Home › Greece weather › December
Greece weather in December: temperatures, sea and rain
In December Athens averages 8–15°C, with about 11 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 17–18°C. Warmest place in the table: Crete (Heraklion) (up to 17°C). Thessaloniki: 3–11°C.
Temperatures, sea and rain in December
| Place | Temp (min–max) | Sea | Rain days | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 8–15° | 17° | 11 | 60 |
| Thessaloniki | 3–11° | — | 6 | 50 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 11–17° | 18° | 10 | 95 |
| Rhodes | 12–17° | 18° | 11 | 140 |
| Mykonos (Cyclades) | 11–14° | 17° | 10 | 100 |
| Santorini (Cyclades) | 12–16° | 18° | 9 | 100 |
Long-term averages in Celsius, from Climates to Travel (Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion: 1991–2020). “Rain days”: days in the month with precipitation. The source gives no sea temperature for Thessaloniki. These are averages, not a forecast: any year can bring heatwaves, cold spells or storms.
The sea in December: can you swim?
Too cold for most people: the sea averages 17–18°C. December is not beach season in Greece.
What's open and on in December
- On the smaller islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, many hotels, restaurants and tours close in winter and there are fewer ferries. In winter Mykonos has at least one ferry a day to Athens and Syros, but usually no direct boat to Santorini. In Santorini, Fira stays active all year. (SantoriniDave)
- The ski season at Parnassos depends on snow. In 2025–2026 the resort opened on 23 December. (GTP)
- Autumn and winter are storm season: in late September and early October 2026 Crete was under a red warning, with floods and 112 alerts. Check the weather warnings before you travel. Read more · Weather warnings
Holidays and events
- 13 December 2026 · Shops open on Sunday (before Christmas) Shops may open; it is optional.
- 20 December 2026 · Shops open on Sunday (before Christmas) Shops may open; it is optional.
- 24 December 2026 · Christmas Eve Shops open, usually closing earlier than normal.
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day Almost everything closed.
- 26 December 2026 · Second day of Christmas Almost everything closed.
- 27 December 2026 · Shops open on Sunday (end of year) Shops may open; it is optional.
- 31 December 2026 · New Year's Eve Shops open, usually closing earlier than normal.
- 4 December 2026 – 12 December 2026 · ✡️ Hanukkah
Greek holidays: full calendar · Jewish holidays: Hebcal – Jewish holidays 5787
What to pack in December
- A warm coat, sweaters and a scarf, especially for evenings.
- An umbrella and waterproof shoes.
- Thessaloniki and the north are colder (on average 3–11°C): a winter coat, gloves and a hat.
Plan your trip
Common questions
What is the weather like in Greece in December?
In December Athens averages 8–15°C, with about 11 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 17–18°C. Warmest place in the table: Crete (Heraklion) (up to 17°C). Thessaloniki: 3–11°C.
Can you swim in the sea in Greece in December?
Too cold for most people: the sea averages 17–18°C. December is not beach season in Greece.
How many rain days are there in Greece in December?
Athens has about 11 rain days on average in December. Most rain days in the table: Athens (11). Autumn and winter can also bring storms, so check the weather warnings before you travel.
Where is warmest in Greece in December?
By the averages in the table, Crete: up to 17°C by day. Coldest is Thessaloniki and the north: 3–11°C.
What should I pack for Greece in December?
A warm coat, sweaters and a scarf, especially for evenings. An umbrella and waterproof shoes. Thessaloniki and the north are colder (on average 3–11°C): a winter coat, gloves and a hat.
← Weather in November · All months · Weather in January →
Sources
Information checked on 4 October 2026. Dates and opening hours change, so check before you travel.
Partner
S.F. Properties · Athens real estateBehind every door in Athens, a new beginningBuying, renting, Airbnb and property care. In Hebrew.Read more →
Partner90%occupancy
New project · Athens Airbnb90% occupancy all year: the Airbnb next to the hospitalsAsi Doron and S.F. Properties, in carefully chosen areas near the hospitals.Read more →