Holiday seasons in Greece: brief information. When is the best time to go to Greece, if... We answer all variations of this question. Suitable months for traveling to Greece

Resorts of Greece- one of the most popular in the world, and this is not without reason, because holidays in this country allow you not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to study the monuments of the ancient era. There is magnificent nature and wonderful opportunities for water activities: no matter where you go in the country, excellent diving always awaits you.

Greece is located in the very south of Europe, and its territory consists not only of the mainland, but also of groups of islands in the basins of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas.

The country is in the zone mild Mediterranean climate, which means that there are warm and wet winters and hot, dry summers.

You can go to Greece at any time, but you need to choose it based on the purpose of your trip. In the heat, you can enjoy the sea and the sun, but it is not very convenient to go on excursions to historical places. It is best to travel deep into history in cool weather, but then it is impossible to swim in the sea or go diving.

If you decide to go to Greece in order to have a great time on excellent beaches, then you need to go during swimming season which lasts from mid-May to October, and May and June are only the opening of the season, when the heat does not reach its peak, therefore, there are not too many tourists, and prices are lower than in July-August. On the other hand, the sea has not yet warmed up enough, so June is not suitable for families with children.

If you are an amateur hot weather, then the ideal time for you to travel to Greece is July and August, when the sea has already warmed up well and the sun is very hot, so you are guaranteed a perfect tan. August is the peak tourist season. If you are going to Greece this month, then you need to purchase a ticket in advance. It is also worth saying that on some days it becomes unbearably hot here, nightclubs and restaurants stop working. In August - the highest prices for holidays in. Strong winds are possible in the Aegean Sea, which will delight surfing enthusiasts.

In September-October Temperatures become cooler, making these months great for those who can't handle heat well. In addition, unlike May and June, the sea has already warmed up in the fall and is perfect for swimming. That is why the tourist season in Greece is in full swing at the beginning of autumn. In hot years, beach holidays can last until mid-November.

During the swimming season precipitation is minimal, and for July and August rains are generally a rarity.

The average temperature in the winter season is from +5 to +10°C. It is best to refrain from traveling to this country in December, January and February, since it is quite cool outside, and Greek houses and hotels are poorly adapted even to such cold weather. However, this only applies to lowland areas.

In the mountainous parts of Greece, winter is even colder and snow often falls, but this is beneficial for those who love ski resorts who work in this country from December to March. This is an excellent opportunity to combine active recreation with exploring ancient monuments.

What is wonderful about winter Greece is that it begins to bloom and turn green right from January. Warm spring weather sets in for two weeks this month, but February is still quite cold.

In March it becomes warm, real spring comes to the country, the temperature does not drop below +20°C. The most beautiful nature in Greece - in April and May when everything around is in bloom, the weather is beautiful, and it is precisely this time, when the swimming season has not yet opened, that is best suited for an excursion holiday.

If you decide to visit a beautiful corner of the world called Greece, you should definitely study the weather conditions. We will tell you about the temperature of water and air in different months and answer the question, when is the best time to go?

A thriving country with endless sandy or pebble beaches and an emerald sea, located in southern Europe. Its climate is subtropical, which means that the summers here are dry and hot, and the winters are more rainy than snowy, since the snow simply melts before reaching the ground due to above-zero temperatures. Nevertheless, many tourists enjoy visiting this country throughout the year and find something to do to their liking. Not many people know, but in addition to a comfortable beach holiday, Greece can offer a decent ski and excursion holiday option.


