Greece › Visiting in June
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
June is one of my favorite months to visit Santorini. The caldera hike from Fira to Oia is spectacular.
June is the golden entryway to the Greek summer, a month of brilliant sunshine and vibrant energy that arrives before the absolute peak intensity (crowds and heat) of July and August. The weather is officially hot, the sea has warmed to a perfect temperature for swimming, and the days are at their longest, filled with light from early morning until late evening. The summer season is in full swing, with every restaurant, beach club, and hotel buzzing with a cheerful, international crowd. For travelers seeking a balance of a lively atmosphere and perfect beach weather without the overwhelming peak-season crowds, June is a spectacular choice.
Why June?
Ideal Summer Weather: June delivers reliable summer heat and virtually endless sunshine. The days are consistently hot, perfect for a beach-focused holiday, while the evenings are wonderfully warm, allowing for outdoor dining every night.
Warm Seas for Swimming: This is a key advantage over the spring. By June, the Aegean and Ionian seas have had months to warm up, reaching temperatures that are perfect for long, leisurely swims and watersports.
Vibrant but Manageable Crowds: The summer crowds have arrived, but the island and city centers are still manageable. You get the fantastic energy and buzz of the high season without the shoulder-to-shoulder experience of late summer.
Full Operations: Unlike the shoulder seasons, everything is guaranteed to be open in June. From the smallest taverna to the biggest nightclub in Mykonos, the country’s entire tourism infrastructure is running at full capacity.
Athens in June is busy but still manageable. Do buy Acropolis tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Athens
June in Athens is hot, vibrant, and full of life. The city’s outdoor culture is at its peak, with sidewalk cafes, open-air cinemas, and rooftop bars buzzing every night. This is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s modern energy. The con is the heat; sightseeing at major archaeological sites like the Acropolis must be done in the early morning to avoid the powerful midday sun, and afternoons are best spent in air-conditioned museums.
Santorini
The weather in June is perfect for enjoying Santorini’s signature features: lounging by a caldera-view infinity pool and watching the iconic sunset. The island is stunningly beautiful and fully open for business, with a fun, energetic atmosphere. The cons are that it is now very busy and expensive; the famous sunset spots in Oia will be crowded, and you must book top hotels and restaurants well in advance.
Mykonos
June is when the legendary party season in Mykonos truly ignites. The world-famous beach clubs are hosting major events, the restaurants are buzzing, and the nightlife in Mykonos Town is electric. For those seeking energy, glamour, and a high-end beach scene, June is great. It’s not quite the July-August peak, but close. The obvious cons are the expense and the crowds. This is not a destination for a quiet, budget-friendly getaway.
Crete
With its vast size, Crete in June offers a perfect mix of experiences, from lively towns to remote beaches. The sea is warm enough for swimming on both the north and south coasts, and all attractions are open. The main con is the heat, which makes hiking the Samaria Gorge a serious undertaking that requires a very early start. A rental car is essential, and you should be prepared for busy roads in popular areas.
Naxos
June is when the focus on Naxos shifts from its green interior to its world-class beaches. The sea is now warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying the long, sandy stretches of Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios. The main town is lively, but the con is that the island loses some of the unique green beauty of spring as the landscape begins to dry under the summer sun.
Paros
The beautiful harbor of Naoussa is in full swing, offering a chic and lively atmosphere that is a perfect taste of the Cycladic summer. The island’s beach clubs are starting to buzz, and there is a nice energy across the island. The cons are that it is now officially crowded and popular, and booking accommodation and rental vehicles well in advance is a must.
Rhodes
June in Rhodes guarantees hot weather and warm seas, making it a reliable choice for a classic beach holiday. The magnificent medieval Old Town is alive with visitors, and its size allows it to absorb the crowds well. The downside is that the heat can be intense, and like Crete, it is a destination in itself rather than an easy part of a multi-island trip.
Corfu
Corfu in June offers a fantastic combination of lush, green landscapes—a holdover from its wetter spring—and perfectly warm Ionian sea temperatures. The island is vibrant and beautiful, with plenty to explore beyond the beaches. The cons are that it can be quite humid, and as a major package holiday destination for European travelers, its most popular resorts and beaches will be very busy.
Smaller Islands & Other Groups
June is a great time to find a slightly more relaxed atmosphere on less famous but equally beautiful islands. In the Cyclades, Milos is spectacular for exploring unique volcanic beaches by boat, while Folegandros offers dramatic cliffside scenery as a quieter alternative to Santorini. The Sporades islands, like Skiathos and Skopelos, are lush and green with fantastic beaches. For a quick and easy trip from Athens, the Saronic Islands like Hydra and Spetses are perfect, offering charm and history close to the capital.
My boys playing in a Crete swimming pool in late June.
Mainland Greece: The summer heat arrives in earnest on the mainland in June. Days are long, hot, and sunny. This is a great month to enjoy the coastal towns of the Peloponnese and the beaches of the Athens Riviera. A trip to the monumental inland sites like Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora is still very rewarding, but it is essential to visit them in the early morning to avoid the strong midday sun.
Beach Life and Swimming: This is the number one activity in June. The weather is hot, the water is clear and warm, and the atmosphere at the beaches is lively.
Watersports and Boating: With warm seas and predictable winds, June is ideal for sailing, sea kayaking, and chartering a boat to explore hidden coves. A Santorini boat tour in June is absolutely wonderful.
Nightlife and Dining: The nightlife scene is in full swing. This is the month of long, leisurely dinners at seaside tavernas that stretch late into the night, followed by cocktails at bustling bars. On party islands like Mykonos, the clubs are hosting major DJs.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventure: This requires caution. Hiking is still possible on islands like Crete and Naxos, but it is essential to start at sunrise to finish before the powerful midday sun hits.
Booking, Prices, and What’s Open: June is high season. Expect premium rates for flights and hotels, and book at least three to four months in advance. Everything is 100% open.
Getting Around: Flights and Ferries: Both domestic flights and the ferry network operate on a full summer schedule, offering maximum frequency and flexibility for island hopping.
What to Pack: Pack for summer: lightweight clothing, swimwear, a high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses are non-negotiable. A light sweater can be useful for windy island evenings.
What to Be Aware Of: The famous Meltemi wind can start to pick up in the Cyclades in late June. While it provides a welcome cooling effect, it can create choppy seas and make some north-facing beaches windy.
For Beach Lovers: June is your perfect month, offering hot sun and perfectly warm seas before the absolute peak crowds arrive.
For Couples: The blend of lively evenings and long, relaxing beach days makes June a fantastic and romantic month for a couple’s getaway.
For Families: This is a great time to travel with school-age children, with perfect beach weather and slightly less intense crowds than July or August. Naxos, my favorite island for families, is idyllic in June.
For History Buffs: Be prepared for the heat. You must adopt a Mediterranean schedule: visit archaeological sites early in the morning, and spend hot afternoons in a cool museum.
About Santorini Dave