The best time to visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece for warm, sunny weather is May to August, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 92/100 with daytime highs around 25°C / 77°F. April and September are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 6 months a year, warmest in July at 27°C.
Greece by month, averaged across 18 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 12° / 54°F | 107 mm | 17° | Poor |
| February | 26 | 12° / 54°F | 84 mm | 16° | Mixed |
| March | 41 | 14° / 57°F | 59 mm | 16° | Good |
| April | 62 | 16° / 61°F | 36 mm | 18° | Very good |
| May | 88 | 20° / 68°F | 25 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| June | 93 | 25° / 77°F | 16 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| July | 93 | 27° / 81°F | 9 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 94 | 28° / 82°F | 9 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| September | 88 | 25° / 77°F | 39 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| October | 83 | 21° / 70°F | 64 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| November | 58 | 17° / 63°F | 88 mm | 21° | Very good |
| December | 32 | 13° / 55°F | 114 mm | 18° | Mixed |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: May to August — Greece's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 92/100, ~25°C / 77°F days). Shoulder season: April and September — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: August, ~28°C / 82°F. Wettest: December (114 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Kos (3,110 h/yr), Samos (3,110 h/yr), Karpathos (3,022 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Greece month by month, the hottest places in Greece, or every Greece destination with a full climate card.
Island-hopping? The sunniest Greek island guide compares the islands on their own.