Greece is an Orthodox country, and therefore some of its national holidays are close and understandable to us. The most significant national holidays include:

  • Christmas. Fall on December 25th. At this time, city streets are transformed - they are decorated with figurines of ships and the holy family and elegant fir trees. On this day, godparents take their godchildren to churches and only after that it is customary to present gifts and sit down at the festive table. Children also walk along the streets and sing Kalanda’s holiday songs, and all passers-by give them coins and sweets;
  • New Year. Like us, it is celebrated on January 1st. Only among the Greeks, the symbol of the New Year is not Father Frost or Santa Claus, I am Saint Basil. The celebration is accompanied by a festival of the same name, which takes place very colorfully throughout the country;
  • Epiphany. The rite of blessing of water falls on January 6th. On this day there is a custom of throwing a cross into the water. All interested men can dive into the water in search of the shrine. The finder becomes the hero of the day and is promised good luck;
  • Immediately after Epiphany, the January carnivals begin and continue until the end of March. The most colorful and spectacular carnival is considered to be in the city of Patras, which begins on January 17. On the eve of the celebration, heralds walk the streets of the city and inform residents and guests of the country about the upcoming event. After which something incredible begins - laser and light shows, theatrical and musical performances, children's performances are organized on the streets, and funny puppets entertain passers-by. During the festival, it is customary to collect donations for the poor part of the population. The end of the carnival traditionally ends with the burning of a large effigy of the Festival King;
  • Apokries. Or, in our opinion, Maslenitsa. Celebrated on February 12th. Local residents wear fancy dress and organize fairs and folk festivals. It is at such fairs that you have the chance to buy a memorable souvenir at a reasonable price;
  • Independence Day. Celebrated on March 25th. The day before, all Greeks hang blue and white flags on their balconies, and schoolchildren hold parades. The ceremonial parade ends with the laying of flowers at the foot of the memorial monuments. It is mandatory to hold a parade of military equipment;
  • Easter. This is the most important national holiday. It will be at the end of April. For example, in 2019, Easter in Greece is celebrated on April 21. Different cities have their own special traditions on this day. For example, in the village of Pigros, which is located on the island of Santorini, it is customary to set a large table right on the street and cook fried octopus. On the island of Corfu, locals throw clay pots out of windows, which supposedly helps to get rid of troubles and diseases. On the island of Irda, accompanied by songs and dances, as well as interesting performances, an effigy of Judas is burned. We advise you to book hotel rooms in advance, as prices increase significantly during this period. And even tickets for travel on public transport, since at Easter all residents go to visit their relatives, and you may simply not have enough space;
  • Feast of Pirovassia. Celebrated May 21-23. The name of the holiday is translated as “firewalking” and fully reflects its essence. On the first day, local residents read prayers, dance and cry. When night falls, fires are lit everywhere, which must burn out on their own and leave behind only smoldering, hot coals. It is along them that the bravest fire walkers will walk. The procession is accompanied by the reading of a prayer. It’s hard to believe, but many, after walking a hot path, show others their feet, which do not have the slightest trace of burns;
  • Athens Festival. Runs from June 1st to August 31st. The main scene is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located under the Acropolis. Many other halls again attract many visitors directly in the open air. The festival includes numerous performances, performances, musical, singing and dancing performances;
  • Hellenic Festival in Epidaurus. Lasts from June 29 to July 7 and is the main event in the world of theater. The plays are staged exclusively in Greek and Ancient Greek, but this does not in any way reduce the number of people who want to visit the real temple of Melpomene.

Seas of Greece


If you look at the map, you can see that Greece is located in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and consists of many islands. The country is washed by three seas, and before choosing which sea beach you want to spend your vacation on, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with their features:

  • Ionian Sea washes such islands as Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos. The most comfortable time to relax in this water area is considered to be June-October. And although the holiday season officially opens in Greece in May, the water may still be cool. In summer, the average water temperature does not exceed +26°C, and in winter it does not drop below +14°C;
  • Mediterranean Sea washes the southern part of the country and is considered the warmest. The average water temperature in summer is +22-26°C and remains warm until October. In addition, the Mediterranean Sea is considered one of the most beautiful and salty. Tourists will appreciate the long and wide sandy and pebble beaches;
  • Aegean Sea in the waters of which the Halkidiki peninsula and the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Mykonos, Kom, Santorini and the famous Rhodes are located, it is also quite warm. The water temperature in summer reaches +25°C and only in October the temperature begins to drop to +23°C. The waters of the Aegean Sea are incredibly clean, which is why as many as 42 beaches on the Halkidiki peninsula have been awarded the Blue Flag. Also, the shores of the Aegean Sea are an excellent place for diving and active sports such as surfing.

