Best Time to Sail in Greece

20 March 2024 5 min

When is the best time of year to visit Greece on a sailing holiday?

The peak sailing season in Greece runs between April-October, where you can set sail around the Aegean or Ionian Sea and enjoy beautiful temperatures, warm waters and steady sailing conditions.

From stunning beaches only accessible by boat to charming fishing villages, Greece is the perfect destination for an enchanting sailing charter.
In this blog, we’ve put together a guide to the best time of year to go to Greece on a sailing holiday, whether you’re a foodie, wanting to immerse yourself into the local culture, travelling with family or booking a romantic couples charter.

Best time to sail in Greece for families

It’s no secret that Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations for families every year. With over 6,000 uninhabited islands to explore, a lifetime of history to uncover, and plenty of underwater activities to enjoy, families fall in love with Greek sailing charters year after year.

The best time to sail around Greece will differ from family to family as you may have various requirements, specifications and interests. However, generally speaking, the best time to visit Greece as a family is between June-August.

Why is this the best time to sail around Greece as a family?

June-August is the height of the peak season in Greece which means you can soak up the sun and enjoy average temperatures of around 27 degrees.
The sailing conditions in June, July and August are exceptional, with low tidal ranges, calm waters, and outstanding visibility which is ideal for sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Greece is renowned for its snorkelling opportunities, but it’s important to ensure you explore its underwater treasures responsibly and respectfully. Take a look at our eco-friendly sailing tips, and find out more about our commitment to sustainable sailing.
Rainfall is at its lowest during the peak season.
You can book your charter during the School Summer Holidays which means you don’t need to take your children out of School during term time.
As this is the busiest time of the year for a Greek sailing holiday, you’ll likely meet plenty of other people exploring the wonders of Athens, Lefkas or Corfu.
A children’s coordinator is available for our Meganisi and Lefkas Flotilla routes during peak season – July and August.

You could also book a family sailing holiday in Greece during the Easter Holidays as April also falls within the peak season.

When to visit Greece as a couple

From enchanting islands surrounded by turquoise waters, to charming towns, Greece is a beautifully romantic sailing destination. If you’re setting sail as a couple, you might be wondering about the best time to sail in Greece for the intimate, fairy-tale experience you deserve.

The best time to visit Greece as a couple is between April-May or September-October, similar to our other Mediterranean destinations in Italy and Croatia.

These months are quieter than June, July and August which ensures a private couples getaway. However, they’re still within the high season so you can look forward to feeling the sun on your face and wind in your sails. Also, during this time you’ll likely experience lower costs and expenses as you’re avoiding the peak of the season, which is an added bonus.

When is the worst time to sail around Greece?

We understand that, if you’re looking for a secluded escape with your partner, you might want to visit during the quietest possible season. However, Greece experiences a typical European Winter which means the rainy season runs from November-March. Although it’s quiet, the weather and sailing conditions are not ideal, making April-May and September-October the best time to go if you want the best of both worlds.
In fact, some of our bases, including Lefkas, are closed during the Winter months to keep our sailors safe. Head to the ‘useful information’ tabs on our Greece base pages to learn more about how we keep you safe during your sailing charter. Searching for some Winter sun? Take a look at our Caribbean destinations such as the BVI.

Best time of year to visit Greece if you’re a foodie

Whether you’re setting sail from our base in Lefkas, Athens or Corfu, one thing is for certain: You’ll be able to indulge in exquisite Greek cuisine everyday, enjoying the freshest culinary delights morning, noon and night.

It’s no surprise that many people book holidays in Greece and other destinations in the Mediterranean, such as Italy, just to experience the magic of authentic street food.

Here are four reasons why September is the best time to sail in Greece if you want to be transported to food heaven:

You can savour the flavours of incredible Greek dishes all year-around, but some of our favourite September ingredients include figs, octopus, sardines, pistachios, shrimp and krystáli.
Much like in Croatia, the end of August marks the beginning of the grape harvesting season which makes September the perfect time for wine tasting.
In September, Athens hosts a huge food festival with over 300 street food vendors, live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Restaurants and markets tend to be less crowded in September because it is part of the shoulder season (between the high and low season). This means you’re likely to enjoy fresher and quicker service, and can enjoy your delicious food in a peaceful environment.

Best time to sail around Greece for culture

One of the most culturally rich destinations in the world, your Greek yacht charter will be filled with ancient ruins, art, drama, ancient history, music and so much more.

Whenever you choose to set sail around the Aegean Sea, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself into traditional Greek culture, whether you’re exploring the temple of Zeus in Athens or The Achilleion Palace in Corfu.

You may choose when to visit Greece based on annual events, activities or festivals that shine a spotlight on the cultural heritage of the islands. Some key events include:

Orthodox Easter – One of the most important holidays for Orthodox Christians in Greece is Orthodox Easter. During this time, celebrations are held in all towns, cities and islands across Greece. If you visit Greece in March during Orthodox Easter, you can look forward to Orthodox traditions, music, dancing, fireworks and so much more.
Rockwave – The iconic Rockwave festival is Greece’s most popular music festival, held annually in Athens in July. If you’re a hard rock or metal fan, you’ll fall in love with the sounds of Rockwave.
August Moon Festival – The August full moon has been celebrated since as far back as Ancient Greece. Every year, during the full moon, hundreds of historical venues across Greece put on events such as poetry readings and art exhibitions.

The only question left to ask is…have you decided when to visit Greece yet? Whether you’re setting sail from Athens, Corfu or Lefkas, we know you’ll have an adventure to remember aboard one of our state-of-the-art sailing yachts. If you have any questions about the best time to sail in Greece, please get in touch today.

Choose a base, build a quote and start planning your idyllic Greek sailing charter today.