Peloponnese weather by month: when is the best time to visit?
A weather table for every month, the best months for a road trip and the beach, and what to pack.
- On the coast: hot dry summers (29-30 °C) and mild rainy winters (15-16 °C).
- April-June and September-October are the best months for a road trip.
- The mountains in the middle of the peninsula are colder and sometimes see snow in winter.
If you are planning a Peloponnese road trip, aim for spring or early autumn. In summer visit archaeological sites early in the morning, and in winter focus on towns such as Nafplio.
What is the weather like in the Peloponnese?
The Peloponnese, the large peninsula in southern Greece, has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. On the coasts, such as Messinia, Argolis and the Mani, winter is relatively pleasant. In the mountains in the middle of the peninsula, around Tripoli, it is much colder, and it sometimes snows in winter.
Peloponnese weather by month
The figures are for Methoni, on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese (Messinia), and represent the coastal areas well.
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 15 | 10 |
| February | 8 | 15 | 10 |
| March | 9 | 17 | 7 |
| April | 11 | 19 | 4 |
| May | 15 | 23 | 2 |
| June | 19 | 26 | 1 |
| July | 21 | 29 | 0 |
| August | 22 | 30 | 0 |
| September | 19 | 28 | 3 |
| October | 16 | 24 | 5 |
| November | 12 | 20 | 8 |
| December | 9 | 16 | 10 |
*Source: Climates to Travel. Inland and in the mountains, temperatures are lower.*
When is the best time to visit the Peloponnese?
- April to June: the best season for a road trip. Warm but not scorching, green, and few tourists. By late May you can swim.
- July and August: the hottest months, good for a beach holiday. At archaeological sites such as Olympia and Mycenae, arrive early in the morning.
- September and October: the sea is still warm, the air is pleasant and it is quieter. A great time to combine beaches and sightseeing.
- November to March: rainier. Good for towns such as Nafplio and for mountain villages. Some beach hotels close.
Spring and autumn weather
- March and April: days of 17 to 19 °C on the coast, with a few rainy days. Good for walking and sites.
- October: still about 24 °C by day on average, with about 5 rainy days.
- November: rainier, about 8 rainy days, but still pleasant at midday.
What to pack for the Peloponnese
- Summer: a hat, sun cream and water. Evenings in the mountains can be cool.
- Spring and autumn: layers, a light jacket and comfortable shoes for the sites.
- Winter: a rain jacket and warm clothes, especially for the mountains.
Before you set off, check the Greece weather warnings. More on the site: Peloponnese road trip, Nafplio and Kalamata.
FAQ
What is the weather like in the Peloponnese in September? In September the coast has about 28 °C by day and 19 °C at night, with about 3 rainy days on average. The sea is still warm, making it one of the best months to visit.
What is the weather like in the Peloponnese in October? In October about 24 °C by day and 16 °C at night, with about 5 rainy days. Good for touring and sites, and on warm days for the beach.
What is the weather like in the Peloponnese in November? In November about 20 °C by day and 12 °C at night on the coast, with about 8 rainy days. The mountains are much colder.
What is the weather like in March and April? About 17 °C by day in March and 19 °C in April, with fewer rainy days than in winter. It is the start of the good road-trip season.
