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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

• 7 days Athens and mainland (or 10 days): This itinerary takes you through the rich history and diverse landscapes of Athens and mainland Greece. Each day offers a mix of ancient sites and natural beauty. 
• 7 days in Naxos: This itinerary lets you explore the captivating island of Naxos. Each day highlights the island’s rich history and stunning scenery. 
• 7 days in Athens and Santorini: This itinerary is your guide to exploring vibrant Athens and stunning Santorini. Each day showcases the ancient landmarks of Athens and the famous sunsets and clear waters of Santorini. 
• 7 days in Athens, Naxos and Santorini: Combine the historic splendor of Athens, the serene beauty of Naxos, and the stunning vistas of Santorini in this itinerary for 7 days.
• 10 days in Athens, Milos, Naxos and Santorini: This itinerary takes you through Athens and the Cyclades, including Milos, Naxos, and Santorini. Each day highlights the unique charm, rich cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes.
• 10 days in Athens, Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini: Experience Greece’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and incredible cuisine. Each day is thoughtfully planned.
• 10 days in Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete: This 10-day Greece itinerary takes you through Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete. 

Looking for more itinerary inspiration? Browse all our itineraries by duration:

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

There are some great festivals you can visit in October.

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 28^th 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.

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. 

Visit Greece in other months

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• November
• December