Greece in August

Greece › Visiting in August
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Naxos
• Where to Stay in Paros
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Where to Stay in Corfu
• Where to Stay in Rhodes

August is the fiery, frenetic heart of the Mediterranean summer, the time when Greece is at its absolute zenith of heat, energy, and crowds. The sun is undeniable, the sea is as warm as a bath, and a high-octane, celebratory mood buzzes from the mainland to the furthest island. This is not a month for a quiet escape. August in Greece is an embrace of intensity, a full-immersion experience for travelers who thrive on peak-season energy and want to see the country at its most unapologetically vibrant.

Why August?

The Hottest Weather, The Warmest Sea: August guarantees the most powerful sun and the warmest sea temperatures of the year. If your primary goal is a classic beach holiday with hot days and water that feels like silk, this is your month.

Peak Energy and Festivities: The country operates at maximum capacity. The nightlife is legendary, and the major national holiday of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th brings authentic, passionate local festivals (panigiria) to villages across Greece.

The Downsides are Clear: The trade-off for this energy is significant. The heat can be oppressive, the crowds are at their absolute peak for the year, and prices for everything are at their highest.

Athens
Visiting Athens in August is a strategic exercise in heat management. The pro is a unique urban atmosphere; with many Athenians on holiday, non-tourist neighborhoods can feel strangely quiet. The primary con is the brutal daytime heat, which can make walking unbearable and may lead to midday closures of archaeological sites like the Acropolis during severe heatwaves.

Santorini
The island’s volcanic drama is on full display under the brilliant August sun, and the energy in the towns is electric. The cons, however, are significant: the island is extremely crowded, to the point of being uncomfortable in Oia and Fira. You must book hotels, top restaurants, and popular boat tours many months in advance. Expect a mob scene for the Oia sunset.

Mykonos
August in Mykonos is the absolute pinnacle of the international party calendar. The beach clubs host the world’s most famous DJs, and the island is a spectacle of glamour and hedonism. This is the ultimate destination for a high-energy party. The cons are the extreme costs and crowds. Reservations, made far in advance, are essential for everything from a beach bed to a dinner table.

Crete
The great advantage of Crete in August is its sheer size, which allows it to absorb the crowds far better than smaller islands; you can still find pockets of tranquility. The sea is wonderfully warm, and the options for dining and exploration are endless. The cons are the oppressive heat, which makes any strenuous activity like hiking a challenge, and the fact that hubs like Chania and famous beaches like Elafonisi will be packed.

Naxos
The magnificent sandy beaches of Naxos are the island’s main draw in August, and the warm, clean water is perfect for swimming. The main town, Chora, is very lively. The major con is that the island is at peak capacity, especially with Italian and Greek families, making the most popular beaches very crowded.

Paros
The town of Naoussa is at its most cosmopolitan and buzzing in August, a truly exciting hub of style and energy. The island’s beach club scene is in full swing. The cons are that it is exceptionally crowded, and the infrastructure can feel strained. Finding accommodation without booking far ahead is nearly impossible.

Rhodes
August in Rhodes guarantees a hot, classic beach holiday with very warm sea temperatures. The vast, medieval Old Town is alive every night with thousands of visitors. The main cons are the intense heat, which can make visiting the Acropolis of Lindos a true physical challenge, and the fact it is a major package holiday hub at maximum capacity.

Corfu
The Ionian Sea around Corfu is beautifully warm for swimming, and the island’s famous green landscape is a key attraction. The cons are the high humidity, which can make the heat feel more potent, and the extreme crowds, as August is the peak month for package tours from across Europe.

Smaller Islands & Other Groups
For a well-traveled visitor, escaping the frantic energy of the main islands is the key to a successful August trip. This is the time to explore more remote destinations. In the Cyclades, consider islands like Sifnos or Folegandros, which maintain a more traditional character even in August. The Small Cyclades group, including Koufonisia and Schinoussa, offers some of the best swimming in Greece with a fraction of the crowds. The quieter Ionian islands like Ithaca or Meganisi are also excellent refuges. These places are still busy, but the scale and pace are far more manageable.

Mainland Greece: This is the hottest and most oppressive month on the mainland. The heat in the archaeological heartlands of the Peloponnese and the plains of Thessaly near Meteora can be brutal, making extensive touring very difficult. Travel should be focused almost exclusively on the coast. Any visit to an ancient site should be undertaken as a quick dash in the first hour after opening, and even then, be prepared for high temperatures. Be aware that during severe heatwaves, authorities may close outdoor sites for safety.

Embracing the Sea: This is not just an activity; it is a daily survival strategy. The best hours of the day are spent in the water, whether on a boat or at a beach. Boat tours on Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Rhodes are highly recommended.

The Panigiri (Festival): If your visit coincides with the August 15th holiday, seek out a local village festival (panigiri). These celebrations, with local food, music, and dancing, are a fantastic and authentic cultural experience.

Nightlife: From sunset beach parties to all-night superclubs, the nightlife across the islands is at its absolute peak.

Hiking: This is not the month for hiking. It is strongly advised to avoid any mid-day hikes due to the extreme daytime heat and risk of heatstroke.

Booking, Prices, and What’s Open: August is the most expensive month to visit Greece. Flights and hotels are at their absolute highest prices. You must book everything many months in advance. Spontaneity is not possible.

Getting Around: All transportation operates at maximum frequency but is also at maximum capacity. Book all tickets well in advance, as popular routes will be sold out.

What to Pack: Pack only the lightest, most breathable summer clothing like linen. A reusable water bottle for constant hydration, the strongest available sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses are essential health items.

What to Be Aware Of: The Meltemi wind is at its strongest in August. This powerful northern wind brings welcome relief from the heat but can be disruptive, causing rough seas, ferry delays or cancellations, and making some beaches extremely windy.

For Couples: August is for couples who thrive on high energy. The key to a romantic trip is to create a private oasis. Splurge on a hotel with a private plunge pool to escape the crowds, and embrace the late-night culture of seaside dinners and cocktails after the sun has set. A private sunset catamaran cruise is an excellent way to find intimacy away from the busy island centers.

For Families: A family trip in August requires strategic planning. The pool or beach will be the center of your afternoons. Plan only one activity for the early morning, and avoid ambitious sightseeing in the midday heat. Islands like Naxos are famously family-friendly, but be prepared for its popular beaches to be very busy.

For Party-Goers and Sun Worshippers: This is your month. The weather, the sea, and the energy are precisely what you are looking for.

For Budget Travelers & Those Seeking Quiet: August should be avoided. The costs are at their peak, and tranquility is very hard to find.