The Best Time To Visit Greece

February still sees cloudy days and showers with the sunshine just starting to make a comeback and an average temperature of 10°C on the mainland. Head for the islands if you want a few degrees of extra heat although the sea is still going to give you goosebumps.
If you want to immerse yourself further into the Greek culture then try the Patras Carnival where the celebrations include music, dancing, games, BBQs and a stunning floats parade. Considered a Greek style fiesta, this is not an event to be missed if you are nearby during February.
February means half term month and there is another really good festival to entertain the family called Apokries which takes place from February to March and dates back to ancient times. Here you will witness colour costumes and masks, traditional dancing and lots of feasting, meaning that a great time is guaranteed.

For those that prefer a milder climate, April is perfect for you as the average temperature ranges between 17°C to 25°C, and with around 8 hours of sunshine a day you can enjoy plenty of rays but in more comfortable conditions. The more tolerable temperature means you can plan for lots of outdoor adventures as a family, but where to go? The Islands are beautiful at this time of the year but it is also an excellent time to stay on the mainland before the temperatures start soaring in the summer.
Make Athens your base then investigate the stunning ruins and ancient stories that can be found around the country. Metéora, a short drive away, is well worth a few days of your time as you gape in awe at the monasteries that sprout from the top of the rocky, mystical landscape. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

We are now hitting the summer months and for many people that means beautiful beaches on dreamlike islands. In June temperatures start rising to an average of 24°C with the chances of sunshine touching 90%. The evenings will start getting a bit sticky as well.

If you love your history then why not pay a visit to the mystical site of Delphi where the oracle once advised kings and emperors on their future? The Delphi Festival offers a range of amazing musical experiences, both classical and contemporary, in places of natural beauty. You can also enjoy poetry readings and theatre events - and nobody knows theatre better than the Greeks.

The Athens and Epidaurus Festival is the leading cultural event in the country and one of the oldest in Europe, and takes place in June. Some of the greatest music, dance, and theatre artists in the world take part and you could catch something in the amazing surrounds of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, although the festival is expanding in terms of venues, ambition and timescales every year.

The summer is considered the best time for island hopping in Greece because the seas are calmer and ferries are more frequent and less crowded. You have the option of travelling between the islands by ferry or plane, or, for a more relaxed experience you can go on a Mediterranean cruise which requires less planning in advance.

August is a time to enjoy the highest sea temperatures during the year meaning when it is perfect for watersports such as water skiing, paddleboarding and swimming. It is one of the year’s hottest months in Greece in general with temperatures reaching a regular 27°C so the sea provides the perfect place to get relief from the muggy conditions.

August also brings with it the August Moon Festival which celebrates the moon being at its brightest and most beautiful at this time of year. Many towns around Greece host special night time events. You could even travel to Athens where moonlit performances of theatre and dance are hosted in the sunning settings of the Acropolis and Roman Agora.

Like September, October in Greece offers the best of both worlds. Expect weather that delights but not so hot that it hinders your activities and fewer crowds getting in your way on the beach or at the major attractions, An average temperature of 23.5°C means that island life is as attractive as any other time and urban explorations will result in fewer clothes sticking to your body. Take the opportunity to tick active things off your bucket list such as climbing Mount Olympus or exploring the beautiful Samaria Gorge in Crete.

Love the movies? Make a trip to Greece in October for the Athens International Film and Video Festival. It is well known as a big supporter of underground films and those from more marginalised communities. There will be blockbusters but it is a great experience for those who love discovering new ideas and tomorrow’s auteurs.

December is still a great time to visit Greece. The weather will be colder (but can reach highs of 14°C), you might not want to go swimming but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the magical islands and amazing inlands of the country while trying a different type of seasonal cuisine or seeing old attractions in a new, snow-covered light. It is also the best time to visit Lake Vouliagmeni where underground caves offer the chance to experience the joys of a thermal spa.

Christmas in Greece? Why not? The country has embraced some of the traditions of Santa and reindeers but with its history of being part of the Othodox Church the main excitement is around New Year’s Eve when presents are handed out and Agios Vasilis is celebrated instead of St Nicholas. You will also notice other cultural differences such as the tradition of decorating sailing boats with Christmas lights. Hang around until January 6th when Greece celebrates the Epiphany with a slew of festivals across the country that will get your camera clicking with their colourful parades.