Best time to visit Greece

While a trip to Greece in January certainly won't have you reaching for the bikini, history buffs will enjoy exploring the ancient ruins of Athens without the large crowds that take over during the summer. Temperatures may be on the cooler side, hovering around 50°F, but with the right gear, you can spend a full day marveling at the ruins in peace. After a day of sightseeing, warm yourself up with one of Greece's national dishes; try moussaka, an eggplant and minced meat casserole, or fasolada, a traditional bean soup.

Since the Greeks have been partying since the dawn of Western civilization, celebrations and festivals are a huge part of the culture. Holy Week in Greece is the most significant religious event of the year and takes place in the days leading up to Orthodox Easter. Expect fireworks, smoked meat feasts, and lots of ouzo and tsipouro. Practice a few Greek phrases and link up with some locals for an experience you'll never forget. Orthodox Easter can fall anywhere from mid-April to early May, depending on the year and accommodations can book up quickly, so plan ahead.

May is a glorious month in Greece, with clear, sunny days and an average temperature of 75°F, perfect for outdoor activities. On the mainland, you can spend an entire day hiking to the majestic 14th-century monasteries of Meteora that sit at the top of 1000-foot karst pinnacles. The incredible views make for some show-stopping photos. 

Things are picking up on the Greek Islands this month, as the water temperatures are warm enough for swimming and bars, tavernas, hotels, beach clubs and shops are fully open, ready to welcome the summer tourists.

Widely known as the sunniest place in Greece, June is a glorious month to visit Crete for pure, uninterrupted sunshine. With air temps between 75-82°F and water temps at a delightful 70°F, hiking and swimming should be at the top of your list. Epic archaeological sites, mythological lore and seemingly untouched beaches make Crete an excellent destination for the entire family; kids will love exploring the Diktaion cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and adults can enjoy a frosty Mythos and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of peace and quiet.

If you're thinking about a trip to Greece in July, it's islands or bust, so pack the swimsuits and sunscreen and get ready for an epic party. Weather in July is hot, so brave the crowds and plop yourself down on one of the iconic umbrella-lined beaches to soak up the sun and bath-temperature waters. Nightlife is at its peak this month, so if you want to dance the night away to live DJs or make new friends in a packed bar, consider visiting Ios or Paros. Mykonos has a fabulous queer scene, with many gay bars and clubs open until dawn. When it comes to island crowds in the summertime, if you can't beat 'em, might as well join 'em.

August is the height of peak season, and with the warmest temps of the year, tourists and locals are heading for the islands. Accommodation prices will be high, beaches will be stuffed, and you can expect long restaurant waits. If a summer holiday in Santorini has been on your list forever (or at least since the debut of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), why not join a sailing trip through the Cyclades to enjoy the best of the Islands from the water?

On a small sailing vessel, you'll be able to get a little taste of the highlights of this region, from the iconic blue-domed churches of romantic Santorini to the olive groves and charming villages of rustic Naxos and the glitzy glamour of fully-charged Mykonos. Plus, our local guides often have tips on the best, tourist-free restaurants, and you'll never have to vie for a spot on the beach when you can sunbathe on board your vessel.

Temperatures start to cool down slightly and crowds start to thin in September, making it a great month to combine time on the islands and the mainland. September is also the harvest month of the famous Aegina pistachios, and by joining a Greek food adventure, you'll be able to see the nuts harvested straight from the trees and enjoy feasting on iconic eats like feta cheese, honey, olives, spit-roasted lamb and moussaka.

By October, many of the tourists have disappeared, making it the ideal time to visit Athens or discover some of mainland Greece's archaeological sites. Cooler temperatures make visiting sites like the Delphi Oracle and ancient Olympia much more pleasant. Plus you may even be able to take crowd-free photos of the Acropolis without 100 other iPhones in your shot.

November is an especially beautiful time to visit the port city of Thessaloniki. Greece's second-largest city has mild weather that should lend itself well to a day exploring the iconic White Tower or strolling along the waterfront with a coffee and a pastry. Temperatures average about 52°F in autumn, but Thessaloniki has a fantastic food and beverage scene (and has been referred to as the capital of Greek sweets), so if the weather turns, you can duck into one of the many bars, restaurants or coffee shops to warm up with a bite.