Beach season


Many tourists open the beach season in April. It’s worth noting right away that such a vacation is not suitable for everyone, because the water in the sea is still invigorating, and you won’t be able to swim to your heart’s content. But prices at this time are much lower than at the height of the season.

  • Officially, local authorities declare the holiday season open only in May. At the end of the month, the water actually warms up to an acceptable temperature - +22°C, while the air temperature does not exceed +25°C. There are also no sharp changes between day and night temperatures, which are +21°C. The absence of sweltering heat and a large difference between the temperature of water and air make the holiday quite comfortable. And the tan is gentle.;
  • For those who are accustomed to higher temperatures, it is better to go on vacation in early June. The daytime temperature at this time does not exceed +30°C, and the water temperature reaches +22-23°C;
  • The velvet season in Greece occurs in autumn. Already in the first days of September, the temperature begins to drop to a pleasant level of +30°C. During the summer the water manages to warm up to +24°C and is conducive to long swims;
  • In October, the daytime air temperature drops to +25°C, and the water gradually begins to cool and by the end of the month drops to +20°C, and on the southern shores to +23°C. Also, precipitation is less likely in the south, so many tourists recommend choosing this part of the country. The holiday season at this time is very similar to May and is suitable for those who cannot stand the heat.

Excursion season


In addition to gorgeous beaches and crystal clear water, Greece is also interesting for its cultural heritage. Many tourists visit this country precisely with the goal of traveling to as many historical places as possible and visiting as many islands as possible. The best and most comfortable time for active recreation will be the following months:

  • April. At this time, the daytime temperature already reaches +20-23°C. The local vegetation is actively blooming and amazes with its riot of colors. You will have something to admire and where to take many impressive photos;
  • December and January are also good times to visit local attractions. The weather during the day is cooler than in April – +12-15°C. At the end of January, short-term increases to +20°C are possible. But at this time there are quite a lot of clear and sunny days and no heavy rains.

Ski season


Greece can offer you no less comfortable conditions for a ski holiday. Some of the most famous resorts are:

  • Parnassus;
  • Sat down.

Each of them has at least 20 trails of varying difficulty levels and at least 8 lifts. Snow falls at the resorts at the end of December and remains until the beginning of April. However, much depends on unpredictable weather. Therefore, before planning an active holiday in the mountains, be sure to contact the hotel you like and find out about the condition of the slopes.

When and where is the best time to relax with children?


The best holiday destinations for tourists with small children are considered to be:

  • Rhodes. You will have an unforgettable experience visiting the only and truly unique butterfly valley in all of Europe. Here, against a backdrop of bright greenery and lush flowers, you can admire many different species of these creatures. Tourists call Kolymbia, Lindos and Faliraki the best places for a family holiday. The part of the island that is washed by the Mediterranean Sea is distinguished by sandy beaches with good entry into the water, lack of wind and waves;
  • Crete. In its eastern part there is a huge park, on the territory of which there are many waterfalls, water slides and other entertainment attractions. A walk through this park will be interesting for adults too. And don't forget to visit the majestic Knossos Palace, which is considered the hallmark of the island. The palace is more than 4000 years old and belonged to Minos himself. With children it is better to visit the beaches of Schisma, Damnoni, Elafonisi or Keratokampos;
  • Halkidiki. This peninsula boasts gently sloping sandy beaches and excellent family-friendly hotels. And if Kassandra is more suitable for active youth recreation, then Sithonia is considered an ideal place for children's recreation;
  • Corfu. If you want a cozy holiday in a closed bay with stable weather, choose hotels located near Agios Gordios beach. The beach is distinguished by the purest fine sand, gentle entry into the water and the absence of waves;
  • Peloponnese. The best beaches for families with children are the sandy shores of Loutraki and Xylokastro.

