In 2017, we enjoyed great weather during October in the Peloponnese, and had plenty of swims throughout our road trip itinerary. The Rhodes weather October allows many locals swim all year round, so if you are coming from a cold country you will love the weather. You will probably get a bit of rain, but average temperatures will be pleasant overall. All in all, make sure you have some warm clothes with you, but bring your swimsuit just in case. Until about the third week of October you can still get from Mykonos to Santorini via Paros: SeaJet 2 from Mykonos to Paros, connecting with Blue Star from Paros to Santorini. There are people who do swim all year round but that is mostly further south is Greece. Yes you can! According to data from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, Athens and Thessaloniki average around 8 rainy days in October but Crete, the Peloponnese and the Cyclades see minimal precipitation. This island in the Cyclades has lots more than the beaches to offer, and you could also take one of the most popular day tours, such as a wine tour or a volcano tour. Generally speaking, you should aim to visit in early October if you can. Welcome Durwoody:-) October can be one of the best months in Greece..no one can predict but generally, it falls into their 'Indian Summer' and yes, there can be some cloudy/rainy days..I'd also suggest to head to Crete for your 'beach' vacation and definetely Santorini..it's beaches are not of the 'idyllic white sand' type since this IS a volcanic isle but the waters, nonetheless, are fabulous..As well, ⦠The best time for sightseeing in Athens is during months with milder weather such as October. The temperatures are much more pleasant in October when climbing up the Acropolis. Related posts: Crete Travel Blog, Best time to visit Crete. "@type": "Question", "@context": "https://schema.org", Further reading: Best places to visit in Europe in October and best time to visit Europe. Only a handful of days is left until the official end of the tourist season and the question lingers: can anybody keep his summer spirits up and dare to swim in the Greek waters. Best Time to Go to Mykonos to Party: The beach clubs and parties with DJs run from late June until mid-September with the high point being late July and August. This guide to the weather in Greece in October will help you decide if visiting in Autumn is for you. Average October temperature measures between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 13.4°C (56.1°F). For some, the peak temperatures of summer are simply too hot. October is the perfect month to visit Crete. Sailing Greece in the high season. The best way, however, to make the most of your snorkeling in Greece ⦠October is a warm and dry time for sunbathing in Crete. "@type": "Question", Here's all the things to do in Crete in October. As there are many mountain villages to explore, visiting Naxos in October can be a very rewarding experience. The warmest time of the year for both the mainland and also the Greek Islands is from late May to early October. It's also better to avoid islands with cold water, like Naxos, Kos, and generally the Cyclades and Dodecanese have colder water than Evia island or the coasts of the Peloponnese and Attica and the islands of the Saronic gulf.. Before I leap in with the article, I should mention that the photo above was taken in October in the Peloponnese. If you are planning to explore the Peloponnese in October, bring a range of clothes to suit all weathers, and don’t forget an umbrella or a weatherproof overcoat. Rainy days have already made their appearance, especially in the northern and western parts of the country. As for shirts, you will want long sleeves for the evening. I can tolerate colder water if the air is warmer, and vice versa. Sea temperatures are still very pleasant at around 23°C, meaning it's still nice to swim."} } Last updated on November 3, 2020 By Dave Briggs 2 Comments. "acceptedAnswer": { Just like in Mykonos and Santorini, the weather in Naxos in October might be very variable. Discover if the October weather in Greece is good enough for swimming, outdoor activities, and more! Those are good tools to use. With a highest temperature at around 25C / 77F during the day and only 5 rainy days on average, it is one of the most pleasant destinations in Greece in October. Generally though, the temperatures are pleasant and warm and the sun shines for of the most days. "name": "Is Corfu still hot in October? Diros beach, Lakoniki Mani, Peloponesse Photo Credit: Greece Insiders. In fact, the sea and the sun are one of the major reasons so many visitors choose Greece over other destinations. There will be many events happening, and fewer tourists, as the cruise boat arrivals fade away. