THE SEASON AHEAD
There is always something magical about Greece in the summertime. The days are hot, the skies seem endlessly blue, and the beaches are impossible to resist. If I’m visiting the Greek islands I might spend the morning exploring a pretty village before settling in for a long lunch by the water. The heat naturally slows the pace in Greece during the summer, but that is part of the appeal. Lunches stretch into the afternoon and there is little reason to rush from the water. For me, this gentle pace is one of the true pleasures of a Greek holiday. Why should you try to find reasons to rush around?
Autumn in Greece is just as enjoyable. By September, the beaches are quieter but the sea often remains warm enough for swimming well into October. You can still enjoy long lunches on warm days, perhaps watching fishermen return with their daily catch. Away from the beach, the gentler temperatures make walking in Corfu and Crete's beautiful natural surroundings a particularly appealing prospect. Back on the mainland, you might catch some of the final open-air performances of the season in Athens. Towards the end of October, Athens becomes a great destination for a city break.
By the end of October, my attention is mostly focused on planning holidays for the following year. Location is everything when it comes to choosing a luxury villa rental or beach resort on the Greek islands, so the earlier you can plan the better.
Clare – August 2026
WHERE & WHEN
When is the best time to visit Greece?
The best time of year for a luxury holiday to Greece is usually late spring to early autumn. Within this period there are plenty of seasonal highlights to enjoy.
Spring in Greece
From March to May, Greece grows steadily warmer, with average daytime temperatures rising from around 16C (61F) to 24C (75F). Wildflowers cover Crete, Corfu, and the Peloponnese, creating excellent conditions for walking and visiting archaeological sites. Ancient ruins and historic towns feel calmer before the peak summer season. Greek Orthodox Easter brings candlelit processions and feasts across the country, with distinctive celebrations in Corfu. After Easter, the season begins in earnest for villa rentals and beach holidays in Greece. Time on the beach becomes increasingly appealing from late May, and calmer seas make this a great time of year for a luxury yacht charter.
Summer in Greece
June to August usually makes Greece’s legendary hot sunshine and blue skies a firm fixture. Average daytime temperatures on the Greek islands rest around 28C (82F) to 35C (95F). It can feel hotter than this in Athens and the Peloponnese during heatwaves. With warming sea temperatures, this is the peak season to enjoy time on the beach, broken up by leisurely lunches and evening strolls to local tavernas. Relaxation by the pool in a luxury villa on the Greek islands can be equally tempting at this time of year.
Autumn in Greece
September in Greece retains much of summer’s warmth, with average daytime temperatures around 27C (81F), falling towards 20C (68F) in October and 17C (63F) in November. September often brings attractive yachting conditions after the summer winds ease. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October around Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and the southern Peloponnese. As autumn progresses, grape and olive harvests bring renewed energy to many rural areas, and cooler days favour archaeological visits and scenic walks.
Winter in Greece
Reduced flights to the Greek islands and seasonal villa and resort closures make November to February the low season for a beach holiday. It is still possible to enjoy cultural attractions on mainland Greece over winter. You could spend a long weekend in Athens with fewer crowds, or perhaps combine it with other cities as part of a luxury winter vacation to Europe.