Your Month-By-Month Guide to Visiting Greece

Wondering about the ideal time to explore Greece? Curious about Santorini's summer weather? Seeking budget-friendly months for Athens travel? Rest assured, we've got you covered. Discover a month-by-month guide to plan your journey. And here's the kicker – when you book through us, exclusive perks come your way, all without additional charges. Your travel dreams, tailored by FinerFlight.

Consider Greece’s climate

Time for a climate chat. Greece boasts a Mediterranean climate, translating to scorching, arid summers and mild, rainy winters. Peak heat arrives in July and August, with mercury levels ranging from 85 to 95 degrees.

Spring and autumn generally offer mild temperatures, though certain spots (mainly the Greek islands) might get a tad brisk in the evenings. If Greece-bound, dodge the rainy patch stretching from December to February. While the rainy season's timing may slightly vary by region, those winter months typically host the most precipitation.

The best times to visit Greece: month-by-month guide

Here’s a month-to month breakdown of Greek weather

January & February

The months of January and February mark the coldest period in Greece, with daytime temperatures hovering around 50 to 60 degrees. If your heart is set on exploring the white-sand beaches of destinations like Mykonos or Paros, these months offer the prime opportunity. Similarly, Greece's major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki become less crowded during this time, as travelers flock to the beaches. For those with a penchant for winter sports, these months are also ideal for visiting Greece's ski resorts.

March & April

March initiates Greece's travel season, attracting a wave of visitors to its Mediterranean Coast and Greek Isles. As the rainfall recedes, temperatures gradually rise to a comfortable 70 degrees. Serving as the early phase of the high season, March and April are optimal for touring cities and embracing the nation's natural beauty. Destinations like Crete and Santorini boast moderate weather during this period, offering a chance to explore with fewer tourists. Though evenings might be chilly and swimming may be less enticing, the advantage of thinner crowds makes it worthwhile.

May & June

Moving into May and June, Greece enters its shoulder season. These months witness increased tourist activity while maintaining consistently pleasant weather across most regions. This period also marks Greece's lush phase, making it perfect for outdoor pursuits like hiking. For nightlife enthusiasts, spots like Mykonos and Zakynthos experience a surge in visitors by early June.

July & August

July and August are peak months in Greece, welcoming a flood of travelers from all corners, particularly to iconic islands like Santorini and Mykonos. This period provides quintessential summer conditions, with hot temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating optimal conditions for bustling beach days.

If you're keen on visiting Greece during these months but seek a quieter ambiance, islands like Milos and Paros serve as splendid alternatives, cherished for their authenticity.

September & October

September brings milder temperatures and reduced crowds, as schools resume and summer vacations conclude. This timeframe is arguably one of Greece's finest seasons to explore, especially for families in search of serene beach outings and family-friendly excursions.

As October unfolds, Greece's landscapes transform into a golden panorama, with vineyards, olive groves, and the countryside painting a picturesque backdrop. While several island resorts close for the season, abundant accommodation options remain available throughout the country.

November & December

November signifies the low season, marked by cooler weather and fewer crowds. However, don't let this deter you, as November offers an authentic travel experience with fewer tourist masses. It's a fantastic time to discover attractions like Athens' ancient Greek temples and embrace cultural exploration. Beyond the lack of crowds, the off-season's allure lies in its affordability. Travelers can often find more budget-friendly options for a trip to Greece during this period.

Finnair Plus Joins Avios

Credits: PointsHacks

In the early months of 2024, Finnair Plus will embrace Avios as its new points currency, joining the ranks of the Avios loyalty program. Before this development, the most recent addition to the Avios ecosystem was Qatar Airways Privilege Club in the spring of 2022.

