Greece in December: Your guide to weather, events & travel

There’s something special about Greece in December when the pace slows down. The cooler air and quieter streets offer a different kind of beauty — one made for slow, leisurely strolls. Town squares glow with lights, olive groves are alive with harvest, and mountain trains cut through snow. It’s not beach weather, but it’s the kind of season that lets you breathe and explore.

You’ll find space to roam without the crowds. Prices dip, locals linger, and the food gets heartier — think slow-cooked stews and warm pastries dusted with sugar. Whether you’re strolling through Athens at dusk or warming up in a village taverna, December gives you Greece at its most generous.

With the help of an advisor on TravelJoy, you can make the most of this quieter season and discover moments and places you might have missed on your own. From the best local celebrations to charming, under-the-radar stays, they’ll help you see Greece in a different light.

Greece in December is comfortably cool. In Athens, the temperature hovers near the low 60s by day, while Crete, surrounded by the sea, is milder. The northern towns, however, may dip into the 40s or even surprise you with snow — which is perfect for ski breaks and hot spring dips. The crisp air all over the country also makes the ruins feel more dramatic, hikes more manageable, and cities more inviting.

It’s low season, too, which means better prices, quieter streets, and a break from the summer crowds. You could get some unexpected upgrades on your flights or hotels (or both, if you’re lucky). And you won’t be lining up at every archaeological site. Places like Athens, Crete, and even skiing destinations like Kalavryta feel relaxed and uncrowded. No worries though — there’s still a festive buzz of local life; it’s just quieter and simpler.

Sure, the sea’s too cold for swimming and the daylight wraps up earlier — but that just makes room for slower mornings, long lunches, and evening events like olive harvest feasts or lit-up town squares. If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to experience the local vibe and sample authentic experiences without frenzied crowds competing in the lineup, December in Greece can be a wonderful choice. An advisor from TravelJoy can help you time it all perfectly, so your trip feels personal and right for the season, not pieced together from generic guidebooks.