September is the month many Greeks would choose for their own holiday. The sea is at its warmest, the summer crowds have gone home, hotel prices drop, and the islands slow down to their real rhythm. Here is why Greece in September is worth planning for, which islands suit the month best, and how to book it from the UK.
Greece in September at a glance:
In July and August temperatures can pass 35°C, which makes sightseeing exhausting. By September they settle at a comfortable 24 to 30°C, so you can walk up to the Acropolis, explore Delphi or the Palace of Knossos without hiding from the midday sun. Evenings are mild, perfect for dinner outdoors by the sea.
After months of sunshine the Aegean and Ionian seas are at their warmest in September, so swimming, snorkelling and diving are at their best. Famous beaches such as Navagio in Zakynthos, Elafonissi in Crete and Porto Katsiki in Lefkada are just as beautiful and far less crowded.
Once schools across Europe go back, the islands empty out. You can find a table at the taverna without booking, wander the old towns of Rhodes and Chania in peace, and visit Epidaurus or Olympia without the queues. Ferries still run frequently, so island hopping is easier than in August.
Many hotels cut their rates by 20 to 40 percent after August, and flights and car hire follow. The same budget buys a better room, an extra night or a sea view.
September is harvest time. In wine regions such as Nemea and Santorini you can join vineyard tours and tastings, markets are full of figs, grapes and pomegranates, and olive groves start preparing for the autumn harvest.
The Samaria Gorge in Crete, the trails of Mount Olympus and the monasteries of Meteora are all far more enjoyable in cooler September weather than in the heat of mid summer.
September opens with the Ecclesiastical New Year on 1 September and brings the Feast of the Holy Cross on 14 September, with church services and village celebrations across the country. Thessaloniki hosts its International Fair in early September, and the European Heritage Days in late September often mean free or reduced entry to museums and archaeological sites.
Almost every island works in September, but some are at their very best once the crowds leave. Our full guides cover how to get there from the UK, where to stay and what to see:
Book flights and hotels early for the first two weeks of September, which are still popular with UK families before schools return. From mid September prices fall and choice improves.
Yes. The sea is usually at its warmest of the year in September, after a full summer of sunshine, and swimming is comfortable throughout the month.
Yes. Ferries still run on summer timetables for most of the month, with fewer passengers and easier bookings than in August.
Generally yes. Many hotels lower their rates after August, especially from mid September, and flights from the UK are cheaper once school holidays end.
Planning further ahead? See the 20 must-visit historical sites in Greece and our Athens travel guide.
Evangelos Kasapakis
Evangelos Kasapakis
Evangelos Kasapakis
