Sukkot in Greece 2027: where to go, weather, sukkah and kosher food
Sukkot 2027 falls in mid-October: Crete and Rhodes are still warm, the small islands are closing. The weather, where to find a sukkah and kosher food, and what to check about flights.
- Sukkot 2027 begins on the evening of 15 October. Outside Israel, Simchat Torah is on 24 October.
- In mid-October Crete and Rhodes are the warmest, with the sea around 23°C.
- Chabad in Athens holds meals in the sukkah every year; on Rhodes and Crete check in advance.
If you are planning Sukkot 2027 in Greece, choose Crete, Rhodes or Athens. Check that your direct flight still runs on your dates, and book Chabad's holiday meals in advance.
When is Sukkot 2027?
Sukkot 2027 (5788) begins on the evening of Thursday 15 October 2027 and runs until 22 October.
- In Israel: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah together, from the evening of 22 October until nightfall on 23 October.
- Outside Israel, including Greece: Shemini Atzeret on 23 October and Simchat Torah on 24 October. Chabad in Athens marks the holiday on the diaspora calendar, from 15 to 24 October.
Israelis in Greece over the holiday who are unsure which calendar to keep should ask their rabbi.
Sukkot 2026 has already passed (25 September to 3 October 2026). This guide covers Sukkot 2027.
What is the weather like in Greece at Sukkot?
In mid to late October Greece is still pleasant, but summer is over. Figures are October averages, from Climates to Travel:
| Place | Temp (min–max) | Sea | Rain days in the month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Autumn also brings storms. Before you travel, check Greece weather warnings. More: Greece weather in October.
Which island for Sukkot?
- Crete and Rhodes: the warmest in mid-October, with the sea around 23°C. Most hotels and restaurants are still open, and both have a Chabad house.
- Athens: always works. It has a kosher restaurant, a Chabad house and synagogues, and comfortable weather for walking.
- Mykonos and Santorini: possible, but by mid-October many hotels and restaurants on Mykonos start to close, and by the end of the month it is very quiet. The sea also cools.
- Corfu and Kefalonia: the season is ending and some beach bars close.
Are there direct flights in October?
Athens and Thessaloniki are served all year. Most direct flights from Israel to the islands are summer flights that usually run until October, and on some routes they end before Sukkot. Check the airline's website before booking. The list: Greek islands with direct flights from Israel.
Ferries between the islands also become less frequent in October. See our guide to ferries in Greece.
Where is there a sukkah in Greece?
- Athens: Chabad of Greece (Aisopou 10, Psiri) publishes holiday meals in the sukkah, an open sukkah and lulav shaking every year. Registration is via chabad.gr.
- Rhodes and Crete: the Chabad houses on Rhodes and Crete run holiday activities, but the scale changes from year to year. Contact them in advance.
- Thessaloniki: there is a Jewish community and synagogues. See the Jewish community of Thessaloniki.
Important: the programme changes every year. Check with Chabad a few weeks before the holiday and book meals in advance.
All Chabad houses and addresses: Chabad in Greece.
Kosher food at Sukkot
- Athens: a kosher restaurant, a kosher grocery and Chabad deliveries. Full list in Kosher food in Greece and Shabbat times & kosher.
- On the islands: order in advance from the Chabad house or a kosher meal delivery.
- The four species: if you need a set in Greece, ask Chabad in advance.
What to do during Chol HaMoed
- In Athens: October is one of the most comfortable months for the Acropolis and the ancient sites, without the summer heat. On warm days you can head to the beaches of the Athens Riviera. With children, see Athens with kids.
- On Crete: gorge and village walks, beaches on the south coast, and the old town of Chania, home to the Etz Hayyim synagogue. See Chabad Crete.
- On Rhodes: the old town and the Jewish quarter with the Kahal Shalom synagogue. See Chabad Rhodes and the Jewish quarter.
- Shopping: shops in Greece are usually closed on Sunday, except in tourist areas. Check our holidays and shops calendar.
How far ahead should you book?
Sukkot is one of the busiest holiday periods for flights from Israel. Book flights and hotels a few months ahead, and follow fares on our cheap flights to Greece page.
FAQ
When is Sukkot 2027? Sukkot begins on the evening of 15 October 2027. Simchat Torah is on 23 October in Israel and on 24 October outside Israel.
Where should I go in Greece for Sukkot? Crete and Rhodes, which are still warm in mid-October, or Athens. On the smaller islands the season is already over.
Can you still swim in Greece in October? Yes. The sea is around 22–23°C in Athens, Crete and Rhodes, but it cools towards the end of the month.
Is there a Chabad sukkah in Greece? Yes. Chabad in Athens holds meals in the sukkah every year. On Rhodes and Crete, check in advance with the local Chabad house.
