what climate is greece

Is Greece tropical or subtropical?

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures Climate zone: The northern part of Greece is located in the temperate climatic zone, while the southern part is subtropical.

What is the climate in Greece year round?

Mediterranean climateGreece has a typical Mediterranean climate, which lends itself to mild and often wet winters and dry summers. The country is mostly sunny throughout the year. The northern part of the country can be very cold during the winters, even receiving snow in some areas.

Is Greece hot climate?

The Climate of Greece The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters, relatively warm and dry summers and, generally, extended periods of sunshine throughout most of the year.

What is Greece's average temperature?

In Greece, the summers are warm; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 19°F to 79°F and is rarely below 4°F or above 87°F.

What is Greece's hottest month?

Average monthly temperatures Greece has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Greece is between June and September. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 33 C and an average low of 17 C.

Does Greece get snow?

Snow is common in the Greek mountains and in northern Greece but is less frequent in central Athens and on Aegean islands. Last year, a major snowstorm caused severe problems in the capital, knocking out power for days.

Why is it so cold in Greece?

According to the National Observatory of Athens, the reason for the persistent cold weather is due to a shift in the polar jet stream, a fast-flowing current of air circulating 10 kilometers (6 miles) above the surface of the Earth that moves from west to east.

Is Greece cold in winter?

Winter in Greece is generally mild, with temperatures averaging at around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. However, as you move more to the north, the temperature drops, and in regions such as Epirus and Macedonia or Thrace temperatures regularly drop below zero and can, on rare occasions, go as low as -20 degrees Celsius!

Is Greece humid or dry heat?

Although it is only relatively small in size, Greece's climate is varied but can be generally classified as a Mediterranean climate even along the coast. Summers are dry and hot with about 7 months of almost constant sunshine usually between April and November.

What is the coldest month in Greece?

Based on weather reports collected during 2005–2015....Quick Climate InfoHottest MonthAugust (84 °F avg)Coldest MonthJanuary (50 °F avg)Wettest MonthDecember (2.37" avg)Windiest MonthAugust (7 mph avg)1 more row

What is Greece famous for?

Greece is famous for its ancient philosophers, like Plato, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle, to name a few. It is known as the birthplace of democracy in the West; they invented the Olympic Games and theater. Ancient Greeks invented monumental temples with Greek columns.

Why is Greece so hot?

A strong blocking upper ridge is resulting in extremely high temperatures across parts of the Mediterranean and the Balkan peninsula. The ridge often forms a so-called heat dome which typically brings very high, record-challenging temperatures.

What is the coldest month in Greece?

Based on weather reports collected during 2005–2015....Quick Climate InfoHottest MonthAugust (84 °F avg)Coldest MonthJanuary (50 °F avg)Wettest MonthDecember (2.37" avg)Windiest MonthAugust (7 mph avg)1 more row

What is the weather like in Greece monthly?

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (31°C). The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (12.1°C). The month with the highest average low temperature is August (23.8°C). The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.3°C).

Is Greece hot in summer?

Greece in July is invariably hot, averaging 81 Fahrenheit in Athens (but reaching an average high of 91.5 Fahrenheit in the afternoon, with many days topping a sweltering 100 Fahrenheit). Many of the islands, plus the mountainous areas, can be a little cooler. This is dry season, too, with little chance of rain.

What is Greece weather like in winter?

Winter in Greece is generally mild, with temperatures averaging at around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. However, as you move more to the north, the temperature drops, and in regions such as Epirus and Macedonia or Thrace temperatures regularly drop below zero and can, on rare occasions, go as low as -20 degrees Celsius!

What is the climate of Greece?

The climate in Greece is predominantly Mediterranean. However, due to the country's unique geography, Greece has a remarkable range of micro-climates and local variations. The Greek mainland is extremely mountainous, making Greece one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. To the west of the Pindus mountain range, the climate is generally wetter and has some maritime features. The east of the Pindus mountain range is generally drier and windier in summer. The highest peak is Mount Olympus, 2,918 metres (9,573 ft). The north areas of Greece have a transitional climate between the continental and the Mediterranean climate. There are mountainous areas that have an alpine climate.

What is the average temperature in Greece?

Mean annual temperatures in Greece range from +10 to +21.8 °C (50.0 to 71.2 °F) in Lindos. However, since Greece is generally a mountainous country, real average temperatures vary considerably from region to region.

What is the weather like in the Cyclades?

The air is usually hot during the day and pleasantly warm at night, but there are some very windy days, especially in the Cyclades islands and around them.

