Greece Weather in December

Season: winter

In short: changeable, cold, windy, rainiest month

The Parthenon Temple of Acropolis

What is the weather like in Greece in December?

Temperature: December is one of the coldest months of the year in Greece, the average temperature of which is 6-13℃ (42.8-55.4℉). It is a little warmer but more often windy on the Mediterranean islands than in northern areas. 
Rainfall: There are few sunny days and many cloudy days in this month. In the northern mountains, it can be snowy while in southern areas, the rainfall usually occurs. On average, it rains two or three days a week, with the total precipitation of 63mm (2.5in), which is the most of a year. 
Sunlight: Greece gets the least sunlight in a year in this month, the total of which lies in around 200 hours on average.

Humidity: Abundant precipitation leads to a rise in humidity. December is the wettest month, with the humidity reaching up to more than 80%.

Packing List

Clothes: Lightweight but warm clothes are needed when traveling to Greece in December 2024. You can wear hoodie, thin sweater, jeans and sweatpants during the daytime. As it is often windy in coastal areas, windbreaker or thick coat is required to deal with decreasing temperature when visiting Mediterranean islands. If you are afraid of cold, lightweight downcoat can be helpful. 

Shoes: Comfortable sneakers are suitable for long-time walking during the trip. 

Other items；Considering the changeable climate in December, it is advised to pack raingears such as umbrellas and raincoats to protect yourself against the sudden rainfall.

Where to Go and What to Do

Tourism Rate: 

The small number of tourists and low cost in December make it an ideal time to visit Greece for travelers on a budget. Although it belongs to the low season when many service places for tourists on Mediterranean islands are closed, you can enjoy your holiday by visiting cultural and historical sites in cities. Hotels and attractions are at low prices, and loose tourists allow you to slow down to learn about the Greek culture.

Mycenaean Site in Greece

Athens

Athens, which is full of ancient legends and mythologies, is a window to look into the history of Greece. You can visit the Ancient Agora, shop in the Monastiraki flea market and watch the Changing Ceremony of Guards in Syntagma Square. The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous destinations in Greece where you can learn Greek history from Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion and Acropolis Museum. Besides, Ancient Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Byzantine and Christian Museum, Panathenaic Stadium and National Archaeological Museum are all popular attractions in the city.

Ruins of Hadrian's Library, Athens

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece after Athens. There are many historical sites, among which the White Tower is a landmark. Built in the 15th century, this waterfront lighthouse was once a prison and now becomes a small museum. You can also visit Aristotelous Square, Arch and Rotunda of Galerius, Roman Agora, Hagios Demetrios and Saint Sophia Cathedral. Visiting various museums in the city is a good choice on rainy days. You can choose from Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, etc.

Delphi

Delphi, regarded as the “Center of the World” in ancient Greek mythology, is the oldest religious destination in Greece. In the Archaeological Site of Delphi, you will see the ruins of ancient temples, altars, columns, statues and theater. Temple of Apollo is the most striking. Besides, the ancient theater site is worth visiting. Concerts and operas of the Pythian Games as well as some major religious festivals are held here. After touring the site, you can also go to visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which collects many ancient artworks of Greece.

Archaeological Site of Delphi

Tips for Traveling to Greece in December

1. It is often windy on the Mediterranean islands, so it is not advised to go to the sea in December for security reasons.

2. Ferries between islands may be out of service due to occasional strong wind. Remember to check the real-time schedule before traveling. 

Weather of Major Greece Cities in December

City	Temp	Rainfall (mm)	Humidity (%)	Sunrise / Sunset
Athens	9 - 15℃ (48.2 - 59℉)	69.2	69	7:21 - 7:40 / 17:05 - 17:15
Santorini	12 - 16℃ (53.6 - 60.8℉)	88.8	69	7:10 - 7:29 / 17:02 - 17:12
Patra	7 - 15℃ (44.6 - 59℉)	65.6	79	7:30 - 7:49 / 17:12 - 17:22
Delphi	9 - 15℃ (48.2 - 59℉)	69.2	69	7:22 - 7:42 / 17:03 - 17:12
Olympia	7 - 16℃ (44.6 - 60.8℉)	123.5	80	7:29 - 7:48 / 17:14 - 17:24
Crete	11 - 17℃ (51.8 - 62.6℉)	92.2	72	7:10 - 7:28 / 17:07 - 17:17
Rhodes	12 - 17℃ (53.6 - 62.6℉)	109.2	74	6:59 - 7:18 / 16:51 - 17:01
Mykonos	9 - 16℃ (48.2 - 60.8℉)	91.9	68	7:13 - 7:32 / 17:00 - 17:10
Corfu	7 - 15℃ (44.6 - 59℉)	188.0	81	7:41 - 8:00 / 17:16 - 17:25
Thessaloniki	3 - 11℃ (37.4 - 51.8℉)	55.7	77	7:32 - 7:51 / 17:00 - 17:10
Zakynthos	8 - 16℃ (46.4 - 60.8℉)	119.5	76	7:32 - 7:51 / 17:17 - 17:26
Meteora	9 - 15℃ (48.2 - 59℉)	69.2	69	7:22 - 7:41 / 17:04 - 17:13