Key Takeaways
- Greece in spring (April to June) offers mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures gradually warming up. The weather in Greece in April is to die for!
- From wildflowers to olive groves and citrus orchards, the country showcases its natural beauty during this season. Islands like Crete and Corfu are particularly stunning during springtime.
- Compared to the peak summer months, spring sees fewer crowds in popular tourist destinations.
- As spring is considered the shoulder season, travelers can often find better deals on flights and accommodations compared to the peak summer months.
Greece is one of the top-visited destinations in Europe during summertime, with flocks of people gathering on the many exquisite islands.
The temperature can reach over 35℃ (95℉) and is scorchingly sunny in the summer months, which may be great for the mid-20s and tanned folk but can be quite a challenge for families, older or paler visitors!
There is no doubt that the busiest months of July and August attract the crowds, but that does not mean to say this is the best time to visit Greece.
Check out the top choices for spring in Greece if you want to experience our beautiful country before it gets swamped by visitors from across the world and before the sweating season comes out to play!
The spring weather in Greece
Athens streets - credits: Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock.com
According to the meteorological calendar, Springtime begins on March 1st and carries on until May 31st. The weather in Greece in March is pleasant. The temperature usually reaches 15℃ (59℉), and it is generally sunny.
In April, the temperature climbs up to an average of 22℃ (72℉), and most days are drenched in sunlight. Not to mention that if you go to any beach on any island, you will likely have it all to yourself.
The whole month of May in Greece has beach weather, and locals begin making a beach day a part of their weekend ritual.
May is perhaps the best month to visit the Greek islands as the weather in Greece in May is warm enough to swim but also cool enough to enjoy being outdoors all day in the sun, while at the same time, there are no overwhelmingly large crowds to ruin your experience.
Hiking holidays in the spring
That being said, March is also a great month to visit Greece if you enjoy hiking or skiing/snowboarding, as there is still snowfall on Parnassos and Kalabrita peaks.
80% of Greece’s land is hills and mountain terrain, making it a hiker’s heaven. Samaria Gorge in Crete is a great hiking option in the Spring.
It is 16 km long, one of the longest Gorges in Europe, and located in Crete’s national park on the island's south side, facing Libya.
While in Crete, be sure to experience a true Greek feast with us or learn to cook the amazing Greek meals you will have tried out in our Cretan Cooking Class.
Greek Easter and Easter Sunday
Greek Easter is the most celebrated religious holiday in the country and usually takes place in April and sometimes in May. The whole Easter weekend, from Friday through Monday, is sacred to Greeks who will travel to their villages to be with family.
Remember that most establishments and services are closed during Easter, and almost everyone will have a day off! Easter Sunday festivities are interesting to partake in, and you can learn more about the pros and cons here.
Best places for visiting Greece in the Spring
Greece, Spring - credits: Krivosheev Vitaly shutterstock.com
In the Greek islands
Dry, white hills with whitewashed houses surrounded by the brilliant blue of the Aegean. It's an old cliché picture for Cycladic islands - the result of a multitude of August vacations.
The scene transforms in the spring but only enhances the beauty of the Greek islands. The island's green color is a result of winter rains. Eventually, spring will spit out color explosions when many flowers start blooming.
The hills roar with life when butterflies, bees, and many stunning migrating birds make their way through this unique ecosystem.
The amazing fragrance bouquet carries its own scent from the breeze letting the spectacle increase. The Greek islands in spring are like heaven on earth for nature lovers.
Santorini
Sunset in Oia, Santorini - credits: Cara Foto/Shutterstock.com
If you are planning your trip to the famous island of Santorini and want to avoid the masses of people, May is the best time to go.
Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, making visiting the island at the peak of summer quite difficult.
You will find that fewer visitors make their way to the islands in May, which will ensure that you will have a much more romantic and relaxing time if you go to Santorini in Spring.
Furthermore, prices are lower, and you are much more likely to find availability at the island's most beautiful boutique hotels. The weather is also warm enough to swim, so be sure to book your Santorini Sunset Cruise!
Corfu
Corfu - credits: Andrew_Mayovskyy/Shutterstock.com
Corfu is a favorite Greek island destination all year round, but it is something special to stroll through the streets in the Old Town without all the crowds.
The waters may still feel cold. However, the island offers such a tranquil vibe that it would be a shame to miss out on its pristine beaches. Also, make sure to walk through the Old and New Fortresses, Saint-George's Palace, and Achilleion's Palace.
Alternatively, you can travel even further into the old world by spotting Paleopolis' ancient temple of Artemis Gorgon or the 6th century CE tomb of Menekratis.
Last but not least, spring offers an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind in the lush gardens of Mon Repos, a 26-hectare estate on the sea near the main city center.
Amorgos
Tholaria, Amorgos - credits: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com
We love spending spring in Amorgos due mainly to its extensive trail network. During walks through hills, dramatic scenery topped by wildflowers contrasts with the blue peaks of the Aegean.
To experience Greek nature and authentic life, as described on postcards, explore the region around Aegiali at the island's northern end.
Famous for the beaches during the summer, it is ideal for walking the village of Tholaria Langda and Potamos, consisting of three relaxing villages with white-washed houses and typically narrow streets.
Chios
Pantoukios village, Chios - credits: Milan Gonda shutterstock.com
Another Greek island destination that offers rarely-traveled nature and hiking opportunities, especially oi spring, is the unique island of Chios.
Known for its mastic-grown resin used to taste anything from liquor to gum and its mandarin oranges, the island boasts a forest of pine and oak trees and charming, picturesque mountain villages.
