Greece Thessaloniki sea water temperature. When is the best time to go on holiday to Thessaloniki? Winter Thessaloniki: leisure and cultural life
Tourist season in Thessaloniki
The standard tourist season in Thessaloniki starts in April and ends in October, when the average monthly temperature is around 27 °C. It’s hard to resist the captivating beauty of the city; it carries echoes of the cultures of great bygone empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and the new here blends perfectly with the old. The city center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Busy streets with taverns and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, shopping centers - this look of the city is especially attractive to young people. Thessaloniki is the starting point for many important places in Northern Greece: the furrier capital of Kastoria, the legendary Mount Olympus and many famous beaches.
High season in Thessaloniki
The peak season in Thessaloniki is during the summer months. Not only Europeans interested in ancient history come here, but also the Greeks themselves. In particular, in the summer they like to have a blast in nightclubs and trust their fortune at the Regency Casino, located near the airport. The only negative of the high season is the very aggressive sun, the air temperature reaches +31°C - +35°C.
Low season in Thessaloniki
If we talk about the period of decline in tourist activity, it starts in the fall, souvenir shops begin to close, summer cafes and verandas are closed. Such manipulations are already typical for. The low season in Thessaloniki lasts until the beginning, when the first groups of tourists come to the city for excursion programs.
Beach season in Thessaloniki
It’s worth saying right away that you won’t be able to find good beaches within the city. Since Thessaloniki has a large port, the water always remains cloudy and unsuitable for swimming. That is why tourists who come to the city go to escape the summer heat to the nearest beaches, located about an hour’s drive from the city limits. Many amazing places are concentrated in the surrounding area, but it is always crowded. For beautiful views, head to the Halkidiki peninsula, Katerina or Larissa. Already in May, the water temperature reaches +19°C - +20°C, and in the first summer month it warms up to +22°C. This parameter reaches +25 °C.
Velvet season in Thessaloniki
The benefits of the velvet season are always obvious. They also work in the case of Thessaloniki. In , the last month of the swimming season, the temperature of the Aegean Sea is +23°C, while the air temperature is 2°C lower. It is best to give preference to the first half of the month, when the likelihood of rain is minimal. Already a week after the beginning of October, the wet season begins, and sunbeds are slowly starting to be removed from the beaches.
It's festival time in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki focuses on a cultural type of recreation. From February to April, the city hosts the “International Photography Festival”, when entire exhibitions are held in some local museums and galleries; on October 26, the memory of St. Demetrius, a native of Thessaloniki, on October 28, together with all of Greece, celebrate the “Day of Okha”, November is famous for the “International Film Festival”, which dates back to 1992, and the “Gastronomic Festival of Thessaloniki Cuisine” also starts this month.
Sale season in Thessaloniki
Traditionally, in Thessaloniki, as well as throughout Hellas, there are two sales seasons: summer, starting on the 15th, and winter, starting on the 15th. In general, each of them has a two-week duration. In addition, some stores organize off-season mini-sales. There is, however, no clear schedule for sales, we can only say that there is a high probability of catching them in . In addition to sales, Thessaloniki hosts interesting trade fairs. Thus, the largest of them is held in September and October at the Helexpo exhibition center.
Climate in Thessaloniki
The northern location of Thessaloniki determined the dominant Mediterranean type of climate here. However, some of its areas during certain periods experience weather conditions characteristic exclusively of a continental climate. Still, Mediterranean weather reigns in the city for most of the year. It is characterized by mild winters and sunny, hot summers. The total amount of precipitation is not high (about 451 mm), and its level does not vary much throughout the year.