Current members of Finnair Plus will witness their accumulated points converted into Avios using a 3:2 ratio. Notably, Finnair assures that the points' value will remain unaffected, intending to scale redemption costs at the same 3:2 ratio. This implies that utilizing Avios to book Finnair flights might be marginally cheaper than using Finnair Plus points, although the difference may not be substantial. Furthermore, post-integration, members will enjoy the freedom to transfer Avios between various existing "flavours" of Avios and Finnair Avios. This will allow points to move from transferable points currencies to other Avios flavors and subsequently into Finnair Avios as required.

This shift holds positive implications for North American Miles & Points enthusiasts. British Airways Executive Club, with its numerous transfer partners in both Canada and the US, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and more, will see increased accessibility.

The transition also brings news of Finnair's intention to increase the availability of "Saver" award seats. On long-haul routes, a minimum of two business class, two premium economy, and four economy award seats will be offered on every flight.

Intra-European flights will similarly offer at least two business class and four economy award seats per booking. Finnair's current US destinations, including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle, will benefit from these enhancements.

While precise details, including the transition date, remain undisclosed, Finnair's shift to the Avios ecosystem will also accompany the adoption of a revenue-based earning model. This model, akin to British Airways' earlier announcement, revolves around earning Avios and elite status tiers through expenditure rather than distance flown.

Notably, this diverges from the British Airways Executive Club's approach, where Tier Points remain connected to the distance-based model. This evolution aligns with a broader industry trend, as British Airways, Iberia, and North American airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United have embraced or plan to adopt the revenue-based model.

The revenue-based earning model rewards passengers who invest in full-fare tickets for premium cabins, whereas those opting for discounted fares across various classes may accrue fewer points than in a distance-based model.

While specifics of the revenue-based model's structure for points and status tiers will be revealed in due course, the transition represents a significant transformation for Finnair Plus, aligning it with modern trends and offering enhanced opportunities for loyal travelers.

In summary, by 2024, Finnair Plus will integrate Avios as its currency, anticipated around spring. This change will be accompanied by increased availability of award seats, the adoption of a revenue-based earning model, and a broader alignment with contemporary industry practices. Further details are anticipated in the coming months, signaling an exciting journey ahead for loyal Finnair travelers.

Four Seasons Greece Guide: The Insider's Take on Four Seasons Athens

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

The Four Seasons Astir Palace sits on the Lemos Peninsula in a glitzy area known as the Athens Riviera. The property is often referred to as the Four Seasons Athens due to its proximity to the city (driving from Athens proper takes anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on traffic)... but it's worth noting that the hotel is a destination in itself, rather than a city hotel. Think of it as NYC to the Hamptons: while the Four Seasons is not the best place to stay if you're sightseeing in Athens, it boasts a dazzling setting on the Greek coast that makes for a relaxing (and conveniently located) coastal getaway. We're talking private beaches, infinity pools and towering cliffs flanking views of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

Our two cents? Check in to the Four Seasons as your last stop in Greece. Whether you stay in Athens proper to check off the Acropolis at the start of your trip or before you venture here (to the Athens Riviera), the hotel's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for R&R following island hopping and city adventures. The Four Seasons is also closer to the airport than Athens proper (again, we’re all about the convenience).

By the way, when you book Four Seasons through us, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Reach out today to learn more & book.

Located in the uber-trendy neighborhood of Vouliagmeni, famous for its woodland-meets-bay location and lavish beachfront homes, this five-star luxury Four Seasons hotel is as beautiful as it is historic. Before it was a Four Seasons, the 1960s modernist property was known for hosting legends like Frank Sinatra and Aristotle Onassis. Later, the hotel underwent a major renovation and opened to guests as the Four Seasons Astir Palace in 2019. The hotel also has the notable distinction of being the first and only Four Seasons hotel in Greece.

The Four Seasons Athens is made up of three distinct properties: Nafsika, Arion and Bungalows & Suites, each with their unique vibe. Nafsika is the most luxe option and Bungalows & Suites are more affordable (but this is Four Seasons, after all, so the rates are relative). Arion lands in the middle. But you can't go wrong, as all accommodations across these three properties are thoughtfully designed. Your Fora Advisor can not only steer you to the best accommodation for your travel style, but can level-up your hotel stay with killer perks. Read on for a few more reasons we love the Four Seasons Athens.

