Greece weather in September

With a Mediterranean climate, Greece is a great option for travelers who are seeking a spot of early fall sun. With that in mind, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Greece in September, along with inspirational itinerary suggestions to help you make the most of your mail-summer sojourn.

Greece in September at a glance

• Average temperatures gradually begin to cool down, ranging from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C).
• September marks the transition from summer to fall, with decreasing tourist crowds. 
• While rainfall may increase slightly compared to the summer months, September still offers plenty of sunny days and warm sea temperatures

Is September a good time to visit Greece?

In our view — and that of countless devoted repeat visitors — September is one of the best months to visit Greece.

And the reasons? First up, the hordes of school vacation visitors will have departed. As a result, you won’t have to vie for space on all those beautiful beaches. Top cultural attractions will be easier to navigate, too.

At the same time, the weather remains blissfully warm and sunny, and all the bars, restaurants, resorts, and facilities will still be open.

Thinking of visiting Greece? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip.

Air and sea temperatures in Greece in September

Slightly cooler than during July and August, the weather in Greece in September sees average daily highs of 84°F (29ºC). Come the evening, this drops to a pleasant 64°F (18ºC).

Note it’ll be a bit cooler in north-central and north-eastern Greece.

As for the sea, it remains 77°F (25ºC) in September — sounds like bliss.

Can it rain in Greece in September?

On average, the weather in Greece in September brings an 88% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 12% chance of experiencing a mix of sun and cloud.

In Athens, for example, rain falls about once every four days in September (but rarely for long). Rain falls less often in the Peloponnese and Cyclades.

For more details on the weather in Greece around the year, read up on the best time to visit Greece. 

What about the crowds and cost?

Come September, after the departure of school vacation visitors, the crowds in Greece thin out considerably.

As for costs, at the start of the month, you won’t see much of a change from peak summer season prices. 

However, as September draws on, more bargains can be had. That applies to the price of flights and accommodations.

What to wear in Greece in September

With average daily highs of 84°F (29ºC), you’ll mainly be wearing your summer closet — swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses.

UV levels remain high, so you’ll also want to wear plenty of sunscreen.

We also suggest bringing a long-sleeved shirt, shawl, or cardigan for the evenings. While the temperatures don’t drop off too much, it’s best to be prepared so you can sip al fresco sundowners free from goosebumps.

Rough Guides tip: Find even more ideas for your fall adventure with our guide to the best places to travel in September.

Plan your trip with our Greece itineraries

Our Greece itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Greece itinerary 7 days: A week in Greece covers the essentials — often a mix of Athens and a few iconic islands. Expect to see ancient ruins, charming villages, and picturesque beaches.
• Greece itinerary 10 days: Ten days allows you to explore both mainland highlights and more islands, giving you a taste of Greece’s history, culture, and island life.
• Crete itinerary: A journey through Crete's rugged landscapes, ancient ruins and stunning beaches. A combination of historic towns, secluded beaches and traditional Cretan cuisine awaits you.
• Santorini itinerary: A focused itinerary on Santorini’s breathtaking views, volcanic beaches, and famous sunsets. Perfect for those looking to relax, explore charming villages, and enjoy the island’s romantic atmosphere.

What to do in Greece in September

The weather in September in Greece is a magical time, offering the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the lingering vibrance of summer. As the intense heat of August gives way to the milder, yet still sun-drenched days of early fall, Greece unveils a different kind of charm. These are the best things to do in September.

Taste wine

September is Greece’s peak vine harvest month, which means wine-producing regions and islands like Crete, Kefalonia, and Santorini brim with events devoted to the joys of the grape.

From local festivals and tasting tours that showcase the pick of the bunch, wine lovers will be in seventh heaven.

Ready to explore Greece? Get started with our expert travel planning tips.

Experience the Spartathlon

One of the world’s most difficult long-distance races, the annual Spartathlon from Athens to Sparta sees participants follow in the footsteps of Pheidippides, an ancient Athenian long-distance runner.

Runners have 36 hours to run 153 miles (246 kilometers) — roughly the equivalent of six back-to-back marathons.

Traversing rough tracks, vineyards, olive groves, and hillsides before ascending Mount Parthenio (1200m) in the dead of night, Spartathlon sure ain’t for the faint-hearted, but it is quite something to witness.

Island hop

Sitting in shoulder season, Greece ferry schedules are still plentiful and frequent in September, which means it’s a wonderful month to island-hop.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in a single spot, you could base yourself on one of the best Greek Islands.

Love the sound of exploring Greece away from the mainland? Read our guide to how to plan a Greek Island vacation.

Enjoy beautiful beaches 

The weather in Greece in September remains ideal for enjoying the country’s many, many beautiful beaches.

There really are hundreds to suit every taste. Traveling with kids? Our experts recommend Stavros on Crete, which is just one of the island’s incredible beaches. Into water-sports? Try Ayía Kyriakí in Mílos.

Uncover Athens

To see the likes of Athens’ Acropolis and the Temple of Athena without having to line for hours or deal with huge crowds, October is an awesome time to visit the capital. 

Before you go, read up on the best things to do in Athens.

Get your adventure on in Crete

(Slightly) cooler temperatures make September a top time to enjoy Crete’s adventure offerings — from gorge walking and trail hiking to mountain biking, canyoning, and horse riding.

Considering Crete for your trip? Explore our list of the best places to stay in Crete.

Considering visiting Greece in September? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Greece to start planning your dream trip. 

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on planning, browse our customizable Greece itineraries, and talk to our local Greece travel experts.

Visit Greece in other months

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