late spring and early summer. The tavernas re-open after their hibernation to spoil your palate with Greek cuisine, and the tourists flock back to the beaches to enjoy the sunny days of the summer season. So, if you choose Crete, the best time to go to Greece is the summer. The summers in all of the Greek islands are hot, with temperatures frequently rising to 40° C. If the mercury does rise too high for your taste, cool off with an ice-cold Greek frappé or jump in the waves – that’s what you came here for after all!
The best months to visit Greece – September and October
The best time of year to beat the crowds in Greece is without doubt late summer or early autumn. With the Mediterranean Sea still warm from the summer, you can enjoy beach days in the still-warm sun without having to endure the summer heat. You also won’t have to fight other guests for the prime spots at the pool. You’ll have your choice of sunbed and dining spot, stock up on your favourites at the hotel buffet, and get to enjoy your hotel’s amenities – at the TUI BLUE Lagoon Palace for example – with only a fraction of the summer visitors. Another plus: With the end of the school holiday season, pool toys and children’s animation are less likely than during the peak of summer, promising a truly relaxing holiday in Greece.
But you can also discover Greece in autumn during the school holidays with the entire family. Hotels such as TUI BLUE Elounda Breeze on the beautiful island of Crete provide a family-friendly welcome with professional child care, a kids buffet and numerous possibilities for the entire family.
Greece in winter – low temperature and fewer crowds
If you enjoy solitude, don’t mind taking an extra layer, or finding some shops, restaurants, and attractions closed for the season, winter in Greece and the Greek islands is the perfect fit for you! While a day lying at the beach may not be on the cards, the temperatures in Zakynthos, Santorini, and other well-travelled Greek islands are still in the double digits and higher than in northern Europe. Some hotels may offer special off-season deals, but you may have to be flexible with winter season flights, as airlines tend to adjust their schedules according to demand. Once you’ve made it to your destination, however, there’s nothing holding you back from donning your windbreaker and going for a walk at the empty beach. Take your shoes off and feel the waves if you dare!
When is the best time to visit Greece? There is no one-fits-all answer, but you can have a blast in Greece in any season. Solitude at the beach, a sea of flowers, or fun in the blazing sun. Your perfect season that fits your preferences and budget is yours to choose.
Book your holiday in Greece now!