When we think of Greece, our minds often drift to sun-soaked islands, golden beaches, and the vibrant energy of summer. But Greece is a country that can—and should—be explored all year round. Greece is a treasure trove of experiences and each month offers unique opportunities to explore different regions, with activities that suit every kind of traveler. From winter skiing on Mount Parnassos to spring wildflower hikes and cycling in the Peloponnese, and from autumn wine festivals in Crete to carnival celebrations in Patra, every season offers something special.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you discover the best places to visit and experiences to enjoy across Greece, no matter the time of year.
January: Skiing in Northern Greece
While Greece is synonymous with summer, it’s also a winter wonderland in the colder months. January is ideal for skiing and snowboarding at popular resorts in the northern mountains, such as Parnassos or Kalavryta. These ski areas offer slopes for all skill levels along with cozy mountain villages like Arachova, where you can relax by a fire, enjoy hearty local food, and explore quaint shops.
We have a dedicated podcast episode on a few popular destinations to go skiing in Greece, and what additionally these destinations offer which are not to be missed.
To learn more, click on the link to listen on Spotify and also check out the episode: Things to do in winter in Greece.
February: Carnival Celebrations and Rock Climbing
February marks the start of Apokries, Greece’s lively carnival season with the most popular destiantion to experience the carnival being in Patra. This is usually when Apokries takes place, filling towns and cities with parades, masquerades, and unique local traditions. However, since its timing is based on Orthodox Easter, the dates can shift slightly, and in some years, the main celebrations extend into early March. To read more about the Carnival Celebrations, make sure to cleck out a previous blog post: Carnival Celebrations (Apokries) in Greece and Cyprus: A Colourful Dive into Tradition.
February is also a great time for rock climbing, with popular destinations like Leonidio and Kalymnos offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it one of the best months for climbers to visit.
March: Spring Blossoms and Cultural Exploration in Athens
Spring begins to bloom across Greece in March, making it a beautiful time to explore ancient sites without the summer crowds. Athens is a perfect destination for culture and history lovers, and also offers an amazing gastronomic and bar scene. The hills around Athens start to turn green, and you’ll find spring wildflowers around the Acropolis, offering a picturesque contrast to the ancient ruins.
For a quick visit to the city, make sure to click the link and listen to our 48 hours in Athens episode. This episode is accompanied by an e-map which you can download for free using the code MGIFREE on the My Greek Island website - click here to download.
Additionally, we have many episodes and blog posts to help you navigate your way through Athens. So make sure to tune in to find out more.
Further Podcast listening:
Blog posts:
April: The magic of Easter celebrations
April in Greece is synonymous with Easter (Pascha), the most important religious celebration of the year and a truly unforgettable experience. While it usually falls in April, it can occasionally extend into early May, depending on the Orthodox calendar.
Some of the best destinations to experience Easter include Corfu, with its famous pot-throwing tradition, Patmos, where the Last Supper is reenacted at the Monastery of St. John, and Santorini with the village of Pyrgos glowing on Good Friday with the thousands of laterns .lit in the narrow streets. In Meteora, services take place in monasteries perched on towering rocks, and the ideal temperatures during April are also perfect for hiking up to the famous monasteries..
For more information about Easter, make sure to tune in to the dedicated podcast episodes, and also check the blog post: Top destinations to visit during Greek Orthodox Easter.
If Santorini is you chosen destination, then also make sure to check out the dedicated episodes we have on Santorini and also my top picks of things to do on the island in the form of an e-map, which overlays onto your own google map and includes coffee shops, restaurants, attractions & more.
May: Wildflower Fields and Cycling tours in the Peloponnese
In May, wine tourism begins to take off across Greece. The Peloponnese region, especially around Nemea, is a top spot for vineyard tours and tastings of the local Agiorgitiko wine. Mild weather makes this a great time to visit the Peloponnese countryside which bursts into colour with wildflowers and enjoy cycling tours through scenic routes, passing olive groves, vineyards, and archaeological sites, like Epidaurus and Mycenae.
For more on cycling tours through the Peloponnese, make sure to read the post Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit with Adventures in Greece: A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts and listen to our dedicated episode with Breakaway Greece, a small independent business which offers cycling and outdoor holidays in the region. Exclusive discount code available for patreon subscribers.
June: Beach Season and Festivities in Crete
JUne officially marks the start of the summer, with longer days, warm temperatures, and lively island life before the peak-season crowds arrive. During this month, a great and easy destination to reach is Crete, offering stunning beaches like Elafonissi and Balos, archaeological wonders like the Minoan Palaces, the historic island of Spinalonga, the stunning Samaria Gorge, and charming mountainous villages, where visitors can experience authentic Cretan hospitality and a vibrant culture. Crete is also known and famous for its local specialities, offering a true gastronomic experience. So make sure to try local production, dishes and delicacies. The island also produces wine, so maybe visit a winery (or two).
To find out more about the island of Crete, make sure to tune into the dedicated podcast episodes available on the region of Chania: Chania, Chania - Q&A, and the island off the coast of eastern Crete, Spinalonga, and also the relevant blog posts: Chania - My Eternal Paradise and Exploring Spinalonga: A Journey Through History
Additionally, if you would to have a planned 7 day itineray for the region of Chania, check out the My Greek Island e-book which you can purchase on the link below.
