Autumn is a beautiful season in Greece and the country offers the visitor the best it has to offer: warm colored landscapes, a sea where you can still swim, a serenity far from the tourist hordes of the summer. If you are planning a trip to Greece in October, for the All Saints’ vacation for example, here are some tips that will be useful.
Is the weather in Greece nice in October?
The main question you are probably asking yourself is: what will the weather be like? Generally, the weather in October is still sunny. On average, there are 23 days of sunshine in Greece in October… but 15% of the time is threatened by rain. And precipitation can be abundant in quantity at this time of the year. As for the temperatures, they are on average 19°C.
Can we still swim in Greece in October?
Second big question: is it possible to enjoy the sea when you go to Greece in October? The answer is “it depends”. It all depends on your destination and it all depends on the years. Personally, I often went swimming in Greece during the All Saints’ Day vacations. Not every year, but it is possible I would say every other year. I have wonderful memories of a vacation in Rhodes where it felt like summer even though it was the end of October. Several times, I also bathed in Sounion in autumn.
With a bit of luck on the weather side, swimming is possible, especially if you choose destinations where, in principle, the sea is still warm at this time of the year: Kos, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete… The water temperature is on average 20-22°C, which generally allows for swimming.
What are the best destinations for a vacation in Greece in the fall?
October is a very pleasant month to travel in Greece.
- If you choose mainland Greece, there are several destinations available to you. Athens and Thessaloniki of course, if you have city desires. More about What to do in Athens in October-November. If you prefer more “natural” destinations, opt for the Peloponnese, the Zagories, or Pelion. October is the month of the olive harvest, so you will probably see owners in their olive groves in full activity. Nafplio and Monemvassia are also very pleasant in autumn.
- If you prefer to go to an island, choose one that is large enough and lively enough at this time of year. The “small islands” will be a bit sad because everything is closed at this season. We particularly recommend Rhodes, Corfu, Crete or Kos. In the Cyclades, the majority of establishments will be closed. Except maybe in Santorini…
- If you like sailing, enjoy it! The month of October is ideal for sailing in the Aegean and Ionian Seas as the strong summer winds have calmed down. You can choose to rent a boat with Click&Boat.
Laure M.
Where is the hottest place in Greece in October?
It’s difficult to answer because it depends on the year, but it’s in Kos and Crete that it is the hottest in Greece in October. On the island of Kos, in October, the average temperature is 22°C and the weather is pleasant.
In Crete, there is an average of 24 days of sunshine during the month of October (with a 16% chance of rain) and temperatures of 22-23°C on average.
What to put in your suitcase?
If you are going on vacation to Greece in October, we advise you to take :
- mid-season clothing: canvas pants, short and long sleeve T-shirts
- one or two summer deals
- a bathing suit and a towel
- a wool sweater
- a windproof and waterproof jacket
- a good pair of shoes.
Public holidays in Greece in October
October 28 is an important date in Greece. It is indeed one of the two Greek national holidays (and yes, Greece is lucky to have two national holidays: October 28 and March 25). Parades and parades are organized all over the country and many archaeological sites and museums are free on this day. Be careful because most of the shops are closed. The restaurants and taverns remain open.
What to do in Greece in October?
- Visit the archaeological sites : it is the ideal season to discover the archaeological treasures of Greece. The sites generally have little shade, which makes them difficult to visit in the middle of summer. In October, the climate is perfect: sunshine without strong heat. Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Sounion are waiting for you! Take our small travel guides and discover the most beautiful archaeological sites.
- hiking: again, in October the weather is perfect for hiking on the trails
- take advantage of current events : you will find ideas for outings and events in our agenda.
- Discover Athens with your family : we give you lots of ideas to enjoy the All Saints’ Day vacations with your children in Athens. Discover our ideas for walks and activities.
We wish you an excellent autumn vacation in Greece
Laure M.
