This winter month is the low season in Greece, with very few visitors, a subdued nightlife, and gray weather. Many restaurants and other businesses are closed, awaiting the warmer months—but prices are at their lowest, and there's the Carnival festival to enjoy.

Weather

In some parts of Greece, this is the coldest month of the year, averaging a high of only 57°F (14°C) on the mainland. In general, expect cool weather, lots of gray cloudy days, and a high probability of rain, which falls on about half of February days, on average. Pack an umbrella, plus a cold-weather jacket and raingear. The mountain zones will be snowy at higher elevations and in northern Greece. If you plan to use the interisland ferries, be prepared for possible stormy passages, and know that the islands can be very windy at this time of year.

Crowds & Costs

This is a great time to visit for travelers who eschew crowds. You'll have the Acropolis and other top historical sites and museums virtually to yourself. Same with the beaches, although that's because it's generally still too cold for stripping off and sunning.

Greece is bargain-priced in February, with most tourist businesses drastically reducing rates to lure customers. Remember, though, that many hotels, restaurants, and bars are closed during low season, and airline and ferry companies operate on reduced schedules—you'll want to plan ahead.

Where to Go

Athens is a year-round destination, and February is a good time to be a culture vulture. Hence, you may want to focus on the archaeological and cultural hotspots. Explore ancient Epidavros, tour Rhodes' Old Town, or visit the ancient monasteries of Meteora and Crete while they're no longer swarming with tour groups. If you're seeking nightlife, forego the islands and stick to Athens and Thessaloniki, where the local party scene is a 365-night affair. The air has gone out of the party balloon on such isles as Mykonos and Santorini (most nightclubs are closed in February), but this is a great time to visit other islands—including Corfu—if you want to savor the offseason calm.

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What to Do

Think museums, cultural events, and exploring away from the beach. The sea is still too cold for bathing, and even when the sun shines, it may still be a bit cool for sunbathing in comfort. Just two hours from Athens, the snow-girt mountain resort of Parnassus lures skiers, as does Mount Olympus, in northern Greece.

Events in February 

Carnival, Nationwide. Cities throughout Greece host flamboyant carnivals, with plenty of dancing and feasting, when aromas of barbecue waft through the air. You'll also find carnivals from Athens to Zanthos, with those in Xanthi and Corfu among the best. 

Traveling to Greece in February? Check out these great itineraries

Explore Mythical Athens - 5 Days. Immerse yourself in the capital city, from the Acropolis to the Riviera and vibrant nightlife. 

Mainland Greece Adventure - 7 Days. Spend a week exploring ancient and modern Greece, from Mycenae to Meteora.

More Helpful Information

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Greece in March
Best Time of Year to Visit Greece
How Many Days to Spend in Greece