Weather in Greece in October (Warm 20-25°C, 68-77°F)

The weather in Greece in October is warm and pleasant, with sunny days and temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). October can be a great month to visit Greece for an autumn escape.

Before I leap in with my insights to the Greece October weather, I should mention that the photo above was taken in October in the Peloponnese. So yes, the sea is warm enough to swim in Greece in October!

Greece Weather October

Since I moved to Athens in 2015, I've come to appreciate the October weather in Greece.

The scorching hot days of summer are ebbing away, leaving behind a temperature more suited to fully enjoy sightseeing, hiking, and beach time in Greece.

It was definitely more comfortable exploring Knossos in Crete in October with cooler weather than August as you can see from the photo below. Far fewer tourists as well which was a bonus, as October is the shoulder season in Greece!

I personally find the temperatures in Greece in October to be much more relaxing compared to the summer. And, even though there may be some overcast days and a bit of rain every now and again, it's far more comfortable than not being able to sleep at night because it's too hot!

Related: Best time to go to Greece

Temperature in Greece in October

So what is the weather like in Greece in October?

Be prepared for me to roll out an ‘it depends' answer!

Firstly, the weather in Greece is warmer in early October than late October. Secondly, Greece is a geographically varied country with mountains to the north, and islands to the south.

Depending on where in Greece you want to go to, you might experience temperatures from 20 to 25°C (68-77°F) during the days. In Crete, the hottest Greek island in October, you might get surprised by a couple of 30 degree days.

Those temperatures do go lower at night. For the most part, 18 degrees would be as low as it goes in October, but in the mountains of Greece you might get down to 10 degrees.

Put simply, if you want a beach holiday in October in Greece, head to southern islands like Crete, Rhodes and Kos. Preferably early on in October.

If you want to combine beach time with sightseeing and simply relaxing, then almost any time in October would be ok.

Weather in Athens in October

Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Average Sea Temperature: 23°C (73°F)

If you are only visiting Athens, and are interested in sightseeing, museums, shopping and food, October is generally a good choice. You will probably get a bit of rain, but average temperatures will be pleasant overall.

October in Athens is an interesting time, as life is back to normal after the long summer. There will be many events happening, and fewer tourists, as the cruise boat arrivals fade away.

There are still some cruise boats coming into Pireaus, the port of Athens though. Their passengers generally visit the Acropolis and perhaps the Acropolis Museum, and the majority of them leave to go back to the boat by the late afternoon.

This means the city is at its quietest in the afternoons, however some archaeological spaces may also close early. They normally go back to winter schedule (8.00-15.00 or 8.00-17.00) at some point in October.

As for hotels in Athens in October, you will find that you have a lot more choice than if you come in summer, and prices go down. So if you want to visit Athens and budget is a concern, coming over in October will work in your benefit.

Related post: The best time to visit Athens.

Weather in Meteora in October

Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)

One of Greece’s most popular destinations, Meteora, is in the region of Thessaly, a few hours away from Athens. As such, the weather can be very different from the weather in Athens in October.

All in all, you should expect pleasant temperatures, but it can get windy and possibly rainy. Generally speaking, you should aim to visit in early October if you can.

Hint: Bring a windproof – waterproof jacket, just in case.

The best thing about going to Meteora in October is that you will be able to skip the crowds visiting in summer. There's also going to be plenty of affordable hotels in Meteora around.

Weather in Delphi in October

Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F)

Ancient Greece’s “navel of the world”, Delphi, is one of the most important UNESCO sites in Greece.

As the ancient site is up on Mount Parnassos in mainland Greece, the weather will be a little colder than in other places. That said, you are very likely to have sunny days when visiting Delphi in October.

Check the official website for information on opening hours, as it varies: Delphi Opening Hours

If you stay around Delphi overnight, consider the village of Arachova. It's a very pretty place, with great tavernas and food.

Temperatures at night will fall well below 10C / 50F though,and it will be rather damp, so make sure you bring some warm clothes.

Weather in Thessaloniki in October

Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)

The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki, is a unique destination that many visitors have never heard of.

If you are specifically interested in Byzantine monuments, or if you want to visit a city in Greece which is not Athens, Thessaloniki is one of the best choices.

With a relaxed pace and fantastic food, it’s a great weekend break – or you can spend several days if you have time.

Although weather in Thessaloniki in October can get a little rainy and damp, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting. The city is fully alive, the museums are amazing, and as the city is right on the coast you can enjoy views of the Mediterranean at any time.

With plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from, such as this lovely apartment, Thessaloniki should be on your list of places to see in Greece.

Weather in Santorini in October

Average Temperature: 21°C 69°F
Average Sea Temperature: 23°C 73°F

The Mrs and I visited Santorini in October/November 2015, and the weather was really amazing. Although neither of us felt a compelling urge to swim, the temperature was very pleasant and our hike from Fira to Oia was most enjoyable.

In my opinion, going to Santorini in October is actually a great choice. Although there are still several cruise boats arriving on the island, there will be fewer people staying overnight in Santorini.

Most of the tourist businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, will still be open. Accommodation prices will be much lower than in summer – they could be half price, or even less. Take a look here – Santorini sunset hotels.

Given that Santorini’s beaches do not rate highly compared to other beaches in Greece, you should really consider visiting Santorini in October.

This island in the Cyclades has lots more than the beaches to offer, and you could also take one of the most popular day tours, such as a wine tour or a volcano tour.

In terms of getting to Santorini from Athens in October, it might be best to fly, as getting there on a high-speed ferry will not be pleasant if it gets very windy.

