For the majority of travelers, Greece conjures images of hot, scorching days at the beach, hopping between the islands, and enjoying a Greek salad at a taverna. But there’s more to Greece than just the turquoise water, gorgeous summers, and pink beaches!

When you decide to visit in winter, Greece transforms either into a mild, laid-back destination where you can explore the sites wearing a light jacket or a white winter wonderland, perfect to practice winter sports!

Weather and Temperatures

The months between December and February represent wintertime in Greece. While the weather will be generally nice on the islands, don’t expect to be able to soak up the sun. Winter is, however, the best time to explore the archaeological sites and go hiking.

In general, the weather is sunny and dry but there will be rainfall and you can expect snow, even if you are heading into Athens. Across the country, January and February are the coldest months.

Thessaloniki has a colder climate since it’s located in the northern part of the country. Athens, on the other hand, has milder weather but can receive snow during winter.

Here is a list of some of the most popular destinations and what to expect here in December, January, and February:

December
Athens avg.high 15C / avg low 9C
Rhodes avg. high 16 C / avg. low 10 C
Chania avg. high 16 C / avg low 9C
Thessaloniki avg. high 11 C / avg low 3 C
Santorini avg. high 15 C / avg low 10 C

January
Athens avg.high 13C / avg low 7C
Rhodes avg. high 15 C / avg. low 9 C
Chania avg. high 14 C / avg low 8 C
Thessaloniki avg. high 9 C / avg low 1 C
Santorini avg. high 14 C / avg low 9 C

February
Athens avg.high 14C / avg low 7C
Rhodes avg. high 15 C / avg. low 9 C
Chania avg. high 15 C / avg low 8 C
Thessaloniki avg. high 11 C / avg low 2 C
Santorini avg. high 14 C / avg low 9 C

Read more about:
>>Weather in Greece
>>When to Go to Greece

Where to go & what to do

Most often, those who choose to visit Greece in wintertime stick to the mainland.

Probably the best place to visit during the winter is Athens. The capital comes to life in September and is exciting until the summer season starts. The clubs are now at their best and you can experience an incredible atmosphere and live music. Spend your days visiting the landmarks and at night, enjoy the nightlife. Don’t forget to plan your days around visiting some free attractions in Athens. And if you feel like you need a soak, Lake Vouliagmeni is very close to Athens and can be an excellent place to relax, unwind, and get pampered.

>>read more about The Neighborhoods of Athens

Thessaloniki is another great choice, especially if you don’t mind the colder weather. Usually considered trendier and more vibrant than the capital, Thessaloniki is a place favored by students. The nightlife is incredible and although the most popular archeological sites are in Athens, Thessaloniki has its fair share of stunning places to visit. Not to mention, it’s located really close to some great ski resorts.

And yes, it is possible to ski in Greece. The scenery is stunning, the prices affordable and the slopes are not crowded. One of the best places to go skiing in Greece is Mt. Parnassos. And if you don’t plan to ski, you can go on a winter hike in the Natural Park or visit the charming villages of Arachova, Eptalofos, or Amphikleia.

Metsovo is one of the most popular towns in Greece and a great choice for a winter vacation. With old roots as a place where tradesmen and travelers converged, it is now a place where you’ll be surrounded by tradition, heritage, and iconic stone house towers. Not to mention, the food is amazing. And if you want to experience snow in Greece, this is where you’ll find it.

Another great option for a winter trip is Ioannina, a lake town in the region of Epirus. It is a historical town, featuring a mix of Ottoman and Greek architecture.

If you do have an island on your mind, head out to Crete. The biggest of the Greek islands, it is a wonderful choice for a cold-weather vacation. Here, you can experience both the mild weather and if you want to ski, you can also do that! When you are not walking by the beach, hiking, or skiing, make sure to check out the museums and the majestic ruins of the Palace of Knossos.

>>Not sure where to go? Check out this Winter Itinerary in Greece

Finding cheap flights to Greece in winter

Even during winter, low-cost carriers fly to Greece, although you’ll not be able to fly directly into an island.
However, Athens and Thessaloniki get regular flights from across the world, as well as European destinations. Make sure to research in advance as the number of flights available isn’t that many per week so you might need to adjust your trip accordingly.

Plus, low-cost carriers and commercial airlines alike offer discounts at this time of the year.

Sample fares for the 2023 winter:
London – Athens – London Dec 6 / Dec 13 from €45 per person on WizzAir
London – Thessaloniki – London Dec 1 / Dec 8 from €72 per person on EasyJet
New York – Athens – New York Dec 5 / Dec 12 from $611 per person on ITA Airways
London – Athens – London Feb 11 / Feb 16 from €46 per person on WizzAir
London – Thessaloniki – London Feb 6 / Feb 12 from €91 per person on Ryanair

Please remember that the price depends on how far in advance you book, when you travel, and other factors that might temporarily influence availability.

Read more about:
>>Budget airlines that fly to Athens
>>Budget airlines that fly to Thessaloniki

Taking the ferry in Greece during winter

Ferries in Greece run year-round, although you’ll be limited to taking the slow ones (that also allow for vehicles and freight).

If you plan to travel by ferry within Greece in winter, make sure to research the availability ahead of time. Sailings from Athens to popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete are available almost daily but there might be only one or two connections on those days.

Finding cheap accommodation in Greece during winter

Many assume that when the summer season closes, the islands “lock up”, which is not true. There are people on those islands, living their daily lives, whether it’s summer or winter. Pretty much any city and island which can be reached by flight or ferry is a good destination during winter.

Just that most of the hotels will be closed during the off-season. This means, planning in advance is a must. Or just rent a place off Airbnb. But rates are typically much lower than during the season unless you visit during Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

Booking.com

Read more about:
>>Hotels in Athens
>>Hostels in Athens
>>Hotels in Thessaloniki
>>Hostels in Thessaloniki

Note: the article was first published on January 5, 2009 and the prices were updated as of Aug 2023

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