Another noteworthy festival which begins in June and runs all way through September is the Athens - Epidauros Festival, an annual event featuring a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and opera. To find out more, tune into the podcast episodes: The Athens Epidauros Festival and check out the blog post: Celebrating Art and Culture in Greece: The Magnificent Athens - Epidaurus Festival
July: Island Hopping in the Ionian or Cyclades Island-Hopping in the Cyclades
July is the start of the peak season which continues until the end of August for visiting the islands and the period for island hoping. The most popular island cluster for island-hopping is the Cyclades, so make sure to plan your trip here in July in advance.
Some islands in the Cyclades which we believe should be on your bucket list, and for which we also have dedicated podcast episodes include: Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros, Syros,and Kythnos. For the island of Syros you can also read the blog post: Discover the Hidden Gems of Syros: Top Things to Do on This Enchanting Greek Island.
Another island cluster which is not as busy as the Cyclades, and is also perfect for sailing are the Ionian Islands, a cluster of 7 main islands, with the most known being Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos (Zante). For more information on the Ionian islands check out the dedicated podcast episodes:
Further podcast listening to help with planning your travels to the islands which are not island cluster specific and are popular amongst our listeners include:
To learn more about the island clusters in Greece make sure to check out the blog post The Greek Islands explained by cluster.
August: Off the beaten track islands
August is the busiest month in Greece, and while crowds flock to popular islands, we thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce you to some off the beaten track islands, which will not be as busy as the popular islands. Of course, these islands too will be much busier in August in comparison to other months, but will still be much less busy that the popular ones.
In general note that the cluster of the Dodecanese islands offers a more relaxed vibe and our top picks in this cluster of islands include Astypalaia, Halki and Leros. For more information on the island of Astypalaia, make sure to check out our two part podcast episode by clicking the Spotify link and Astypalaia - Part 2.
Note that the aforementioned islands come with limited accommodation options, so make sure to book in advance!
The 15th of August is the second largest (after Easter) regligious holidays in Greece and is the month when many Greek villages hold summer festivals (known as panigiria), complete with live music, dancing, and feasting. To find out more about the most popular destinations on the 15th August make sure to check out the dedicated podcast episode Dekapentavgoustos and the bog post: Top destinations in Greece to celebrate the 15th August.
September: Late Summers in the Dodecanese, Harvest season and gastronomy
September is the perfect time to enjoy late summer in the Dodecanese, with islands like Rhodes and Karpathos offering warm seas, golden beaches, and fewer crowds compared to peak season. It’s an ideal month for relaxed island hopping, exploring medieval old towns, and discovering hidden coves with crystal-clear waters. With long sunny days and pleasant temperatures, it’s ideal for exploring medieval old towns, hiking scenic trails, and discovering hidden coves with crystal-clear waters. Whether you're wandering through the cobblestone streets of Rhodes’ Old Town, windsurfing in Karpathos, or admiring the colorful neoclassical harbor of Symi, September in the Dodecanese is the perfect mix of summer warmth and island tranquility. For more information on Karpathos, make sure to check out the dedicated podcast episode Karpathos and the blog post: Top things to do in Karpathos, Greece.
Additionally, September is also a great month to explore the main cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, with the capital city still offering many performances in theatres like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
October: Trekking and Nature in the Zagori Region
October brings cooler weather and autumn foliage, making it a perfect month for trekking in the Zagori region, located in the Epirus mountains. Known for its stone-built villages and arched bridges, Zagori is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, offers challenging trails with incredible views.
For more information on trekking in Greece, check out the dedicated podcast episode by clicking on the Spotify link and also the dedicated blog post: Trekking in Greece; 10 of the best hiking trails in Greece.
A personal recommendation for October is the most visited Greek Island, i.e. Santorini, when the island is less busy and you can enjoy exploring more comfortably. We also have an episode called: Where to go in Greece in October, in case you need some more inspo!
Lastly, note that at the end of October, there is a national holiday, the 28th of October, the Ochi day. To find out more about this day and what not to miss if in Greece, listen to our episode: 28th Ocotber.
November: Festivals and Wine Tourism
November is a very busy month in Greece and a fantastic month for festivals and cultural experiences. In Athens, you can participate in the Athens Marathon and the annual bar show, while Thessaloniki hosts its International Film Festival. Additionally, in November the Wine Tourism Day is celebrated across Greece, allowing visitors to tour vineyards and sample new vintages in places like Nemea, Santorini, and Naoussa.
For more information check out the podcast episodes:
And the Blog posts:
December: Christmas Markets and Snowy Escapes in Arachova
December in Greece brings festive Christmas markets, where you can shop for crafts, sip mulled wine, and enjoy holiday treats. Cities and towns across the country embrace the Christmas spirit, with beautifully decorated squares, seasonal treats, and lively celebrations. Athens and Thessaloniki host some of the best Christmas markets, where visitors can enjoy traditional sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes, shop for handmade gifts, and experience festive concerts and events. In northern Greece, destinations like Drama’s “Oneiroupoli” (Dream City) and Trikala’s “Mill of the Elves” transform into magical winter wonderlands.
For more information check out the dedicated episode by clicking the spotify link and the blog post: Christmas in Greece: A Guide to Magical Destinations. Additionally, to learn more about the traditions in Greece during the festive season make sure to tune into the episode: My Greek Christmas & New Year.
No matter when you visit, Greece offers something special every month of the year. From the snow-capped peaks of the north in winter to the sun-drenched islands in summer, Greece is a land of endless beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or a foodie, you’ll find a wealth of experiences waiting for you. So, mark your calendar and start planning your trip to Greece—each month holds new and exciting possibilities!
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