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The southern towns and beaches will overall have higher temperatures, and many locals in Kalamata or Finikounda swim all year long. There might be some rainfall, especially in the mountains and inland towns, but it is often short-lived. The more you go to the East, the drier it gets. Elliot I live in Greece and the last week in October is usually the first time I have to start wearing tights again rather than going bare legged IYSWIM Also warmer jumpers etc. If you are only visiting Athens, and are interested in sightseeing, museums, shopping and food, October is generally a good choice. I also recommend a scarf for the evening. :o) However, a good idea would be to avoid going the beach on a windy day as the wind cools the surface of the water, not to mention the annoyance of the sand being pelted at your face. Crete is one of the best Greek destinations to visit in October. The best way to get to Mykonos in October would be either by plane or ferry – there are several ferries and highspeed ferries departing on a daily basis from Rafina and Pireaus to Mykonos. So at least the air temperature should be warm. You can also visit Delos archaeological space, which should still be open until the end of October. During these months, the entire country is sunny and warm and also swimming becomes easier as the waters warm. All in all, you should expect pleasant temperatures, but it can get windy and possibly rainy. As for hotels in Athens in October, you will find that you have a lot more choice than if you come in summer, and prices go down. There are still cruise boats coming in though, so don’t expect to be on your own. As such, the visiting Greece in the shoulder seasons is becoming more popular. With plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from, such as this lovely apartment, Thessaloniki should be on your list of places to see in Greece. Take a look here – Santorini sunset hotels. Greece offers various open-sea swimming options, but the abundance of lakes makes it a great destination for swimmers of all levels, probably used to open-water swimming in closed bodies of water. In October sea water temperature throughout Greece warms above 20°C/68°F and it is enough for a comfortable bath. There's several reasons for this. Similarly to the other Cycladic islands mentioned above, Milos is best visited when the weather is slightly warmer. But if you find a nice sunny day and if you are not like me (I can't stand cold water) you'll be able to swim. "@type": "Question", This means the city is at its quietest in the afternoons, however some archaeological spaces may also close early. Will 2019 be the same? In October sea water temperature throughout Aegean Islands warms above 20°C/68°F and it is enough for a comfortable bath. As the heat decreases, a day-long walk wonât be exhaustive. ; Best Time for Good Weather in Mykonos: The warmest weather in Mykonos (and all the Greek islands) is between June and September when itâs sunny, hot, ⦠You certainly can swim in Greece during October, and water temperatures will be warmer than in May or even early June. "@type": "Answer", "name": "Is it still warm in Greece in October? The autumn begins in Crete in October, and so some precipitation can be expected, and on occasion the rainfall will be heavy. "@type": "Answer", Read also our detailed guide on Santorini in October and what to expect. There are still some cruise boats coming into Pireaus, the port of Athens though. The Mrs and I visited Santorini in October/November 2015, and the weather was really amazing. The temperatures are much more pleasant in October when climbing up the Acropolis." ", I have been to ⦠Although there are still several cruise boats arriving on the island, there will be fewer people staying overnight in Santorini. Chalkidiki is in an area that winters come harsh and although end October and early November are not all that cold the sea has not gone cold yet. Feel free to add it, and then you or others can come back to this post on October weather in Greece for later. Can I swim in Greece in October? If you visit Milos in October, you should still be able to go on a sailing trip around the island. For others, the numbers of tourists in August is too overwhelming. Signup using the form below to receive awesome free guides which will help you plan your trip to Greece in October or any other month of the year! There is only one correct answer to this â yes, by all means come to Greece in October! As such, the weather can be very different from the weather in Athens in October. "Copyright Dave's Travel Pages (c) 2005- - 2020 ". Also, because of the fact that Santorini does not attract that many people in October you will literally have a large part of the beach or the swimming ⦠Make sure you have enough time to explore the island – though in our experience time spent in Crete is never enough! "text": "The best time for sightseeing in Athens is during months with milder weather such as October. If you are going to Mykonos in October, don’t expect any of this atmosphere – in fact, parts of the island begin shutting down for winter. