Greece in August

Greek holiday peak around 15 August; ferries sold out, wildfire risk highest, rooms at top prices.

• Athens and Attica · Athens, Piraeus, Cape Sounionhot

  Dry and sunny; July–August often over 35 °C with heatwaves to 40+ °C. Winters mild with rainy spells.

• Cyclades and Dodecanese · Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodeshot

  Windy: the meltemi blows hardest in July–August and cancels small boats. Sea warm enough June–October.

• Crete · Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, the south coasthot

  Longest season: sea swimmable into November on the south coast; White Mountains keep snow into spring.

• Ionian islands and west · Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthoshot

  Greener and wetter than the Aegean; less wind, calm seas in summer.

• North and mountains · Thessaloniki, Meteora, Zagori, Pelionhot

  Cold winters with snow in the mountains; Zagori and Pelion are cooler escapes in summer.

• Athens33° / 23°, 1 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Assumption (Dekapentavgoustos) big impact

  15 Aug

  Peak of the Greek summer: island festivals (panigyria), ferries and rooms full; Tinos draws pilgrims.

• Athens Epidaurus Festival check

  June to August · Athens

  Theatre, music and dance performances, some in ancient venues; book ahead for headline shows.

• Dormition of the Virgin

  15 August (public holiday) · Athens

  Many Athenians leave for the islands; some central shops and restaurants close for the week.

Crowds · Greece

High

Prices · Greece

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Better another month

• Athens

  Very hot; Aug 15 holiday; many locals away.