TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 11, 2025

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There’s a tug-of-war between winter’s chill and spring’s first signs — one moment, you’re enthralled by the misty mountains, the next, you’re distracted by confetti in the air. This is what Greece in February feels like. It’s a country in transition, with bare trees slowly springing to life, the smell of slow-cooked stews wafting through the air, and the sound of parades just around the corner.

You’ll catch the country in a rare in-between moment — when Carnival parades are revving up, almond blossoms begin to dot the hillsides, and local tavernas are still serving winter favourites like stifado and fasolada. The islands are calm but not asleep, the mainland is alive with cultural prep, and the weather is more forgiving than you might think.

You can hop from Athens to Nafplio to Crete without dodging tour groups, and still make time for Apokries events, winery visits, or even a seaside hike. An advisor on TravelJoy can make it easier for you to check all the right boxes in your itinerary by pairing festive events with peaceful breaks and including regional highlights that most travellers may miss.

Is February a good time to visit Greece?

It can be, if you're curious about how Greeks live in the off-season and want to trade peak-season experiences for real cultural moments. In the mainland, daily temperature highs hover around the low to mid-50s. The evenings are comfortable, and you can catch some interesting Apokries street performances before winding down over long dinners. In Crete and the southern Peloponnese, you’ll get the occasional sunlit day and enjoy temperatures in the low 60s. This may be perfect for uncrowded hikes or relaxing at village cafés that still have a buzz.

If you’re visiting Greece in February, then you’ll see that one true bargain lies in the off-season prices. Island-hopping season hasn’t peaked yet, so the ferries may be less frequent, and some resorts may be taking a winter break. But, that just makes room for a different kind of itinerary — one that revolves around Carnival events, comfort food, and authentic conversation with the locals. This is a month when you can see firsthand how the Greeks actually live, instead of chasing the social media version of Greece.

An advisor on TravelJoy can help you build exactly that kind of trip, with time to visit festive towns like Patras or Xanthi, learn about your favorite cities through walking tours, and unwind by the sea each evening with a glass of the finest regional wines.

High temperature
57°F / 14°C
Low temperature
45°F / 7°C
Rainfall
1.6 in / 40 mm
Sun & daylight
5 hours / 10.5 hours
Seasonal tips

- Cool and damp

- Pack for rain

- Carnival season energy

- Good for budget travel

- Authentic local experiences

Where to go in Greece in February

Patras
If you’re in Greece in February, Patras is a must-see because it is the heart of the country’s Carnival season. This city’s celebrations are the biggest in the country, with masquerade balls, parades, satire-filled floats, and the messy-but-fun flour wars. The Grand Parade near the port is another highlight, but it’s the city-wide energy — full of live music, street food, and spontaneous dance battles — that makes it worth the detour.
Xanthi
In Northern Greece, Xanthi’s multicultural Carnival is part folklore, part rave. The city blends ancient Thracian traditions with modern spectacle, so you get costumes inspired by mythology, brass bands that play old and new tunes, and events spilling from the Old Town to the riverbanks. This is a place you come to for the torchlit night parade, but you’ll stay for some bougatsa and retsina with locals who will absolutely invite you in.
Athens
This is the best time to experience Athens without the stress of the peak tourist season. The Acropolis isn’t swarmed with people, Plaka is at just the right temperature for spending time outdoors, and the tables at cozy tavernas fill up with neighbourhood regulars. The markets are filled with fresh olives, citrus, and tsipouro, and Apokries events pop up across different neighbourhoods — especially in Psyrri and Anafiotika — with street musicians and masked children adding to the happy vibe.
Meteora
In central Greece, Meteora rises from the Thessalian Plain like something out of a myth, with centuries-old monasteries balanced atop towering rock pillars. The trails between the six active monasteries stay open, and you can take your time climbing stone steps to explore the chapels because there are no crowds to worry about. Remember to pack layers and be ready to stop for photos (often).

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Things to do in Greece in February

Event
Location
Timing
Patras Carnival
Greece’s largest pre-Lenten carnival with vibrant parades
Patras
Month-long
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
International documentary screenings and filmmaker panels
Thessaloniki
Mid-February
Athens Art Walk
Evening art strolls through Athens’ creative districts
Athens
February Fridays
Ski Carnival
Festive ski events blending winter sports and traditions
Arachova
February weekends
Island Folklore Weekend
Celebration of island heritage with music and dance
Syros
Early February
Athens Fashion Trade Show
Trade fair featuring upcoming fashion trends and designers
Athens
Mid-February
Cretan Raki Fest
Cultural festival celebrating Crete’s traditional spirit
Heraklion
Late February

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