I've received a couple of emails recently about visiting Greece in January and February. Here's my travel tips and advice for visiting Greece in winter.
Visiting Greece in Winter
If you're planning to visit Greece in January or February, these frequently asked questions and answers might be of use. Have any other questions about Greece in winter you'd like answering? Leave a comment below and I'll get back to you!
1. 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!
2. Do archaeological sites in Greece have shorter opening hours in winter?
Answer: yes they do! 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 15.00, but the Acropolis Museum does open until 20.00, so you can plan your day around that.
Check out this article for more: Things to do in Athens in winter.
3. 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.
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!
4. 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.
5. 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 earlier on in the month. 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!
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.
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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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