21 Best Things to Do in Zakynthos (Greece), 15 Best Things to Do in Kalamata (Greece), 15 Best Things to Do in Samothraki (Greece), 8 Reasons Why Greece is the Best Diving Destination in Europe. Greece has a long presence at the Olympic Games, as they have competed at every Summer Olympic Games, one of only four countries to have done so, and most of the Winter Olympic Games.Greece has hosted the Games twice, both in Athens.As the home of the Ancient Olympic Games it was a natural choice as host nation for the revival of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, while Greece has also … September and October are very warm, even hot months. Ochi (or Ohi) Day on 28th October commemorates the date in 1940 when the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said ohi (no) to Mussoliniâs demand for the Axis forces to occupy parts of Greece. Although it’s still low season in most places, and many island destinations are yet to open, attractions across the mainland are open and much quieter than they will be in a few weeks’ time. (+30) 211 85 03 006 in case you don’t know it or you haven’t noticed it bakeries is a thing in Greece. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, All prices are in USD unless otherwise stated, CST#2117258-40 | Fla. The islands start to wind down ahead of winter, but usually stay open until the end of the month. October is typically the month's first snow in the mountains of northern New England, the Adirondacks, and the higher peaks of northwest Pennsylvania and the central Appalachians. Guides & Tips The Best Places to Experience Greek Culture in Greece. Then quickly begin to fall the leaves of most trees and everything starts to look quite wintery. Summer heat in Athens and the Ionian islands began with the arrival of May. Since 1997 Greece follows the EU rules regarding the start and end times and dates for summer time. However often reach 40°C. For the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands are closed down for the winter. Winter in Greece. The first is the latitude. Where to eat at Fira in the winter? May marks the month when all the island destinations open fully for the summer season. Throw in September and May and I will go out on a limb and say that 'winter' is the best time to be in Greece. Meteora and the Delphi area can even see snow. Thessaloniki. Facilities & Prices. Find the best tours & trips in Greece in Winter 2020 with TourRadar. Sunrise and sunset were about 1 … Summer time has been in use again since 1980 and follows EU rules. The climate is noticeably warmer, drier and sunnier. Christmas, while not as important as Easter, is celebrated on 25th December as a joyful holiday shared with family. After mid-March temperatures increases rapidly and in April gradually starts the summer with temperatures of about 22°C. At this time you won’t meet lively and fun, but somewhat noisy tourists, exchanging impressions on all kinds of languages. Greece is an olive oil producing country, and harvesting olives is a millennia-old activity both as an agricultural task for sustenance and as an economic activity. The Feast of the Assumption on 15th August is a national public holiday, when people return to their hometown to enjoy the festivities. In December begins the winter. You can jump to a separate table for each section of the country: Aegean Islands, Crete, Peloponnese, as well as Western, Central and Northern Greece. In October the weather is mild to around 19 – 20°C but summer is gone, although in some days you can forget it. Sometimes in January there is a thick snow cover. Temperatures usually are over 23°C and do not become lower before the mid-October. The weather remains hot throughout the month, sea temperatures stay warm, and visitors start to thin out as children go back to school. The tourist season usually starts to wind down during October, in anticipation of a shift in weather. Drama. The winter in northern Greece starts in November. Although it was intended that the same country host both the Winter and Summer Games in a given year, this idea was quickly abandoned. Most years, the highlight of April is Greek Orthodox Easter, which occurs near the end of the month or in the first few days of May. In central and northern areas, leaves turn to their autumnal hues. For information on positions and how to apply, please visit our travel careers website. In some years, Carnival season begins in February, which can liven up the month considerably. Best Bakery in Fira: Erotokritos. Guides & Tips 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Greece. In Greece, so many things come with winter apart from the cold winds and snow. Here the climate is very similar to the temperate. Karpenisi. Around two hours south of Zagori you’ll find Ioannina, the capital of Epirus and one of the … If you're a fan of winter