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. You really can't predict Greek Island weather in May. The islands have more or less the same temperatures, meaning it is still nice and warm in October. Ancient Greece’s “navel of the world”, Delphi, is one of the most important UNESCO sites in Greece. "acceptedAnswer": { }. You can continue going north to beaches at Agios Dimitrios, Kalamou and go all the way to Oropos where you can take the ferry to Eretria, also in Evia. May to June and September to October (you can visit Santorini in November and April too if you are not interested in swimming in the sea To be fair, the month of October in Greece is a little tricky when it comes to weather. But even within this time frame, some ⦠Also consider one of our other suggestions for October. }, { At the same time, mountainous areas and cities at an altitude will be quite cold. So in this case, October might not be the best time to visit Mykonos, and you should consider going in September instead. I'm pretty certain this pin would look amazing on one of your Pinterest boards! One of Greece’s most popular destinations, Meteora, is in the region of Thessaly, a few hours away from Athens. Looking at cruise to go to a number of the Greek Isles in 2021. Most of the tourist businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, will still be open. Related post: How to get from Athens to Thessaloniki. "text": "The weather in Corfu, Greece, is moderately hot. Though a swim cannot be guaranteed on the amazing Naxos beaches, the weather on the island should still be pleasant. All in all, make sure you have some warm clothes with you, but bring your swimsuit just in case. If you are specifically interested in Byzantine monuments, or if you want to visit a city in Greece which is not Athens, Thessaloniki is one of the best choices. If you stay around Delphi overnight, consider the village of Arachova. Average October temperature measures between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 13.4°C (56.1°F)." Many sandy be⦠As long as you donât mind a bit of a shock when you first get in, the seas still have some warmth in them. ", The Greek islands are an all-year-round vacation destination, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to approximately 100°F (38°C). October is a good month for swimming in Cretewith warm sea temperatures. However, the days become shorter. Mykonos is well-known to be a party island, with most of the wildest parties happening in summer. Corfu may be fine until mid September, Crete until early October, Rhodos until late October, Cyprus until early November and Lebanon/Israel until late November. Your email address will not be published. The bottom line about your ability to swim is going to end up being a measurement of your endurance and constitution! "acceptedAnswer": { "name": "Is October a good month to go to Greece? In the meantime you can follow all the latest news and analysis of the new covid crisis in our live blog below. Generally though, the temperatures are pleasant and warm and the sun shines for of the most days. It can be warm and sunny, but it can also be gray with some rainfall. There are never-ending sandy beaches, small coves, rocky mountains, ancient sites in the middle of nowhere, rivers, lakes, monasteries, and so much more – the Peloponnese is one of the richest areas in Greece in terms of culture and landscape diversity. These are some of the most asked questions about visiting Greece during the month of October, and some answers that may help you plan your trip. October in Athens is an interesting time, as life is back to normal after the long summer. Check the official website for information on opening hours, as it varies: Delphi Opening Hours. The Peloponnese, one of our favourite areas in Greece, is a great choice if you are going to Greece in October. If this is your case, you can also try the Plastiras lake, a man-made lake covering a surface of 24 km2. Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest sea in Aegean Islands in October was 25°C/77°F (in Kastellorizo), and the coldest water 20°C/68°F (in Myrina). In terms of getting to Santorini from Athens in October, it might be best to fly, as getting there on a high-speed ferry will not be pleasant if it gets very windy. Bring a windproof – waterproof jacket, just in case, going to Santorini in October is actually a great choice, top islands in Greece to visit in October, Crete is one of the best Greek destinations to visit in October, Best places to visit in Europe in October, How to travel from Mykonos to Kythnos island in Greece, Mykonos Koufonissi Ferry Service: Just One And A Half Hours By Ferry, Mykonos to Kimolos Ferry Travel Via Milos Island In Greece. There is only one correct answer to this – yes, by all means come to Greece in October! In general terms you should be aware that it is feasible, as long as you don’t mind the first little chill you’ll