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Greece weather in March: temperatures, sea and rain
In March Athens averages 9–16°C, with about 8 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 15–16°C. Warmest place in the table: Crete (Heraklion) (up to 17°C). Thessaloniki: 5–15°C.
Temperatures, sea and rain in March
| Place | Temp (min–max) | Sea | Rain days | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 9–16° | 15° | 8 | 40 |
| Thessaloniki | 5–15° | — | 5 | 25 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 10–17° | 16° | 6 | 50 |
| Rhodes | 12–17° | 16° | 6 | 65 |
| Mykonos (Cyclades) | 11–15° | 15° | 7 | 60 |
| Santorini (Cyclades) | 11–16° | 16° | 6 | 65 |
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 March: can you swim?
Too cold for most people: the sea averages 15–16°C. March is not beach season in Greece.
What's open and on in March
- 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)
Holidays and events
- 15 March 2027 · Clean Monday (start of Lent) Most shops closed. Greeks picnic and fly kites.
- 25 March 2027 · Greek Independence Day Most shops closed. Big parade in Athens.
- 22 March 2027 – 23 March 2027 · ✡️ Purim
- 17 January 2027 – 14 March 2027 · Patras Carnival season, Greece's biggest (carnifest.com)
Greek holidays: full calendar · Jewish holidays: Hebcal – Jewish holidays 5787
What to pack in March
- A warm coat, sweaters and a scarf, especially for evenings.
- An umbrella and waterproof shoes.
- Thessaloniki and the north are colder (on average 5–15°C): a winter coat, gloves and a hat.
Plan your trip
Common questions
What is the weather like in Greece in March?
In March Athens averages 9–16°C, with about 8 rain days. The sea around Athens and the islands is around 15–16°C. Warmest place in the table: Crete (Heraklion) (up to 17°C). Thessaloniki: 5–15°C.
Can you swim in the sea in Greece in March?
Too cold for most people: the sea averages 15–16°C. March is not beach season in Greece.
How many rain days are there in Greece in March?
Athens has about 8 rain days on average in March. Most rain days in the table: Athens (8).
Where is warmest in Greece in March?
By the averages in the table, Crete: up to 17°C by day. Coldest is Thessaloniki and the north: 5–15°C.
What should I pack for Greece in March?
A warm coat, sweaters and a scarf, especially for evenings. An umbrella and waterproof shoes. Thessaloniki and the north are colder (on average 5–15°C): a winter coat, gloves and a hat.
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Sources
Information checked on 4 October 2026. Dates and opening hours change, so check before you travel.
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