Weather in Mykonos in October

Average Temperature: 19°C 66°F
Average Sea Temperature: 22°C 72°F

Mykonos is well-known to be a party island, with most of the wildest parties happening in summer.

If you are going to Mykonos in October, don’t expect any of this atmosphere – in fact, parts of the island begin shutting down for winter. There are still cruise boats coming in though, so don’t expect to be on your own.

If you want to go to Mykonos for the beaches, you will find that they are nowhere near as crowded as in summer. That said, the weather will not be too warm, and many people would find it too cold to swim.

So in this case, October might not be the best time to visit Mykonos, and you should consider going in September instead.

As for hotels in Mykonos in October, they will generally be much better value than in August, and you will be able to book accommodation even last minute.

All in all, if you are just curious to visit Mykonos but swimming or party life are not priorities, October is a good time to visit. You can also visit Delos archaeological space, which should still be open until the end of October.

The best way to get to Mykonos in October would be either by plane or ferry – there are several ferries and highspeed ferries departing on a daily basis from Rafina and Pireaus to Mykonos.

Weather in Naxos in October

Average Temperature: 19°C 66°F
Average Sea Temperature: 22°C 72°F

Just like in Mykonos and Santorini, the weather in Naxos in October might be very variable. Though a swim cannot be guaranteed on the amazing Naxos beaches, the weather on the island should still be pleasant.

As there are many mountain villages to explore, visiting Naxos in October can be a very rewarding experience.

Naxos made it on my list of top islands in Greece to visit in October.

Weather in Milos in October

Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Average Sea Temperature: 23°C (73°F)

Similarly to the other Cycladic islands mentioned above, Milos is best visited when the weather is slightly warmer.

If you visit Milos in October, you should still be able to go on a sailing trip around the island. Whether it’s warm enough to swim at one of the beaches in Milos depends on your tolerance to cold.

At the same time, you will get to experience an upcoming Greek destination at a relaxed time of the year, so if you are looking for authenticity, Milos in October is a good choice.

Weather in Crete in October

Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Average Sea Temperature: 24°C (75°F)

Crete is one of the best Greek destinations to visit in October. With the majority of the tourist crowds and cruise boats gone, you are likely to have some of the beaches and archaeological sites to yourself, especially if you go down south.

If you are after crazy parties and nightlife you might not find exactly what you want, but there are plenty of bar and restaurant options that are open all year round in the main cities on the north – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia – and in many other areas on the island.

Unlike smaller places like Mykonos or Milos, Crete is still very much alive in October. With a population of roughly two thirds of a million people, living mostly in the bigger cities, it will not disappoint you.

Make sure you have enough time to explore the island – though in our experience time spent in Crete is never enough!

Weather in Rhodes in October

Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Average Sea Temperature: 24°C (75°F)

If you aim to go swimming during your visit to Greece in October, Rhodes is one of the safest choices. With a highest temperature at around 25C / 77F during the day and only 5 rainy days on average, it is one of the most pleasant destinations in Greece in October.

The Rhodes weather October allows many locals swim all year round, so if you are coming from a cold country you will love the weather.

In terms of sightseeing, restaurants and accommodation, you will find that things are quite relaxed in Rhodes in October. Though a few places might close down for winter during October, there will be plenty of other choices.

It might be best to stay in Rhodes town, rent a car and explore the island in your own pace, without the hordes of other tourists visiting in summer.

Weather in the Peloponnese in October

Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F)

The Peloponnese, one of our favourite areas in Greece, is a great choice if you are going to Greece in October. It offers many different landscapes and experiences to choose from.

There are never-ending sandy beaches, small coves, rocky mountains, ancient sites in the middle of nowhere, rivers, lakes, monasteries, and so much more – the Peloponnese is one of the richest areas in Greece in terms of culture and landscape diversity.

As you can imagine, the weather in the Peloponnese in October can be quite variable. The southern towns and beaches will overall have higher temperatures, and many locals in Kalamata or Finikounda swim all year long. At the same time, mountainous areas and cities at an altitude will be quite cold.

If you are planning to explore the Peloponnese in October, bring a range of clothes to suit all weathers, and don’t forget an umbrella or a weatherproof overcoat.

In 2017, we enjoyed great weather during October in the Peloponnese, and had plenty of swims throughout our road trip itinerary. Will 2019 be the same? Watch this space!

Related Post: Things to do in the Peloponnese

Further reading: Best places to visit in Europe in October and best time to visit Europe.

Greece Weather in October Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most asked questions about visiting Greece during the month of October, and some answers that may help you plan your trip.

Is October a good month to go to Greece?

Generally speaking, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Greece which means that October is a great month to travel to Greece.

Is it still warm in Greece in October?

The average high-temperature, in October, in Athens, Greece, is 23.5°C (74.3°F), while the average low-temperature is 15.9°C (60.6°F). The islands have more or less the same temperatures, meaning it is still nice and warm in October.

Is October a good time to visit Athens?

The best time for sightseeing in Athens is during months with milder weather such as October. The temperatures are much more pleasant in October when climbing up the Acropolis.

Is Corfu still hot in October?

The weather in Corfu, Greece, is moderately hot. Average October temperature measures between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 13.4°C (56.1°F).

How is Crete in October?

The autumn begins in Crete in October, and so some precipitation can be expected, and on occasion the rainfall will be heavy. Generally though, the temperatures are pleasant and warm and the sun shines for of the most days. Sea temperatures are still very pleasant at around 23°C, meaning it's still nice to swim.