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Is December a good time to visit Greece?

Winter (November - March) is the low season of sunny Greece. While the big islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu entertain visitors all year round, the smaller islands wind down for winter. This would be a wonderful time to visit Greece for a laid-back holiday if you don't mind the cold.



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Greece in December has chilly yet warm winter days, allowing you to explore the best of this incredible country. Picture things like archeological sites and museums to tavernas and charming villages. The weather in Greece in December typically ranges between 48°F and a maximum temperature of 57°F.

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Yes, it'll be cooler, windier, and much, much quieter compared to the summer months, but if your perfect holiday involves loads of walking and hiking by day and cozying up to a good book and a glass of wine by night, you might just fall in love with the Greek Islands in winter.

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December is one of the coldest months in Greece. Average daytime temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F), with colder temperatures in the northern parts of the country and higher elevations. Expect cloudy days and a higher chance of showers. It's recommended to have a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you.

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December is one of the coldest months in Greece. Average daytime temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F), with colder temperatures in the northern parts of the country and higher elevations. Expect cloudy days and a higher chance of showers. It's recommended to have a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you.

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Where is the warmest place in Europe for a winter holiday? The hottest place in Europe in December is probably the Canary Islands. For a warm winter holiday in Europe, the Canary Islands in Spain offer a haven of sunshine and warmth.

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The island is mild or cool at best, with an increase in prolonged bursts of rain. One positive, bizarrely, is the average temperature: being at the very beginning of Greek winter, it's not as cold on average in December as in any of the following three months, with 52-61°F/ 11-16°C the expected ranges right now.

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Greek islands which are smaller and less touristic have a shorter season, larger islands like Crete, Corfu and Santorini have extended seasons sometimes up to full year. Hotels have different opening/closing dates but the general rule for islands is that they open in April and close at end October.

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If you don't plan on hitting the beaches, consider a trip to Greece during the winter. While the weather is cooler (the average temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the crowds are much thinner. In 2023, around 635,000 people visited Greece in January, and a mere 572,500 came in February.

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Yes you can. For the most part the waters at Greek beaches begin to get cold after January. That doesn't mean you'll be hitting the beach and doing what you would do in the summer. Each season has its offerings, beauty and secrets so keep note.

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Some of the best countries to visit during this festive month of December are the USA (especially New York and Vegas for New Year's Eve), Czech Republic (for its fairy tale Christmas in Prague), Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand; as well as Dubai, Hong Kong and Malaysia for amazing shopping!

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Is Crete Warm In December? Daytime temperatures are around 14°C reflecting the winter climate, peaking at 17°C at midday and dropping to 10°C at night. Crete rarely sees temperatures below 10°C anywhere except on its mountains.

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The coldest month in Greece is January, with an average temperature of 55 degrees Farenheit. The warmest month in Greece is July, with an average temperature of 91 degrees Farenheit.

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Visiting Greece Is More Affordable In Winter The numbers drop significantly from October through the winter, and the costs of traveling to the islands become more affordable. Travelers can find excellent deals for flights, accommodations, and tours.

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Winter is the low season in Greece, with crowds and costs at a minimum beginning in November all the way until March. Many tourist attractions have shorter hours and some islands can even close for the whole season.

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The Christmas spirit is very much present in Greece right from the start of December, with lights, festive food and holiday cheer abounding. Christmas markets and fairs spring up across the country, featuring ferris wheels, music and plenty of festive fun.

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Beware, however, that some restaurants, hotels and other establishments begin to close for the season in late October or early November and won't reopen until spring. This is the least popular time to visit Santorini thanks to temperatures in the 50s – hardly pleasant for sunbathing.

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