Have you ever wondered what visiting Greece in January and February is like? Here's my travel tips and advice for visiting Greece in winter.
Visiting Greece in Winter
Are the months of January and February a good time of year to visit Greece? It's a question quite a few readers have asked, and so I thought to put all the information here in one place.
Before we start though, I should make clear that visiting Greece in January and February has its pros and cons.
On the positive side, you'll have bargain prices for hotels, there'll be very few tourists, and you could try out a ski resort in the mountains.
On the negative side, there will be occasional rain, some Greek islands will be virtually closed for winter, and you won't really be lazing around on the beach.
If you're visiting from Northern Europe or Northern America, you might find the weather pleasantly mild compared to your own winters. If you're visiting Greece from Asia, you might find January a bit too chilly to be comfortable.
Greece in January and February
If you're planning to visit Greece in January or February, these frequently asked questions and answers might be of use. Let's start off with an obvious one, and build up from there!
What season is Greece in January?
As with all of Europe, January in Greece is firmly in the winter season. Although both January and February are the coldest months of the year in Greece, winters are mild compared to the rest of Europe due to its southern location.
Are the Greek islands warm in January?
January is normally the coldest month of the year in the Greek Islands. Gray skies and rain can be frequent in winter, and the sea temperatures are too cold for most people to enjoy swimming.
What is the weather in Greece in January?
Greece has average temperatures of 10°C, with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C in January. Rainfall can vary due to location, for example Athens has 12.6 days of rain and regularly aggregates up to 56.9mm (2.2″) of precipitation.
Is January a good time to visit Athens?
January is a good time to explore Athens, especially as important sites like the Acropolis, and Agora will be much quieter than in summer. Museum lovers will also appreciate being able to take their time in the Athens museums in January rather than feeling they are being rushed along.
It looks like January is off-season so will I be ok to book tours when I get there or should I do it now?
Answer: You could almost definitely book tours a day or two before you want to go, as tour operators will have room. From a practical point of view though, my travel tip is to book in advance.
This is from experience! I'm currently traveling around Asia, and we've spent a surprising amount of time researching and booking tours on the fly.
If we had booked in advance, we'd have more time enjoying the sights and sounds, and less time in front of a computer screen!
Do archaeological sites in Greece have shorter opening hours in winter?
Answer: Archaeological sites in Greece have shorter opening hours in January than in summer. The major ones mostly close at 15.00, so get your sightseeing in early. Minor ones may not open at all. If you are visiting Athens, the Acropolis closes at 17.00, but the Acropolis Museum does open until 20.00, (depending on the day) so you can plan your day around that.
Check out this article for more: Things to do in Athens in winter.
Should I go to Mykonos in January or February?
Answer: This is a difficult one to answer! It really depends what it is you want to get out of Mykonos. You certainly won't be swimming or sunbathing at that time of year!
There won't be much in the way of tourist infrastructure open, but on the other hand, you will get a true taste of Greek island life in off-season. Generally speaking Mykonos and other Greek islands of the Cyclades are not a winter destination.
If you've ever thought of moving to Greece, I'd suggest seeing Mykonos or any of the islands in the winter – Life might be a lot slower than you might expect!
Take a look here for: The best time to visit Mykonos
Should I go to Santorini in January or February?
Answer: I think this is a great time to visit Santorini! Some of the tourist infrastructure will be closed, that's for sure. You might also have to take your chances with the weather. The massive positive side though, is that there are very few tourists at that time of year.
You might also have to take your chances with the weather. Whilst you might have occasional rain, you could also experience sunny days with better photo opportunities than in the summer months. It's a bit of a lottery.
More here: Best time to visit Santorini
What's the weather like in Greece in January and February
Answer: Pretty cold actually! You might have noticed on the news that snow covered Athens in 2019. It's a rare event, but spectacular. Towards the later end of February, the temperatures can pick back up though. It won't quite be shorts and t-shirt weather, but it will be a lot warmer than Northern Europe!
Does Greece have ski resorts?
Yes, you can find ski resorts in Greece in the mountainous regions. The most well known are Mount Parnassos near Arachova, and Kalavrita in the Peloponnese. The ski resorts in Greece are usually open between January and March, weather permitting.
If you've got any questions about visiting Greece in winter, send them through to me by leaving a comment below. I'll do my best to answer them.
You might also be interested in the best time to visit Europe.
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Brian says
Hi Dave, we have spent many wonderful summer holidays in Greece and are now hoping to visit out of season. How wonderful are Greek easters and where would you recommend.?
You’re doing a wonderful job Dave, thank you
Rosie D. says
Hi Dave,
Planning a solo trip to Greece the last two weeks in Feb 2020. I can’t decide on the itinerary tho, from my search it looks like Mykonos will be very quiet. I’m looking for islands that will still have a bit of life, restaurants/cafe options and beautiful views. Ive been going back and forth between Santorini, Crete, Naxos and Paros…I don’t mind doing a couple….any suggestions? I also plan on going to Athens for a couple days. Thank you!!