Thessaloniki in spring
Spring in Thessaloniki brings milder climate conditions. And if the air temperature is only +14 °C, then the thermometer usually stays in the region of +24 °C-+ 25 °C. This time of year is characterized by short-term rains, and on warm spring days sudden thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in spring
Weather in Thessaloniki in March | Weather in Thessaloniki in April | Weather in Thessaloniki in May | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +10 | +14 | +18 |
Temperature during the day | +14 | +19 | +24 |
Temperature at night | +5 | +8 | +12 |
Rain | 9 days | 10 days | 9 days |
Humidity | 70% | 70% | 65% |
Thessaloniki in summer
Sunny summers in Thessaloniki lead to a sharp rise in temperatures up to +30 °C; average temperatures in, in and - up to +32 °C and above. June, July and September are the driest months of the year. The total number of wet days per month is, on average, about four. It is noteworthy that it is not as stuffy as in Athens in the middle of summer in Thessaloniki, because the thermometer here never rises above +40 °C.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in summer
Weather in Thessaloniki in June | Weather in Thessaloniki in July | Weather in Thessaloniki in August | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +23 | +25 | +25 |
Temperature during the day | +29 | +31 | +30 |
Temperature at night | +17 | +19 | +19 |
Rain | 6 days | 5 days | 4 days |
Humidity | 60% | 55% | 60% |
Thessaloniki in autumn
Autumn weather in the city is similar to spring. Is the amount of precipitation much greater? And as winter approaches, the intensity of precipitation increases. September can be completely written into summer. And in October the air temperature begins to gradually decrease.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in autumn
Weather in Thessaloniki in September | Weather in Thessaloniki in October | Weather in Thessaloniki in November | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +21 | +16 | +12 |
Temperature during the day | +27 | +21 | +14 |
Temperature at night | +15 | +11 | +9 |
Water temperature | 0 | 0 | +19 |
Rain | 7 days | 8 days | 10 days |
Humidity | 65% | 75% | 75% |
The climate and weather in Thessaloniki clearly reflects all seasons, while remaining mild and not causing much trouble to its residents. Thessaloniki's proximity to the sea in summer guarantees a regular blow of fresh breeze. This is also facilitated by the layout of the streets, intersected by rare diagonals, due to which the city is prone to “drafts”, and almost no clouds gather above its roofs.
Winter weather in Thessaloniki is characterized by high humidity - and the sea is again to blame for this. Humidity is almost unnoticeable on sunny and warm days, but when the temperature drops, sea dampness begins to slowly seep under the jacket.
A distinctive (and positive!) feature of the climate in Thessaloniki is the soft, warm and beautiful autumn, which is so conducive to long walks.
January:
The January weather in Thessaloniki will delight residents and guests of the city with both unexpectedly warm days (up to 18C) and distressing with sharp cold snaps (up to 5C). In January, the air temperature is quite unstable, but the number of sunny days is large and there is little precipitation. The second half of January in Thessaloniki is usually characterized by cold weather.
February:
February is the real Greek winter. One of the few months of the year when the Greeks themselves think about buying a fur coat. In February, the air temperature in Thessaloniki sometimes drops to zero, the winds blow incessantly, the heating in the houses is almost never turned off, chimneys fill the city with wonderful aromas, and the only warming factor is the oranges ripening on the streets of the city - like little suns in the green foliage. To be fair, it must be said that the end of February in Thessaloniki is very often characterized by an unexpected and short, but very strong warming, when for a couple of days residents anticipate the coming spring and flaunt almost short sleeves.
March:
The weather in March in Thessaloniki is capricious and unpredictable. Spring is already breathing down our necks, but has not yet come into its own. During this period, it is easiest to catch a cold, succumbing to the persuasion of the deceptive spring sun. The temperature ranges from +6 to +20C, and the wind blows very often. There is little precipitation in Thessaloniki at this time.
In February, many oranges ripen on the streets of Thessaloniki
April:
The April weather in Thessaloniki is known for its jokes. At this time, plants are actively blooming, which on any day can be beaten by hail, drenched in torrential rain, or crushed by the wind. In the middle of the month in Thessaloniki, prolonged rains (a week or more) are not excluded. By the end of April, the weather stabilizes somewhat, the temperature reaches +27C and then only takes off.
The weather in Thessaloniki in May, as in many other regions, is rich primarily in spring thunderstorms - strong, short and refreshing. The thunderstorm strikes almost every day at the same time for about two weeks. At the same time, the temperature in Thessaloniki in May remains at high levels (+29+30C), and thunderstorms have almost no effect on it. Frequent thunderstorms have a very beneficial effect on the entire vegetation of Thessaloniki, and in May the city is dressed in rich foliage, which will shelter the city’s population from the burning sun in the coming hot months.
