TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 2, 2025

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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.

Is December a good time to visit Greece?

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.

High temperature
59°F / 15°C
Low temperature
46°F / 8°C
Rainfall
2.8 in / 70 mm
Sun & daylight
4 hours / 9.5 hours
Seasonal tips

- Cold and festive

- Christmas markets

- Warm clothes needed

- Fewer crowds

- Cozy winter charm 

Where to go in Greece in December

Athens City Centre
Syntagma Square in Athens glows with lights and a towering Christmas tree, while Plaka’s old streets hum with carolers, sweet pastries, and tiny holiday stalls. This is also when AthensCon takes over the Tae Kwon Do Olympic Arena, with a fun dose of cosplay and comics.
Kalavryta and Mount Helmos
Kalavryta is Greece’s premier skiing destination. The scenic rack railway from Diakopto winds through snowy gorges, leading you to this historic town that mixes wartime history with winter charm. Mount Helmos is also nearby, with ski slopes and a cozy mountain vibe.
Crete
Many islands may quiet down in winter, but Crete still has stories to tell. This Greek island sets its own pace in December, with candlelit church festivals, bakers shaping kalitsounia (cheese pastries), and families pressing fresh olive oil in village mills.
Peloponnese
December is olive harvest season in the Peloponnese. Locals also gather to celebrate the harvest with slow-cooked stews and shared glasses of local wines. You can tour a working olive grove, taste fresh-pressed oil, and maybe even join a low-key harvest celebration.

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Things to do in Greece in December

Event
Location
Timing
Christmas Markets
Festive Christmas markets in Athens and Thessaloniki
Athens, Thessaloniki
All December
Athens Winter Light Show
Winter light show illuminating Athens’ landmarks
Athens
Mid-December
Kalavryta Snow Season Begins
Ski season opening with fresh snow in Kalavryta
Kalavryta
From mid-December
Thessaloniki Children's Fair
Children’s fair with activities and entertainment
Thessaloniki
Early December
Corfu Carolers Parade
Carolers parade bringing holiday cheer to Corfu
Corfu
December 23–24
Ioannina Folklore Day
Folklore day celebrating Ioannina’s cultural heritage
Ioannina
Mid–Late December
Arachova Festive Weekend
Festive weekend with events in Arachova
Arachova
Final weekend

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