By Rick Steves
Tourist season in Greece is roughly Easter through October. Peak season is summer, when Athens is packed with tourists, and hotel prices can be high. July and August are the hottest.
The best time to visit is late spring (May) and fall (Sept–Oct). It’s pleasant, with comfortable weather, no rain, and smaller crowds (except during holiday weekends).
Winter (late October through mid-March) is colder, with some rainfall. Sights may close during lunch, tourist information offices keep shorter hours, and some tourist activities vanish altogether. Hotel rates are soft; look for bargains. Avoid the islands in winter, when many hotels and restaurants close, and bad weather can delay or cancel ferries.
