Greece in September and October: is it worth going, and where?
September and October may be the best months for a holiday in Greece: the sea is still warm, crowds thin and prices fall. But early September and late October are very different.
- In September the sea is still 23–24°C, with almost no rain on the islands.
- October is pleasant for sightseeing, but by the end of the month some small-island hotels close.
- In late October, aim for Crete, Rhodes or Athens rather than the small islands.
For a beach holiday, September is a safe choice almost anywhere in Greece. In October, pick the south (Crete, Rhodes) or a city break in Athens, and check what is open before you book.
Is September a good time to visit Greece?
Yes. September is one of the most popular months with Israelis, for good reason: August's heat eases, the sea is at its warmest, and most hotels, tavernas and ferries still run on the summer schedule. Averages from Climates to Travel (°C):
| Place | September (min–max) | Sea | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 20–29° | 24° | 3 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 20–27° | 24° | 2 |
| Rhodes | 23–28° | 25° | 1 |
| Mykonos | 21–26° | 23° | 2 |
| Santorini | 21–27° | 24° | 1 |
| Thessaloniki | 16–27° | — | 4 |
The source gives no sea temperature for Thessaloniki.
Greece in October: what changes?
October is still very pleasant, but it is a transition month. Days are warm, evenings need a layer and rain starts to return. Clocks go back at the end of the month.
| Place | October (min–max) | Sea | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 16–24° | 22° | 5 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 18–24° | 23° | 4 |
| Rhodes | 19–25° | 23° | 3 |
| Mykonos | 18–22° | 21° | 5 |
| Santorini | 18–23° | 22° | 3 |
| Thessaloniki | 12–22° | — | 4 |
What closes at the end of the season?
The small islands wind down early. According to SantoriniDave, Mykonos beach clubs run until mid-September, and by mid-October many of the island's hotels and restaurants start to close. Late October also brings fewer inter-island ferries. So:
- Early September to mid-October: almost everything is open, including smaller islands such as Paros, Naxos and Milos.
- Late October: choose somewhere that lives all year: Athens, Crete, Rhodes or Thessaloniki.
Where to go in September and October
- Beach holiday with kids: Rhodes and Crete, the warmest in October, with direct flights. See also Crete month by month.
- Couples: Santorini in September and early October, with fewer crowds than summer. See Santorini in October and over Sukkot.
- Nature and walking: Pelion in September and October or Kefalonia in September and October.
- City break: Athens and Thessaloniki are very pleasant in October, without July's heat.
Greece over the Tishrei holidays
The Tishrei holidays usually fall in September or October, so flights from Tel Aviv are busy then. In 2027 Rosh Hashanah starts on the evening of 1 October and Sukkot on the evening of 15 October (per Hebcal). If you plan a holiday in Greece, check Shabbat and holiday times and Chabad houses and book holiday meals early.
What about August?
August is the hottest and busiest month: about 33°C by day in Athens, with peak prices. If you can choose, September gives an equally warm sea with fewer crowds. Month by month: Greece in September, Greece in October and Greece in August. Flight prices are updated on the flights page.
FAQ
Can you swim in Greece in October? Yes. The sea averages about 21–23°C in October, and it is especially warm around Crete and Rhodes.
Which is better, September or October? September for an island beach holiday; October for sightseeing, city breaks and lower prices.
Does it rain in Greece in October? Sometimes: 3–5 rainy days on average in most places in the table. October can also bring storms, so check weather warnings before you travel.
Are the small islands open in late October? Partly. In Mykonos, for example, many hotels and restaurants close from mid-October, and there are fewer ferries.
