Weather in Greece in April

April climate overview

Daytime highs across Greece in April run from 15.3°C (Thassos) to 21.4°C (Sissi). Even in Sissi only 18% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 12.7°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Thassos fall to 7°C or below.

Rainfall in April

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in April, with Santorini the driest (4 days) and Roda the wettest (10 days). The wettest April at Sissi between 1991 and 2020 was 2019 with 92 mm; the driest was 2016 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 16.1°C around Greece in April - warmest at Kiotari (17.3°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

April against the rest of the year in Greece

April is the 8th warmest month of the twelve in Greece. It is 2.8°C warmer than March and 4.1°C warmer in May. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (13°C).

Which part of Greece in April?

• Most sunshine: Kiotari, 8.6 h a day.
• Driest: Santorini, about 4 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Kiotari, 17°C.
• Hottest: Sissi, 21°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Skiathos, 15°C.

What to pack for Greece in April

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (13°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower.

Similar weather elsewhere in April

Within 1.5°C of Greece's April daytime average: Paphos (19°C, sea 18°C), Sicily (19°C, sea 16°C), Alanya (19°C, sea 18°C), Malaga (19°C, sea 16°C), Salou (19°C, sea 15°C). See the full ranking for April.

Good for being outdoors, less reliable for beach days

Greece in April suits travellers who prefer walking and spending time outside without relying on strong heat. With 7.8 hours of sunshine on average, there is scope for enjoying the brighter parts of the day, although that does not promise uninterrupted blue skies. The country averages 6 rainy days, so a flexible itinerary makes more sense than plans that depend entirely on dry weather. Aim to enjoy outdoor meals and relaxed stops when the sun is out, but keep a warmer layer handy. April is a reasonable compromise if mild daytime weather matters more to you than warm evenings or easy sea swimming.

Choose Crete for warmth, Athens for a mild city break

Crete is a sensible starting point if warmth is your priority, averaging 21°C by day. Sissi, Hersonissos and Stalis share that daytime average, so there is little reason to choose between them on temperature alone. Elounda also reaches 21°C, with nights at 13°C compared with Crete's 12°C average, giving it a slight edge for evenings. Athens is close behind at 20°C by day, though its 11°C nights call for an extra layer after being outside. At the cooler end, Thassos averages 15°C during the day. That makes it a less suitable choice if your main aim is sitting outside in warmth.

Pack for changing temperatures and cool water

Light clothing can work during warmer afternoons, but do not pack as though every day will feel like summer. A jumper, a light jacket and a waterproof layer will give you more flexibility than beachwear alone. Comfortable shoes are useful for a holiday focused on exploring, and sun protection still belongs in your bag. Plan any sea swim around your tolerance for cold water: even Crete's 17°C sea average is cool rather than comfortably warm. If swimming is central to your holiday, April is a compromise. For everyone else, treat time by the water as an option for pleasant afternoons rather than the basis of every day.