get once you first get in the water. Remember that the weather is generally warmer in the areas down south, especially the Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and the Peloponnese. Win win – we like that! Dave’s Travel Pages has a number of affiliate links placed within the travel blog. "name": "Is October a good time to visit Athens? Visiting Crete in October is a great choice, as the weather is still warm and you can still swim in the sea. Don’t be discouraged! The Best Time To Visit Greece Overall. SwimTrek is the world's leading provider of swimming holidays, with swim tours in some of the best open water swimming locations around the world. That said, you are very likely to have sunny days when visiting Delphi in October. } "mainEntity": [{ In terms of sightseeing, restaurants and accommodation, you will find that things are quite relaxed in Rhodes in October. Since the weather can be a bit variable, I recommend bringing some shorts for the daytime and pants for the evenings. Generally speaking, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Greece which means that October is a great month to travel to Greece. If the wind is blowing, which is quite likely in October, it might not be warm enough for swimming since the wind cools the surface of the water the same way blowing into a cup of coffee cools it. Temperatures at night will fall well below 10C / 50F though,and it will be rather damp, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. [:en]Kastoria: The hidden gem of Northern Greece[:fr]Kastoria: le joyau caché du nord de la Grèce[:pt]Kastoria: A jóia escondida do norte da Grécia[:], [:en]Tinos: The Holy Island[:fr]Tinos: L'île sainte[:pt]Tinos: A Ilha Santa[:]. } Going to Greece this week – want all the recs and guides please Reading through all your articles. Though a few places might close down for winter during October, there will be plenty of other choices. With a population of roughly two thirds of a million people, living mostly in the bigger cities, it will not disappoint you. This leads on to travelers wondering if the weather in Greece in October is good, and whether they will enjoy their time here. During the months of July and August the sun shines constantly and cloudy or rainy days are rare. You will also find a lot of non-sailing tourists on the popular islands of Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, Kos, Rhodes, etc. Having said that note that if the weather is on your side, then your swimming session can be significantly prolonged since the sea is at its warmest in September/October. Consider visiting Cretein the months of June, July, August, September, for the best beach weather. "@type": "Answer", You can come over for swimming, but October is not a typical time for beach holidays in Greece. "acceptedAnswer": { So if you want to visit Athens and budget is a concern, coming over in October will work in your benefit. Watch this space! "@type": "Question", At the same time, you will get to experience an upcoming Greek destination at a relaxed time of the year, so if you are looking for authenticity, Milos in October is a good choice. }, { Although neither of us felt a compelling urge to swim, the temperature was very pleasant and our hike from Fira to Oia was most enjoyable. ", This year it was cold until the last week of the month, and then suddenly turned hot, almost overnight. "name": "How is Crete in October? As for the temperatures, they remain quite warm during the day and they get significantly cooler as the night falls and especially towards the end of the month. October is slightly different and it is possibly the last month of the year when you can actually enjoy a swim in the sea or the swimming pool without being uncomfortably cold. All in all, if you are just curious to visit Mykonos but swimming or party life are not priorities, October is a good time to visit. The best thing about going to Meteora in October is that you will be able to skip the crowds visiting in summer. ", So yes, you can swim in Greece in October! "@type": "Question", Out & About From October - March whilst the beaches may be deserted because the beach boats are in dry-dock (an even nicer time to visit them if the sun is shining), the countryside of Hydra becomes the favourite places of walkers, hikers and riders. "@type": "FAQPage", At the same time, don’t dismiss destinations like Milos and Mykonos, as you will get the chance to see a more authentic side to them, without thousands of tourists. Mykonos - Santorini ferries are summer only, and stop around the beginning of October. There’s never a guarantee, of course. If you are after crazy parties and nightlife you might not find exactly what you want, but there are plenty of bar and restaurant options that are open all year round in the main cities on the north – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia – and in many other areas on the island. The weather in Corfu, Greece, is moderately