Dave Briggs says
Hi Rosie,
In February there won’t be much to do on the smaller islands, as the tourists season doesn’t really kick in until after Greek Easter.
I’d give Mykonos a miss completely.
There’s plenty to see and do on Crete all year through, February might be a good time for Santorini as there’s fewer tourists. Naxos would also be a nice one. I’m not sure about Paros to be honest – if you do end up there, let me know what it was like!
For ferryhopping take a look at ferries here – Ferryhopper
Ajay says
Hi Dave
I along with family is in Athens from 31 Jan to 2nd feb, Santorini from 3rd Feb to 5th. I have 4 more days with me as I am in Athens from 5th to 9th. Pl suggest an itinerary to see some other places. I can go by car also for some long drives. Thanks. Ajay
Dave Briggs says
Hi Ajay,
If you’re hiring a car, you can take a mini road tip to include Delphi, Meteora and possibly Thessaloniki.
Take a look here for road trip ideas in Greece.
Teresa Yee says
Hi Dave
My apologies if you’re holidaying.
We’re a family of 4 stopping in Athens before reaching the UK. We have approximately 5 days. Reaching Athens midnight 24/1 to 28/1 midday.
Thinking of visiting either Santorini or Mykonos.
1. In your opinion, best bet would be? Santorini, Mykonos or any other island?
2. Day trips recommended for islands?
3. We do not mind flying to save time.
Thanks!
Dave Briggs says
Hi Teresa,
In my opinion it would be a waste to go to Mykonos, so you could safely strike that from the list.
Santorini would give you the option to fly, it won’t be too busy either at that time of year.
If you stay overnight, consider staying in Fira.
Keep in mind the January weather can be unpredictable!
The other option is to stay in Athens, and take an island trip to Hydra and other islands.
Consider these guides for further reading:
Athens 3 Day Itinerary – What to do in Athens in 3 days
Best Day Trips From Athens Greece (Delphi, Meteora, Sounion)
Santorini Travel Blog
Enjoy your time in Greece!
Hetal says
Hi Dave,
I and my Husband are travelling to Greece for our honeymoon in Jan 2020. Our itinerary is as such :
22nd – 23rd Jan – Athens
24th – 28th Jan – Santorini
29th – 2nd Feb – Sight seeing in Athens, do a day trip to Hydra – Poros – Aegina cruise and 2 day trip to Delphi & Meteora.
We want to enjoy nightlife in Santorini & Athens? Do you have any suggestions?
Also would you recommend 2 day trip to Syros instead of trip to Delphi & Meteora.
Also wanted to know about public transportation on islands (Santorini/Syros). We don’t want to rent a car.
Dave Briggs says
Hi,
I think your itinerary looks good.
I would recommend Delphi and Meteora over Syros because of the time of year you are visiting. Syros would be better in summer months I feel.
On Santorini, you can get around by bus although there may be more restrictive services in Jan/Feb. Taxis are available, but at a price of course. However, if you are staying in either Oia or Fira in any case, you can see a lot on foot.
Further reading:
Santorini Travel Guide – Also look for the article on hiking Fira to Oia
2 days in Athens – Sightseeing itinerary
2 day Athens – Delphi – Meteora tour – A good example of the 2 day tour from Athens.
Congratulations on your marriage – have a great honeymoon, and enjoy your time in Greece!
Rachel Pickett says
Hi Dave,
My friend and I are going to Greece in (early) February 2020. We will be in Greece for 4 days- including travel time. We have a hotel in Athens and a day trip scheduled in Delphi. We’d love to explore at least one island. We’re going back and forth between Crete, Milos, and Santorini. Which would you recommend? Thanks!
Dave Briggs says
Hi Rachel,
I’m not sure that 4 days will give you enough time for an island as well.
If you do decide to choose one, make it Santorini – but only if you can find flights that suit your timetable.
In my opinion, Crete is too big to even attempt, and Milos will be virtually closed down because of the winter months.
Sarah says
Hi,
We are planning to go to Greece in February 2020 with a baby. We don’t plan to rent a car. We are thinking about going to Kea, but I can’t find a ferry schedule listed for February. Do you know if the ferry still runs daily then? Do you have recommendations for Kea?
Do you have recommendations for baby friendly places to stay?
Thank you!
Sarah
Dave Briggs says
Hi Sarah,
It looks like there are ferry schedules online for Kea.
You would leave from Lavrio port (about 1.5 hours by bus from central athens).
Check out Ferryhopper for timings.