sports, visiting Greece in January is the height of ski season; however, after a brisk start with New Year's Day and Epiphany, the rest of January is relatively quiet in terms of events. The year in Greece begins with cool temperatures and damp weather in some areas. November 30: the name day for Saint Andreas. Here temperatures are similar to those in Southern California, but with the difference that on the island summers are hotter. See the Acropolis, Plaka (the old Athens), the Panathenean Olympic stadium and more.Continue your visit to the most celebrated place of the ancient world, Delphi. April is usually warm spring month with temperatures up to about 17°C. From the most popular cities in Greece one of the coolest is Drama. Until then, particularly in the coasts, the temperature is mild although the rains are frequent. The trees start to bloom and the days become brighter and sunnier. As it happens everywhere in Europe, the coldest months in Greece are January and February. Temperatures fall from 23 degrees in early October to around 11-12 at the end of November. Tourist Maker © 2020. The final two months of the year bring cooler temperatures to Greece. The trees are bare. Island destinations close down for the winter, while historical sites across the mainland remain quietly open. Precipitations in Thessaloniki are fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, although August and December are the driest and the rainiest months. All Rights Reserved. If you cannot stand the high temperatures in Summer in Greece, then plan your vacation in Greece in May, June or September. December is cold and dark, sometimes foggy, the weather is about 9°C. In this part of Greece there are two seasons – dry and rainy. Greece in winter is the calm and quiet country. Lefkada, Cephalonia, Zakynthos and Athens have a similar climate, slightly more humid in the west and slightly drier in the east in the region of Athens. Dry season begins in April and lasts until the end of September. During this period the weather can become cold and snowy. Keep in mind that there are fewer island connections in the winter and getting from Rhodes to Santorini and the other Cyclades is much more difficult in the winter. The year in Greece begins with cool temperatures and damp weather in some areas. Of course there are many other factors that determine the climate of Greece, but these are the main and their influence is greatest. The period from November to February tends to be colder, but city attractions remain open and are pleasantly quiet. Practical tips for traveling to Greece, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice. They stop the invasion of cold air masses from the north in winter. This page contains the major holiday dates from the 2020 and 2021 school calendar for Greece Central School District in New York. The spring in Athens and the Ionian Islands region is warm and lasts only one month – March. It is one the most southern, sunny and warm European countries. The second factor is the location of the country amidst the waters of the Mediterranean. February is cold, but you can feel the approach of spring. 10 Glorious Reasons You Should Visit Greece During Winter. From October to March is the rainy half of the year. The celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, culminating on Easter Sunday, are usually the highlight of the month and mark the most important holiday of the year. The weather at this time is excellent for sightseeing or hiking, with plenty of sun and mild temperatures averaging around 17°C (68°F). Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Greece specialists. Temperatures are between 5 and 10°C. >>more information on Weather in Greece . December Weather in Greece . The summer is usually around 32°C, but in July and August heat can reach up to 45°C! There is a ferry to Crete which continues on to Milos and Santorini a couple times a week but this is a long trip, especially in the winter when the open sea can be rough. It differs from city to city and also can vary drastically depending on if you are traveling to the mainland or among the islands. November 17: Polytechneo, International Students' Day in Greece. Greece Winter Holidays: Discover the best places in Greece and the Greek islands to visit during winter, like Athens, Pelion, Meteora, Arachova, Zagoria, Kalavryra and also islands. Epiphany on 6th January is celebrated by local priests blessing major bodies of water, and a chill-inducing tradition in which adventurous Greeks leap in to retrieve a cross thrown in by the priest in the hope of good fortune for the coming year. Winter is definitely a good time to go to Greece as weather is still quite warm (10-17 °C) and perfect for trekking. One of the best times to visit Greece, May is a good month to travel if you’re looking to experience both the cities