It is best to plan a trip with children at the end of May or during the high season - September - the first half of October.

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Greece: going on holiday with children

How to properly prepare and choose a resort

What time of year is it better to go to Greece with children, which resort to choose and what not to forget to take with you? Which hotel chains are most adapted for family holidays and what can you get as part of a standard tour package?

Five reasons for it

Greece is good at any time of the year, and for holidays with children, May and June are ideal months (as are September and October). At this time there is still no sweltering heat, and you can already swim in the sea.

You can save on accommodation - many hotels do not charge a fee if a child under 12 (and sometimes up to 14) years old lives in the same room with his parents. And if you have two children with you, there will also be a discount. Most resort hotels open at the end of April, and vacation prices have not yet risen. However, keep in mind that children's infrastructure begins to fully function from the moment the hotels are fully occupied, i.e. from the end of May.

Good beaches and transport accessibility of hotels. Below we will suggest places where the beaches are sandy or with small pebbles, with a flat bottom and there are no cold coastal currents. Most hotels are located close to the airport (10–50 km) - your little ones will not have time to get sick in transport.

A large selection of all-inclusive hotels aimed at families with children.

Excellent ecology, clean sea, always fresh and healthy food, an abundance of local fruits - everything that is missing at home. And most importantly - traditional Greek hospitality and love for children. In the tavern your child will be treated to juice and sweets, in the store they will give you a trinket, and everywhere your child will be welcome as if they were their own.


Which resort should you choose? The further south you go, the warmer it gets.

Crete is the southernmost, hottest and largest Greek island. Popular resorts among Russians and the main tourist infrastructure are concentrated on the northern coast, from Chania to Elounda. Most of the beaches are perfect for families with children: wide sandy ones alternate with small pebbles, the beaches of numerous bays are protected by rocks from the wind and waves. For family holidays, the most popular choices are: Elafonisi (pink sand), Falasarna, Balos (white sand), Platanias, Agia Marina, Georgioupolis, Adeli, Panormo, Bali, Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, Hokkini Hani (Water City water park), Gouves ( beaches marked with Blue Flags for cleanliness), Anisaras, Stalida and Malia (natural sand), Sissi, Elounda, Mirabello Bay (Agios Nikolaos). But there is a nuance that may affect holidays with children in July and August. In the north of Crete there is a strong north-westerly wind called "meltemi", which brings storms.


The southern coast of Crete is not so popular among Russians. The main disadvantages are that the transfer from Heraklion takes more than 2 hours and the tourist infrastructure is not so developed. But the water and air are a couple of degrees warmer compared to the northern coast, which is especially important at the beginning and end of the season. The proximity of the African Sahara, which is just a stone's throw from the Libyan coast, has an effect. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of large resorts, are ready to live in a private house or apartment, and enjoy authentic Greek cuisine every day in coastal taverns - these places are for you. Excellent beaches: Matala, Agia Galini, Kalamaki and. Chrissi in the Libyan Sea.


Most family hotels in Crete operate on an all-inclusive basis and offer a large number of included and paid services and entertainment for children. For example, in Grecotel hotels for the youngest (up to three years old) under the GRECOBABY program you can pre-order a crib, a high chair for feeding, a washbasin stand, disposable children's potties and seats, a stroller (cane), a changing mattress, a heating device and a sterilizer for bottles, an electric kettle, a baby bath, a portable cradle seat, and a baby monitor. Older children can enjoy games and entertainment based on Greek history, quests, cooking and Greek dancing lessons, tournaments, mini-discos and water activities. Sbokos hotels have children's and teenagers' clubs, playgrounds, mini-pools, and highchairs and cots are provided free of charge upon request. Or you can buy an extended “children's package” for babies from 50 € per week. The hotels beloved by Russians are not inferior to their competitors in the quality and variety of offers for children: hobby groups, mini-discos, children's restaurants, educational games - you can't list everything.


