Greece In October: Weather & Travel Tips

Wondering about the weather in Greece in October? Read on for a rundown of 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 inspiring 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 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C).
  • 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 interested in crowds and extremely hot weather, October is definitely a good time to visit Greece. In fact, many return visitors to the country hail early fall as their favorite time to go to Greece.

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

Visiting Greece in October, you can experience the best sights, to which large queues line up during the peak summer. In addition, fewer crowds and lower costs mean 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 Greek travel experts.

Air and sea temperatures in Greece in October

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

Northern Greece (Thessaloniki) is certainly the coldest part of Greece in October, with average daytime highs ranging from 61°F - 72°F (16°C to 22°C), and average lows ranging from 46°F - 55°F (8°C to 13°C).

In central Greece (Athens), average air temperatures range from 64°F - 75°F (18°C to 24°C), while average lows range from 52°F - 61°F (11°C to 16°C).

Southern Greece and islands (Crete, Santorini, Mykonos) are the warmest Greek regions in October, with the air temperatures reaching up to 77°F (25°C).

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

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

Balos lagoon on Crete island, Greece © Shutterstock

Dreamy blues abound in Greece — Balos lagoon, Crete © Shutterstock

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 an umbrella to soak up the warm temperatures, sights, and scenery without getting soaked to the skin.

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

Melissani Cave, Kefalonia Island, Greece © Shutterstock

If it rains, take shelter in a cove or cave! Melissani Cave, Kefalonia © Shutterstock

What about the crowd and cost?

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

Just be aware that while you can get 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 mild, the smaller crowds, and lower costs make it a mighty fine month to visit!

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

Lycabettus hill at Athens, Greece © Shutterstock

Lycabettus hill, Athens, Greece © Shutterstock

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 clothing for the evening when it can become a little cool.

Ready to explore Greece? Get started with our expert travel planning tips.

Aerial view of Vikos Gorge, a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece, lying on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Zagori region, Greece © Shutterstock

October is a top time to vist Greece to hike Vikos Gorge, Zagori © Shutterstock

Unforgettable, fully customizable Greece itineraries

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

What’s more, these suggestions can be customized 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 into 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.
Knossos Palace ruins. Heraklion, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Knossos Palace, Heraklion, Crete © Shutterstock

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 28th 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 Archaeological Museum, Athens’ cultural treasures are abundant and very popular.To see them without hours-long queues and huge crowds, October is the best time to visit the capital.

Looking for more options for a fall vacation? Also, check out our list of the best destinations for an unforgettable vacation in October.

Acropolis Parthenon Athens, Greece © Shutterstock

Parthenon, Athens © Shutterstock

Agioi Anargyri beach in Spetses island, Greece © Shutterstock

Agioi Anargyri, Spetses island, Greece © Shutterstock

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 customizable 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

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 13.08.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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