Greek Islands Weather

Weather in the Greek Islands
Greek Islands holidays enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters. As the islands cover a large area in the Aegean and Ionian Seas in seven defined groups, there are many regional difference from island to island, however the general climate and weather patterns remain fairly similar.

Greek Islands Weather - Typical Mediterranean climate
Most tourists visit the Greek Islands during the peak summer season, running from May to late September. Temperatures at this time are generally between 20C-30C, and most days are sunny, bright and cloudless, with some islands seeing over 12 hours of sunshine a day, and conditions ideal for sunbathing and relaxing on the beaches. The high summer temperatures are tempered by strong coastal breezes, such as the Meltemi winds, which blow heavily around the Aegean islands, with most winds at their peak during July and August. The warmest and sunniest Greek Islands tend to be found in the south, such as Crete, Rhodes and Zante, with those in the north, such as Corfu, Lesbos and Samos seeing more rainfall and having a greener landscape.

Spring in the Greek Islands - Cooler temperatures In spring
Spring visitors to the Greek Islands can enjoy more comfortable temperatures between 20C-25C, and expect much more changeable weather. Many of the islands are covered with colourful wild flowers during April and May, and the conditions are ideal for walking and sightseeing holidays. The Greek Islands see similar temperatures during the autumn months, with warm seas and less crowds, but shorter days. November to March is the rainy season, with some islands seeing temperatures as low as 10C.