Greece in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Athens, Greece: 57°F High • 45°F Low

The weather in Greece in the winter varies across the diverse landscape, reaching cold, snowy temperatures in the northern mountains and warm, inviting temperatures across a number of islands, especially the nation’s southernmost, Crete, for a perfect family vacation or tour for couples.

Greece in February is at its coldest, but retains a welcoming charm in villages dusted with snow, slopes offering exciting skiing opportunities, or great weather for wandering through towns, exploring ancient ruins, or taking to fabulous hiking trails, in addition to fewer tourists during an island-hopping tour.

Crete • Best Place for Great Weather

Crete in winter is full of exciting discoveries, from Venetian harbors to mountain villages, delicious seasonal cuisine to gorges ready for exploration.

As the southernmost Greek island, Crete’s weather is wonderful, averaging nearly 300 days of sun a year and thereby embodying the delights of a Mediterranean climate.

Visit the remains of an ancient Minoan palace, stroll along winding cobblestone lanes, or visit one of the many archeological museums featuring artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era. You can find the best ways to enjoy your trip with our inspiring Athens, Santorini, & Crete sample itineraries.

Athens • Best Place for Families with Children

Athens represents iconic Greece, home to ancient wonders, marvelous museums, and fantastic cafe culture, all of which capture millennia of heritage and culture.

In winter, Athens offers the same enticing views of monuments like the Acropolis and ancient streets of the Plaka neighborhoods, but with fewer crowds, giving you the perfect family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether visiting the immersive Acropolis Museum or enjoying a panoramic view from Mount Lycabettus, the city has family-friendly fun year-round, whether on an Athens & Santorini tour or delving deeper into a Greece family vacation.

The Zagori • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

The Zagori are considered one of Greece’s hidden treasures at any time of year, but in winter, the collection of medieval mountain villages reveals a surprising wonderland.

The lanes weaving through the hills and connecting the main roads are dusted with snow, houses brim with the aromas of seasonal comfort foods, and nearby ski resorts offer access to incredible slopes perfect for adventurers venturing off the groomed trails.

From winter activities to relaxing with a glass of rakomelo, a type of local brandy, the Zagori are an easy, fun, and gorgeous place to escape the crowds in winter.

Learn more: Luxury Greece Tours

Monemvasia • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Monemvasia is one of the most romantic places to visit in Greece and perfect for couples or honeymooners in winter, when the tiered cobblestone streets of the Byzantine castle town are free from crowds.

Often referred to as the “Gibraltar of Greece”, Monemvasia’s charm emerges from its historical foundations, preserved walls, rising turrets, and walkways leading to the surrounding crashing waters of the Myrtoan Sea. Find your perfect couple’s tour in Greece or discover the best Greece honeymoon vacation for your preferences, one that includes indulging in the remote setting and historic ambiance of Monemvasia.

Santorini • Best Greek Island to Visit

With famous sunsets, iconic whitewashed buildings with blue trim, and ethereal cliffs overlooking a breathtaking caldera, Santorini is one of the best places to visit in Greece.

What was once a quiet time on the island, when shops and restaurants closed until the summer tourist season, has become a fascinating period in which to enjoy the beauty and charms of island life without the intense crowds of peak season.

Winter has become a treasured time to visit Santorini, giving you the chance to walk the famous cliff-side trail, visit the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, or enjoy a sunset cruise on the piercing blue water, all of which will turn your winter Santorini tour into an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Wonders of Ancient Greece

Ancient Grecian life offers unique stories of the past that link to today’s western world with foundational thought, architecture, and art, especially when visiting places like Athens, Santorini, and Crete.

In winter, the famous ruins across the country are less impacted by large crowds, making it easier to discover the splendors of history, from the Acropolis to Knossos Palace, Sparta to Delphi. Inspiration on top things to do in Athens and Santorini can help demonstrate the variety of possibilities to experience during your Greece trip.

Discover the Regional and Seasonal Greek Flavors

Whether searching for typical mainland flavors or eager to indulge in the dishes of the Aegean islands, you can find glamorous restaurants or typical local cafes, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Athens or a cliffside bistro in Santorini.

Family eateries in Crete demonstrate the alluring recipes of the island that have influenced many dishes around the country, while wineries in the Peloponnese further showcase how the soil impacts taste. Embrace mezze or delight in specialty desserts as you distinguish between the flavors of cities and seaside, mainland and island.

Learn more: Greece Food & Wine Tours and Vacations

Enjoy the Festive Ambiance and Traditions

The festivals and customs across Greece in winter can immerse you in the exciting culture and seasonal charms.

Christmas markets are relatively new to Greece, but the demonstration of traditional handmade items and seasonal cuisine surrounded by decadent decorations add to the joys of December. Meanwhile, Ragoutzaria in January brings out traditional bands playing customary brass instruments in northern Greece while revelers eat, drink, and dance non-stop over three days.

Many cities and towns are also known for their colorful and flavorful Carnival celebrations that can last up to 14 days for an incredible two-week Greece vacation.

Wander the Inland Villages

Greece is bucolic and enchanting, with the traditional villages on the mainland and islands representing history, heritage, and delightful escapes into untouched tranquility.

In winter, the villages and towns scattered across the mountains and hills can become welcoming wonderlands, hiding as they do beneath sparking peaks or exuding the aromas of homemade pastries.

With views over sparkling seas, medieval walls protecting Byzantine frescoes, or vineyards overlooked by tourists, wandering the inland villages of Greece is wonderful and easily reached when considered as part of a vacation idea in a Greece trip planner.

Visit the Beautiful Islands Away from Crowds

The Greek islands are timeless and alluring no matter the time of year and while winter is not the best time to visit the beaches, the best Greek islands to visit are much more than sand and sea.

The azure waters and indulgent coastline may be the first image of the islands, but charming villages, chic boutique shops, and ancient history collide to create dreamy destinations perfect for any type of traveler in winter.

From elaborate sunsets to delightful wineries, medieval castles to mythological creatures, the Greek islands’ diverse beauty will leave you breathless.

Greece’s charm is timeless, with gorgeous seas, wonderful fortress towns, and beautiful mountain villages. In winter, you may feel as if you are uncovering hidden gems, demonstrating the treasures across the country that continue to inspire awe in travelers.

Discover what inspires you with our sample Santorini tours or find more information on your ideas and goals with our Greece travel guide. Our sample Greece vacations and tours can be personalized to your interests and schedule to give you the trip you have always dreamed of.