Key Takeaways
- August is one of the hottest months in Greece. Temperatures can range from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F) and sometimes even higher, which is very close to the weather in Greece in July.
- It's advisable to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
- The coastal regions and islands benefit from refreshing sea breezes, which help moderate the temperatures and make the weather more comfortable.
- August is the peak of the tourist season in Greece. Popular destinations, especially the islands, can get quite crowded with both international and local visitors.
The weather in Greece in August is just perfect. You get the warm sun and cool breezes, giving you just enough outdoor time to take in all of the beauty that Greece has to offer.
Greece is a brilliant holiday destination year-round, with moderate temperatures, mouth-watering food, and incredible cultural offerings.
As you can easily guess, according to weather data, the average snowfall numbers are zero, and the average rainfall is very close to zero with so few rainy days that waterproof clothes are not even worth mentioning, although I just did.
Go swimming in the crystal clear waters or hang out at one of the many beach bars and sip cocktails while watching the sun go down. Both are surefire ways to enjoy Greece even when the maximum temperature is too hot for your own good.
But don’t be dismayed. If you want truly local travel advice, here, we’ll show you why visiting Greece during the entire month of August is one of the best decisions you can make.
What is the Weather Like When you Visit Greece in August?
August is the warmest month of the year, boasting the highest average high temperature of the year, and ranging from the high-70s to the mid-90s, despite its high average wind speed.
The average rainfall during peak season is minimal, and of course, we don't even need to mention that the average snowfall is zero.
This makes it a terrific time to visit Greece, especially if you love to swim – so don’t forget your sunscreen and be prepared for weather conditions you are probably not used to.
Talking about swimming, you’ll want to bring your swimwear, as the average weather and average sea temperature in Greece in August varies from 77ºF to 82ºF.
After all, Greece is known for its good weather and the warm water temperature of the Cycladic islands.
Just be advised that due to the fantastic weather in Greece in August, it is the busiest time to visit; weather data is public worldwide, so most people are in on the "secret."
Book flights and accommodations a few months in advance to avoid breaking the bank and for a stress-free vacation.
Although this is the best time to visit Greece for most, some people like a more relaxed visit and can sacrifice warm weather for it. If you’re that person, we recommend visiting Greece in the spring.
Where to Go in Greece in August
As Greece’s August average temperatures are so magnificent, picking the ideal destination can be tricky.
From the beaches of Crete to the friendly streets of Athens full of historical sites, this country is full of things to do and attractions to see.
Temperatures are high, so if you're planning a trip to Athens, the capital city with its many ancient ruins and tourist attractions, or beyond, pack your sunscreen and umbrellas.
With the heat radiating off the Greek ruins and temples, you could get sunburnt just by sightseeing some of the landmarks in Greece.
Don't let that stop your adventures, though- in fact, why not take a dip in one of Greece's stunning beaches to cool off? The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other aquatic activities.
Don’t worry, as we’ll show you the best Greek islands to visit and cities to see in August, so it’s easy to plan a trip to Greece.
1. Athens
2. Crete
3. Mykonos
4. Milos
5. Santorini
Athens in August
With an average temperature of 81ºF, Athens’ hot weather in August is typical of a Greek summer.
Because Athens is known to get pretty humid, you’re going to want to set those alarm clocks early and visit its archaeological sites or engage in any other Athens experiences as early as possible.
An added benefit of being the early bird is avoiding the crowds and getting first in line. A great option is this private Acropolis tour which starts at 8 AM and has an experienced tour guide.
We love it because it’s an exciting way to learn all about Greek mythology and archaeology.
If you’d prefer to take a dip in its coastal areas and get a European tan, there are many beaches near Athens, like Karavi Schinias. Remember to drink enough water and reapply sunscreen, as being dehydrated and burned is not a vibe.
Crete Weather in August
In the southern area of the Aegean Sea, you’ll find the largest Greek island of Crete. This island is an incredible part of Greece, from the vast history and cultural heritage in Heraklion to the picturesque Chania and the romantic Rethymnon.
It’s a terrific destination to be in the summer, as the weather in Crete in August is lovely, from its 11 hours of sunshine a day to temperatures in the high-70s and low-80s.
There are many fun things to do in Crete, from a day trip to 7 villages to a private culinary tour in Heraklion. One thing about Crete is it has mouthwatering food, such as tasty dakos and kserotigana, which are some of the stars of Cretan cuisine, and it would be silly not to try them.
Weather in Mykonos in August
When you think of Greece, Mykonos is one of the places most likely to come to mind. It is what Ibiza is to Spain, a party island. So, if you’re a social butterfly and love clubbing, we recommend coming here during the hottest months.
The weather in Mykonos in August suits this, as there’s an 85% chance of sunshine, and temperatures are more moderate than in the rest of Greece. This makes it perfect for you to take a dip at one of Mykonos’ pristine beaches as the ocean temperature stays in the mid-70s.
If you prefer to do something on land, consider this half-day Mykonos highlights tour as a magnificent way to explore the island.
We love it (and think you will too) as all attraction entrance fees are included, as well as transfers and a personal English-speaking guide.
Milos in August
If you prefer a more relaxed vacation with fewer people, we’ll let you in on a secret spot called Milos. Okay, so it’s not really a remote destination, but it still has all the trademark highlights of Greece.
These highlights include some of the best beaches in Greece, if not the world. This is because of the clear turquoise waters of the Myrtoan and Cretan seas, multi-colored volcanic rock, and reminders of its history, such as the Saracen pirates’ bollards.
Milos also has some of the best weather in Greece’s August month, with temperatures from the low-70s to mid-80s. This makes it the ideal spot, especially if you want to chill out at the beach or enjoy a romantic Greek vacation.
Santorini in August
One of the most famous Greek islands is Santorini. It’s an iconic location, as it’s one of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, known for its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses, and beautiful sunsets.
With all those highlights, it’s no surprise that over 1.5 million people visit here annually. Santorini’s weather for the month of August is idyllic, with temperatures ranging from 72ºF to a maximum temperature of 81ºF.
To a certain extent, this is correct, as this is Santorini’s busiest month. If this isn’t a problem for you, then it’s the best time to visit Santorini. We also recommend exploring Santorini’s nightlife, as it’s bustling and vibey.
Final Thoughts on Greece’s Weather in August
August in Greece is a scorcher, with an average temperature that reaches up to the gods and minimal average rainfall, which means the perfect weather conditions to explore the country.
You can feel Apollo beaming down heat waves as you step outside. And if you're looking for a refreshing break, forget about jumping into the Aegean Sea – it's too hot to swim!
Thankfully, Greek culture has taught us one thing: just add more ouzo. So grab an ice-cold glass and make sure to raise your beverage in appreciation of the sun.
Check out our Greek Islands travel guide if you’re stressing about what to pack or see when you visit Greece, and our Greece Itineraries, designed by our team of travel specialists just for you!
Before you know it, you’ll be catching a flight to this piece of paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is August a good time to go to Greece?
Is it too hot to go to Greece in August?
Is Greece better in August or September?
