Greece in winter: where to go between November and March
Athens without the queues, skiing on Parnassos, hot springs in the north, misty Meteora and mild Crete. A winter guide to Greece for Israelis: where to go, what weather to expect and what is closed.
- Winter is mild in the south: Athens averages roughly 7 to 14°C in January, and Heraklion in Crete 9 to 15°C.
- Parnassos ski centre, about 180 km from Athens, usually opens in December depending on snow. Last season it opened on 23 December.
- On small islands most tourist businesses close in winter and ferries are fewer. Cities, mountains and hot springs are the better bet.
Want a holiday without heat or crowds? In winter Greece is quieter and cheaper. Just plan around the weather, and check holidays and strikes before you book.
Why visit Greece in winter?
From November to March Greece is much quieter than in summer. There are no long queues at sites, city hotels are usually cheaper, and the climate fee charged per hotel night is lower in these months (details in our Greece guide). On the other hand, it is not the season for beaches or small islands. Here are the destinations that suit winter best.
Winter weather
Long-term averages (°C):
| Place | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 8–15 | 7–13 | 7–14 |
| Thessaloniki | 3–11 | 1–10 | 3–11 |
| Heraklion (Crete) | 11–17 | 9–15 | 9–16 |
| Ioannina (Epirus mountains) | 1–11 | -1 to 9 | 2–12 |
The south has mild, rainy winters. The north and mountains are colder, with snow. Athens can get cold snaps too. Before travelling, check the weather warnings.
Athens
Winter is a good time for Athens: museums, the Acropolis without fierce heat, cafés and restaurants. Most sites run shorter winter hours, so check before you go. Athens destination guide.
Thessaloniki
A lively city all year, with students, great food and rich Jewish history. Colder than Athens, so bring a coat. Our Thessaloniki guide.
Crete
The warmest part of Greece in winter. Heraklion and Chania are active all year, but many resort hotels in tourist areas close for the season. Good for nature, villages and food. Our Crete guide.
Meteora and Kalambaka
The cliff-top monasteries are especially beautiful in winter, sometimes in mist or snow. From 1 November to 31 March the monasteries follow a winter timetable, and each closes on a different weekday. On Saturdays and Sundays all six are open. Check the hours before you go. Our Meteora guide.
Nafplio
A romantic seaside town in the Peloponnese, with fortresses, alleys and restaurants. About two hours by bus from Athens. Ideal for a quiet winter weekend. Our Nafplio guide.
Arachova and skiing on Parnassos
- Parnassos ski centre is the largest in Greece. It is about 180 km northwest of Athens, near Delphi, with two areas: Kellaria and Fterolakka.
- Season: depends on snow. In 2025–2026 it opened on 23 December 2025. Before you go, check the official site and snow reports to see whether runs are open.
- Arachova is the popular mountain village near the resort. Winter weekends draw many Greek visitors, so book accommodation ahead.
- Driving? Find out in advance whether you need chains or winter tyres. Our car rental guide.
Metsovo and Zagori
In the Epirus mountains in the northwest you'll find stone villages, old bridges and mountain views. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy (nearby Ioannina averages roughly 0 to 10°C in January). Ideal for fireplaces, mountain food and short hikes. Check road conditions before you go.
Hot springs
- Loutra Pozar, in northern Greece, in the Pella region: pools and waterfalls of hot water in nature. According to its official website it is open all year, daily from 07:00 to 02:00, and until 04:00 on Saturdays and holidays.
- Edipsos on Evia: a spa town where hot water flows into the sea. Reach it by a short ferry from Arkitsa or by car via Chalkida. In winter the organised facilities have reduced hours, so check first.
- Loutraki, near Corinth, is another well-known spa town close to Athens. Check hours and prices with the venue you choose.
Islands in winter
On small islands, such as most of the Cyclades, most hotels, restaurants and tourist businesses are closed in winter, and ferries run less often. Stormy weather can cancel sailings. If you want an island in winter, choose a large one with year-round life, such as Crete or Rhodes. And always keep a spare day before your flight home.
Holidays, strikes and flights
- Holidays: Christmas, New Year, Epiphany on 6 January and Clean Monday in March. Many things close on these days. Greek public holidays.
- Strikes: Greece has quite a few transport strikes. Check strikes before you travel.
- Flights: Flights from Tel Aviv to Greece.
FAQ
What is the weather like in Greece in winter?
The south has mild, rainy winters: Athens averages roughly 7 to 13°C in January, and Crete is a little warmer. The north and the mountains are colder, with snow in the mountains.
Can you ski in Greece?
Yes. The largest resort is Parnassos, about 180 km from Athens. The season depends on snow and usually starts in December. Last season it opened on 23 December.
Are the Greek islands open in winter?
On small islands most tourist businesses are closed and ferries are fewer. Large islands such as Crete and Rhodes are lively all year.
Where should I go in Greece in December?
Athens and Thessaloniki for a city break, Arachova and Parnassos for snow, and the Pozar hot springs. Crete if you want a bit more warmth.
Information checked on 3 October 2026. Hours, seasons and weather change, so check official websites before you travel.
