Destinations Mediterranean Europe

Greece weather - when is the best time to visit Greece?

Weather is one of the key considerations when it comes to choosing a cruise to Greece. Whilst the weather on Greek islands like Corfu, Santorini, and Rhodes is generally warm and sunny throughout May to September, there are benefits to travelling at different times of the year. To help you decide when you should sail, we’ve summarised the Greek weather during the main cruise season, so you can enjoy a voyage with us at the time that suits you best.

5 min 10 Mar 2026

Cunard

Author

Greece weather in May

Greece weather in June

Greece weather in July

Greece weather in August

Greece weather in September

What is the best month to visit Greece?

Find your perfect Greece getaway

Greece weather in May

Rainfall: 20-40mm per month
Avg temp range: 64-77°F
Humidity: 62%
UV: 6-8

Perfect for: guests who like warmth, without excessive temperatures and crowds.

Greek weather in May is more suited to days on the beach and a dip in the sea than the months preceding it. You may find the Greek sun to feel hotter than the UK, while also feeling less humid, and although it is not yet peak season, you can expect to find many activities to take part in around mainland Greece and its islands.

The best locations to catch the warmer weather in May are historic Athens, the Aegean volcanic island of Santorini, and Rhodes. High 60 degree Fahrenheit temperatures will help ensure you enjoy a rejuvenating dose of vitamin D while you sail. Sightseeing ashore may introduce slightly milder temperatures in the upper end of the teens, and evenings may feel cooler – so be sure to pack a warm layer or two if your voyage calls overnight in port or you plan on a starlit stroll around deck.

Church in Oia, Santorini, Greece

Greece weather in June

Rainfall: 1-12mm per month
Avg temp range: 68-86°F
Humidity: 50%
UV: 8-10

Perfect for: guests who are seeking warmer temperatures.

Greek weather in June promises beautiful sunshine, temperatures rising towards 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and warmer waters, thanks to the milder months before it.

With summer just arriving, it’s a perfect month to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the country's local culture, delectable cuisine, and glorious beaches in warm weather. You’ll find the temperatures highest in the southern islands of Crete and Corfu – but you’ll experience beautiful weather wherever you step ashore in Greece in June.

For this reason, it’s one of the most popular months for cruises to the Greek Islands, and early booking is recommended.

Heraklion, Greece

Greece weather in July

Rainfall: 0-3mm per month
Avg temp range: 86-95°F
Humidity: 50%
UV: 9-10

Perfect for: guests who love the sun and don’t mind the heat.

July is when Greece experiences some of its warmest temperatures. It’s not uncommon for the mercury to climb into the mid 30s, and rainfall is less common compared to other times of the year.

There is plenty to explore in Greece in July, not least on the Greek islands, where cool sea breezes offer a respite from the heat of the sun. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential items to take ashore with you if your cruise calls into Greece during this time. You may also want to come prepared with a beach towel and swimwear, just in case the allure of the islands’ beaches proves to be too much of a temptation.

With July being the height of summer, you should anticipate more footfall on the islands than earlier in the year. But don’t worry – the Shore Experiences on our Greek Island cruises are carefully selected to offer you the perfect combination of history, culture, and hidden treasures only the locals know about.

We stop at several beautiful locations across the Greek Islands. Find your perfect voyage.

Piraeus, Greece

Greece weather in August

Rainfall: 0-1mm per month
Avg temp range: 86-104°F
Humidity: 50%
UV: 10

Perfect for: guests who want to experience Greece in peak season.

The height of Greece’s tourism season, August, is when the Mediterranean sun grants its locals temperatures in the early to mid 30s most days, with the chance of going even higher.

It is a fantastic time to visit, when the transparent seas and white sands of Greece's famous beaches are at their most inviting. Opting for an August cruise to Greece on our Queens means you can take advantage of the Santorini and Corfu weather, as you explore these popular Greek hotspots at the best time of the year.

Of course, if you want to escape the crowds, our Shore Experiences can help you find somewhere more relaxing to explore. You can also opt for an itinerary to a less populated island, such as Cephalonia. Home to only 30,000 residents, a call here offers you an authentic Greek experience like no other, with the freedom to explore, even in peak months.

Cephalonia, Greece

Greece weather in September

Rainfall: 10-20mm per month
Avg temp range: 20-30°C
Humidity: 60%
UV: 6-7

Perfect for: guests who prefer warm weather, outside of peak season.

If you’re looking to avoid the holiday crowds but still benefit from plenty of sun, September is a fantastic time to visit the Greek Islands. For many of our guests, this combination is exactly why they choose to sail on our Queens at this time of year.

With the summer holidaymakers departed, taking a cruise to Greece in September means you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace ashore, and your pick of attractions to explore. In place of the heat of the Greek summer, you'll be greeted with warm temperatures that peak in the early 20s most days. The further south you sail, the more likely you are to see those temperatures creep up a little higher, so there’s still plenty of opportunities to make the most of the outdoors. As the month goes on, the more likely the temperatures will stay in the low 20s rather than creeping up towards 30.

Mykonos, Greece

What is the best month to visit Greece?

For guests looking to enjoy Greek culture but avoid excessive heat, we recommend visiting in May.
For guests who want the maximum sunshine and high temperatures to match, the best months to visit Greece are June, July, and August.
For guests who like to travel off-season but still enjoy the famous Greek sunsets in warm weather, September is a fantastic choice.

Find your perfect Greece getaway

Whether you’re attracted by the cooler temperatures of May or the heady heat of August, a cruise to Greece on our Queens offers you the opportunity to explore in effortless style, with every detail taken care of.

Explore our cruise itineraries and discover your dream Greek getaway on our Queens today.