June:
The further into the forest, the more firewood. Compared to the warmth of May, the weather in June in Thessaloniki is still gaining momentum, although thunderstorms and heavy rains sometimes still refresh our minds. The temperature in Thessaloniki in June, having approached 30 degrees, does not want to lose ground anymore. Still, the June weather is still full of surprises, and if you leave the house lightly on a sunny morning, by the evening you may need an umbrella and a jacket.
July:
Summer in Thessaloniki is finally coming into its own. The sun begins to burn tattoos on the asphalt, the air becomes hot and still, a stall with cold water seems like a welcome oasis, and we gradually begin to comprehend the great wisdom of the Greek siesta. The temperature in July in Thessaloniki is approaching +35 degrees, and stubbornly refuses to creep down. Between 12:00 and 18:00 it is better to stay in the shade if possible, finding shelter in air-conditioned shops and cafes. However, a light breeze will always blow from Thessaloniki Embankment. July evenings in Thessaloniki are the ideal time to walk along the city streets, which become unusually crowded after dark.
August:
If for Russians August is already filled with a gradual farewell to summer (not today or tomorrow!), then the weather in Thessaloniki will extend the desired hot days for them. This is perhaps the hottest month of the year. The temperature in August in Thessaloniki gets so close to +40C that even the most heat-resistant individuals begin to longingly look for a cloud in the cloudless sky. This month most often marks the so-called “kavsonas” - an established period of burning heat, without a breeze or a drop of rain. August also sees a record number of holidays, and life in Thessaloniki is at its quietest.
Autumn in Thessaloniki is conducive to walking
September:
The weather in September in Thessaloniki is so unexpected and unpredictable that it would be very reckless on our part to make any clear promises. There were years when mid-September was completely filled with rain, and the temperature dropped to +18C. There were also years when the weather in Thessaloniki in September was an exact copy of August. We can only say with a high degree of certainty that September in Thessaloniki will bring more than one sunny and clear day, but their exact number is impossible to predict.
October:
October is perhaps one of the most favorable months to visit Thessaloniki. The heat leaves the city, turning simply into warmth (about +24C). The weather in Thessaloniki in October may not be very stable, but it will never present more than two stormy days in a row. It is very conducive to long walks around the city, and in the squares of Thessaloniki, street vendors offer traditional autumn delicacies - roasted chestnuts and the hot drink salep.
Tourist season in Thessaloniki
The standard tourist season in Thessaloniki starts in April and ends in October, when the average monthly temperature is around 27 °C. It’s hard to resist the captivating beauty of the city; it carries echoes of the cultures of great bygone empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and the new here blends perfectly with the old. The city center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Busy streets with taverns and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, shopping centers - this look of the city is especially attractive to young people. Thessaloniki is the starting point for many important places in Northern Greece: the furrier capital of Kastoria, the legendary Mount Olympus and many famous beaches.
High season in Thessaloniki
The peak season in Thessaloniki is during the summer months. Not only Europeans interested in ancient history come here, but also the Greeks themselves. In particular, in the summer they like to have a blast in nightclubs and trust their fortune at the Regency Casino, located near the airport. The only negative of the high season is the very aggressive sun, the air temperature reaches +31°C - +35°C.
Low season in Thessaloniki
If we talk about the period of decline in tourist activity, it starts in the fall, souvenir shops begin to close, summer cafes and verandas are closed. Such manipulations are already typical for. The low season in Thessaloniki lasts until the beginning, when the first groups of tourists come to the city for excursion programs.
Beach season in Thessaloniki
It’s worth saying right away that you won’t be able to find good beaches within the city. Since Thessaloniki has a large port, the water always remains cloudy and unsuitable for swimming. That is why tourists who come to the city go to escape the summer heat to the nearest beaches, located about an hour’s drive from the city limits. Many amazing places are concentrated in the surrounding area, but it is always crowded. For beautiful views, head to the Halkidiki peninsula, Katerina or Larissa. Already in May, the water temperature reaches +19°C - +20°C, and in the first summer month it warms up to +22°C. This parameter reaches +25 °C.
