Weather
The weather is simply gorgeous, with almost no rain and heaps of guaranteed sunshine. However, it can be brutally hot everywhere (even the mountains): Athens averages a sizzling average high of 93°F. The sea has warmed up deliciously to a perfect 77-degree average: a cooling antidote! Keep in mind that seas can get rough, as the Meltemi winds are at their strongest. Leave the cold-weather gear behind, and pack light.
Crowds & Costs
In August, you'll swear that half of northern Europe is vacationing in Greece. There's really no escaping the crowds, so go with the flow. Although there are more airline and ferry departures, book these and your hotel reservations well in advance. And you'll need to bite the bullet on costs—this is peak season, after all.
Where to Go
Athens is stifling, with midday being far too hot for comfortable sightseeing, so plan on exploring the main sites as early in the morning as possible. The same holds true for most of the other popular archaeological sites, where you'll be jostling for a good view in competition with package tour groups. This is a good time to head into the mountains, such as the Tymfi, to hike, but above all, midsummer is the time to head to the beach. Pick an island—any island!—and the Meltemi winds will keep you cool, at least on the northern shores. Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini (the three main party islands) are at their liveliest, and visiting DJs are often in the house.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
It's a no-brainer! Grab a towel and flip-flops, put on your swimwear, and head to the beach. Of course, almost everyone else will have the same idea. If you really need solitude, skip the most popular beaches—you're going to have to travel a little farther afield.
Sailing is popular in midsummer, and the breezes at sea feel so much more refreshing (but be aware that the seas can be very rough in August). Hiking in Crete's White Mountains, or elsewhere, can be a challenging endeavor; stay hydrated and take a hat and sunscreen. To cool off, thrill to a whitewater rafting adventure in Zagoria or the Ionas River near Meteora.
August's warm waters tempt scuba divers to explore the Tragonisi Caverns south of Mykonos; the wreck of the HMHS Britannic (a sister ship to the Titanic) off Kea; or the many sites off Chios, in the Northern Aegean.
Events in August
Aegina International Music Festival. Held at venues throughout Aegina, this monthlong festival hosts globe-spanning sounds, from the balalaika to classical.
Panagia, Nationwide (August 15). The Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Panagia), a Greek Orthodox celebration, is a major national holiday with church services, feasts, and island festivals, often called the "Summer Easter," when Greeks flock to villages and famous pilgrimage sites like Tinos for celebrations and community spirit.
Olympus Festival, Pieria. Head to Pieria, in North Macedonia, to enjoy plays and musical concerts performed at the ancient theater at the base of Mount Olympus.
Traveling to Greece in August? Check out these great itineraries
Sailing the Greek Islands & Cyclades - 8 Days. Take to the cooling waters to explore a cross-section of idyllic isles.
Best of Western Crete - 9 Days. Perfect for culture vultures and active travelers, this itinerary combines explorations of local delicacies with a visit to the Samaria Gorge.
More Helpful Information
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