I would, however, question what you aim to get out of going to Kea. I’m not sure there’s much to see there in February (unless you are seeing family of course), and you would really need a car to get around Kea.
Susie says
Hi Dave,
I am planning a trip from mid Jan to end Jan 2020. About 16 days. Will the weather be very cold? We would love to sight-see and mostly to try out the various Greek food and wine and coffee. Do we need to drive to travel around in Greece?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Susie,
Yes it’s likely to be cold at that time of year. Many sites will have closing hours closer to 15.30, so you’d need to plan accordingly.
You can travel around the country on bus and train, but I would say that a car gives more flexibility.
From Athens, you can visit Meteora and Delphi on a combined two day trip which could be an option.
For itinerary ideas, check out this post – 10 days Greece.
Note: Whilst Santorini may be a nice option in January, I’d say not to bother with Mykonos as it will be very quiet, and too cold to go to beaches.
For good food, wine and drink, consider Crete!
Susie Tan says
Dave,
My itinerary is as such:
12 Jan – Arrive in Athens. Spend the night there since reach in the evening.
13 Jan to 15 Jan – Nafplio and Olympia
16 Jan to 19 Jan – Join a 4 days tour (Meteora and Delphi)
20 Jan to 23 Jan – fly to Santorini
24 Jan to 25 Jan – Athens
26 Jan – Home Sweet Home
1. Is it easy to travel from Athens to Nafplio as I don’t intend to drive.
2. How many days should I stay in Nafplio?
3. What about travelling to Olympia from Nafplio and then travelling to Athens from Olympia? Is it difficult?
4. Lastly, is my itinerary above ok?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Dave Briggs says
Hi Susie,
The itinerary looks good!
One thing you might consider is a tour – 4 day tour.
I’ve got q guide on how to get to Nafplio here: Nafplio day trip
Nafplio is a pretty town – one or two nights should be enough though. You might also find a day trip to Olympia from Nafplio rather than stay in Olympia overnight.
Karin says
Hi Dave, we are staying in Athens for 5 days in January of 2020, the wanting to hire a car and drive around for a further 5 days. what areas should we visit, and where would the best place be to base ourselves for day driving trips? Kind thanks
Dave Briggs says
Hi Karin,
During your 5 days in Athens, you may find you have enough time to do one or two day trips if you so wanted (the half day to Temple of Poseidon at Sounion for example).
For your remaining 5 days, keep in mind the following first: If you go to mountainous regions (even near Delphi), you may be required to have snow chains for your tyres in the car. You will need to arrange this with your car hire company.
I think this would make a nice itinerary:
1. Drive out to Corinth, visit Mycenae, drive to Nafplion.
2. Drive over to Epidaurus, and then head toward Patras.
3. From Patras, drive to Delphi, sightseeing, and then up to Meteora
4. Full day sightseeing Meteora
5. Drive back to Athens (you can work out additional stops you might want to make on the way back).
Alternatively, if snow tyres seem a hassle, and you prefer to be based in one place, drive to Nafplion, and then do separate day trips to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nemea, Monemvasia from there.
I hope that helps!
Gia Gale says
Traveling around Crete in January 2020. We’re renting a car and staying in Chania for 3 nights, with the idea of driving east on January 7 and eventually flying out of Herkalion on the morning of January 10. We know we want to arrive in Heraklion at least by evening of January 8/morning of January 9 so we can fit in a trip to Knossos. Any recommendations for what route to take/what to do between leaving Chania on January 7 and arriving in Heraklion on January 8/9? I’m tempted to try driving down to the south coast and staying for a night somewhere (like Matala, Agia Galini?). My thought it this will be a different experience from our stays in the cities like Chania and Heraklion, and maybe we’ll catch a bit warmer weather. But not sure if it will be worth the hassle – will anything be open? Anything to see? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Dave Briggs says
I think the Matala Caves are fun to see even in January, but unless you are a hardened winter swimmer, it will be photos only! You can combine this with visiting the archaeological site of Phasitos (where the famous disc was found), and Gortyna (sometimes spelled Gortys). Arguably, these are actually better sites than Knossos as they are less ‘restored’.
You could then choose a little village to stay at in the area (check booking) if there are any places available for a taste of rural life, or Matala as you suggested.
Kirti says
Hi Dave, I am planning to visit Athens in the first week of February 2020, I realize it will be cold during this time but what is the lowest temperature that one could expect?
Dave Briggs says
I would say prepare for the worst, but hope for the best!
I’ve seen snow in February in Athens, but also experienced warm weather where during the day you could wear a T-Shirt.
As a result, you might experience day time temperatures from 15 degrees to 0. At night it will get chillier.
A fleece and a warm jacket would be advisable to bring just in case.
Elsie Ray says
Planning trip February 2020. Appreciate all tips.
Dave Briggs says
Hi Elsie,
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