Greece In October: Weather & Travel Tips

Wondering about the weather in Greece in October? Read on for a run-down through everything you need to know on that very subject. Here we cover everything from average air and sea temperatures, to what to expect in terms of costs and crowds, along with inspired itinerary suggestions that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

Greece in October at a glance

• Average temperatures gradually begin to cool down, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).
• October experiences some rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month, but overall, it remains relatively dry with fewer rainy days compared to the winter months
• You can expect significantly fewer crowds and lower prices compared to peak season.

Is October a good time to visit Greece?

If you’re not keen on crowds and super-scorching weather, October is definitely a good time to visit Greece. In fact, many return visitors to the country hail early autumn as their favourite time to go to Greece.

And the reasons? While the weather is mild (all the better if you’re planning an active holiday), you can expect 6-8 hours of sunshine a day.

Visiting Greece in October is also all the better for exploring top attractions, which draw colossal queues during the peak summer season. In addition, fewer crowds and lower costs means you have a bigger chance of bagging yourself the best accommodation at a better price.

Thinking of visiting Greece in October? Embark on your dream trip hassle-free with the help of our Greece travel experts.

Air and sea temperatures in Greece in October

The weather in Greece in October allows you to swim, sunbathe and enjoy al fresco dining to your heart’s content. However, as the month draws on, you might need a light cover-up to stave off evening chills.

In northern (Thessaloniki) and Central Greece (Athens), the daytime temperature rises to 20°C - 23°C (68°F - 73°F), with cooler evenings and mornings.

Southern Greece and the Greek Islands (Crete, Santorini, Mykonos) are on the warmer side, with air temperatures reaching 23°C to 26°C (73°F - 79°F) and pleasant evenings and mornings.

As for the sea temperatures in Greece in October, the average falls between 21°C - 23°C( 70°F - 73°F). Just be aware that by mid-October the Ionian and Aegean seas will cool quickly. So, if you’re keen on swimming, it’s best to visit earlier in the month.

Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip.

Can it rain in Greece in October?

At the start of October, there’s little chance of rain in Greece. Come the third week of the month, you’ll encounter more cloudy days, and the chance of rain rises to one in three days. 

Simply come armed with a light raincoat and brolly to soak up the warm temperatures, sights and scenery without getting soaked to the skin.

For more detail on the weather in Greece around the year, read up on best time to go to Greece. 

What about the crowd and cost?

Being shoulder season, visiting Greece in October means the crowds of peak summer season have departed. At the same time, the hiked costs of flights and accommodation also drop off. 

Just be aware that while you can bag some bargains when it comes to booking flights and ferries, operators are likely to run reduced services to all but the most popular spots. This means you might have a little less choice when it comes to deciding when to travel. 

Overall, coupled with the weather in Greece in October being clement, the smaller crowds and lower costs make it a mighty fine month to visit!

Set on taking an autumn break? For further inspo, discover more of the best places to visit in October.

What to wear in Greece in October

For the day, you can pack pretty much what you’d bring for a summer break. So, if you’re heading to a beach or island, come armed with beach and swimwear. 

Wherever you’re heading, pack cool, comfortable clothes for daytime exploration e.g. shorts and sun dresses. You'll also want to pack light layers and longer garb for the evening, when it can become a little cool.

Unforgettable, fully customisable Greece itineraries

Longing for an October break that serves stacks of natural beauty, unique history, and sensational food? Take inspiration from our Greece itineraries.

What’s more, these suggestions can be customised to your exact needs, with a local Greece travel expert on hand to offer insider tips, and take the hassle out of planning and booking.

• Athens — City of the Gods (4 days): if you’re short on time and big on culture, this 3-night trip offers immersive insights to Athens’ ancient wonders and modern verve. From taking in the Classical charm of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, to indulging in the city’s thriving food scene in local tavernas, it’s a feast for the senses.
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens and the magic of mountainous Zagori, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.
• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it. Crete, Greece's largest island, delivers thousands of years of unique culture and rich history alongside untamed natural beauty.

What to do in Greece in October

Visiting Greece in October is the ideal time to take advantage of seeing top cultural attractions unhindered by crowds, and to get back to nature in temperatures that are easier to handle.

With those general points in mind, along with a run-down of some October festivals, read on for ideas for what to do in Greece in October.

Enjoy October festivals

Spetses Mini Marathon

Held in the first weekend of October, this family-friendly, two-day event features several running and swimming races, including kids’ events.

Óhi Day

Held on 28^th October, this national holiday presents parades, folk dancing and speeches to commemorate Prime Minister Metaxas’ one-word reply to Mussolini’s 1940 ultimatum. Namely, Ohi! (“No!”).

Chestnut Festival

Held across the last weekend of October, one of Crete’s liveliest festivals features folk music, dancing, and a whole lot of lots of chestnuts to chomp on!

Take a wine tour

Greece has a rich winemaking tradition, and October is an excellent time to visit its vineyards. From the vineyards of Santorini and Nemea to those of northern Greece, you can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the local wine production.

Visit Athens without crowds

October is a great time to see some of the top sites in Athens without having to queue for hours.

From the Acropolis and Parthenon, to the Temple of Athena Nike and the National Archeological Museum, Athens’ cultural treasures are abundant, and very popular. To see them without the hassle of queuing for hours and having to deal with huge crowds, October is an awesome time to visit the capital.

Planning your October trip to Greece

Feeling inspired to visit Greece in October, or any other time of the year, for that matter? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Greece to start planning your dream trip. 

Alternatively, if the idea of planning leaves you cold, browse our customisable Greece itineraries.

Love the sound of exploring Greece away from the mainland? Read up on the best Greek Islands, and get yourself The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands. 

Visit Greece in other months

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• November
• December