Greece is well-known around the world for it’s stunning views, relaxing beaches, and delicious food! Many people have this country on their travel bucket lists, and for good reason! For those who get to travel here, it will be the vacation of a lifetime. The toughest part of travelling to Greece is deciding when you should go. There are so many events to participate in throughout the year, and the weather differs from season to season, depending on what you’re wanting. This is the ultimate guide to figuring out the best time to travel to Greece!
WEATHER
January to February - While some may think that Greece is warm and sunny year-round, this is actually not true (sorry to disappoint)! Greece experiences seasons much like Western countries. In January and February, Greece is in their winter season. January temperatures range from about 44-55°F (7-13°C). January is the height of ski season! Some of the best places to ski include Mount Parnassos (near Delphi), Mount Helmos (in Kalavrita), and Mount Olympus (in Elatochori). In February, the temperature does rise by a few degrees, but you’ll still need to layer up. With ski season closing, prices for flights and accommodation will drop, and the country will be nice and quiet for a vacation. But if you want some action, don’t worry! February is brought to life for Carnival (continue reading to learn more)!
March to May - With schools still in session all over the world, Greece is quiet and peaceful during these months. The months of March, April, and May see temperatures of approximately 48-60°F, 53-68°F, and 60-77°F respectively. May is a perfect time to go and enjoy all the beaches before the crowds of tourists start arriving. The water is warm, the sun is out, and the beaches are empty!
June to August - With summer break beginning, families from love to go on vacation. For Greece, this means travellers from all over the world flock to this Medtiereanean gem. While prices reach an all-time high for flights and accommodations, it’s worth every penny! June is warm, but not overwhelming for those of us who can’t handle high temperatures, about 68-84°F (20-29°C). In July, temperatures continue to rise to 73-89°F (23-32°C), so you’ll definitely need to cool off in the ocean! In August, temperatures continue to rise, making it the hottest month of the year. For those who are prone to heat exhaustion, or those who burn easily, it might be a good idea not to visit in August.
September to December - For those who desire a warm, sunny vacation, but want to save some money, travelling to Greece in September is a great way to do it! With tourist crowds dying down as the new school year begins, and temperatures still on the warm side of 68-82°F (20-28°C), visiting Greece during this shoulder-season-month is a cost-effective way to have an amazing experience. As Greece makes the transition into the winter once again, October and November will slowly begin to cool off, with average temperatures of 59-73°F, and 53-64°F respectively. Many tourist shops and attractions will also have great deals during this time of the year! When December hits, winter will be in full-swing. Temperatures will be around 46-59°F (8-15°C). This is a good month to go skiing, and save a little money before peak ski season begins in January. December in Greece is a picture-perfect winter escape!
EVENTS
Apokries - Also known as Carnival, this event take place throughout the whole month of February! The word apokries is derived from the words “apochi” (abstinence) and “kreas” (meat). This festival signifies the start of Lent fasting season before Orthodox Easter. Apokries is also a celebration of Dionysus, the ancient god of winemaking, fertility, and theatre! The final week of Lent is filled with parades, colourful floats, traditional costumes, dancing, and of course, delicious food!
Orthodox Easter - I am a proud Greek-Canadian, and I can tell you, that Easter is the biggest holiday for the Greek Orthodox faith. It’s even bigger than Christmas! Orthodox Easter does not always line up with Catholic Easter (in 2020, Orthodox Easter will be on Sunday, April 19th). The celebrations begin on Good Friday, with special evening masses followed by candlelight processions through the streets. These are led by clergy members, and everyone will sing hymns. Then, on Holy Saturday, you will hear people greeting you with ‘Christos Anesti!’ (‘Christ is Risen!’), which you should respond with ‘Alithos Anesti!’, which means ‘Truly He is Risen!’. Families and friends will break their Lenten fast, and take part in the tradition of cracking red-dyed eggs for good luck. Finally, on Easter Sunday, the whole country is filled with celebrations as families and friends spend the day at lamb roasts and parties! It’s such a fun and joyful celebration to be a part of if you get the chance!
Hellenic Festival - This festival of the arts takes place over the summer months in Athens. It features traditional dancing, music, and theatre! The best part of this festival is that many of the main events take place in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre, where you’ll have the stunning parthenon as the backdrop for the performances!
OXI - On October 28th, 1940, during the height of WWII, Italian dictator Mussolini gave Ioannis Metaxas (the Prime Minister of Greece) an ultimatum. He told Ioannis to let his Italian troops cross the border into Greece, to which Ioannis replied with a very simple “OXI!” (meaning “NO!”). Greece had remained neutral in the war, but it was this moment they declared themselves part of the Allied Forces. The Greek Army then spent the next 6 months holding the Axis Forces at the border. It was this bravery and heroism that led Winston Churchill to say the famous line “Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks”. This day is marked with a massive parade in Athens that people from all over the country attend. This is a powerful and humbling celebration to witness.
Festival of Mary - August 15th is a big day on the Greek Orthodox calendar. This is believed to be the day that the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, rose to the Heavens. In preparation for the event, those of the Orthodox faith will fast from August 1st to 14th, and have a big feast to celebrate the end of the fast on the 15th! Many churches will have special masses, and make offerings to the Theotokos. This is a family holiday, filled with joy and faith!
Christmas - Greece has tons of places all over the entire country to celebrate Christmas! Every city will have its own markets, events, and attractions to see! If you happen to be in Thessaloniki during the month of December, make sure to visit the big Christmas tree display. If you’re in Crete, take part in the annual Santa Run, a charity marathon where everyone dresses up in Santa hats and costumes! Christmas in Greece is a must!
Do you know when you want to visit Greece? Acanela Expeditions offers trips to Greece year-round! Expeditions could feature exploring the Greek Isles of Mykonos and Santorini, with optional extensions to Athens and Crete! Email us expeditions@acanela.com to request more information.