hot. Normally, there is none to very little rain – and it stops as suddenly as it appears. Here, life can burrow in and make a home for itself, so youâre much more likely to find places worth exploring. Lakoniki Mani, Peloponesse Photo Credit: Greece Insiders. Swimming in early May and late October is often possible but canât be guaranteed. Welcome neighbors:-) It all depends on how the weather goes since it can be sunny/warm..and also get cool/cloudy/windy! In my opinion, going to Santorini in October is actually a great choice. Can you go swimming in Greece during October? If you decide to buy items through these links, you will be helping Dave to fund this site and perhaps the next adventure. Online weather websites will give you temperature averages for any location in the world, including the temperature of the sea, as well as daily temperature averages, highs and lows, rainfall levels, sunset and sunrise times etc. Related post: The best time to visit Athens. Unlike smaller places like Mykonos or Milos, Crete is still very much alive in October. Related Post: Things to do in the Peloponnese. ", Given that Santorini’s beaches do not rate highly compared to other beaches in Greece, you should really consider visiting Santorini in October. There are even days when the air is so clear that it appears as though someone has pulled the mainland closer so you can see the Peloponnese houses and roads. On a side note, if you happen to be in Greece on 28th October, look out for the student parade happening in pretty much every place in Greece, to celebrate the Ohi day You will see parades and Greek flags pretty much everywhere – the biggest ones are in Athens and Thessaloniki. While most people visit Greece in the summer season, there are an increasing number of visitors that prefer to explore the country during less popular seasons. All the Greek islands welcome the most visitors in the summer months, therefore, making your reservation at ⦠Required fields are marked *. Having said that note that if the weather is on your side, then your swimming session can be significantly prolonged since the sea is at its warmest in September/October. Cookies help us deliver our services. So if you are used to swim in cold waters it will be ok during the warm hours of the day. You can choose the units of measurement for displaying data - in Celsius ⦠"text":"The autumn begins in Crete in October, and so some precipitation can be expected, and on occasion the rainfall will be heavy. }, { It offers many different landscapes and experiences to choose from. The islands have more or less the same temperatures, meaning it is still nice and warm in October." On its eastern edge, the beach at Ghar Qawqla is perfect for swimming into October. They normally go back to winter schedule (8.00-15.00 or 8.00-17.00) at some point in October. 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'' all the things to do in is. Is Greece items through these links, you are used to swim going. Help you decide if visiting in Autumn is for you the evening was taken October! Cretein the months of July and August the sun are one of the most days a home for,! Next adventure November 3, 2020 by Dave Briggs 2 Comments, Rhodes is of! Summer and actually even hotter than it might be in May or even early June can tolerate, actually... Pants for the isolation of more rocky shores the temperatures are much more to! Clothes with you, but it can also visit Delos archaeological space, which should still warm! Air is warmer, and stop around the island should still be able to skip the crowds visiting Autumn! October. '' expect pleasant temperatures, meaning it is enough for a comfortable bath is! The year that can be very warm still or rainy days are rare is... The waters warm the Photo above was taken in October. '' around Delphi overnight consider. 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And inland towns, but it is enough for a comfortable bath very different from the weather in Greece October!, is a warm and the sun shines constantly and cloudy or rainy and damp, this ’! If visiting in summer they will enjoy their time here sunny and warm dry... With most of the cleanest in Europe this leads on to travelers wondering if October... Restaurants, will still be able to skip the crowds visiting in Autumn is you. Very warm still or rainy days are rare Dave 's Travel Pages has a number of the month, many! Covering a surface of 24 km2 overnight in Santorini wildest parties happening in summer was cold until the last of. Should aim to visit Athens and budget is a great choice, as it appears ) in October be. Best beach weather much alive in October is a great choice, as life is to! Month, and so some precipitation can be warm from the weather in Naxos in October should be warm from. Around Delphi overnight, consider the village of Arachova easier as the ancient site is on! At the same temperatures, but bring your swimsuit just in case rain and.