Velvet season in Thessaloniki
The benefits of the velvet season are always obvious. They also work in the case of Thessaloniki. In , the last month of the swimming season, the temperature of the Aegean Sea is +23°C, while the air temperature is 2°C lower. It is best to give preference to the first half of the month, when the likelihood of rain is minimal. Already a week after the beginning of October, the wet season begins, and sunbeds are slowly starting to be removed from the beaches.
It's festival time in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki focuses on a cultural type of recreation. From February to April, the city hosts the “International Photography Festival”, when entire exhibitions are held in some local museums and galleries; on October 26, the memory of St. Demetrius, a native of Thessaloniki, on October 28, together with all of Greece, celebrate the “Day of Okha”, November is famous for the “International Film Festival”, which dates back to 1992, and the “Gastronomic Festival of Thessaloniki Cuisine” also starts this month.
Sale season in Thessaloniki
Traditionally, in Thessaloniki, as well as throughout Hellas, there are two sales seasons: summer, starting on the 15th, and winter, starting on the 15th. In general, each of them has a two-week duration. In addition, some stores organize off-season mini-sales. There is, however, no clear schedule for sales, we can only say that there is a high probability of catching them in . In addition to sales, Thessaloniki hosts interesting trade fairs. Thus, the largest of them is held in September and October at the Helexpo exhibition center.
Climate in Thessaloniki
The northern location of Thessaloniki determined the dominant Mediterranean type of climate here. However, some of its areas during certain periods experience weather conditions characteristic exclusively of a continental climate. Still, Mediterranean weather reigns in the city for most of the year. It is characterized by mild winters and sunny, hot summers. The total amount of precipitation is not high (about 451 mm), and its level does not vary much throughout the year.
Thessaloniki in spring
Spring in Thessaloniki brings milder climate conditions. And if the air temperature is only +14 °C, then the thermometer usually stays in the region of +24 °C-+ 25 °C. This time of year is characterized by short-term rains, and on warm spring days sudden thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in spring
Weather in Thessaloniki in March | Weather in Thessaloniki in April | Weather in Thessaloniki in May | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +10 | +14 | +18 |
Temperature during the day | +14 | +19 | +24 |
Temperature at night | +5 | +8 | +12 |
Rain | 9 days | 10 days | 9 days |
Humidity | 70% | 70% | 65% |
Thessaloniki in summer
Sunny summers in Thessaloniki lead to a sharp rise in temperatures up to +30 °C; average temperatures in, in and - up to +32 °C and above. June, July and September are the driest months of the year. The total number of wet days per month is, on average, about four. It is noteworthy that it is not as stuffy as in Athens in the middle of summer in Thessaloniki, because the thermometer here never rises above +40 °C.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in summer
Weather in Thessaloniki in June | Weather in Thessaloniki in July | Weather in Thessaloniki in August | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +23 | +25 | +25 |
Temperature during the day | +29 | +31 | +30 |
Temperature at night | +17 | +19 | +19 |
Rain | 6 days | 5 days | 4 days |
Humidity | 60% | 55% | 60% |
Thessaloniki in autumn
Autumn weather in the city is similar to spring. Is the amount of precipitation much greater? And as winter approaches, the intensity of precipitation increases. September can be completely written into summer. And in October the air temperature begins to gradually decrease.
Temperature and weather in Thessaloniki in autumn
Weather in Thessaloniki in September | Weather in Thessaloniki in October | Weather in Thessaloniki in November | |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature average | +21 | +16 | +12 |
Temperature during the day | +27 | +21 | +14 |
Temperature at night | +15 | +11 | +9 |
Water temperature | 0 | 0 | +19 |
Rain | 7 days | 8 days | 10 days |
Humidity | 65% | 75% | 75% |
The ancient city of the Balkan Peninsula, dating back to the times of the campaigns of the great Emperor Alexander and named after his sister, the Thessalian princess Thessalonica, is located on the coast of the “warm gulf” of Thermaikos, which is the northern part of the Aegean Sea.
To the east of the city is the Halkidiki peninsula and the historical region called Thrace. Not far to the north begins the border with the republic of the South Slavs - former Yugoslav Macedonia, and in the northeast - with Bulgaria. The city itself is the center of the administrative region of Macedonia and Thrace, which are part of Hellas.
Thessaloniki, located in the north-eastern part of Greece, enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and cool and rainy winters.
