Greece, one of the sunniest countries in Southern Europe, is breaking records in tourism. In 2023, nearly 33 million travelers visited the country, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to the mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula, Greece comprises more than 2,000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited. Thanks to Greece’s diverse landscape and natural conditions, the country offers a climate to suit almost any taste.
In the Astons Greece blog, we will tell you the best times to visit Greece, when the high season is, where you can find a real winter, and the climate on the Greek islands.
Terrain and Its Influence on Greece’s Climate
Greece is divided into three climate zones: alpine, subtropical, and temperate. The alpine climate is felt in the mountainous northern regions: Epirus, Western Macedonia. The central part of the country, eastern Peloponnese, coastal areas, and islands have a Mediterranean (subtropical) climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The temperate climate, with less hot summers and relatively low temperatures in winter, is typical for the mainland: here, the influence of the sea is less, so the temperature fluctuations are more significant, and there can be snow.
The mountain climate is a separate story. Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe: mountains and plateaus cover more than 80% of the country’s area, with mountain ranges over 1,200 meters above sea level making up 25%. The highest point in Greece, Mount Olympus’ peak Mytikas (2,917 m), is located in the Pindus range, stretching along the northern border with Albania. The simple rule applies here: the higher, the colder. Snow caps can cover mountain peaks for most of the year, and there are even several ski resorts, such as Mount Parnassos — Fterolakka/Kellaria.
Greece: Weather by Month
The sun shines in Greece for more than 300 days a year. The best time to travel is from April to October. During April-May and September-October, you can enjoy the velvet season, when the air and water temperatures are roughly equal, a breeze blows from the sea, and there are occasional light rains bringing freshness and coolness. Greece is an ideal place for sunbathers: the summer weather is hot and dry. There is little rainfall during these months, and July and August are often arid.
Average Temperatures in Greece by Month
| Month | Daytime Air Temperature (℃) | Nighttime Air Temperature (℃) | Water Temperature (℃) |
| January | +10 | +2 | +11 |
| February | +13 | +4 | +11 |
| March | +18 | +6 | +16 |
| April | +21 | +10 | +18 |
| May | +25 | +15 | +20 |
| June | +30 | +19 | +22 |
| July | +34 | +21 | +24 |
| August | +33 | +21 | +25 |
| September | +28 | +18 | +24 |
| October | +22 | +13 | +23 |
| November | +16 | +9 | +18 |
| December | +12 | +4 | +12 |
Naturally, the climate in Greece can vary slightly depending on the region and proximity to the sea: the north and central parts have cooler summers and more noticeable seasonality compared to the coast and islands; southern regions are hotter than the north.
Winter in Greece is mild and wet. In December and January, strong sea storms bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds are not uncommon. However, bad weather rarely lasts more than two weeks: after storms, calm weather sets in, temperatures rarely drop below +5℃, and on sunny days, the air can warm up to +20℃ — this is the typical winter weather on the Greek islands.
Moving to Greece: Investor’s Golden Visa
Foreign investors can obtain a Greek residence permit for 5 years by investing in real estate worth from €250,000 (and from €500,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and other major regions). This is currently the most popular immigration program in Europe, experiencing unprecedented demand due to upcoming changes: from September 1, 2024, the minimum entry threshold will increase to €800,000 for properties throughout Attica and the major islands, and to €400,000 in all other regions.
Under the program’s conditions, an investor can purchase one or several properties for the specified amount and immediately rent out or live in them. The application can include the spouse, children, and parents.
Requirements for the Main Applicant:
- Age over 18;
- No criminal record;
- No entry ban to EU countries;
- No serious diseases.
The entire process takes 3–6 months. The residence permit is issued for 5 years with the possibility of unlimited renewals. There is no requirement to pass a language proficiency exam, and no minimum residency requirement in the country: you can come to Greece just once to submit biometric data.
The Golden Visa is the most effective way to profitably invest savings and obtain European resident rights:
- Travel visa-free within the Schengen countries;
- Unfreeze assets and access the international banking system;
- Relocate a business and enter the European market;
- Move the family to a safe country with a stable economy and high living standards;
- Study at prestigious universities;
- Access quality medical care;
- Live in your own villa by the sea or spend vacations in the Mediterranean;
- Obtain Greek and EU citizenship after 7 years under certain conditions.
Moreover, with a European residence permit, the investor and their family gain a reliable safety net for the next 5 years — the opportunity to move to a calm and safe country in case of new political or economic upheavals.
Currently, Greece has suspended the Golden Visa program for citizens of Russia and Belarus. However, one can participate in the program by obtaining alternative citizenship. For example, a Vanuatu passport can be obtained in just 3–4 months by investing from $130,000 in a government fund, and apply for a Greek residence permit before the increase in the minimum participation threshold. Applications can be submitted under the current investment amount conditions of €250,000, provided a 10% deposit for the selected property is made by August 30, 2024, and the full amount by December 31, 2024.
Astons is a reliable partner in obtaining a Greek residence permit through investment and a licensed agent of the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. Sign up for a free consultation — we will help you choose suitable real estate and handle the entire document processing.