July - August (Summer)

July and August are the two hottest months in Greece. It is also when everything is fully open and operating at high rhythm. However, summer high season brings inflated hotel prices, hordes of tourists and high temperatures (heat waves of around 100°F are pretty common). With extremely high heat, crowds, overbooked planes, ferry boats, and hotels, you may want to avoid these months.

However, if the summertime works best for you, we strongly urge you to keep your Greek summer plans. Greece is gorgeous - it`s hard to have a bad time there no matter when you go. Just be prepared and drink lots of water, plan a bunch of water activities, go swimming, and wear a hat and lots of sunscreen. Also, if you plan on going to Athens, although hot, August is the perfect month to visit since everybody is away.

On average the weather reaches its highest temperatures in July. The average temperature this month is 81°F, while the average low is a warm 72°F, and the average high is a stifling 100°F.

There are some benefits to visiting Greece in the summer. If you want to experience life on the islands in particular, summer is by far the best time to do it (with Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete being the most popular ones, and for good reason)! With everything open and in full swing, you`ll have much more shopping and accommodation variety if you chose to visit Greece in the summer. Also, the waters are warmest during summer, making this the optimal time to go swimming and enjoy water activities. And if you`re looking to party, you`re in luck - this is the when nightlife also kicks into high gear.

Events and Festivals

- August 15th, The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - This feast celebrates Mary`s ascent to Heaven.

- Athens Epidaurus Festival - Tae Festival takes place every summer (from June - August) and includes various performances, like modern theatre, ancient drama, ballet, opera, jazz and classical music concerts and art exhibitions..

- Megaro Gyzi Festival - Takes place every August in Santorini Island. It includes music concerts, performances, art exhibitions and lectures that take place in Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center.

- July/August - Naxos Festival in Bazoes Tower, Naxos island.

- More Festivals in Greece - A large range of cultural events and festivals take place all around Greece and the Greek islands. Most festivals are organized in summer.