While mastics have been harvested during autumn, the citrus plants bloom in springtime, and the air smells heavenly. It is worth noting that Chios' nickname 'Myrovolos' (which translates as aromatic) is due largely to gardens in Kampos.
Mykonos
Mykonos - credits: No_Tracers/Shutterstock.com
Mentioning your plans to visit Mykonos during the off-season to friends will probably raise some eyebrows. However, why should people go to Mykonos just for parties?
The popular Greek islands are even better when the massive tourist crowds are not frequenting their streets.
Please remember that the famous Aegean islands that are often on people's bucket lists have many more things going on for them than their wild summer lifestyle.
Going to Mykonos in the spring -even during an island-hopping adventure- is like discovering a hidden island: quiet, contemplative, with warm weather and a sense of anticipation that makes the perfect recipe for unforgettable memories.
In the Greek mainland
Mani, Peloponnese
Aeropoli, Mani - Mariephotogrece/Shutterstock.com
It is easy and safe for people to go to the Peloponnese beaches and enjoy relaxed road trips without the heat tainting their experience. Several parts of the largely dry inland of mani experience summer aromas in early April.
Continuing along this lovely coast path to Exo or Outer Mani, you can see a little snow sticking to the mountaintops at Taygetos. See the other ways the ocean glows under spring sunlight.
Turn off the coastal road inward toward the villages of Mount Taygetos, a place with several paved streets lined with houses built of stone and tower houses with distinctive architecture and fountains.
Nafpaktos
Nafpaktos - credits: pixabay.com
Nafpaktos is another Venetian town famous on the Peloponnese's west coast. It has been adorned with an ancient castle offering unparalleled views over the mountains, the Peloponnese, and the surrounding islands.
Aside from the statues in the center of the town, the city also has several historical landmarks that make it an ideal place to explore in the spring and enjoy. The most rewarding part of visiting Nafpaktos blooming landscape.
The Ancient Castle Town Of Monemvasia
Monemvasia - credits: Nataliia Budianska/Shutterstock.com
The town of Monemvasia is an incredible medieval city built upon a steep mountain cliff jutting out into a vast lake. It is only accessible from the mainland via a simple causeway.
Deliberately planned to remain invisible from the mainland to incoming enemies, the end product of ancient asphalt streets, old mansions converted into hotels, guest houses, churches, and the Castle on the summit, is a sight to behold.
The Ancient Village Of Nymfaio
Nymfaio village - credits: By_Georgios_Kritsotakis/Shutterstock.com
Straight from an epic fairy tale, the Macedonian town of Nymfaio in northwest mainland Macedonia is a restored historic Aristocratic mountain village constructed from the traditional stone of that region.
The former wealthiest town on earth declined in the early 1950s because people migrated to other countries.
In the 1980s, many families in this region began taking pride and revitalizing the village, which led UNESCO to add it to the list of World Heritage Sites.
Visit Greece's Original Capital City: Nafplion
The gorgeous Nafplion is a coastal city just a 2-hour drive from Athens, on the east side of the Peloponnese peninsula, making it the ideal weekend retreat to discover the numerous sights and stroll the bougainvillea-filled streets.
The Old Town is a historic center with imposing old buildings, a special feature of Greek culture between 1823 and 1834. Walk around the picturesque alleys and see the locals drink their coffee, eat delicious food, or just have fun while they're at it.
Ancient Delphi
Delphi - credits: Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock.com
It is considered the largest historical monument of Delphi. Ancient Greece held in very high esteem pilgrims traveling around the Mediterranean traveled to Delphi to hear Apollo's prophetic messages delivered by Pythius the Priest.
Scientists also believe that the Delphin nave was the central point of the earth – the absolute point where many visitors found it – and it also has eerie energy.
Meteora
Meteora - credits: Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock.com
Meteora's UNESCO World Heritage site and its imposing monasteries resting on ancient pinnacles formed thousands of years ago are another destination in Greece that is in full bloom during spring.
The imposing landscape and rich history will be best experienced in the mild spring weather when the luscious nature will be at its best. The six monasteries you can visit seem floating in the air and are worth your visit and effort!
The best Archaeological sites for the Greek spring
Visiting in spring is the best because you can visit Greece's most significant Greek ruins without the presence of so many others. You can visit ancient Delphi and Olympia and take the most amazing photographs without being photo-bombed by other visitors!
Enjoying day trips from Athens is hard to do when it is over 35℃ (95℉) - one would naturally much prefer the beach.
But in the Spring, venturing inland is a perfect day escape. Nemea is a perfect example of a great spring destination with activities that you can thoroughly enjoy outdoors and in the sun.
Another must-do during spring is to spend a day or two in the beautiful seaside town of Nafplio, just a couple of hours outside of Athens. This little gem just starts to awaken in April and May, and the summer mood starts to kick in.
We carefully designed Argolis Day Trip ventures to the best of the Peloponnese, ensuring a stop in Nafplio for great food and ice cream!
If you are already in Nafplio, perhaps one of the best ways to spend your sunny spring day is by enjoying the Aegean sea through a Nafplio sailing trip!
Final Thoughts
Greek tavern - credits: Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock.com
Pack your bags for the best spring vacation you have ever been on, and don't forget to check out our Greece travel guide before booking your tickets! Visit Greece in springtime, and experience our sunny country under the perfect circumstances!
Planning your trip to Greece? Get in touch with our travel specialists and design your tailor-made vacation plan!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Weather Like in Greece During Spring?
Are Popular Tourist Sites Crowded in Spring?
What Clothing Should I Pack for Spring in Greece?
Are All Islands and Activities Accessible in Spring?
Are Spring Months Suitable for Swimming in Greece?
