Winter in Greece

❄️ Climate, Prices & Life Off-Season

Greece in winter – for many, that conjures up images of empty beaches, closed hotels, and chilly winds instead of sunshine.

But winter in Greece has its own unique charm: mild temperatures, tranquil spots, and affordable prices.

From December to February, the country reveals a different side – more relaxed, authentic, and much greener than in summer.

Whether you’re planning to spend the winter, travel, or simply want to know what life is like in the colder months:

Here you’ll find all the essential information about the climate, daily life, prices, and atmosphere of a Greek winter.

1. Winter Climate – Mild, but Varied

Greece lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Balkans, resulting in significant regional differences.

While the islands and coast often enjoy spring-like temperatures, it can even snow in the mountains.

💡 Tip:
The warmest place in Greece in winter is almost always southern Crete – around Ierapetra, Matala or Paleochora.

2. Sun & Rain in Winter

Winter in Greece is significantly sunnier than in Central Europe.

Athens averages 5 hours of sunshine per day in January, while Crete enjoys up to 7 hours.

However, most of the year’s rain falls between December and February.

The rainy season begins in November and usually ends in March.

In Greece, rain rarely means continuous downpours – it often comes in short, heavy showers, followed by sunshine.

3. Can you swim in winter?

On warm days, the sea in Crete or Rhodes is often still 17–19 °C – theoretically suitable for swimming.

Locals rarely go in the water, but many Northern Europeans who spend the winter do.

For comparison:

Summer (July): 25°C sea temperature

Winter (January): 17°C

Particularly popular with winter swimmers are:

South Crete (Agia Galini, Ierapetra)

South Rhodes (Prasonisi, Lindos)

Athens Riviera (Vouliagmeni, Glyfada)

💡 Conclusion: Swimming is possible, but more for the brave – winter is ideal for walking, photography, and relaxation.

4. Life in Winter – quieter, more personal, more authentic

In winter, Greece becomes peaceful.

The tourist centers empty out, hotels and tavernas close, and many islands seem sleepy.

But this also has its advantages:

You experience the country as it truly is – without the tourist hustle and bustle.

In villages, people sit in small cafes, drinking coffee or tsipouro.

In cities like Athens or Heraklion, normal life continues.

Greeks have more time for conversation, family, and celebrations in winter.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking to connect with locals, travel in winter – it’s the real Greece.

---

5. What’s open in winter

Not everything is closed:

Major cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania) are operating normally.

Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and post offices are open as usual.

Some hotels and guesthouses (especially in Athens, Chania, and Nafplio) are open year-round.

Museums and ancient sites (Acropolis, Knossos, Delphi) are open, often with reduced admission.

6. Sightseeing without the crowds

In winter, you can visit many famous places – without the crowds and heat:

Athens: Acropolis, Plaka district, National Archaeological Museum

Delphi: Mystical atmosphere in the winter light

Meteora: Monasteries shrouded in mist – uniquely beautiful

Peloponnese: Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus

Crete: Palace of Knossos, Samaria Gorge (partially closed), Old Town of Chania

Rhodes Town: Medieval streets without tourists

💡 Bonus: Entrance fees are usually 50% cheaper in winter than in summer.

7. Winter prices – incredibly low

Winter is the off-season in Greece – everything is cheaper.

This applies to accommodations, flights, rental cars, and even some restaurants.

💡 Especially affordable: City breaks in winter – Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Rhodes Town have life and offers all year round.

8. Everyday Life in Winter – Heating, Electricity, Shopping

Greece doesn’t have central heating like Germany.

Many houses are heated with a fireplace, electric heater, or air conditioning.

This can be expensive – electricity prices in winter are sometimes higher than in Germany.

Electricity costs: €0.25–€0.30/kWh

Heating oil (diesel): €1.40–€1.60/liter

Wood: around €120–€150 per cubic meter

Supermarkets (Lidl, AB, Sklavenitis, My Market) are open as usual.

On islands like Crete or Rhodes, the selection is smaller in winter, but sufficient.

9. Celebrations & Traditions in Winter

Greeks enjoy celebrating even in winter.

Important Holidays:

Christmas (December 25) – a quiet celebration focused on family and church

New Year’s Day (January 1) – with the lucky cake “Vasilopita”

Epiphany (January 6) – blessing of the waters

Carnival (February/March) – colorful, loud, and typically Greek

Kathara Deftera – the beginning of Lent, marked by picnics and kite flying

Many cities have small Christmas markets, especially in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa.

10. Greeks Spend the Winter Differently

Many Greeks work in the tourism industry during the summer and have time off in the winter.

They use this time to:

Renovate houses,

Harvest olives,

Visit friends and family.

The olive harvest (November–January) is one of the most important tasks of the season.

Those who are in Crete or the Peloponnese during this time can often observe – or even help out.

11. Wintering in Greece – for Long-Term Visitors

More and more Northern Europeans are spending the winter in Greece, especially in Crete, Rhodes, or the Peloponnese.

Reasons:

mild climate,

affordable rents,

peaceful lifestyle,

friendly people.

Popular wintering spots:

Crete: Paleochora, Ierapetra, Agia Galini

Peloponnese: Gythio, Kalamata, Nafplio

Rhodes: Lindos, Rhodes Town

Athens: Riviera near Glyfada

💡 Tip: Vacation rentals are often half the price in winter – many landlords offer monthly rates.

12. Transportation & Travel in Winter

Most ferries and flights operate in winter, albeit less frequently.

Domestic flights: Athens – Crete – Rhodes – Thessaloniki several times daily.

Ferries: daily, but weather dependent.

Roads: easily passable, occasional snow in the mountains.

💡 For drivers: Winter tires or chains are recommended in Northern Greece and in the mountains.

13. Nature & Landscape in Winter

Greece is surprisingly green in winter.

After the rains, herbs, meadows, and almond trees bloom. The first wildflowers appear on Crete as early as January.

Mountains are snow-covered, while lemon trees bear fruit by the sea – a striking contrast.

14. Greece in Winter for Photographers & Those Seeking Tranquility

Winter is perfect for travelers who:

like peace and quiet,

enjoy photography,

hike or write,

or simply seek sunshine in December.

No heat, no crowds – just light, sea, mountains, and silence.

15. Disadvantages – Honestly

Of course, winter has its downsides:

Many hotels and tavernas are closed.

Shorter days (sunset around 5:15 pm).

Sometimes wind, rain, and storms.

Fewer ferries and flights.

Islands can sometimes feel lonely.

But those seeking peace and quiet will see this as an advantage.

16. Conclusion – Greece in Winter: Peaceful, Mild, Authentic

Greece isn’t just a summer destination.

In winter, it reveals a different, more authentic side: friendly people, mild temperatures, low prices, and an atmosphere reminiscent of bygone eras.

👉 In short:

Mild climate, frequent sunshine, rain possible

Low prices, less tourism

Relaxed & authentic lifestyle

Best regions: Southern Crete, Rhodes, Peloponnese, Athens

Ideal for: Wintering enthusiasts, long-term visitors, those seeking peace and quiet

Anyone who truly wants to experience Greece should visit in winter –
when the land breathes, the olives are harvested, and the sea gently laps at the shore. 🇬🇷❄️

Geography of Greece

Geography of Greece (overview)	Regions of Greece
Seas of Greece	Mountains in Greece
Rivers & lakes in Greece	Volcanoes in Greece
National parks in Greece	How many islands does Greece have?