Weather in Greece in October

October climate overview

Daytime highs across Greece in October run from 19.1°C (Thassos) to 24.9°C (Sissi). Even in Sissi only 49% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 17.7°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Thassos fall to 11°C or below.

Rainfall in October

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in October, with Naxos the driest (4 days) and Roda the wettest (10 days). The wettest October at Sissi between 1991 and 2020 was 1994 with 99 mm; the driest was 1992 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 22.6°C around Greece in October - warmest at Faliraki (24.2°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

October against the rest of the year in Greece

October is the 5th warmest month of the twelve in Greece. It is 3.8°C cooler than September and 4.2°C cooler in November. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (13°C).

Which part of Greece in October?

• Most sunshine: Kiotari, 8.2 h a day.
• Driest: Naxos, about 4 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Faliraki, 24°C.
• Hottest: Sissi, 25°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Thassos, 19°C.

What to pack for Greece in October

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (18°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear - the sea is 23°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in October

Within 1.5°C of Greece's October daytime average: Lanzarote (23°C, sea 23°C), Sicily (23°C, sea 23°C), Albufeira (23°C, sea 20°C), Benidorm (23°C, sea 22°C), Ibiza (23°C, sea 23°C). See the full ranking for October.

Where to go for warmer weather

For a holiday built around warmth, start with Crete. Sissi and Stalis average 25°C by day and 18°C at night, while Hersonissos and Koutouloufari match that daytime warmth but have slightly cooler evenings. Elounda is another option if you prefer mild nights to squeezing out the highest daytime temperature. Lindos and Kiotari offer a useful balance: days average 24°C and nights 19°C, making them appealing if you spend evenings outdoors. At the cooler end, Thassos averages 19°C by day. That suits travellers who prefer milder conditions, but it is a less convincing choice if your main aim is lying in the sun.

Can you plan a swimming holiday?

October can work for a swimming holiday, provided you are happy to choose your beach time around the weather. The country’s average sea temperature is 23°C, matching the figure for Crete and several of its listed destinations. Lindos and Kiotari have the edge at 24°C, so they deserve consideration if water temperature matters more to you than the hottest afternoons. Personal comfort still matters: these averages do not guarantee that every swim will feel warm. Keep something dry to put on afterwards, and avoid making every day dependent on sunshine. Warm water is a reason to pack swimwear, not a promise of uninterrupted beach days.

What to pack and how to plan your days

Pack light clothing for warm afternoons, plus a layer for evenings and a rain jacket. Greece averages 18°C at night, but the destination matters: Skala drops to 15°C, while Lindos and Kiotari stay at 19°C. If you feel the cold when sitting outside, that difference is worth considering when choosing where to stay. Average sunshine of 6.8 hours leaves scope for time outdoors, but 6 rainy days nationally make a flexible plan sensible. Sissi, Stalis, Lindos and Kiotari each average 5 rainy days, so even the warmer options are not rain-free choices. Use the brighter spells for swimming rather than committing to a rigid daily routine.