This guide is for the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, but if you're heading across the pond and want to live it up at another Four Seasons hotel, we got you. Check out San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel (for a White Lotus moment) or the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel in the South of France. Now, back to Greece...

1. You’ll never have to (or want to) leave

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Guests are spoiled for choice with on-site activities & restaurants. For dining, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, with Japanese-meets-Peruvian fare, Latin American cuisine and quintessentially Greek dishes. Don't miss the Kyma Pool Bar, with its poolside gelato stand. Couples: if you want to enjoy a truly romantic meal, arrange a private dining experience upon check-in for you and your partner. Meanwhile, Aristotle’s Bar & Cigar Lounge promises a classy affair with fine whiskeys, cognacs and world-class cigars. And the Michelin-starred Pelagos promises elevated Mediterranean cuisine (yes please).

Days at the Four Seasons Athens are spent poolside, or beachside at one of the resort’s three private beaches (need we say more?). The on-site activities are impressive: active options include hitting around at the tennis courts and working out at the fitness center. There’s a variety of water sports on offer, too, from sea kayaking to paddle boarding & wakeboarding.

Slower-paced activities (aside from beach-going & pool-lounging, of course) include pottery lessons or a treatment at the on-site spa, which is the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. Treatments here are holistic and bespoke, incorporating iconic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and rosemary.

If you’re traveling with little ones, the Kids' Club is is top-notch. For more family travel inspiration, check out our guide to the best Greek islands for families.

2. Ultra-special adventures

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Another reason we love the Four Seasons Athens? The day trips and excursions are the crème de la crème.

Let’s say you want to enjoy an olive oil tasting (this is Greece, after all). Or, get on the water with a boat tour of the Athens Riviera. The hotel offers tours that visit other islands, like Hydra and Spetses, for lunch. If wine tasting is more your speed, the concierge can arrange a private tour and tasting at a local wine museum. Customized experiences like cooking classes and neighborhood tours (including of Vouliagmeni) can be arranged. The Four Seasons Athens also has special excursions that will enthrall children, from a visit to the Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Center to a family-friendly tour of the city’s historic center. 

Looking to explore Athens? The hotel has you covered. (Though again, if you're traveling to Athens for the day, traffic could make it a significant four-hour round-trip.) The hotel can organize transportation and set you up with a knowledgeable travel guide for a tour of the Acropolis and other must-visit sites. If ancient Greek mythology is more your passion, the hotel can whisk you away to Poseidon’s Temple or the complex of Delphi.

3. Accommodations to suit every type of traveler

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

The Four Seasons Athens offers a ‘three resorts in one’ experience. (And while we love this variety, choosing the best accommodation can be a daunting task. This is where your FinerFlight comes in. They can help you find the very best option for your travel style, and unlock killer hotel perks in the process.)

Across all three Four Seasons hotels, rooms are spacious, private and utterly stunning — granting you unparalleled views and access to pools and private beaches. Options range from sleek guest rooms & suites to standalone, ocean-facing bungalows with private pools.

For groups and families, we love the suites with private terraces overlooking the pine trees. One of our favorites is the ocean-facing Arion Royal Suite, which can easily accommodate up to four adults. The suite has a private outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, two full marble bathrooms, two king-sized beds and two rollaway beds. 

The bungalows are the original setting of the property, and are packed with character & charm. You can opt for a bungalow with your choice of sea views or woodland views, both of which afford you a private terrace and infinity pool. (P.S: The Four Seasons Athens is one of the best resorts on Greece for couples and is a fantastic choice for a Greece honeymoon.)

Fora Perks:

• When you book Four Seasons through FinerFlight, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.