Where is the semi-arid climate found?

Semi-arid climate (hot and cold) According to the Climate Atlas of Greece published by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (H.N.M.S) this climate is found in areas of Macedonia and Thessaly (col d semi-arid) and also in areas of Attica such as Piraeus in the Athens Riviera (hot semi-arid).

Can heat waves occur in coastal areas?

Heatwaves may occur, but they are usually quite mild at the coastal areas, where temperatures are moderated by the relatively cooler sea and the sea breeze. Winters are wet and any snow that falls does not last long, especially in the south-facing slopes.

What is the climate of Greece?

The climate of Greece is Mediterranean on coasts and islands, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. The northern cities, located in the inland areas of Epirus, Macedonia and Thessaly, have a slightly continental climate, with quite cold winters, during which air masses coming from the north can sometimes bring snow and frost, ...

When do thunderstorms occur in Greece?

However, by the month of May, in northern areas and in the mountain ranges, thunderstorms can erupt in afternoon. In addition, in the Aegean Sea, a wind that blows from the north or north-east, called Meltemi (or Etesian), begins to blow on sunny days in May, and continues especially during summer (see below). Summer in Greece is hot and sunny.

What to wear in Greece in winter?

In winter: in inland and mountainous areas: bring warm clothes, such as a down jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf. In Athens and in central and northern coastal areas: bring warm clothes, such as a sweater, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella. In Crete and on the southern islands: clothes for spring and autumn, a sweater, a jacket, a raincoat or umbrella.

What is the average temperature in Greece in January?

In winter, temperatures in Greece progressively decrease as you head north: the average daily temperature in January is 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in Iraklion (on the southern island of Crete), 9.5 °C (49 °F) in Athens, and 5.5 °C (42 °F) in Thessaloniki. Sometimes Greece is affected by cold air masses from Northern Europe or Russia: in these cases, ...

Is it cold in Greece in November?

In November, the sky is often cloudy and the rains are frequent, even though it's generally not cold. In April, the weather is often mild and sunny, though some disturbances may still pass, so all in all a trip to Greece may be advisable even in this month.

Is it a good time to visit Greece?

Winter is cold in the north and in the mountainous regions, while it is windy and rainy in the south and on the islands, so it's is not the best season to visit Greece.

Is winter cold in Greece?

In plains and valleys of the north (see Thessaloniki, Larissa), where the climate is more continental, winter is a bit cold, while precipitation is not abundant. In Thessaloniki, there is an average of one day out of three with freezing nights. Summer is hot: in July and August, the average maximum temperature is 31/32 °C (88/90 °F), but on hotter periods it can easily rise to around 35/36 °C (95/97 °F).

What is the climate of Greece?

Climate of Greece. The Mediterranean climate of Greece is subject to a number of regional and local variations based on the country’s physical diversity. In winter the belt of low-pressure disturbances moving in from the North Atlantic Ocean shifts southward, bringing with it warm, moist, westerly winds. As the low-pressure areas enter the Aegean ...

What is the vegetation of Greece?

As in other Balkan countries, the vegetation of Greece is open to influences from several major biogeographic zones, with the major Mediterranean and western Asian elements supplemented by plants and animals from the central European interior.

How much snow does Corfu get in January?

On Corfu, January temperatures average in the low 50s F (10 °C), and the island’s average annual precipitation is about 52 inches (1,320 mm), compared with that on Crete of about 25 inches (640 mm) and that at Athens of about 16 inches (400 mm). Few populated areas have lasting snowfalls, but snow is commonly found on the highest peaks.

Where are Greek expatriates from?

Greek expatriate communities play a distinctive role in Europe, North and South America, Australia, and South Africa. Greek Orthodox priests from the monastery of St. John the Theologian celebrating an outdoor Easter service on Pátmos (Patmos), a Greek island of the Dodekánisa (Dodecanese) group in the Aegean Sea.

Is Athens a pollution city?

However, atmospheric pollution has become a serious problem in the cities, notably Athens, obscuring the sky and posing a hazard to the ancient monuments.

What type of climate does Greece have?

Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean type of climate (Köppen climate classification Csa, Csb) with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Several microclimates, including oceanic (Köppen Cfb) in the coastal regions and alpine in the high mountains (Köppen ET), exist in the country. The southern islands experience a milder climate than ...

How much rain does Greece get?

