When is the best time to sail in Greece?
The best time of year to visit Greece on an idyllic sailing holiday is between April-October.
In this blog, we’re shining the spotlight on Greece, one of our favourite sailing destinations. With beautiful islands, exceptional cuisine, secluded beaches only accessible by boat, and a trove of ancient ruins to uncover, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with on a Greek sailing charter.
We’ll be focusing on the best time of year to go to Greece, looking at the weather, cost, and peak season. You can also learn more in our blog on the best time to sail the Mediterranean.
When is the best time of year to go to Greece?
Greece’s sailing season runs between April-October, with the high season being June, July and August, much like our other Mediterranean destinations in Italy and Croatia.
Why are June, July and August considered to be the peak season in Greece?
There are many reasons why June-August is the best time to sail in Greece.
- Temperature. During the summer months, Greece enjoys warm and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 17-33°C, the ideal for sunbathing up on the deck of your state-of-the-art catamaran, monohull or power yacht.
- Sailing Conditions. The Meltemi winds are at their strongest in July and August, which can create challenging but thrilling conditions that sailors will love whether you’re on a bareboat, skippered or crewed charter.
- Atmosphere. The summer months attract a lively atmosphere to the islands, with bustling harbours, waterfront restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This creates a fantastic, sociable environment for your sailing charter.
- Social opportunities. The popularity of Greece during June, July and August also means there are plenty of opportunities for children to make new friends.
- Cuisine. Greece is home to one of the most popular and exquisite cuisines in the world. All year round you’ll find delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy, but some of the summer specialities include Grilled Octopus, Greek Salad and Briam.
- Cultural events. The peak season in Greece has lots of festivals and cultural events where you can moor up and enjoy traditional music, dance, and local celebrations on various islands, allowing you to immerse yourself into local culture. Some of the key cultural events and festivals in Greece during the peak season include Orthodox Easter, Rockwave music festival and the August Moon Festival.
When is the worst time to sail in Greece?
If you’re wondering about the worst time of the year to visit Greece on a sailing charter, we’d avoid the winter months. Greece experiences colder, wetter and windier weather from November-March, as is common across the whole of Europe.
Both of our bases in Athens and Corfu close from November-March every year, reopening as the sun begins to shine at the end of March, ready for a sizzling summer season. Take a look at our blog on the best winter sun destinations to find amazing alternatives.
Off season VS peak season in Greece
We understand that some people may prefer to avoid the peak season in Greece, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your idyllic yacht charter. Booking your sailing getaway between April-May or September-October ensures you’ll still have a picture-perfect holiday.
What are the benefits of booking a yacht charter outside of the peak season in Greece?
- While April-May and September-October sit outside the peak season in Greece, they’re still part of the official sailing season which means you can expect brilliant sailing conditions for beginner sailors and experienced sailors alike.
- These months bring calm seas and clear waters, providing excellent visibility for underwater exploration and snorkelling. The vibrant marine life and colourful reefs around the Greek islands make for a magical charter.
- You’ll avoid the crowds if you book your yacht charter outside of the peak season in Greece. Whether you’re looking for a private, romantic charter as a couple or planning a detox holiday where you can switch off from the world, April-May and September-October are the perfect times to enjoy the beauty of Greece to yourself. Less crowds also means more opportunities to engage and interact with locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.
- Much like June, July and August, these months enjoy longer daylight hours which means more time sailing, exploring, and immersing yourself into Greek culture.
- One of the main reasons to travel either side of the high season is to keep costs down. As it’s less busy, you’ll also find lower costs for everything from mooring fees to excursion prices.
Whenever you decide to set sail around Greece, our priority is ensuring you have a safe, smooth and stylish holiday. From our supportive base staff to the comprehensive pre-charter briefing, you can relax in the knowledge that we’re here to look after you. For more safety information, including insights about the cruising grounds, take a look at the ‘useful information’ pages for Corfu and Athens.
Tips for choosing when to visit Greece
Are you still considering when to sail in Greece for your next holiday? Here are our top tips for deciding when to visit Greece:
- Consider the people you’re embarking on your blissful Greek sailing charter with. They may have their own preferences or requirements that can help you choose a date.
- Think about whether you want a peaceful, private holiday or a more lively, sociable charter.
- Are there any specific events happening in Greece that you want to go to? There may also be specific activities or attractions that are better to do at particular times of the year. Take a look at our Athens sailing itineraries and Corfu sailing itineraries for inspiration.
- Set your budget before you do anything else. You can work out the best time of year to sail in Greece within your budget.
Whether you set sail on a power charter in May or a bareboat charter in July, we can’t wait for you to uncover the treasures that await you in Greece. To take your holiday to new heights and ensure you’re sailing responsibly, check out our top tips for eco-friendly sailing. You can also learn more about our sustainable travel policies and updates.
If you have any questions about the best time to visit Greece or want to learn more about our bases in Athens and Corfu, please get in touch with us today.
Choose your base, build a quote and book your blissful, relaxing Greek sailing holiday today.
Contributor
ameliamiles
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