During the winter, the weather in Greece is truly wonderful! It is quieter than in the summer months, as there are hardly any tourists. We believe that during winter you can experience Greece at its most authentic.

The variety of weather during the months of November to March also makes Greece a dream European destination. What the weather is like in Greece depends entirely on which part of the country you are staying in. Generally speaking, the climate in Greece is Mediterranean. Summers are usually hot and dry. Winters are mild to warm in the south of the country, such as on the Peloponnese or the islands in the Aegean Sea.

Depending on the region, however, it can also rain a lot in winter, such as is the case on the Ionian Islands in north-western Greece. In the north of the country and the mountains, it can get very cold in the winter months. Snow is not uncommon. Would you like more information about the weather in Greece? Then take a look at the Greece climate table.

Just about anything! There are many things to do in Greece during the winter, from swimming at the beach and cultural and active holidays to skiing at one of the many ski resorts. Hiking and biking in the Peloponnese or on the South Aegean islands are ideal activities while the weather is milder.

Athens in particular is magical during the winter months when you can enjoy the metropolis without bustling crowds of tourists. Many of the country’s archaeological sites are also open during the winter, and at this time of year, it often feels as if you are exploring the ancient ruins all by yourself! Just be aware that the opening hours at various sites may be shorter than during the summer.

If you are a winter sports fan, you’ll also get your money’s worth in Greece. The fact that the country has cold winters is often a surprise to many! Here you can find all of the Greek ski resorts at a glance.

The south of the country and the islands are the warmest areas during the winter months. The best place to go for a warmer winter is Greece’s largest island, Crete. Even in December, the temperature there can reach a pleasant 24 °C / 75 °F. Crete is the ideal winter destination for hikers, active holiday makers, and culture lovers. If 17-20 °C / 62-68 °F water temperature is warm enough for you, then Crete can even be your winter seaside paradise. If you want to see the exact temperature, take a look at the Crete climate table.

Yes, as long as water temperatures between 16-20 °C / 61-68 °F is warm enough for you. If so, then Greece is your winter swimming dream destination. The beaches are particularly stunning, as there are far fewer tourists and in certain places, you may even find yourself feeling like Robinson Crusoe!

What clothes and equipment you need for a winter trip to Greece depends entirely on where you are going and what you are doing. But one thing is certain: Even though the winter in Greece is very mild in many places, the evenings and nights do get quite chilly.

We advise going by the onion principle: You should always have cardigans, jumpers, and jackets with you. Be sure to also bring long trousers and weatherproof shoes. It is more likely to rain in the winter than it is in summer, so we always recommend rainproof clothing, especially if you want to do outdoor activities.