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Greece in September: Weather, Travel Tips, Best Greek islands to go
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In this article
No wonder September is the best time to visit Greece for many travelers in the know. Greece in September is wonderful! The sea is still warm from summer, the weather is hot and sunny, hotel rates drop, and the crazy August crowds start to leave. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Greece in September, from average temperatures and weather conditions to costs and insider tips. We’re going to spill all the secrets!
Read also: Greece in April, Greece in May, Greece in June, Greece in October, Greece in November
The weather in Greece in September
The weather in Greece in September is perfect -neither too hot nor too cold! The temperatures hover between 29 °C and 19 °C, while the water is pleasantly warm after a super-sunny summer. The first half of the month is hotter than the second and still feels like summer in terms of weather and crowds, but temperatures fall a bit after the second week of September.
Temperatures vary from island to island and from region to region. For example, southern Greece is generally hotter than northern Greece. There is a chance of rain in Athens and central Greece, but not in the Cyclades and Crete, so it’s unlikely that rainfall will ruin your island holiday. Overall, the whole month of September enjoys the perfect beach weather!
Best Greek Islands to visit in September
- Milos (fantastic lunar beaches, romantic ambiance, fewer crowds, sailing trips, picturesque fishermen villages, nature exploration)
- Santorini (extended tourist period, no crazy August crowds, perfect weather for volcano cruises & sightseeing, grape harvesting season -the best time for vineyard tours, luscious swimming & sunbathing at volcanic beaches)
- Rhodes (wonderful beach weather, sightseeing at the Medieval Old Town, road trips around the island, water sports and outdoor activities, many events)
- Crete (fewer crowds at archeological sites from mid-September onwards, comfortable sightseeing, wonderful beaches, hiking at the gorges, active vacations)
- Hydra (cosmopolitan, close to Athens, sailing vacations, quiet ambiance, no vehicles allowed, frequent ferry schedules from Athens, postcard-perfect main town)
- Kefalonia (amazing beaches, idyllic coastal villages, verdant landscape, nature exploration, road trips, wine tasting tours, photo-worthy locations)
Average temperatures in Greece in September
| September | Athens | Cyclades | Crete | Dodecanesse | Ionian | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
29 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
|
Min (in °C) |
20 |
18 |
19 |
22 |
17 |
19 |
The cost of a holiday to Greece in September
The first half of the month is still considered peak season in Greece, so the prices and the crowds are pretty much the same as in August. However, after the first couple of weeks, airfare rates begin to drop and accommodation becomes more affordable. Generally speaking, September rates can be as much as 30% lower than August rates in many cases! This happens because the Greek schools open on the 11th of September and summer break is already over in most European countries, so the crowds become significantly thinner. We’re not necessarily saying that super-star islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, have few crowds, but they are certainly not as busy as in August.
Keep in mind, though, that ferry schedules start to be less frequent towards the end of the month. Our advice is to book your transfers in advance to avoid last-minute setbacks.
Types vacations in Greece in September
To start with, September is the perfect month for comfortable sightseeing. The overwhelming August crowds have already left in mid-September, so it’s an ideal time to visit popular archeological sites like Knossos in Crete, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, and Athens historical center. It’s also a good opportunity for you to visit the museums and go on cultural tours!
Another fact about September is that it’s the peak of the grape harvesting season, meaning it’s the best time for vineyard tours and wine tastings. If you are a wine lover, don’t miss Greece’s famous wine-producing regions, like Thessaly, Naoussa, and Peloponesse, as well as islands like Samos, Santorini, and Kefalonia.
From the second week of the month onwards, temperatures fall, so it’s a good time for an active holiday and outdoor activities. Some of the best places to visit for an active holiday in September are Crete (for hiking through the gorges), Arkadia (for rafting in Alfios river), Meteora (for climbing and hiking), Rhodes (for water sports), and Chios (for scuba diving).
Finally, September (particularly the second half) is one of the best months for honeymoons and a family holiday. The lack of excessive crowds, the reduced hotel and airfare rates, and the wonderful weather make September the best time to hit the Greek islands and enjoy a relaxing holiday with your spouse or your family without too many tourists around.
September events
Many events and celebrations take place in Greece in September. Some of them are Reworks International Music Festival in Thessaloniki, Athens International Film Festival, Fistiki (peanut) Festival in Aegina, International Music Festival in Santorini, Festival of Tastes and Traditions in Rhodes, Aisxyleia Festival in Elefsina, and Cycladic Gastronomy Festival in Sifnos. If you want to have a taste of the local culture, make sure that you plan your vacation around a festival -you won’t regret it!
Useful tips for traveling to Greece in September
- Ferry schedules become less frequent after the first half of the month, so book your transfers in advance.
- The first couple of weeks of September are almost as busy as July and August. If you want to enjoy a more quiet vacation opt for mid and late September.
- Pack summer clothing, but don’t forget to bring a cardigan with you. The temperature drops when the sun goes down, especially on the islands.
- September is a very good month for a sailing trip to the Cyclades islands, thanks to the lack of the strong Meltemi winds that blow in the Aegean in July and August.
Pros & Cons of traveling to Greece in September
Pros
- Warm sea -perfect for swimming and scuba diving
- Sunny and hot weather
- The islands are less busy than in July-August
- Best time for sightseeing, an active vacation, and honeymoons
- Cheaper hotels and flights
- Many events & festivals
Cons
- There aren’t as many parties as in August
- The islands are still very crowded in the first half of the month
- Accommodation and flights are as expensive as in July/August
- It may be rainy in the Ionian and mainland Greece
Greece in September: Frequently Asked Questions
The first half of the month is still considered peak season in Greece, so the prices and the crowds are pretty much the same as in August. However, after the first couple of weeks, airfare rates begin to drop and accommodation becomes more affordable.
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…
September is probably the best month to visit Greece! Why? Because Greece in September is not very crowded, accommodation is cheaper than in July and August, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, swimming, and water sports. September is also a good time to discover the county’s rich history and culture, as the archaeological sites aren’t packed and many events take place all around Greece.
Have you ever been to Greece in September? Did you like it? Write your answers in the comments section!
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