Greece in September

Greece › Visiting in September
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

September is the savvy traveler’s open secret, and overall, my favorite month of the year to be in Greece. The ferocious heat and crowds of August recede, leaving behind a country bathed in a soft, golden light. The weather remains wonderfully warm, the sea holds the peak heat of summer, and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere settles over the islands and mainland. It is a month that delivers all the pleasures of the Greek summer – warm seas, sunny days, and lively towns – but with the added luxuries of comfort, space, and value. For a traveler who wants the best mix of everything, September is perfection.

Why September?

Ideal Late-Summer Weather: The intense heat of August breaks, settling into a perfect, warm climate. The days are consistently sunny and ideal for any activity, while the evenings become blissfully comfortable, perfect for long, leisurely dinners.

The Best Sea of the Year: This is September’s greatest advantage. After months of summer sun, the Aegean and Ionian seas are at their absolute warmest temperatures. The water is incredibly pleasant and clear, offering the best swimming conditions of the year.

Thinning Crowds, Relaxed Vibe: The large family crowds of August depart, leaving a more adult, relaxed atmosphere. While popular islands are still pleasantly busy, you can explore iconic sites and enjoy famous beaches without the frantic energy of peak season.

Athens
September is an ideal month for Athens. The weather is perfect for long, comfortable days of urban exploration, from the Acropolis to the city’s distinct neighborhoods. The pros are clear: you can sightsee without the risk of overheating, and the city’s cafe culture and nightlife are vibrant. There are no real cons to visiting Athens in September; it is simply the city at its most pleasant.

Santorini
This is my favorite month to experience Santorini. The legendary views and sunsets are just as spectacular, but the crowds are more manageable. The pros are the perfect, warm sea for caldera boat tours and swimming at the volcanic beaches, combined with a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere. The only con is that it remains a top global destination; it is still busy and expensive, and booking ahead is essential.

Mykonos
September in Mykonos offers a more refined experience. The pros are that the world-class beach clubs, restaurants, and bars are all still open, but the atmosphere is less frenetic. It is easier to get a reservation at a top restaurant or a sunbed at a famous beach club. The con for some may be that the peak party energy has subsided slightly, though for me, this more relaxed (but still very active) vibe is a significant plus.

Crete
September is a perfect month for Crete, offering a superb balance of activities. The pros are numerous: the sea is warm, the weather is hot enough for the beach but cool enough to make hiking the Samaria Gorge pleasant again, and the famous grape harvest (vendema) is underway, offering unique winery tours and tastings.

Naxos
With its fantastic sandy beaches and warm seas, Naxos is a beach lover’s paradise in September. The main town remains lively, and the pleasant weather makes it a great time to explore the island’s interior villages. The primary con is that the famously green landscape of spring has turned golden and dry after the long, hot summer.

Paros
September is a fantastic time to be in Paros. The chic port of Naoussa retains its cosmopolitan buzz without the peak summer crowds, and the sea is wonderfully warm. The pros are a great balance of beautiful beaches, lively towns, and excellent restaurants. There are few cons, though like Naxos, the landscape is drier than in the spring.

Rhodes
The Dodecanese islands are a superb choice for late-season sun, and Rhodes is the main event. The pros are the guaranteed warm and sunny weather and the pleasant temperatures for exploring the magnificent, UNESCO-listed Old Town. The main con remains its location, which makes it a standalone destination rather than an easy stop on a Cycladic island-hopping tour.

Corfu
The Ionian Sea around Corfu is beautifully warm in September, and the intense humidity of summer has subsided. The pros are the lush landscapes and the elegant Old Town, which is very pleasant to explore. The primary con is that Corfu has a slightly higher chance of rain showers towards the end of the month compared to the Aegean islands.

Smaller Islands & Other Groups
September is the perfect time to explore the less-famous islands as they are still fully operational but wonderfully relaxed. In the Cyclades, Milos and Folegandros are spectacular, offering dramatic scenery and wonderful swimming spots. The Small Cyclades, like Koufonisia, are sleepy gems with some of the best beaches in Greece. For a sophisticated, boat-centric holiday, the Sporades islands like Skiathos and Skopelos are fantastic, with lush pine forests meeting the warm sea.

Mainland Greece: September is an ideal month to explore mainland Greece. By mid-September the intense heat of summer breaks, leaving behind a perfect, warm climate that is usually comfortable for all-day exploration. It is a fantastic time for a road trip through the Peloponnese or to visit Delphi and Meteora without the intense heat of summer. The sea along the coast remains warm throughout the month, offering a perfect combination of cultural touring and beach relaxation. The Athens Riviera is wonderful in September.

Swimming: The number one activity. The water is at its peak temperature, making September (tied with August) the best month of the year for swimming. Boat tours on Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Rhodes are some of my favorite things to do.

The Grape Harvest (Vendema): A unique cultural experience. September is harvest season, and many wineries, especially on Crete and Santorini, offer fantastic tours and tastings.

Hiking: With the summer heat broken, hiking is a prime activity again. The conditions are ideal for exploring the mountain trails of Crete or the coastal paths of many islands.

Dining: Enjoy long, comfortable evenings at outdoor tavernas. The summer crowds have thinned, making it easier to get a table at the best restaurants.

Booking, Prices, and What’s Open: Prices for flights and hotels decline from their summer peaks, offering better value. It is still wise to book in advance, particularly for the first half of the month. Everything remains open.

Getting Around: Flight and ferry schedules remain frequent, but may start to reduce slightly towards the end of the month. Advance booking is still recommended.

What to Pack: Pack for summer, but add layers for the evening. Include a light jacket, sweater, or pashmina for cooler nights, especially on the islands.

What to Be Aware Of: The strong Meltemi winds of summer typically subside in September, leading to calmer seas and making it an ideal month for boating.

For Couples: This is arguably the most romantic month to visit, offering the perfect blend of warm weather, active days, and relaxed, intimate evenings.

For Families: For families who can travel this month (typically those with pre-schoolers or more flexible school schedules), September is fantastic. The sea is at its warmest and the weather is not oppressively hot, making for perfect beach conditions. The thinner crowds also create a more relaxed and manageable atmosphere on popular islands like Naxos and Crete.