Destination: Greece

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

When to Go

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Greece. Most of the country’s tourist infrastructure goes into hibernation during winter, particularly on the islands. Some of the smaller islands close completely, and islanders head off to alternative homes in Athens for a few months. Many hotels close their doors from the end of November until the beginning of April, along with seasonal cafés and restaurants; bus and ferry services are either drastically reduced or plain cancelled.

The cobwebs are dusted off in time for Orthodox Easter, when the first tourists start to arrive. Conditions are perfect between Easter and mid-June, when the weather is pleasantly warm in most places; beaches and ancient sites are relatively uncrowded; public transport operates at close to full schedules; and accommodation is cheaper and easier to find.

Mid-June until the end of August is the high season. It’s party time on the islands and everything is in full swing. It’s also very hot – in July and August the mercury can soar to 40°C (over 100°F) in the shade just about anywhere in the country; the beaches are crowded; the ancient sites are swarming with tour groups; and in many places accommodation is booked solid.

The high season starts to wind down in September, and conditions are ideal once more until the end of October.

By November the endless blue skies of summer have disappeared. November to February are the wettest months and it can get surprisingly cold. Snow is common on the mainland and in the mountains of Evia and Crete; it occasionally snows in Athens. But there are also plenty of sunny days, and some visitors prefer the tranquillity that reigns at this time of year.

Travelling to Greece?
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