Weather in Greece in August

August climate overview

Daytime highs across Greece in August run from 25.6°C (Santorini) to 34.4°C (Skala). In Skala about 100% of August days reach 25°C. Nights average 23.7°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Santorini fall to 21°C or below.

Rainfall in August

Expect around 1 rainy days (1 mm or more) in August, with Kos the driest (0 days) and Kalives the wettest (5 days). The wettest August at Skala between 1991 and 2020 was 2002 with 17 mm; the driest was 1994 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 26.0°C around Greece in August - warmest at Kiotari (27.5°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 12.5 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.4 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

August against the rest of the year in Greece

August is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in Greece. It is 0.4°C warmer than July and 3.0°C cooler in September. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (13°C).

Which part of Greece in August?

• Most sunshine: Kiotari, 13.2 h a day.
• Driest: Kos, about 0 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Kiotari, 28°C.
• Hottest: Skala, 34°C by day - intense for sightseeing.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Santorini, 26°C.

What to pack for Greece in August

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; swimwear - the sea is 26°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in August

Within 1.5°C of Greece's August daytime average: Majorca (31°C, sea 27°C), Valencia (31°C, sea 26°C), Sardinia (30°C, sea 25°C), Tulum (30°C, sea 29°C), Miami (30°C, sea 30°C). See the full ranking for August.

Where to go for more manageable heat

Santorini has the coolest daytime average in the fact sheet at 26°C, making it the clearest choice if you want warmth without choosing the hottest conditions. At the other end, Skala averages 34°C, while Athens reaches 33°C. Those temperatures favour unhurried days, access to shade and a proper break around midday rather than long stretches of walking. Kalamaki and Pefkos, both at 32°C, are also hot choices rather than cooler alternatives. If daytime comfort matters more than maximum heat, use Santorini as your starting point; if you enjoy strong summer warmth, the hotter destinations can work well with a slower pace.

Warm swimming, with warm evenings to match

For a swimming-focused holiday, August looks particularly well suited. The country’s average sea temperature is 26°C, so the water is warm rather than a sharp contrast to the air. Lindos and Kiotari stand out among the listed destinations with sea temperatures of 28°C, paired with daytime averages of 31°C. The catch is that both also average 25°C at night, so do not count on evenings feeling cool. Pefkos has a slightly cooler sea at 25°C and a lower night average of 21°C. Choose Lindos or Kiotari if very warm water is your priority, or consider Pefkos if you would appreciate more evening relief.

Expect little rain, but plan for the sun

With an average of 1 rainy day and 12.5 hours of sunshine, August gives you plenty of scope for outdoor plans without making rain the main concern. That is not a promise of uninterrupted sunshine, but it does shift the packing priority towards light, breathable clothes, sun protection and something to cover exposed skin. Plan more demanding activities away from midday, and keep water and shade within easy reach. Warm nights mean light evening clothing is likely to be more useful than heavy layers. If you find heat tiring, choosing cooler daytime averages will matter more than trying to minimise an already small rain risk.