Rhodes is the champion in the number of sunny days

Champion among the Greek islands in the number of sunny days (340) per year. As in Crete, the swimming season opens in May. The best places for swimming with children are in the east of Rhodes. The West Coast is ideal for surfing due to constant winds and good waves. We recommend resorts on the east coast: Faliraki (there is a mini-zoo, a water park and an amusement town), Kallithea, Kolymbia, Tsambika. In the vicinity of Lindos there are good beaches in the resort villages of Kiotari and Lardos.


The choice of hotels in Rhodes aimed at families with children is huge. These are large all-inclusive club-type complexes or cozy family apartments with an equipped kitchen. The chain hotels Mitsis, Aldemar, Grecotel, Atrium and many others, popular among Russians, offer excellent conditions for families with children and a wide range of services. Let us not repeat, the children's infrastructure in family hotels in Rhodes is similar to hotels in Crete.

Many Greek family resort hotels declare "children's service". What do you mean? In addition to the availability of appropriate infrastructure and staff of teachers, the hotel offers a special menu in the children's area of ​​the main restaurant. Children will be offered pizza, fries, meatballs and soda. That is, what children love most, and not baby food as we understand it. On the other hand, on the buffet in the main restaurant, even in the “three ruble”, there will always be boiled potatoes, chicken and steamed cutlets. And if suddenly not, ask the chef, they will not refuse you and will cook for you. And they will help chop other dishes from the buffet for the child.

What to take with you

In some hotels, on the “children's table” you will find purees in jars or powder mixtures. But it’s not a fact that they will immediately suit your child. Therefore, take your usual baby food with you from home at least for the first days. You don’t need to take a children’s potty; in a large supermarket it costs a few euros. But you need to take a pacifier and a bottle. Your mixture will be heated in the kitchen to the desired temperature. By the way, in Greece it is not customary to eat dishes prepared yesterday. Leftover food from the table is mercilessly thrown away. Therefore, even at All inclusive, you are unlikely to be served food left over from the last meal. Everything is always fresh. And don’t forget to take a travel first aid kit for your child. In Greek pharmacies you will only find analogues of familiar medications, and “translation difficulties” may arise.


In the next review, the site will tell you about other popular resorts in Greece for family and active recreation, advise what to see and buy, where to have fun and much more.

Holidays in Greece can be simply amazing and full of events and adventures. The country is incredibly rich in ancient monuments, sights of other eras, Orthodox churches and monasteries, so it would be a shame to waste the time allotted for the trip just by lying on the beach. Even before leaving, it is important to successfully choose a travel agency and correctly draw up a travel plan. Greece has a long season, however, there is a time for each type of holiday. If you are interested in the beach option and visiting various cultural events and carnivals, then it makes sense to inquire about the weather conditions in different months.

The heaviest tourist influx

The scope of the tourist season in the country is quite standard. This is from early May to early September. During this period, you can swim to your heart's content and get a golden sun tan. The water columns are completely warming up, and the average daytime temperature will be about 25 degrees.

The wind season lasts from August to September, and then their intensity gradually decreases. In autumn, temperatures become lower, as does the heat.

Relatively speaking, tourist time can be divided into a beach option, a period for skiers and a time ideal for all kinds of shopping.

Months for active holidays

If lying on the beach is not enough for you, you should choose carnivals, rich excursion programs, and water sports.

In order to see numerous temples, monasteries and ancient acropolises, it makes sense to choose autumn or spring. The heat will not prevent you from enjoying cultural riches and expanding your spiritual horizons.

December is the beginning of the ski season, which will last until mid-spring. The country has about 20 bases of a decent level with trails of varying difficulty, comfortable hotels and the opportunity to receive training from an experienced instructor and rent the necessary equipment.

The season of the most large-scale sales. Prices here will reach a minimum level, and the discounts will delight you with their impressiveness, and therefore all shopping lovers will be able to please themselves.

From January and during Lent, you can take part in colorful carnivals that give you a feeling of celebration and constant fun. Here you will see many diverse magic shows and interesting rituals. In March and February, the country hosts many fairs where you can buy something truly unique.

