Pelion weather by month: when to go, snow and sea
A monthly table for Volos and Pelion, and how the mountain differs from the coast.
- Best months: May–June and September–October.
- From December snow falls above about 400 m, and the ski centre usually opens in January–February.
- In July–August Volos is hot (about 33°C) and the mountain villages cooler.
For beach and walking, choose late spring or early autumn. For snow, plan January–February and hire a winter-ready car.
What is special about Pelion's weather?
Pelion is a green mountain above the city of Volos, so its weather depends a lot on altitude. On the coast and in Volos summer is hot and winter mild, but the mountain villages are cooler in every season, and from December there is snow above about 400 m, according to Greek Trip Planner. There is also a difference between the two sides of the mountain: the east coast, facing the Aegean, is exposed to wind and waves, while the west coast, on the Pagasetic Gulf, is calmer and more sheltered.
Volos and Pelion weather by month
These are averages for the city of Volos, at the foot of the mountain, according to Sunheron. Mountain villages are cooler.
| Month | Max | Min | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11° | 3° | 8 |
| February | 13° | 3° | 7 |
| March | 15° | 5° | 8 |
| April | 20° | 9° | 7 |
| May | 25° | 14° | 7 |
| June | 31° | 18° | 4 |
| July | 33° | 20° | 3 |
| August | 33° | 20° | 3 |
| September | 28° | 16° | 4 |
| October | 23° | 13° | 6 |
| November | 16° | 9° | 8 |
| December | 12° | 5° | 8 |
According to the same source, the sea reaches about 22°C in June and about 26°C in August.
When is the best time to visit Pelion?
According to Greek Trip Planner, May–June and September–October are the best months: warm enough for the beach, pleasant for walking the stone trails, and the villages are less busy. In July and August Volos is hot (about 33°C), but the mountain villages are more pleasant, which is exactly why Greeks escape there in summer.
Pelion in winter: snow and skiing
In winter Pelion becomes a snow destination. The Chania ski centre is at about 1,600 m and, according to Greek Trip Planner, has 7 runs and 3 lifts and is usually open in January–February, depending on snow. It is a small resort, good for beginners and families, with a sea view. Other ski resorts: ski resorts in Greece.
In winter hire a car with suitable tyres or ask about chains, because mountain roads are steep and can be icy.
Pelion in spring and autumn
In spring the mountain blooms, with springs and flowing streams. In autumn the trees change colour, and it is chestnut and apple season. Both seasons have rainy days (6–8 a month on average), so bring a light jacket and good shoes.
Pelion in summer: beach and mountain in one day
Pelion's big advantage in summer is the mix: a morning in a cool mountain village, and the beach in the afternoon. Beaches: Pelion's best beaches. Accommodation: where to stay in Pelion.
How to get to Pelion
From Athens it is about three and a half hours by car. The nearest airport is Nea Anchialos, about 35 km from Volos. From Volos a bus goes to Portaria, about half an hour and around €2. More on the area: Pelion travel guide, and for kosher travellers: Pelion for kosher and Shabbat travellers. Current forecast: Greece weather.
FAQ
Does it snow in Pelion? Yes. According to Greek Trip Planner, from December snow falls above about 400 m, and the ski centre is usually open in January–February.
What is the best month for Pelion? May–June or September–October: pleasant for the beach and walking, with fewer crowds.
How hot is Pelion in August? In Volos the average daily high is about 33°C. The mountain villages are cooler.
When is the sea warm in Pelion? From June (about 22°C) to September. In August the sea is about 26°C.
