Visiting Greece In December: Everything You Need To Know
Searching for what it’s like to visit Greece in December?
Thinking about a trip to Greece and wondering if December is a good time to go? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Greece in December — from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.
Greece Weather in December
December in Greece sends winter in — expect mild but crisp days, more rain than summer, and a slower pace that can be really enjoyable.
- Daytime highs in many places average around 54 °F (12 °C).
- On the mainland, typical highs range from 46‑61 °F (8‑16 °C) depending on region.
- Nighttime lows often drop to 39‑50 °F (4‑10 °C) in many areas.
- On the southern islands (for example, Crete) it’s a bit warmer — days might reach 57‑64 °F (14‑18 °C) and nights around 48‑54 °F (9‑12 °C).
- Rain becomes more likely — December is part of the wetter season in many regions of Greece.
- The sea temperature drops to around 57‑61 °F (14‑16 °C), so swimming is less likely unless you’re bold.
What this means for your trip:
You won’t find the sun‑drenched beach days of August, but you’ll get a different kind of Greece: quieter streets, historic sites with fewer crowds, and crisp air that makes exploring comfortable (if you pack the right layers).
Greece Sunrise & Sunset in December
Daylight is shorter, so timing your sightseeing and outdoor activities is useful.
- Many areas will see about 10 to 10½ hours of daylight in December.
- Sunrise in many places might be around 7:00 a.m., and sunset closer to 5:00‑5:30 p.m. (depending on location and exact date).
- Because daylight ends earlier, planning outdoor excursions in the morning to early afternoon often gives you more comfort.
December Is a Shoulder / Low Season in Greece
Here’s how tourism demand, pricing and crowds behave in December — and what that means for you.
- December falls into the shoulder to low season for many Greek travel spots — especially the islands.
- Demand: Fewer tourists compared with summer months. Major spots like the capital Athens are quieter; smaller islands may have limited services.
- Pricing: You’ll often find better deals on flights and accommodation than peak summer months — though holiday periods (Christmas to New Year) may still push rates up.
- Crowds: Expect a more relaxed pace — less congestion at sites, more space to explore, fewer lineups.
- Booking tip: If your travel falls around the holidays (mid‑December onward) the better value window may be early December. Also check that the services (ferries, tours) you want are operating.
Best Things To Do in Greece in December
Visiting Greece in December gives you a chance for a different experience — combining culture, history, mild outdoors and cozy indoor moments.
- City exploring & historic sites – Athens (the Acropolis, museums) and other major cities are quieter and more comfortable for walking when it’s not hot.
- Southern islands with mild climate – While beach‑swimming may be limited, islands like Crete still offer pleasant weather, local life, and scenic views.
- Festive atmosphere & local culture – December brings Christmas lights, local markets, and fewer international tourists, lending a more authentic local feel.
- Nature & mountain excursions – Northern and mountainous regions may see snow or early ski‑conditions — interesting if you want a cooler, different side of Greece.
- Photography & slower travel – With fewer crowds and softer light, December can be a great month for scenic drives, coastal walks, and capturing Greece’s quieter side.
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