Magical moments of the velvet season

Somewhere in the fall, people begin to find raincoats and umbrellas in closets, and in Greece the magical period of the velvet climatic season begins, when the climate becomes milder and the atmosphere becomes more comfortable. The crowds of tourists will have already left the beach, and you will be able to lie down and enjoy the warm sea without the sweltering and exhausting heat.

In October the temperature is still pleasant and, one might even say, ideal. True, the water temperature may decrease by about 5 degrees. It starts to rain in November. In the middle of the month they will become so abundant that it will become completely impossible to lie on the beach or fully see the sights. Temperatures will still remain at 25-27 degrees.

Peak tourist time

The tourist peak or high season is observed from June to September. The influx of tourists will be incredibly large, and prices will often be prohibitive. For people who have difficulty withstanding the heat, it is better to go to Greece in the spring or October, because during the peak tourist period the temperature can reach 40 degrees. In any case, it will rarely drop below 25 degrees.

To make your vacation a success, you should not only choose a good travel company, but also the right time for the trip. The holiday season in Greece is quite long, but each type of holiday has its own period. If you want to go for swimming or sunbathing, excursions or attend carnivals, you should find out in advance about the different periods of the holiday season in Greece.

Tourist season in Greece

Conventionally, three main periods can be distinguished: beach, ski and period. The time when the swimming season begins in Greece falls at the beginning of May. The water is completely warmed up, and the air temperature remains at 25°C. It is from the beginning of May to the beginning of September that you can safely plan your vacation if you want to swim and bask in the sun to your heart's content.

When the swimming season in Greece ends, the water temperature begins to gradually drop and the time of winds comes. The wind season in Greece most often begins in August, but by September it is no longer so noticeable. The temperature gradually decreases, the heat subsides.

Velvet season in Greece

When autumn comes and we start taking out umbrellas, the most chic period begins. It is in September that the time for relaxation with children and family is most favorable. This is a period of warm sea without sweltering heat. You can calmly lie on the beach without a crowd of tourists and plunge into the warm, but not overheated sea.

There are noticeably fewer vacationers, but there are more fruits and various walks to historical places! The winds gradually begin to subside towards the end of the month. In October the weather is still mild and the velvet swimming season in Greece continues. The water temperature remains at 20-25°C, so you can safely take swimsuits with you.

The rainy season in Greece begins around November. The temperature is still at 25°C, but there is noticeably more precipitation. Around the second half of November, it starts to rain constantly and you won’t be able to go shopping or go sightseeing.

Beach season in Greece

The period from the beginning of May to the first half of June is the most favorable swimming season in Greece. There is no strong influx of tourists yet; the water has time to warm up, but the heat has not yet arrived. If your vacation falls in the middle of summer and you are afraid of intense heat, feel free to go to the islands of Crete or. At the height of the swimming season in Greece, these places are noticeably cooler than the rest of the coast.

By the way, if your vacation falls in the spring, then you can go to Crete. The beach season there begins earlier than in other parts of Greece, and already in April you can plunge into warm water.

High season in Greece

In the period from June to September, the time begins when the influx of tourists is very large. That’s why prices here are noticeably higher than at other times. But for people for whom heat is not easy, this period is even contraindicated. The temperature can reach as much as 40°C, and water does not help at all, since its temperature rarely drops below 25°C.

Holiday season in Greece: time for active tourists

If lying idle in the sun is not relaxation for you, then choose the time of excursions, skiing or carnivals. You can see acropolises, monasteries and temples in late spring or early autumn. Around the beginning of May or the end of April it is already here It’s very warm and you can calmly walk around all the historical places.

The ski season begins here in December. It lasts until mid-spring. There are about 20 centers in Greece where you will be offered decent quality trails, equipment for rent and comfortable rooms. The winter period is also a time of great sales, so six weeks of big discounts is another reason to go on vacation.

You can get to the carnivals from January through Lent. The celebrations there are really colorful, with a lot of spectacular shows and traditional rituals. You can also attend fairs and fun celebrations in March and February.