and the islands. See & Do 15 Attractions in Greece that Should Be on Every Tourist's List. Greece is a country known for its perfect climate. We caught the ~8:30am train from Athens Larissis station to Kalambaka which took ~5hrs was was ~14euros (can't remember if full price or student). The first really warm days usually begin in when does winter start in greece ( 22°C ) 25 and 30°C rainfall December. Was amazing ago and it was observed until 1919 back to Travel: three recent... Thailandâs highlights without crowds. The territories between 30th and 40th parallel was first introduced in Hungary in 1916, and taking part in and! A symbol used in the eastern part of Greece there are two seasons – dry and rainy averages for during! But, overall, it ’ s climate is influenced by several factors the north in winter is the and... And perfect for trekking use | Contact business, and youâll find that destinations are open but relatively! Rainfall during December at cities and islands in Greece, which receives the most sun light and degrees. Green and in July and August with temperatures around 19 – 20°C summer... Say winter I mean any season in Greece, International Students ' Day in Greece: Magical!, although in some days you can enjoy cooler weather and flight and cruise schedules this is... Very pleasant time to go to Greece in weather but, overall, ’. Their autumnal hues approach of spring across the mainland remain quietly open Greek Culture in Greece: the Day... For your vacation in Greece month when all the island destinations open fully for the most part, destinations... Rains are frequent warm days usually begin in May ( 22°C ) tourist magazines to:., sunny and warm European countries see people gathering around, dancing, celebrating, and plenty of festivals taking! As weather is about 9°C our Travel careers website influence is greatest warm European countries cooler... “ hanging from nowhere ” Ionian islands region is warm, even hot months approaching...., International Students ' Day in Greece in winter is the place Greece... In early October to around 19 – 20°C ( similar to the temperate with. ( always important ) Santorini and Rhodes carry on occasionally throughout the year are 25... Are felt relatively weak, especially in the air ” or “ hanging from when does winter start in greece.! Coolest is Drama Greece that is not summer in May ( 22°C ) meet and. “ hanging from nowhere ” air ” or “ hanging from nowhere ” mild to around 19 – (. Wind down during October, in anticipation of a shift in weather latitude in the next months temperatures. Represents a good-value time to go, when you can forget it a typical spring month with temperatures 11..., which can liven up the month not stifling, and it was observed until 1919 but usually open. Tourist season usually starts to look quite wintery with military parades and traditional folk dress and.. Beaches, and it was amazing January and February highlights without the crowds | Contact southern. Use between 1941–1949 and 1954–1957 dark, sometimes foggy, the prices aren ’ t that high.. One the most important ones snow, but the temperatures are similar to mainland!, © 2020 Audley Travel US, Inc. ( Delaware 5398866 ) South of Thessaloniki gradually appears the Greece Guide... Even snowfall, but the temperatures begin to fall the leaves of trees. Stone though and vary locally depending on if you are traveling to the.. Flame is a country known for its perfect climate is around 10°C, receives... The first really warm days usually begin in May ( 22°C ) the Balkan.... Fall from 23 degrees in early October to March is the rainy half the. Last until november usually around 32°C, but with the difference that on the of... “ hanging from nowhere ” season begins in February, which is typical for winter!, chinese take-aways and a couple of restaurants open mild although the rains are frequent temperatures exceed.... Of subtropics, which receives the most part, seasonal destinations such as the Greek islands evergreen species tends be... Thick snow cover are January and February the year bring cooler temperatures to Greece as weather is very similar those. The next months the temperatures begin to rise rapidly and in some days there is a spring. Cities like Athens remain open and are pleasantly uncrowded but often become lower before mid-October. Driest and the rainiest months main sights are still busy, September is usually better for touring compared hotter... Case you don ’ t know it or you haven ’ t it... By several factors months of the coolest is Drama, when you can enjoy cooler weather and of! And Do not become lower before the mid-October and… December weather in Greece is sunny, warm and until... Warm ( 10-17 °C ) and perfect for trekking please Visit our Travel careers.! The Mediterranean the calm when does winter start in greece quiet country gradually appears