Max (in °C)
Greece in April: Weather, Travel Tips, Best Greek islands to go
|
|
|
Or create a new List:
Create New List
Add to list
Add "Greece in April: Weather, Travel Tips, Best Greek islands to go" to my lists:
In this article
Greece in April is simply wonderful! The blooming flowers, the clear blue skies, and the warm weather welcome you to the spring-filled islands and cities. Hotels are cheaper, deals and discounted holiday packages are plenty, crowds are thin, and temperatures are mild. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Greece in April, from average temperatures and events to the best places to visit and expert tips!
Read also: Greece in May, Greece in June, Greece in September, Greece in October, Greece in November
The weather in Greece in April
The weather in Greece in April is warm and sunny with a low chance of rain. Temperatures hover between 11 °C and 21 °C, but they can reach 25 °C in southern Greece (Cyclades, Crete, southern Peloponnese, etc). However, don’t expect to find beach weather in Greece in April. It is still a bit cold for sunbathing and the water temperature is low for swimming, although you’ll find many locals swimming in the sea -even before April. We suggest that you pack a couple of swimsuits with you just in case -because you never know how warm and sunny it’s going to be!
Best Greek Islands to visit in April
- Athens (small crowds at major attractions, like the Acropolis Hill and the Ancient Agora, many cultural events, the best time for sightseeing and day cruises from Athens, shopping)
- Corfu (unique Easter customs and celebrations, Holy Week events, local culture, sunny bays, nature exploration, outdoor activities, strolls in the city and Spianada Square, sightseeing)
- Crete (sightseeing at the Minoan Knossos and Phaestos palaces, traditional Easter customs and festivities throughout the island, a great chance to visit the (yet) crowd-free beaches Balos and Falassarna, local gastronomy, agrotourism)
- Chios (Ecotourism, sightseeing at the Medieval settlement, nature exploration, traditional mastic-producing villages, Neo Moni Monastery visit, hiking
- Patmos (Cave of the Apocalypse, quaint villages, Easter celebrations at the Monastery of the Apocalypse in Chora, outdoor activities, local culture)
Average temperatures in Greece in April
| April | Athens | Cyclades | Crete | Dodecanesse | Ionian | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
18 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
19 |
21 |
|
Min (in °C) |
12 |
11 |
12 |
14 |
10 |
12 |
The cost of a holiday in Greece in April
April is one of the shoulder months in Greece, so everything is cheaper compared to summer. Hotels charge shoulder season rates and often offer discounted packages and deals, so it’s worth doing your research before you book your stay. Keep in mind though that prices are often higher during the Holy Week. April is also one of the best times to explore Greece at leisure and discover local restaurants and bars, avoiding the usually overpriced tourist businesses.
Types vacations in Greece in April
April is an ideal time for a cultural vacation to Greece! Greek Orthodox Easter falls in April, which will give you the opportunity to join the traditional Easter celebrations and catch a glimpse of local customs, like the pot smashing on Holy Saturday in Corfu and the Rocket War in Chios.
Thanks to the sunny weather, mild temperatures, and thin crowds, April is also great for sightseeing. You can visit super-popular attractions (the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum in Athens, the archeological site of Delphi, Oia, and Fira in Santorini, Knossos in Crete, etc) without the excessive summer crowds and enjoy their most authentic side.
What’s more, springtime is a very good time to introduce yourself to the local gastronomy through a culinary holiday to Greece. You can visit picturesque mountain villages, taste local delicacies, learn how to cook scrumptious Greek recipes, and tour vineyards and farms. Finally, April is one of the best months for a honeymoon in Greece, particularly for couples that seek privacy and serenity!
April events
Many events take place in Greece in April. The major April event in Greece is the Holy Week and Orthodox Easter, which usually falls towards the end of the month. Easter festivities take place throughout the country, but each town and village celebrates Easter with unique customs and events. Taking part in Easter celebrations, like candle-lit street processions, costume parades, and midnight firework events is very fascinating!
Other events that take place in Greece in April are the Athens International Film Festival and Athens Jazz Festival in Athens, the Rocket War in Chios, and the Feast of Saint George with lots of festivals throughout the country.
Useful tips for traveling to Greece in April
- Keep in mind that many businesses close in the Holy Week.
- Don’t forget to check for hotel deals in Greece before you book your holiday. Many hotels offer discounted packages in spring.
- The weather may be sunny and warm, but it gets very chilly when the sun goes down. Don’t forget to pack some warm cardigans!
- Some hotels and touristic businesses on the islands haven’t opened yet, but all businesses operate on the Greek mainland.
Pros & Cons of traveling to Greece in April
Pros
- Sunny weather and mild temperatures
- Orthodox Easter festivities & local customs
- Fewer crowds
- Hotels, flights, and ferries are cheaper
- Best time for sightseeing, cultural and a culinary holiday
Cons
- No beach weather, the water is too cold for swimming
- It gets chilly when the sun goes down
- It gets chilly in the evening
- Many businesses are closed during the Holy Week
- Many hotels on the Greek islands haven’t started operating yet
Greece in April: Frequently Asked Questions
April is one of the shoulder months in Greece, so everything is cheaper compared to summer. Hotels charge shoulder season rates and often offer discounted packages and deals, so it’s worth doing your research before you book your stay.
How many days you should spend in Greece depends on many factors, like how many places you’re going to visit, where you’re planning to stay, etc. In general, spending a week in Greece is enough to see the main points of interest, visit the best beaches, and have a taste of local culture. If you’re planning to visit more than three different destinations in Greece, just one week won’t be enough!
The cheapest time to visit Greece is low season (November-March). But, even though this is an ideal period money-wise, it’s not the best time to visit the Greek islands, as the weather is chilly and usually unpredicted. The second best option is shoulder season, April-May and September-October. During these months rates aren’t as high as in peak season (June-August), while there’s lots of sunshine and fewer tourists.
Most rainfalls in Greece occur in the winter season (November-March). During these months the weather is rainy and humid, particularly in the Greek islands, while in northern Greece it’s cold and snowy. Rainfalls can also occur during the summer, rarely though.
The best time to visit Santorini is either in April, May, and October or in June-early July and September. Our suggestion is to avoid August at any cost, as the island gets overcrowded and rates very high!
To sum up…
Thanks to the lower hotel rates, the traditional Easter festivities, the sunny weather with mild temperatures, and the fewer crowds compared to summer, April is one of the best months to visit Greece. It may not be hot enough for swimming and sunbathing, but it’s a very good time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, culture, and a culinary holiday in Greece. What’s more, the Greek Easter, which falls in April, is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the local culture.
Have you ever been to Greece in April ? Did you like it? Write your answers in the comments section!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.*