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The vacation season for most of the Greek islands starts in
April (spring season) and end in late October (autumn season).
The peak holiday season in Greece is from
early July to the end of August, when temperatures are higher,
and crowds of foreigners and locals alike travel to the Greek
islands. You won't miss out on warm weather if you come in June
or September , excellent times almost everywhere but
particularly in the islands. An exception to this pattern,
however, is the north-mainland coast - notably the Halkidiki
peninsula - and the islands of Samothrαki and Thαssos, which
only really cater to visitors during July and August . In
October, for most of that month the "summer of Αgios Dimitrios"
prevails, and the Aegean islands, the southerly Dodecanese and
Crete are extremely pleasant. Autumn in general is beautiful;
the light is softer, the sea often balmier than the air, and the
colors subtler.
December to March are the coldest and least reliable months,
though even then there are many crystal-clear, fine days, and
the glorious lowland flowers begin to bloom very early in
spring. The more northerly latitudes and high altitudes of
course endure far colder and wetter conditions, with the
mountains themselves under snow from November to May. The
mildest winter climate is to be found on Rhodes, or in the
southeastern parts of Crete. As spring slowly warms up, April is
still uncertain, though superb for wild flowers, green
landscapes and photography; by May the weather is more generally
predictable, and Crete, the Peloponnese, the Ionian islands and
the Cyclades are perhaps at their best, even if the sea is still
a little cool for swimming. Note, however, that these are the
historical patterns as observed until the early 1990s; thanks to
global warming, recent years have seen erratic climate, with
unusually cold Mays, warm Octobers, little (and late) rain, plus
very early spring flowering.
Other factors that affect the timing of your Greek travels have
to do with the level of tourism and the amenities provided.
Service standards, particularly in tavernas, slip under
peak-season pressure, and room rates top out from July to
September (as well as during Easter or Christmas week). If you
can only visit during midsummer, reserve a package well in
advance, or plan your itinerary off the beaten track: you might
for example explore the less obvious parts of the Peloponnese or
the northern mainland, or island-hop with an eye for the remoter
places.
Out of season , especially between late October and late April,
you have to contend with reduced ferry services to the islands
(and nonexistent hydrofoils or catamarans), plus fairly skeletal
facilities when you arrive. You will, however, find reasonable
service on all main routes and at least one hotel and taverna
open in the port or main town of all but the tiniest isles. On
the mainland, winter travel poses no special difficulties
except, of course, in mountain villages either cut off by snow
or (at weekends especially) monopolized by avid Greek skiers. |
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