Weather
The weather is variable in March, with a mix of gray, rainy days and plenty of bright sunny days. Temperatures begin to warm up noticeably towards the tail-end of March, with fabulous spring weather and crystal-clear skies. Athens averages 60 Fahrenheit. Northern Greece, however, remains significantly cooler with more variable weather. By contrast, the Peloponnese definitely feels like spring, while Crete can be several degrees warmer than Athens.
Evenings will still be cool, however. And the Aegean and Ionian seas remain too cold for swimming. Rain decreases as the month progresses, with one in three days being rainy on average, so it’s still wise to pack rain gear.
Crowds & Costs
March is the tail-end of winter, and while visitors are beginning to trickle back, this is a great time to enjoy Greece in relative solitude. However, ferries are far fewer than in summer, and many hotels and restaurants will still be closed. Fortunately, airlines and hotels haven’t yet upped their rates, so this is a good time to visit while bargains are still to be had.
Where to Go
There’s no better time than March to be in Athens. Tour groups are still absent, the weather is pleasant, and street life is vibrant—at night, locals will be dining on sidewalks as if summer had already arrived. The smaller cities also remain tranquil and are fun places to see Greece like a local: Greeks know this is a great time to explore the Peloponnese and other mainland destinations (an antidote to their summers of family festivities and sunning on the islands).
March is a nice time to visit the islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos, before the hordes of summer arrive. Rhodes and Crete, where temperatures on the southern coast can on good days reach 70 Fahrenheit or more, are just warm enough for sunbathing.
Plan your trip to Greece
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
March is perfect for exploring Athens and other cultural centers and archaeological sites. By late March snow will be melting off the mainland mountains, and the flowers announcing the impending arrival of spring make this a perfect month for invigorating hikes. The isle of Kea is particularly rewarding, with its excellent trails—and there's no better hiking than in the Peloponnese mountains.
By late March, you might also consider a sailing vacation, as the yachting charter companies begin to open their doors. Plus, this is a fantastic time for photography, as the air is as clear as any other time of year, the sun is still low (providing great saturation), and you won’t have to elbow masses of visitors out of the view when angling for your perfect shot of the Parthenon.
March Events
Athens Half-Marathon:More than 20,000 runners compete through the streets of Athens.
Feast of the Annunciation/Independence Day:The Greek Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation celebrates the Christian belief that on this day, Gabriel informed Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Independence Day celebrates independence from the Ottoman Empire, in 1832. Celebrated together on March 25, cities throughout Greece host all kinds of festivities, including parades. Many restaurants and other tourist services close.
Napflio Marathon:Normally held in early March, this race in the Peloponnese town of Napflio follows a scenic coastal route.
Traveling to Greece in March? Consider these itineraries.
Mythical Peloponnese Adventure7 days that combine cultural highlights with mountain hiking, whitewater rafting, and sea kayaking.
Best of Athens & Ancient GreeceVisit the very best ancient sites before they're overrun with summer crowds
Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & CretePerfect for visitors who want to explore these four popular destinations during a period a relative calm.
More Helpful Information
Greece in February
Greece in April
Best Time to Visit Greece
More Greece Itinerary Ideas
FAQs
Weather in Greece in March
Is it worth going to Greece in March? ›
March is a nice time to visit the islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos, before the hordes of summer arrive. Rhodes and Crete, where temperatures on the southern coast can on good days reach 70 Fahrenheit or more, are just warm enough for sunbathing. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Which part of Greece is warmest in March? ›
8. Karpathos, Greece. While not the hottest place in Europe during March, Karpathos is usually the warmest of the Greek islands. Receiving an average nine hours of sunshine, it is aided by a remote southeasterly position in the Dodecanese chain between Crete and Rhodes.
How hot will Greece be in March? ›
The average daily temperatures in Greece in March range from 10°C (50°F) to 16°C (61°F). The southern parts of the country, such as Crete and Rhodes, tend to have slightly higher temperatures compared to the northern regions.
Is it warm enough to swim in Greece in March? ›
Wherever you go, the evenings will still be cool, and the sea temperature ranges from 14°C—16°C. Not exactly ideal for swimming! Also bear in mind that the weather in Greece in March is very different at either end of the month. That is to say, by the last couple of weeks, spring is well and truly in the air.
Is Santorini worth it in March? ›
March suits those looking for a more secluded holiday away from the bustling summer crowds. It is an ideal period for exploration, especially if you enjoy pleasant weather, cultural discoveries and the tranquillity of quiet Santorini before the peak tourist season.
What is Mykonos like in March? ›
You'll love the spring weather in Mykonos in March. The average daytime high temperature's 15°C, although this often feels even warmer when you're out in the sunlight. In the evenings, it may drop to about 10°C, so you'll need a layer if you're eating out or walking along the beaches.
What is the best island to visit in Greece in March? ›
Santorini makes it onto this list as the best place in Greece to visit in March to avoid crowds, as the island is one of the most popular during the summer season. Santorini remains quiet and authentic during early spring, with locals embracing their sun-kissed island before the crowds arrive.
How warm is Athens Greece in March? ›
The average daytime temperature is about 60°F (15°C) which isn't exactly warm yet it's not freezing either—certainly pleasant enough for strolling around town.
Where in Europe has the best weather in March? ›
- Lisbon. ...
- Marseille. ...
- Sicily. ...
- Greece. ...
- Malta. ...
- The Canary Islands. The Canary Islands provide some of the best weather in Europe in March. ...
- Málaga. Looking for subtropical temperatures? ...
- Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca is an excellent choice for some Spring sunshine!
December to March are the coldest and least reliable months, though even then there are many crystal-clear, fine days, and the glorious lowland flowers begin to bloom very early in spring.
Is Italy warm in March? ›
In March, the average daily temperature in Italy ranges from 8°C (46°F) to 16°C (61°F). However, there can be significant variations between the northern and southern parts of the country. Northern Italy tends to be cooler, with temperatures averaging between 5°C (41°F) to 13°C (55°F).
Which Greek island is hot in March? ›
Santorini. Santorini is one of the warmest Greek islands in March. March is a great time of year for sightseeing and hiking in Santorini. It is also a more affordable time of year to visit, so you can enjoy the famous white walled towns, rugged landscape and volcanic beaches for less.
How much does it cost to get from Athens to Santorini? ›
Ferries between Athens and Santorini cost around 35€-56€ depending on the type of vessel (conventional or high-speed ferry). Plus, if you book your ferry tickets in advance, you can also take advantage of the early-booking offers with ticket prices of around 30€.
Is Greece cheap to visit? ›
Greece is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming country to explore - and while the Eurozone can often be more expensive than other areas, Greece can still be a budget-friendly travel destination. With good advice and a bit of planning, you can have a fabulous trip without spending a fortune.
Is March a good time to visit Athens Greece? ›
Ideally, the best time to visit Athens is between March and May and from September to November. March marks the end of the Greek winter, and days begin to warm up.
What is the perfect month to go to Greece? ›
The best time to visit Greece is outside the busy summer peaks, during spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October). Temperatures are warm but not stifling, and you'll find that destinations are open but still relatively quiet.
Is March a good time to cruise the Greek islands? ›
During these months, hotel, tours, and cruise prices are significantly lower as there are very few travelers around. If saving money is a priority, November or March would be the best time to enjoy a cruise holiday on the islands.
What should I wear to Greece in March? ›
March in Greece is perfect for hiking and exploring as it's not too hot or crowded. With weather a bit cooler on the two islands than on Athens, and a shift in temperature from cooler mornings to warmer afternoons, I'm going to focus on light layers.
