Pelion in September and October: weather, sea and what to do in autumn
September is still a beach month in Pelion; October is a month for villages, forests and walking. Here is the weather and what to plan in each.
- In September Volos averages about 27°C by day and the sea about 23°C: still swimming season.
- October averages about 21°C by day with a sea of about 21°C and more rain: a season for walks and villages.
- Mountain villages are cooler than Volos and the coast, so pack layers.
If your trip is mainly about the sea, choose September. If you want trails, autumn colours and fewer people, October suits better. Either way, plan on a car: public transport between the villages is limited.
What is the weather like in Pelion in September and October?
These are averages for Volos, at the foot of Pelion (Holiday Weather). Mountain villages such as Makrinitsa, Tsagarada and Zagora are cooler, especially in the evening.
| September | October | |
|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | about 27°C | about 21°C |
| Average night-time low | about 17°C | about 13°C |
| Sea temperature | about 23°C | about 21°C |
| Monthly rainfall | about 23 mm | about 51 mm |
| Daily sunshine | about 9 hours | about 8 hours |
In short: September still feels like summer; October is more autumnal, with more rainy days.
Pelion in September: still a beach holiday
In September the sea is warm and most beaches, tavernas and hotels are still open, with fewer people than in August. It is a good time to combine a morning in a mountain village with an afternoon on the beach. The best-known beaches are on the east (Aegean) side and on the Pagasetic Gulf to the west, where the water is usually calmer. See our guide to Pelion's beaches.
Pelion in October: villages, forests and trails
In October Pelion becomes a nature destination. The forests start to change colour and the villages move into chestnut and apple season. It is a good time to walk the old cobbled mule paths (kalderimia) between villages. Expect some rainy days, so bring a light jacket and closed shoes. Some beach businesses close towards the end of the season, mainly on the east side, so check that your accommodation is open.
What to pack for Pelion in autumn
- Layers: a T-shirt by day, a jumper for evenings in the mountain villages.
- Walking shoes: the paths are stone and can be slippery after rain.
- Swimwear: certainly in September, and on warm days in October.
Getting there
Drive or take a KTEL bus to Volos, then continue by car. It takes about 4–5 hours from Athens and about two and a half hours from Thessaloniki. Full details are in our Pelion guide, and areas to stay in where to stay in Pelion. Weather across Greece by month: September and October.
What to do in Pelion in autumn
- Village-to-village walks on the stone paths, with coffee under the plane trees in the village squares.
- Seasonal food: chestnuts, apples, mushrooms and home-style stews; a good time to buy local jams, honey and mountain tea.
- Quiet beaches: from mid-September many beaches are almost empty.
- Volos: good for an evening of tsipouro and meze on the waterfront, and a handy base on a rainy day.
With children, plan shorter days: mountain roads wind and take longer than the map suggests.
FAQ
Can you swim in Pelion in September? Yes. The sea around Volos averages about 23°C in September and most beaches are still running.
Can you swim in Pelion in October? On warm days, yes. The sea averages about 21°C, but there are more rainy and windy days and some beach businesses have closed.
Which is better for Pelion, September or October? September for a beach holiday; October for walking, autumn colours and fewer people.
Do you need a car in Pelion? Almost always. The villages are spread across the mountain and public transport between them is limited.
