Key Takeaways
- The weather in Greece in March is better than in most countries.
- Coastal areas generally have milder temperatures, ranging from around 10°C (50°F) to 16°C (61°F), while inland and mountainous regions may be slightly cooler.
- The sea temperature in Greece is still cool in March. It ranges from around 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F), making it too cold for swimming for the unadventurous
- To be on the safe site, when visiting Greece in March, pack a variety of clothing options to accommodate changing weather conditions. Layering is key!
- March falls in the shoulder season for tourism in Greece, so you can expect fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
One of the best things about a trip to Greece is the chance to do so when the seasons change. No better transition embodies the beauty of spring than the beginning of March in Greece.
Officially marking the end of winter, March sees a kaleidoscope of changing colors and patterns that excite every sense. It’s one of those times of the year when a dream getaway becomes a reality and not just wishful thinking. It makes planning a trip to Greece an equally memorable experience.
Keen to know what to expect, where to go, what to do, and events you shouldn’t skip? Well, those answers are just the icing on the cake. If cake is not your thing, rest assured that with this travel guide to Greece in March, the weather will hit every sweet spot.
Get your bags packed, put on your best travel shoes, and let’s get going. Spring is fleeting, and Greece in March waits for no one.
Weather in Greece in March - What You Need to Know
Spending winter in Greece is always a good idea despite not being a conventional tourist season. It is a fantastic idea and the easiest way to experience the arrival of the fabulous spring weather. When you envision Greece's weather in March, keep the concept of ‘variable’ at the tip of your planning skills.
If there ever were to be a month when the weather showcases nearly every type of pattern more than once in one day, it would be March. It’s got a fantastic mix of gray and rainy days that contrast blissfully with the sunny and bright ones that always follow. All you have to do is visit Greece in March to see for yourselves!
Hoping that the temperatures skyrocket from the 1st of the month? Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and you should not yet part from your cold weather clothing.
Average daily temperatures only start to noticeably increase at the tail-end of the month, when you can bargain on sublime spring weather conditions more often than not.
In Athens? You can expect a calm and collected average daily maximum temperature of 60ºF, but if you’re in Northern Greece, expect the cool side of daily highs that reach an average high temperature of 54℉. On the other hand, regions such as Crete and the Peloponnese straddle spring from the beginning of the month.
March weather in Greece (much like the weather in Italy in March) doesn’t mean beach weather or immediate relief from the icy touch of winter but rather a gradual change. A change you’d have to get used to if you’re new to the country and its islands. You can bet on evenings being cool, and trust us, the Ionian and Aegean Seas fully maintain that cold embrace well into March.
One thing that is solidly left with the winter months of Greece is its love for sudden and sometimes torrential downpours. In spring, you can sleep easily, knowing that you’ll likely only see about 41mm of rain over eight days.
Read More: Find out when is the best time to visit Greece and why. You can thank us later.
Where to Go During Greece March Weather
With confidence, you can now answer the question, ‘what is the weather like in Greece in March?’ What about top-tier destinations you can’t afford to skip during the blooming and bright days that the season brings?
Not such an easy answer, but it seems you’re on a winning streak. Why? Read on to discover the best places to visit in Greece in March.
Crete in March
It wouldn’t make any sense for this guide not to include the Greek island of Crete. Considering that it sees the earliest springtime throughout the Mediterranean, a treasure trove of sights to see, things to do, and the best island life around, what’s not to love?
With an exquisite average temperature of around 68ºF, you should, without a doubt, visit the south coast of Crete during March. Add to that the exotic features southern Crete is famous for and iconic spots like Preveli Beach and the mysterious Triopetra Cave.
You can dare the first swim of the year there, as the sea temperature during that time will be pleasant and inviting to the brave-hearted!
Rhodes in March
Rhodes doesn’t get as much acclaim as other Grecian heavy hitters. One thing it does get a lot of are warm winter days. No, that’s not a typo. Notorious for having some of the warmest days at the end of winter and beginning of spring, Rhodes deserves more acclaim.
Rhodes also doesn’t bear witness to the massive crowds some of the other islands of Greece do. Visit Rhodes in March to explore its tranquil villages, historic sites, and local eateries with the feeling of having the island to yourself.
Chios in March
The fifth-largest Greek island, Chios, sits comfortably just off the Anatolian coast and boasts some of the best ecotourism you’ll find anywhere. Simply put, Mother Nature outdid herself with the landscapes of Chios, and when spring arrives, so does a grand display of natural beauty.
As hard as it might be to pull yourself away from the scenic eye candy, the island of Chios also has numerous other worthwhile spots to visit. Head to the Chios Mastic Museum for a deep dive into the heritage and culture of the island.
Athens in March
Visiting Greece in March? Spending a few days in Athens is an obvious no-brainer. The city doesn’t need any introduction, but a refresher might be required during spring.
If you’re wondering where to go for a Greece spring break, the weather in Athens, Greece, in March brilliantly answers the question. And it's not just us who think so, but the weather data as well!
With minimal average rainfall and average wind speed, an average snowfall level of zero, and mostly bright sunny days, there is no point in resisting a visit to the Greek capital!
Many tour options are available to help you take full advantage of spring in Greece, and it’s Athens, for Pete’s sake. Throw on your best explorer’s hat and head into mainland Greece as the warm glow of spring starts to exude across its landscapes.
Wrapping Up Greece in March | Final Thoughts
It should by now be no surprise that Greece holds new and tantalizing rewards for those willing to explore regardless of the time of year. Boy, oh boy, does the country outdo itself during spring and, more precisely, during March, no matter if you choose the Greek islands of the Greek mainland for your vacation.
You wouldn’t be wrong if you think heading to Greece in winter is a good idea, but those who have a thoroughbred wanderlust know springtime is the ultimate. To get the best of both seasons, Greece in March offers a bit of everything and does so very well.
The last thing to do is book that darn ticket and pack your bags; the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient Greek ruins, the historical sites, and the fresh seafood are waiting for you! Wear your most comfortable shoes and explore them for as many days as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good time to visit Greece in March?
Which Greek island is warm in March?
How hot is Santorini in March?
Is March too cold to visit Greece?
