Greece Weather in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers

February is in the winter low season. Though mostly cool, the weather is mild and sunny enough in most of the country to enjoy being outside during the day and the rainfall average is low. We recommend sightseeing in Athens, scenic hikes in the north and islands of the south, and even skiing in Parnassos.

Averages:

• Temperature range: 8–15°C (46–59°F)
• Rainfall: 7 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 13
• Sunshine hours/day: 4 hours

Read on for our weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rainfall, places to go, and travel tips…

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Climate Comparison (Averages) for Greece's Top Tourism Areas

February's weather often feels mild and pleasant at low elevations because it is sunny almost half the daylight hours. There might be snow in the mountains, however. Most of the country has daytime highs that average about 15°C (59°F), and there is moderate to low rainfall.

Northern Greece: Northern Greece's weather is colder and because the climate is more continental. This means that cold air masses from Europe bring higher winds, storms, snow and more frost. Generally, lowland areas such as Thessaloniki have temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 2°C (36°F). The higher the elevation, the more the snowfall.

Southern Greece: The climate in the south is generally Mediterranean. The sea makes the temperatures milder. Sightseeing, touring, and hiking activities are not affected by the weather as much as in the north and often feels mild and comfortable, even in the evenings.

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Best Places to Visit in Greece in February

February is an especially good time to walk and tour around Greece's extensive ancient ruins, go on extended hikes, and visit the modern urban highlights and museums during low season with less tourists around you. You could also ski. In the evenings, you can relax enjoying Greece's high-quality food in the warm and cozy restaurants.

1. Athens — Tour the Ancient Acropolis Hill

Athens' weather is usually mild and pleasant in February, and it is fairly sunny. There are only about 11 days of rain on average, but the rainfall is quite low and usually falls short and light. While the tourist crowds are gone in the low tourism season, enjoy walking around and seeing the ruins on the large park area on Acropolis Hill.

See the exhibits in the unpretentious and simple Agora Museum at the base of the hill and get a grasp of the long history of the Acropolis and the Agora. The Acropolis itself is imposing and originally dates from 138 BC!

Doing an extensive tour of the large 15-hectare (37-acre) area including Mar's Hill, Dionysus, and the Odeon amphitheater in bright Greek sunshine may leave you in need of refreshment. Conveniently, the road up to the Acropolis has cafés and hotels. The Acropolis and Parthenon close at 3 pm. The Agora Museum closes at 5.

2. Thessaloniki — Walk through History, Nature and Greek Culture in Cool Weather

In February, the weather warms and dries up enough so that sightseeing and hiking in the Thessaloniki valley area before the crowds come is enjoyable. There are only about 7 days of low rainfall in the month. It is sunny, and the sunny weather makes you feel warmer.

Most travelers enjoy sightseeing, walking around and eating. There are many Roman, Ottoman or Byzantine highlights in the city. The temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 2°C (36°F). You could go to a beach, but the sea temperature is too cold for swimming

Hikers have more fun outside the city walking nature trails such as the one to Nikiti. The Greek food quality is renowned because they emphasize organic and natural farming, and you will love the healthy and unique light flavors. There is an international airport, and driving from Athens takes about 5 hours.

3. Crete — Sightseeing, Hiking, Luxury Resort Stays

Crete is a beautiful place all year round, and in February, with low crowds and low prices, you might enjoy the sea and the mountains more. There are many natural and cultural hiking trails. Samaria Gorge, unfortunately, is not open until April

The weather is milder than in the rest of Greece, but it rains more often, about 14 days each February. The temperatures range from mild highs of about 16°C (61°F) to chilly lows of 8°C (46°F). There are regular snows on the peaks, and skiing is possible.

You might enjoy museum going, and the Heraklion museum is among the best in Greece. Knossos is a major highlight. Most shops and restaurants are closed during this time. From Athens, you can fly to Crete's two airports in an hour.

4. Santorini — Hiking and Sightseeing with Less Crowds

Santorini is the most popular Greek island, but the crowds do not come in February, so you can enjoy the island while prices are low. There are numerous archeological and historical places to visit, and most are open. The 3,600-year-old town of Akrotiri is a highlight.

There is low rainfall and cool or mild temperatures ranging from 10–15°C (50–59°F). This is good weather for walking around the island, since it is usually sunny, and this makes it feel warmer. It snows at times.

Most of the beach clubs, businesses, restaurants, hotels, and shops are closed. Fira, the capital, has most of the open services. Flights from Athens take 50 minutes, and the ferries take between 5 and 7 hours.

5. Parnassos — Ski and Sightsee in the Region

You might not think of skiing in Greece, but if you want to do that, Parnassos is available about 2½ hours from Athens by vehicle. It is the largest and best equipped ski resort in Greece, and the highest route begins at 2,260 meters (7,415 feet).

There are good slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. Good accommodations in Parnassos average about 100 USD per night.

Highlights nearby: Delphi is one of the most famous ancient places in Greece, and it is 75 minutes away. For coastal scenery and fine Greek-style seafood, Galaxdi, a fishing village, is less than two hours away.

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Tips for Visiting Greece in February

Greece seems so much more tranquil, peaceful, and dreamy in winter. So, February is a good time to relax and enjoy the culture, the excellent Greek food, and contemplate the history of the world and life in general. Bargain prices for hotels and flights might aid that!

The weather is conducive for walking and hiking tours in the historical places without the press and rush of crowds. Many tourists enjoy the calm and comfortable days with more solitude and the pleasure of dining in warm cheery restaurants in the evenings.

Closures: Some popular Greek islands close down during winter. The archaeological sites and most of the museums have shorter hours in February than the summer. Most of the major ones close at 3 or 3:30 pm because there is less daylight. Many hotels and restaurants close as they take their winter vacations.

There are no national public holidays in Greece in February.

Festival period: The Carnival runs from February 25 to March 17, 2024. It is not an official public holiday, but it is an Orthodox holiday. It is also a time for parades and parties for about a month each year. Patras Carnival in Patras is one of Europe's largest festivals.

What to Wear in February

You will need a jacket or a coat for comfort in the lowland areas, and if you are planning to go to the mountains or to the north of Greece, bring winter clothing. Have an umbrella or poncho ready for rainy days.

Monthly Weather in Greece