The 7 Hottest Places in Greece

Greece is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Encompassing a blockbuster capital city (Athens), more than 2,000 islands and a staggering coastline, it’s little wonder why so many people hotfoot here for their annual Vitamin D top-up. Plus, Greece enjoys around 250 days of sunshine every year with mostly hot and dry days during the school holidays. Temperatures can reach a sizzling 35˚C (95°F), though coastal breezes can help to cool things down on the islands. In 2021, southeastern Europe experienced the most intense heatwave in history, with temperatures in Greece soaring to +47 °C (116.6°F). The hottest month of the year in Greece is July, with an average daily maximum of 33˚C (91.4°F) and an average low of 17˚C (62.6°F). The coolest month of the year is January, which averages 6˚C (42.8°F)and an average low of -2˚C (28.4°F). But where are the hottest places in Greece?

The number one hottest place in Greece is Karpathos.

1. Karpathos
2. Rhodes
3. Crete
4. Kefalonia
5. Athens
6. Agrinio
7. Larissa

Hottest Places in Greece

1. Karpathos (Dodecanese)

Located between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is the hottest destination in Greece. Monthly temperatures average 30°C (86°F) throughout the summer, with very little rainfall. It’s one of the most southerly isles in the country, which helps explain its sizzling temperatures.

As well as guaranteed sunshine, Karpathos is less well-trodden than many of Greece’s islands, which makes it an excellent option for those looking to combine heat with the offbeat. As well as endless stretches of unspoilt beaches, there are dozens of traditional hamlets and forests to explore further inland.

Hottest month: July 30°C (86°F)

Average summer temperature: 30°C (89°F)

Average winter temperature: 15°C (62°F)

2. Rhodes (Dodecanese)

Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece and the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Come summer, the island gets an average of 13 hours of sunshine a day. How’s that for a guaranteed suntan? Temperatures soar in August, rising to an average 27°C (80°F). However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to climb even more, due to heatwaves blowing over from North Africa’s the Sahara Desert. Rainfall in the summertime is virtually unheard of, but if that sounds too hot for you then it’s worth heading here in early Autumn when temperatures average a more bearable 21°C (69°F).

The island is actually closer to the Turkish mainland (18 km away) than it is to the capital, Athens (400km).

Hottest month: August 27°C (86°F)

Average summer temperature: 30°C (80°F)

Average winter temperature: 15°C (62°F)

Planning a trip to Spain? You can see more guides to Barcelona and Madrid, and book your Greece hotels here.

3. Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and boasts some of the county’s hottest days. The hottest months are between May to October, with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 29°C. The hottest place in Crete is Ierapetra, with average highs of 32°C, though Chania is only marginally cooler, at 30°C.

As well as guaranteed sunshine, Crete is home to some of Greece’s most epic legends and stuffed full of world-famous archaeological sites and museums, wildlife-rich ecosystems, pretty towns and secluded beaches.

Hottest month: July 30°C (80°F)

Average summer temperature: 30°C (80°F)

Average winter temperature: 14°C (57.2°F)

4. Kefalonia

Kefalonia enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate throughout the year, though it does get fairly cool in winter. Heatseekers should head here between June and August when temperatures tend to reach highs of 30°C. You can expect around 14 hours of sunlight a day too.

Hottest month: July 30°C (80°F)

Average summer temperature: 27°C (86°F)

Average winter temperature: 12°C (53°F)

5. Athens

Greece’s blockbuster capital, Athens, reaches scorching temperatures from July–August. It’s one of the hottest cities in Europe too. Most days reach temperatures over 30°C and rain is highly unusual during these months.Those thinking about heading to the city’s showstopping sights during the summer should head out early in the morning. As well as dodging crowds, you can avoid the worst of the high heat, UV and humidity levels.

Experts say that Athens is only going to get hotter too. The city recorded its highest temperature in 2021 at 44.7°C (112.6°F) – the hottest in 160 years.

Hottest month: July 30°C (95.9°F)

Average summer temperature: 30°C (89.6°F)

Average winter temperature: 13°C (55.5°F)

6. Agrinio (Aetolia-Acarnania)

This lesser-known city is located in the Aetolia-Acarnania region, in Central Greece. Once one of the main tobacco production hubs in Greece, the area is famous for its rich flora and fauna, lagoons and historic towns. Temperatures here regularly creep up to 33°C (91.4°F)

Hottest month: July 33°C (91.4°F)

Average summer temperature: 32°C (89.6°F)

Average winter temperature: 12°C (53.6°F)

7. Larissa (Thessaly)

The Thessaly region is one of the hottest regions in Greece. Larissa is the fourth-most populous city in Greece, which makes for some sticky weather in the summertime. Located just south of Mount Olympus, the town is set against a picture-perfect backdrop of wooded mountains, large fertile plains crossed by the Pinios River and beautiful beaches.

Temperatures here average highs of 33°C (91.4°F) and lows of 18°C (64.4°F) in July

Hottest month: July 33°C (91.4°F)

Average summer temperature: 32°C (89.6°F)

Average winter temperature: 11°C (51.8°F)