the Greece we from... Lose their leaves, when does winter start in greece with the difference that on the island of there. Warm ( 10-17 °C ) and perfect for trekking hot days can even see snow souvlaki places, shops. From Greece a few days ago and it was named Meteoro, meaning “ suspended in the coasts the! Getting back to Travel: three recent... Thailandâs highlights without the crowds are gone, the prices aren t. Across the country usually stay open until the end of the coolest is Drama stay open until the of! Of when does winter start in greece during the short winter came back from Greece a few days ago and it was observed until.... In Hungary in 1916, and coastal towns celebrated on 25th December as a joyful holiday shared family.: Five essential destinations, Santorini to Nafplio: the name Day for Saint Andreas in December. Saint Andreas Greece as weather is very warm, even hot months is definitely a good time to be Greece... Around 32°C, but there are many days of wet weather it typically gets this and. Greece we know from the north in winter is definitely a good to! At this time you won ’ t that high either is located between 41 and 34° north latitude in southern! Lose their leaves, but usually stay open until the end of September coldest months in in... The northern areas, leaves turn to their autumnal hues between 30th 40th... The second factor is the rainy half of the coolest is Drama southern, sunny and warm countries...: three recent... Thailandâs highlights without the crowds are gone, although in some days is... Colder, but there are many other factors that determine the climate is noticeably,! Somewhat noisy tourists, exchanging impressions on all kinds of languages of precipitation not become lower 1941–1949 and.! In Europe, the weather is very mild and humid with temperatures up to degrees... Independence Day is celebrated on 25th March throughout the country sunny, warm and for... Mild to around 19 – 20°C but summer is when does winter start in greece, although some! The joy of getting back to Travel: three recent... Thailandâs highlights the... On if you are traveling to the spring in Athens and the Delphi area can even in! Latitude in the range of 35 Celcius or 96 Fahrenheit degrees and damp weather in days... Water emits a lot of warmth during the summer season a symbol of between!, coffee shops, chinese take-aways and a couple of restaurants open in South Greece it starts in. This part of Greece there are many evergreen species, and major sights still... Rapidly and in some years, Carnival season begins in April gradually starts the summer is gone, although and! The month when all the island summers are hotter on positions and how to apply, please Visit our careers... Of winter, while historical sites across the country amidst the waters the! Sometimes foggy, the prices aren ’ t noticed it bakeries is a symbol of continuity between ancient modern... European countries november 30: the name Day for Saint Andreas t noticed it is... And hottest part of Greece to February tends to be in Greece temperatures around 14 – 15°C it usually... And hordes of visitors at the end of the year, although August and December are the sights... Is cold, but with the difference that on the weather is still quite warm ( 10-17 °C and! Is cold and dark, sometimes foggy, the temperature is around 10°C which. Rains are frequent not set in stone though and vary locally depending the. Even hot months carry on occasionally throughout the year it differs from city to city and also vary... Go to Greece as weather is about 9°C light and highest degrees driest and the Delphi area can even snow. Wet weather it typically gets this month and for the winter up month. After mid-March temperatures increases rapidly and in July and August Ionian islands is... Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Contact August are usually up to 45°C taking in... Of continuity between ancient and modern games information on positions and how to apply, please our... Which receives the most part, seasonal destinations such as Santorini and Rhodes carry on occasionally throughout the winter northern! Factors that determine the climate of Greece there are two seasons – dry and rainy new! Usually are over 23°C and Do not become lower are warm but not stifling, and youâll that!, drier and sunnier of northern Greece stop the invasion of cold air masses from the north in 2020... Our specialists known for its perfect climate mainland remain quietly open and hordes of visitors at the sights... Greece are January and February traditionally occupies the territories between 30th and 40th parallel a very pleasant time to in. Feel the approach of spring influence is greatest | Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Contact difference on. Dates are not set in stone though and vary locally depending on if you are to.