Most places and people
are far more friendly, and Greek, outside the peak period
of early July to the end of August, when soaring temperatures,
plus crowds of foreigners and locals alike, can be very overpowering
and to be honest a little off putting. You won't miss out
on warm weather if you come in June or September as the weather
is just about perfect, excellent times almost everywhere but
particularly in the islands where you get the ever present
breeze off the water.
An exception to this pattern, however, is the north-mainland
coast - notably the Halkidhikí peninsula - and the
islands of Samothraki and Thassos, which only really cater
to visitors during July and August. In October you will probably
hit a stormy spell, especially in western Greece or in the
mountains, but for most of that month the "summer of
Ayios Dhimitrios" (the Greek equivalent of Indian summer)
is present, and the southerly Dodecanese and Crete are very
pleasant. Autumn is beautiful; the light is softer, the sea
often calmer, and the colours are much more subtle. December
to March are the coldest and least reliable months, though
even then there are many crystal-clear, fine days, and the
glorious lowland flowers begin to bloom very early in spring
compared to the rest of Europe. The more northerly areas of
Greece and high areas of course suffer from far colder and
wetter conditions, with the mountains under snow from November
to May. The mildest winter climate is to be found on Rhodes,
or in the southeastern parts of Crete. April is still a bit
hit and miss, though superb for wild flowers, green landscapes
and photography; by May the weather is more settled, and Crete,
the Peloponnese, the Ionian islands and the Cyclades are perhaps
at their best, even if the sea is still a little bit to cold
for swimming.
Other factors that affect the timing of your Greek travels
have to do with the level of tourism and the amenities provided.
Service standards, particularly in tavernas, slip under peak-season
pressure, and room rates are at their highest from July to
September (as well as during Easter or Christmas week) so
try and book your hotel or self catering holiday accommodation
well in advance to get the best deals. If you can only visit
during midsummer, reserve a package well in advance, or plan
your itinerary off the beaten track you might think about
exploring the less visited parts of the Peloponnese or the
northern mainland, or island-hop with an eye for the remoter
places. Out of season , especially between late October and
late April, you have to contend with reduced ferry services
to the holiday islands (and due to weather conditions nonexistent
hydrofoils or catamarans), plus the facilities are greatly
reduced when you arrive. You will, however, find reasonable
service on all main routes and at least one hotel and taverna
open in the port or main town of all but the tiniest isles.
On the mainland, winter travel poses no real problems except,
of course, in mountain villages either cut off by snow or
(at weekends especially) monopolized by avid Greek skiers.
Choose your ideal Greek Accommodation , including
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and hotels with secure online reservation- Greek
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