Winter in Thessaloniki: weather and cultural life
In winter, the weather in Thessaloniki is characterized by high humidity - tropospheric vortices from the Atlantic dominate over the entire territory of Greece.
Crossing the Pindus ridge, they lose part of their moisture, and do not always bring rain to Thessaloniki (the Slavic name of the city), often limiting themselves to only lining the sky with clouds. But when icy squalls from Greenland break into the region through the corridor located between the Alps and the Carpathians, snow falls here, and it can lie for a day or more until the sun shines again and melts it with its rays.
December
The first month of winter in Thessaloniki is characterized by alternating clear and cloudy days with precipitation, as well as gusty nor'westers carrying torn pieces of clouds across the sky. The temperature of coastal waters in December, which drops here to +14-15 degrees, significantly exceeds the readings of air thermometers, which can drop below zero at night, rising to 6-10 degrees during the day. However, average night temperatures vary from plus 2 to plus 5.
January
During the second winter month of rain, the likelihood of rain in Thessaloniki decreases, its duration decreases, and thermometer readings continue to drop: at night 0 - plus 5, during the day - 5-9 degrees above zero.
The water in the Thermaikos Gulf cools to 12-14 Celsius.
February
In the third month of winter, the amount of precipitation increases slightly compared to January. An increase in the length of the day and the rise of the sun's angle above the horizon in February contributes to the warming of the troposphere in Thessaloniki: during the day - up to + 7-11, at night - up to + 1-6. And only the water of the Aegean Sea continues to cool, showing values of 11.5-13 degrees.
Where is Mount Olympus in Greece, how to get to it, what you can see there, read the next page.
We will tell you about the seas washing Greece, its islands, and geographical location on this page.
Winter Thessaloniki: leisure and cultural life
During the winter months, it’s time to get acquainted with the sights of Thessaloniki: the White Tower, which houses a permanent exhibition, the Basilica of the Great Martyr Demetrius, the city’s heavenly patron, the bronze statue of Aristotle, located in the central square of the metropolis, the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius.
Orthodox Christians will be interested in visiting the Church of Hagia Sophia, where the hero-bishops Simeon of Thessalonica and Gregory Palamas held services, as well as visiting ancient temples and basilicas built before the dark ages of iconoclasm.
Most of the brightest holidays occur in the winter months: the Nativity of Jesus Christ, New Year, Epiphany (Epiphany), Apokries (analogous to Russian Maslenitsa), as well as the day of remembrance of St. Basil the Great, whom Greek children reverence as Father Frost.
From mid-January to the end of February, winter sales begin in the city. Discounts on clothing reach up to 90%, shoes - up to 70%, household appliances and electronics - up to 40-50%. In Thessaloniki these days you can buy excellent fur coats at discounted prices.
Spring weather in Thessaloniki and the eve of the swimming season
March
In March in Thessaloniki the weather is gloomy, there is frequent rain, sometimes with thunderstorms.
The daytime temperature reaches +11-16 degrees, and at night the thermometer does not drop below +7-2.
The dark blue water in the Aegean Sea becomes slightly warmer than in the winter months: +12.5-14 Celsius.
At the end of March, the warm sectors of the Azores cyclones, clinging to the expanses of the Sahara, often “drive” sandstorms (sirocco) here, the temperature rises, but the air is filled with small grains of sand.
April
In April, the weather improves, real spring begins in Thessaloniki - a rapid increase in air temperature is observed: during the day - up to +14-21, at night - up to +4-10 degrees Celsius. The waters of Thermaikos warm up to +14.5-15 Celsius. The likelihood of precipitation is decreasing, its duration and intensity are decreasing, but dust storms from North Africa occur most often this month.
May
The weather in Thessaloniki in May is simply charming: the sun's rays gently warm, the city's numerous parks delight the eye with bright green foliage, and the flower beds are fragrant with the aromas of flowers.
The dry season with the burning sun has not yet arrived, but it is already warm like summer. However, the amount of rain inexorably tends to a minimum, this is especially noticeable at the end of the month.
Daytime temperatures sometimes exceed the thirty-degree mark, but usually remain at +19-26. At night the troposphere cools to 8-15 degrees. The blue waters of Thermaikos Gulf warm up to 18.5-19.5 degrees.
