Europe · December
Best time to visit Greece in December 🇬🇷
December in Greece is off-season — extreme weather or closures. generally a tough month — extreme heat, monsoon, deep cold or widespread closures. Plan carefully or pick another country.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Greece? Quick answer
Not ideal — consider another month or country.
| Verdict for December | Off-season — extreme weather or closures |
| Average temperature | 14°C high / 8°C low |
| Rainy days | ~8 days |
| Crowds | low |
| Prices | low |
| Events this month | Christmas markets Thessaloniki |
| Peak months overall | May, June, July, September, October |
| Insider tip | Late September is the smartest week of the year for Greek islands. |
Greece year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Greece are May, June, July, September, October. December isn't one of them — consider shifting your dates or seeing alternatives below.
What Greece is like in December
Cool and quiet — Athens lively for the holidays; Crete a mild winter escape. May, Jun, Sep, Oct are the sweet spot. Many islands shut down Nov–Apr. Athens is fine year-round.
Insider tip
Late September is the smartest week of the year for Greek islands.
December by region in Greece
Athens & mainland
shoulderApr–Jun & Sep–Oct ideal.
Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros)
off-seasonOpen ~mid-Apr to late Oct. Aug is hot, busy, expensive.
Crete & Rhodes
shoulderLonger season Apr–Oct.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Greece in December
Is December a good time to visit Greece?
Not really — most travellers should shift dates or pick another country. December in Greece is off-season — extreme weather or closures. Expect average highs around 14°C and lows near 8°C, with roughly 8 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Greece in December?
Average daily high around 14°C, low around 8°C, with about 8 rainy days. Cool and quiet — Athens lively for the holidays; Crete a mild winter escape.
What events or festivals happen in Greece in December?
Key events in December include Christmas markets Thessaloniki.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Greece in December?
Prices in December are typically low — one of the cheaper windows, with low crowds.
Should I book Greece in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.