When to go to Greece

April marks the start of the tourist season in Greece, with temperatures warming and plenty of sunshine and few tourist crowds. Spring brings some of the most pleasant weather of the year along with the opportunity to take advantage of discounted hotel rates (outside of the busier Easter holiday), while most attractions will be open, ferry services and flights readily available. In Athens, afternoon temperatures average in the upper 70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for sightseeing. If you’re planning a trip to the islands, the sea is likely to be too cool for swimming, but you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of sunny days for relaxing on the beaches, along with idyllic weather for hikes.

If you visit during the Easter festivities you can expect plenty of dancing and drinking, and on the Greek island of Chios, the great annual fireworks battle, a long-running tradition takes place between two rival churches, lighting up the sky with over 50,000 fireworks. For five days in late May, Athens hosts the annual Athens Jazz Festival, one of Europe’s best.

The second “shoulder season” of the year, autumn can be a wonder time to visit Greece, with temperatures much more comfortable after summer’s oppressive heat. The crowds will be thinning and while beaches will still be sun soaked, it’s still possible to swim with water temperatures remaining warm enough through at least early October. Just keep in mind that the later you visit during this season, the higher the chances for cooler, wet weather. In Athens, average temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s in September to the low- to mid-70s in October. While transportation options start to be reduced now, most attractions and hotels will still be open, and you may be able to score some bargain rates too.

If you visit Santorini during the early part of the Season, you can enjoy the International Music Festival hosted in the heart of Fira village. Taking place over the first three weeks of September, it features some of the world’s top artists, piano duets, operatic and classical music, and solo recital orchestras.