Spring leisure
If you come to Thessaloniki in the spring, then take the opportunity to learn how the holiday of Kafara Deftera (the first Monday of Lent) is celebrated here, during which kites are flown en masse and folk festivities are held. You can watch the parade held on Independence Day from the Ottoman Empire, coinciding with the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and celebrated on March 25th.
Attend unique services on Good Friday and Easter, which differ significantly from Russian ones not only in language, but also in rites. And be sure to visit the May Day flower festival, which is celebrated “to the fullest” throughout Greece.
Don’t forget that the “International Photography Festival”, which is held in Thessaloniki in March-April, invites everyone to participate, and at the end of March the city hosts the Documentary Film Festival.
Weather in Thessaloniki in summer
June
At the beginning of summer, the dry season begins. The Azores anticyclone moves north and continuously drives dried air from Southern Europe to the Balkans.
Sometimes, once or twice a month, light rain falls here, thunderstorms occur more often; in this case they are called dry.
The temperature rises to 25-31 (and higher) degrees during daylight hours, but the nights are cool: +14 - +20.
The surface waters of Thermaikos heat up to 23-24 degrees Celsius.
July
The tip of summer in Thessaloniki is characterized by endless sunny days, low troposphere humidity and high temperatures, rising to +40 on some days.
However, as a rule, during the day the thermometer readings do not exceed +29-32 degrees, and at night they fluctuate around +18-21.
But daytime breezes and aesthesia significantly help to endure the heat, especially if from time to time you plunge into the waters of Thermaikos, which heat up to +25-26 Celsius.
August
The end of summer in Thessaloniki, as throughout Greece, does not mean the end of hot weather conditions.
The average temperature of the troposphere at night drops to only 18.5-24.5 degrees, and during the day it rises to 28.5-35 and higher.
Sea water warms up to more than 27 degrees, and there is almost no rain this month: dry northern winds generated by a high pressure area over southern Europe cause clear weather and low humidity.
Summer in Thessaloniki: what to do
When arriving in the summer, try to plan your exploration of the city in the morning or evening. The afternoon in the city center is very hot and a walk along the embankment is unlikely to be comfortable.
At lunchtime, residents and guests of the city retire for a traditional siesta, and those who are not tempted by an afternoon nap can escape the heat under the air conditioning of numerous cafes and taverns. Note that you won’t be able to refresh yourself in sea water in the center of Thessaloniki, but there are well-equipped beaches on the outskirts of the city.
The nearest beaches outside the city (Agia Triada, Perea) are 20 km from its center.
You can enjoy the beautiful view of Thessaloniki from the sea by taking a refreshing trip on the colorful masted cafe ship, which departs regularly on a half-hour trip around the bay from the famous White Tower.
It’s even better to visit the beaches of Halkidiki: the weather in both regions is almost the same, but the places for sunbathing and swimming here are the best in Greece.
It is not for nothing that this peninsula is called the center of beach tourism in northern Greece.
In August the Feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated.
August 15 has been declared a non-working day throughout Greece. You can visit ancient churches, get acquainted with their history and liturgical culture.
A trip to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, where the grave of Elder Paisius, ardently revered not only in Greece, but throughout the Orthodox world, will also be unforgettable. The monastery is located in the village of Souroti, 27 km from the center of Thessaloniki.
The sales season starts in Thessaloniki in the second half of July. These days you can go shopping: in the city center, on Tsimiski, Egnatia, Agia Sofia streets or in the largest shopping center in northern Greece - Mediterranean Cosmos, located near the ring road, towards the airport. Here you can buy branded items at significant discounts.
Autumn weather in Thessaloniki: velvet season
September
The first month of autumn in Thessaloniki can be considered summer: daily thermometer readings are higher than in Moscow in July.
Usually the troposphere warms up to +25.5-31 degrees, and at night it cools down to +15.5-21.
The water remains very warm: +24.5-26 degrees, and the rainy season begins only at the end of the month.
Throughout September, dry and hot winds dominate, dispersing clouds.
October
In the second month of autumn, the dry period ends, smoothly transitioning into the rainy season.
