When to Go

High Season: June through August is the most popular time to visit Greece, though June is still relatively quiet. Some islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, can seem uncomfortably overcrowded and ridiculously expensive from mid-July through August, when many hotels charge their highest rates. Athens is fairly empty in August, except for tourists and those who remain to cater to them.

Low Season: Most island hotels are closed in the low season, from mid-October to at least the middle of April, although this is a good time to discover the Peloponnese and other mountainous regions of the mainland. Some islands, including Crete and Rhodes, with their large resident populations, are open for business in the winter, as are Lesvos and other islands that are never that heavily reliant on tourism. This is the season to enjoy everyday life in these places, but you'll forgo beach time and some other outdoor activities. Spring comes early to much of Greece, and with it a profusion of wildflowers in the countryside, so March and April are good hiking months. Though Athens can be cold and humid for much of the winter, the city is lively, entertainment is in full gear, and museums and attractions are not nearly as crowded as they are at other times.

Value Season: With May, September, and October comes a pleasant combination of mild Mediterranean weather and good value. The Aegean may still be too cold for swimming in May but the water remains warm enough for a swim well into October. Island hotels usually open at Easter or in early May; some remain open until the start of November, but many close by mid-October. Spring visits come with the advantage of lengthening hours of sunlight, while earlier sunsets in the fall can curtail sightseeing and beach time.