The annual precipitation in Greece varies from 457.2mm (18") in the east to over 914.4mm (36") in the west and south. A significant portion of the rainfall occurs in the winter. The eastern side of the Pindus range falls in the rain shadow region and is drier than the western part.

What is the best time to visit Greece?

The best times to visit Greece are during spring and autumn. The temperatures are pleasant, and the conditions are suitable for a range of outdoor activities. Historic cities and archaeological sites draw a high degree of interest from a large number of visitors. The long daylight hours are helpful to cover multiple destinations within a short number of days. Beach holidays are best during the hot summer from June to mid- September, with moderate breezes, and mild ocean temperatures. The skies are usually clear, and showers are light, few, and far between. Travel bags are light, as heavy clothing and raingear are discretionary at best. April and September provide excellent weather for hiking the mountains.

What is the highest point in Greece?

The highest point on the mainland measures 2918 meters above sea level, on Mount Olympus. Summers are hot in the interior regions of Greece, such as Thessaly and Macedonia, but mild in the mountains. The Mediterranean coast is hot and sunny during the summer, but sea breezes moderate the temperatures.

What are the natural hazards of Greece?

Greece is prone to natural weather hazards such as forest fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes. Thunderstorms are frequent in May and June, and lightning strikes ignite forest fires in the hot summer season in the hilly areas.

Which sea is in the south of Greece?

The Mediterranean Sea is in the south, the Ionian Sea in the west, and Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria share the northern borders of Greece. The Pindus mountain range and the proximity to large bodies of water, including the Mediterranean Sea, chiefly influence the climate.

Which is warmer, the Mediterranean or the Ionian?

The Mediterranean Sea is warmer than the Ionian and Aegean Seas. The highest temperature on record for Greece is 48°C (118.4°F), set in Athens, on July 10, 1977. The lowest temperature on record is -27.8°C (-18°F), set in Ptolemaida, on January 27, 1963.

What is the climate of Crete?

Crete is Greece's largest island and has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and often wet, and summers are sunny with very little rainfall. Most of the island's rain occurs during the winter months, from October through March.

What is the high season in Greece?

Also the name of a favorite movie shot in Greece, the "high season" consists of the months of July and August and features the highest prices, best travel schedules, biggest crowds, and sweltering temperatures.

What is the hottest city in Europe?

It is the hottest capital city in Europe. Santorini. Santorini has a semi-arid climate with warm weather from May through September.

What is the best time to travel to Greece?

Combining the best of spring with warmer summer temperatures and still a bargain, June is the ending of the spring bargain "shoulder" season, meaning it's your last chance to catch some great deals on a cheaper vacation. Also the name of a favorite movie shot in Greece, the "high season" consists of the months of July and August and features the highest prices, best travel schedules, biggest crowds, and sweltering temperatures. July is one of the warmest months of the year and one of the most expensive at the shops; August is another hot, busy month in Greece, and the August 15th Festival of Mary and Feast of the Assumption often confuses travel schedules for the days preceding and immediately following the feast, so plan for extra travel time on your trip during mid-August.

What to pack for summer in Greece?

What to pack: Remember to pack a bathing suit and lighter clothing because summer in Greece gets quite warm, especially if you're visiting during the peak months of July and August.

What is the climate like in Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki. Like much of Greece, Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate , but it experiences much greater temperature variations than other parts of the country, with winter temperatures occasionally dropping as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius) and snow falling on the northern plains.

Which is warmer, Corfu or Santorini?

Corfu. Corfu, an island in the Ionian Sea, is still warm and dry during the summer but receives much more precipitation during the winter months than Santorini and other popular islands. Because of this, Corfu is covered with much more lush vegetation than other parts of Greece.

Growing Season in Greece

The percentage chance that a given day is within the growing season, defined as the longest continuous period of non-freezing temperatures (≥ 32°F) in the year (the calendar year in the Northern Hemisphere, or from July 1 until June 30 in the Southern Hemisphere).

Growing Degree Days in Greece

The average growing degree days accumulated over the course of the year, where growing degree days are defined as the integral of warmth above a base temperature ( 50°F in this case).

Disclaimer

The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data is prone to errors, outages, and other defects. We assume no responsibility for any decisions made on the basis of the content presented on this site.

Where to go in Greece in May

What is the weather like in May for the most popular destinations in Greece on the map below.

What is the weather like in Greece in May

The weather in Greece in May is in general perfect. It is a very warm month, so be prepared and make sure to dress lightly.

Is May the best time to go to Greece?

In our opinion May is one of the best times to visit Greece with commonly perfect weather in Athens .

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