Cyclones from beyond Gibraltar often come here, bringing cool temperatures, gloomy skies with low clouds and thunderstorms.
The temperature drops at night to +11.5-16, during the day it does not exceed +19.5-24, and the surface of the sea waters cools slightly to +20-21 degrees.
The swimming season can last until the end of October.
November
The November sun rises noticeably lower above the horizon, the length of daylight hours is reduced, and the water temperature drops to +17-18.5.
Daytime temperatures do not exceed +16-12.5 degrees, and night temperatures drop to +6.5-9 Celsius.
It rains more and more often, the sky becomes more and more gloomy, the number of sunny days in Thessaloniki even in November reaches nineteen.
Autumn events in Thessaloniki
In autumn, the time for festivals starts in Thessaloniki (as well as throughout Hellas).
The Wine Festival usually takes place in September, while the International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki Gastronomic Festival are held in November.
October 26 is a special date for the city. On this day, the memory of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the heavenly patron of the city, to whom the inhabitants of Thessaloniki repeatedly turned in terrible moments of history and always received miraculous help, is celebrated.
And on October 28, residents of Thessaloniki, together with all of Greece, go out to solemn demonstrations dedicated to the “Day of Okha,” remembering the heroic confrontation of their great-grandfathers during the days of the war against fascism. By the way, on this day admission to all museums in Greece is free, and provides an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the rich collections of the best museums of Thessaloniki - Archaeological and Byzantine.
The glorious city in which the Equal-to-the-Apostles brothers, compilers of Slavic literature Cyril and Methodius, the heroic saint Simeon of Thessalonica and Gregory Palamas, the great martyr Demetrius and Philotheus Kokkin, were born and lived, is filled with monuments of culture and art. Come here to not only enjoy swimming and relaxing under the hot sun of Thessaloniki, but also to explore the sights of the city.
The climate in Greece can be described as mild and pleasant, with warm, humid winters and very hot, even dry summers. You can swim here for almost half a year - more than 5 months.
Climate features in different parts of Greece
Greece is a very small country. But due to its diverse landscape, due to the fact that the country has both sea and mountains, the climate can be very different in different regions and parts of the country. Very famous tourist places are the island of Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, the island of Rhodes, Crete.
Rhodes Island
The swimming season in Halkidiki is short - only from May to September, but thanks to the mountains around, the water is not blown by the winds and retains heat very well. During the hottest time of the year, temperatures can rise to 35 degrees and above.
Important! Due to the low humidity, such conditions are tolerated relatively well even by people who are accustomed to cold climates.
On the island of Rhodes, the climate can be called typical Mediterranean, with sunny weather prevailing. Clear skies and no precipitation can be observed on as many as 300 days out of 365! And this is a record! Due to the high humidity, constant sun and high temperatures, Rhodes has become an excellent place for a variety of vegetation. Flowers and trees grow here that cannot be found anywhere else. In winter, there are times when it can be below 15, but generally for the whole year no more than 20. You can come to Rhodes in any month and not regret it, it is beautiful at any time of the year.
The weather in Corfu is very mild, always cool in the evening. The climate is subtropical, reminiscent of the Croatian islands. On summer days, the water heats up above 26 degrees, and in winter it does not cool below 16. It is best to come here from the beginning of May to September.
Crete is not only the most popular destination in Greece, but throughout the world. The Mediterranean climate is calm, smooth and mild. Very warm and pleasant. In terms of cloudlessness, Rhodes loses to Crete, because in Crete a cloudless sky can be seen more than 300 days a year. It turns out that almost every day is sunny here! A great place for heat-loving people.
Pay attention! Rain falls very rarely in Greece, and the bad weather quickly passes and bright and clear skies return.
Seasons of Greece
Winter. On the coast and in the south near the sea, winter is calm and it can even rain often. Typically Mediterranean winter. It is especially rainy in Corfu; in December there is up to 200 mm of precipitation. The situation is the same on the islands that are close to Turkey. Winds often blow on the islands, and precipitation often falls in the evening or early morning. It snows rarely, and if it does, it occurs only in remote areas of the country in the north. Frequent temperature is 13 degrees. It gradually decreases as you move north. Nights in Thessaloniki are some of the coldest in Greece.
