In this part of our guide to holidays in Greece we focus on the types of seasons, weather and temperatures experienced there…

Greece has a normal Mediterranean climate in that it generally enjoys long warm summers and short mild winters.

However, despite its relatively small size, its climate can be quite varied, with its northern mountainous areas, mainland, and southern islands having slightly different weather in the same seasons.

From April until November, the whole country is hot and dry with almost constant sunshine. In this dry season, rainfall is rarely more than sporadic and brief. The most pleasant weather is usually in May-June and September-October, with the highest temperatures occurring from mid-July to mid-August. During this period, temperatures average roughly 35 degrees, though heatwaves can see them rise higher. At this time of year, the sun’s rays can be very strong from 11am-4pm and it’s best to stay out of the sun for that part of the day.

The rest of the year is marked by a cool, rainy season that usually starts in November and lasts until late March or early April. The bulk of the rain falls from December to April, when it rains on about a third of the days in each month. \In northern Greece, this rain can be heavy enough to cause flooding and the winters are cold enough for snowfalls to be relatively common.

The summer months are the peak season and attract the most tourists but, for visitors from northerly climates, the off-season from November through February can be a rewarding time to see Greece, especially the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland, which are the driest parts of the country. It will not be beach weather, but temperatures are mild, prices are reduced, and the number of other tourists will be significantly fewer.