Best Time to Sail in Greece – Weather & Seasons

Over 50% of Nautilus clients travel to Greece each year for their sailing holidays. Greece continues to stand strong in its position within the top sailing destinations in the world. In this article we break down the seasons in Greece, average weather conditions, sailing conditions and answer the all-important question - when is the best time to sail in Greece?

• When is the best time of year to sail in Greece?

• Spring Sailing in Greece

• Summer Sailing in Greece

• Autumn Sailing in Greece

• Winter Sailing in Greece

When is the best time of year to sail in Greece?

The best time of year to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being late June, July, and August.

With its Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters, Greece can provide ideal sailing conditions for a large portion of the year. That being said, Greece does have distinct seasons with regards to sailing so it is important to take this into consideration when planning your yacht charter in Greece.

Spring Sailing in Greece

April, May and early June are the perfect months to travel to Greece for those looking for a quieter yacht charter. The winds are milder, the weather is warm and the islands are in full bloom. With the reduced crowds it allows you to enjoy them to the fullest! Average temperatures are rising, getting up to 20°C by the end of April, 25°C in May and 28°C by mid-June. Sea temperatures in Greece are still fresh at the beginning of spring, warming up nicely for swimming throughout May.

Spring is also a fantastic time to sail in Greece if you enjoy exploring on land as well as on the water. Many of our clients enjoy hiking and mountain biking, activities which can be a little taxing in the peak summer heat. A yacht charter in the spring enables you to carry out all these activities and more.

For many of the Greek islands, spring is the time that they are coming alive again after the quiet winter months. Yachts are back out on the water, cafes, bars and tavernas are re-opening and seasonal workers are happy to be back on their island homes once again. The energy is high, locals are happy to see the tourists returning and people are in good spirits for the start of another summer season.

Flight costs will generally be lower than in peak season, especially if you are travelling outside of the major holiday dates such as Easter and Half-Term. Yacht availability is good and you will also benefit from lower charter prices. Springtime sailing in Greece can be an excellent choice for your yacht charter!

Summer Sailing in Greece

Summers in Greece are hot and dry with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 29°C. The coastal breezes help to ease the summer temperatures, giving the islands and coastal areas a much more bearable heat than inland areas of Greece. This is a fantastic time of year for swimming as the waters are at their warmest and you can explore the vast array of sea life for hours on end!

In the summer months of June, July and August, the islands come alive, a hive of activity catering to the tourists which flock to their shores each year. For many, this buzzy atmosphere is an important part of their travels, whilst others may be keen to avoid the crowds. Even in the summer months it is possible to find your own slice of paradise on a yacht charter in Greece and this is undoubtedly one of the invaluable benefits of chartering your own yacht and creating your own itinerary – you can reach areas of the islands which are mostly inaccessible to other tourists. Sail to secluded beaches or hidden coves where you can spend the night under the stars with little to no company.

The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, providing exhilarating sailing conditions for the more experienced sailors. The wind tends to be strongest in the afternoons and often dies down at night but it can sometimes last for several days at a time. The Meltemi winds mostly affect the Cyclades islands with the Ionian and Saronic being better protected. Those looking for reliable sailing winds will enjoy the summer conditions in the Aegean, Dodecanese or Sporades. For easier sailing, aim for the beginning or end of the summer when the winds are less intense, making for more relaxed sailing conditions. Alternatively, head to the Northern or Southern Ionian or Saronic Gulf for your summer sailing holiday, areas which are less affected by the Meltemi winds.

School summer holidays also fall within these months, making it the perfect time for a family holiday with lots of opportunities for the children to make new friends. Why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays? Or for more family-friendly holiday options, read our article 'Family-friendly Mediterranean Sailing Holidays'.

Autumn Sailing in Greece

Much like springtime, sailing in Greece during the autumn months has many benefits - fewer crowds, milder temperatures and cheaper flight and yacht charter prices to name a few. During September and October, average temperatures come back down to 20-25°C and the sea is still lovely and warm making it a great time for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying water sports. Travelling in these ‘shoulder seasons’ enables you to take in the natural beauty of the islands at a leisurely pace.

Although the majority of our clients travel to Greece during the summer months, we have seen a steady increase in the popularity of sailing holidays during the spring and autumn as more and more of you see the benefits of sailing in the shoulder seasons. Our Greek flotillas also continue to run right through until October, giving you the option of a sociable and supportive sailing holiday throughout the entire sailing season.

Those looking to travel to the Aegean, Dodecanese or Sporades islands may choose a yacht charter during the autumn to avoid the Meltemi winds which can often blow in these areas during July and August. For some inspiration on end of season sailing, read our article ‘Top 5 destinations for end of season sailing in the Mediterranean’.

Winter Sailing in Greece

The winter months are when many of the yachts are out of the water, having their essential yearly maintenance taken care of. Local charter fleets take the opportunity to use this time for rest and charters during the winter months are rare. The majority of rain falls between November and March and sailing conditions are not always ideal. Many of the islands almost shut down for the wintertime with many bars, restaurants, cafes and shops closing. Flights to many destinations in Greece do not operate at this time of year. For idyllic winter sailing, we recommend taking a look at the Caribbean or Tropical destinations. If you are wanting to charter in Europe during the wintertime then consider a Balearics and Canaries Yacht Charter.

Click HERE for more information on our bareboat sailing holiday destinations in Greece.

Click HERE for more information on our flotilla sailing holiday destinations in Greece.