Spring is very warm and pleasant. As early as May, thunderstorms may appear. Also, on clear days in May, a north or northeast wind, called meltemi (ethesian), comes and blows all summer.
Spring in Greece
Summer is very hot and sunny. Daylight hours last 12 hours! Only in the northern part and in the mountains, the sun still shines there, there may be thunderstorms and heavy downpours (usually in July and August). Greece is already accustomed to rainy weather in Thessaloniki in summer, as are tourists. Approximately 6 days a month. On the coast, the heat is at least somewhat mitigated by the breeze, but in the cities it is unbearable. In Thessaloniki, the maximum temperature in July and August is 32 degrees. It can rise to 36. Although Athens has access to the sea, in summer it becomes the hottest capital of Europe. The maximum temperature is 38 in the shade.
Autumn is always late. September can still be considered a summer month. The first week of this month is the most common and hottest of summer. Mild weather persists even into November! October is also a fairly warm and calm month, but it is in October that the autumn rains begin and the Meltemi wind stops blowing.
Autumn in Greece
Climate in Thessaloniki
January. In January it is 9 degrees during the daytime. At night - 4. The atmosphere is not very favorable, the sea is cold and there are very few tourists;
February. On average in February - 13.5, at night it is already more than 6. At sea -12. The situation is similar in January. The sea is cold, the air is cold, there is not much sun yet;
March. During daylight hours it became warmer - 16.5 degrees. At night - 6.8. Although it is the beginning of spring, the air has not yet warmed up properly. The sea is gradually warming up, but March is not the most favorable month for traveling to Thessaloniki;
April. On average during daylight hours it is 17.9. At night - 8. The sea has already warmed up to 15.5, there should be no rain in April. The sun shines 20 days a month. 24 mm of precipitation. April is the first “tourist” month in Thessaloniki.
May. On average during the day it is already 23.5. It’s also warm at night - 12.5. Swimming season begins. The climate in May is good and warm, tourists begin to come here in May;
Summer in Thessaloniki
June. In the afternoon 29.8. At night - 16.5. You can safely swim. The water has already warmed up perfectly, so it’s worth going on vacation here in June, and there is practically no rain;
September. Although it is already the beginning of autumn, in September it is still very warm, rather hot. The average daytime temperature is 24. Night temperature is 15. In the water it is still 25. There are slightly fewer tourists than in summer, but this is a plus for those who like a more relaxing and secluded holiday;
October. Usually in October - 20, average night - 12. The water becomes colder - 20. In October there is practically no rain;
November. Temperatures drop sharply in November. Average - 14, at night - just over 9. November is no longer considered a tourist month in Thessaloniki, as the sharp cold weather affects it;
December. The average temperature in December is 7.5, at night - 4.5. The water temperature dropped to 15. The climate is already unfavorable, the air is frozen, the sea is cold.
Winter in Greece
Weekly forecast
- September 10 - Monday. During the day - 26, at night - 17. Water - 27.
- September 11 - Tuesday. During the day - 27, at night - 17. Water - 26.
- September 12 - Wednesday. During the day - 27, at night - 18. Water - 26.
- September 13 - Thursday. During the day - 26, at night - 16. Water - 25.
- September 14 - Friday. During the day - 25, at night - 17. Water - 27.
- September 15 - Saturday. During the day - 26, at night - 17. Water - 26.
- September 16 - Sunday. During the day - 27, at night - 16. Water - 27.
- It is better to travel by bus or taxi. Taxi rates in Thessaloniki are very reasonable. You can call a car by any known means: take it from the parking lot, call or catch it on the street.
- Tourists from 25 to 70 years old can rent a car in Thessaloniki. The cost depends on the car class and time of year.
- You need to be very careful on the roads, as traffic rules are not very well observed in Thessaloniki.
- It is best to pay in local currency; it can be exchanged at any bank or point. Weekends are Saturday and Sunday, and Friday is a short day here everywhere.
- Shops are open from 9 to 21, and during the day there can be a very long break. Tourists should go to the market.
- Restaurants serve very large portions, so you can take one for two.
Thessaloniki is an excellent Greek resort, which is not a bit inferior to Crete or Rhodes. It’s worth going here at any time of the year, because there are so many sunny days!