When to visit Thessaloniki

Month by month: weather, events, crowds and what's worth doing.

There is no bad season for Thessaloniki, but there is a season that suits what you're after. May and September give the best mix of warmth and calm, October brings the city's great occasions, and August offers empty monuments and low prices in exchange for the heat.

Below you'll find each month on its own: the weather to expect, what's happening in the city, whether you can swim, and what to pack.

We're currently in: September — Trade fair month: the city refills, the weather turns ideal and the sea is still warm.

The year at a glance

Average climate figures (high / low), approximate.

Month	Temperature	Rain	Crowds	Swimming
January	10° / 3°	Moderate	Low	No
February	12° / 4°	Moderate	Low	No
March	16° / 7°	Moderate	Low	No
April	19° / 11°	Moderate	Moderate	No
May	25° / 15°	Moderate	Moderate	No
June	29° / 20°	Low	Moderate	Yes
July	32° / 22°	Low	Low	Yes
August	32° / 22°	Low	Low	Yes
September	27° / 18°	Low	High	Yes
October	22° / 13°	Moderate	Moderate	No
November	16° / 8°	High	Moderate	No
December	11° / 4°	High	Moderate	No

All months

January10°Deep winterThe coldest month, with empty sights, cheap rooms and a city that belongs to its residents again.Read more February12°Late winterStill cold, but Carnival warms the city and the first sunny days appear on the seafront.Read more March16°Early springSpring begins, the Documentary Festival fills the cinemas and the city moves outdoors again.Read more April19°SpringPerhaps the loveliest month to see the city: mild weather, a blossoming seafront and Greek Easter.Read more May25°Late springWarmth without a heatwave, long days and the city at its best mood before summer.Read more June29°Early summerSummer starts, the sea warms up and the city lives outdoors until late. YesRead more July32°High summerHeat and humidity, locals leave for Chalkidiki and the centre belongs to whoever stays. YesRead more August32°Peak summerThe driest month and the emptiest city: cheap rooms, no queues, plenty of heat. YesRead more September27°Late summerTrade fair month: the city refills, the weather turns ideal and the sea is still warm. YesRead more October22°AutumnThe city's own month: its patron saint, the liberation anniversary, the Dimitria festival and perfect walking weather.Read more November16°Late autumnFilm festival month: rainy outside, full of cinemas and conversation inside.Read more December11°Early winterThe wettest month, and the brightest: Aristotelous is decorated and the city celebrates.Read more

Temperatures are climate averages, not a weather forecast. Event dates change each year, check the official organisers before you travel.