Best Time to Visit the Mediterranean

Best Months: May • June • September • October

The best time for sightseeing in the Mediterranean is in spring, from May through June, or fall, from September through October.

During these times you can visit the Ancient Greek monument of the Acropolis in Athens, admire Michelangelo’s David in the fabulous Tuscan city of Florence, and wander the cinematic Old Town of Dubrovnik in Croatia without having to navigate overwhelming crowds.

The temperatures during spring and fall are also less sweltering than in summer, making your sightseeing escapades from one destination to the next more comfortable.

Best Months: April • May • June • July • August • September • October

Most travelers flock to the Mediterranean to enjoy cruises that travel from beach to beach, and the best time for these glamorous voyages is from April through October.

This extended timeframe encompasses the spring, summer, and fall months just before the winter chill sets in. The weather conditions, though comfortable temperatures and scarce rainfall ensure Mediterranean cruises are spectacular during these months.

In spring and fall you can expect quieter cruises that are suitable for avoiding crowds, while in summer you can explore the Mediterranean seas when they are at their most breathtaking.

Learn more: Croatia Island Hopping Itineraries • Greek Island Hopping Itineraries

Best Months: September • October

Wine tasting in the Mediterranean is available year-round, though we recommend September and October as the best time to visit as this coincides with the harvest season.

Wine estates open the doors to their cellars during this time and invite aficionados to peruse the picturesque vineyards where regional grapes ripen and are ready for fermentation. You can watch the process as your designated sommelier shares the secrets behind their estate’s success, then ushering you back to the restaurant where you can try their vintages and blends.

With little chance of rain affecting your tours, you can revel in the sumptuous wines and embrace the remarkable views of Tuscany’s sunflowers, the sapphire seas surrounding Santorini, or the emerald slopes of the Douro Valley.

Learn more: Italy Wine Tours

Best Months: July • August

The best time to visit the breathtaking Mediterranean beaches is during July and August, the picture-perfect summer months that boast clear skies and warm temperatures.

In summer you can enjoy romantic strolls down long stretches of pearl-white beaches, photograph views from the Cycladic white-washed villages on the cliffs of Santorini overlooking the Aegean coast, and hop from island to island during glamorous Grecian beach tours in the best weather conditions possible.

Though crowded in July and August, the natural beauty of the Mediterranean beaches during these months outweighs these concerns and, when partnering with Zicasso, you can rest assured knowing you will tour hidden shores and castaway islands.

Best Months: June • July • August • September

School breaks fall within the Mediterranean’s summer months, making June through September the best time to visit for families with children.

You can time your Mediterranean vacation with the dates of your child or children’s school breaks, reducing the chances of them missing learning time. Furthermore, a family trip with young children, older teenagers, or grandparents with their grandchildren during this time can reward you with outstanding weather.

You and your family can explore beautiful beaches flooded with sunlight, easily meander the villages peppering the rolling valleys, and partake in many Mediterranean experiences that may not be available in winter.

Best Months: April • May • September • October • November

The best time to visit the Mediterranean for couples or honeymooners is during the shoulder season months of April through May and September through November.

We recommend these times for romantic retreats as there are fewer crowds than in the summer and peak season months of July and August. Therefore, you can embrace intimacy at each destination during more private experiences and at more spacious accommodations, while taking advantage of spring and fall’s spectacular weather conditions.

You can lap up the luxuries of your accommodations’ amenities overlooking the Mediterranean seas, wander the quiet beaches hand in hand, browse the heritage sites more freely, and sail the Mediterranean at sunset with few others in sight.

Best Months: May • June • July • August

Spring and summer are the best seasons in the Mediterranean and the best time to visit during these seasons is from May through August.

You can expect perfect weather for sailing, plenty of room to plan a family vacation during your child or children’s breaks, dive into the Mediterranean seas when they are remarkably clear, and relax at luxurious accommodations kissed by the sun.

Cruises can take you from country to country, yachts glide between sparkling islands, Mediterranean cuisine is enjoyed on open-air decks overlooking the ocean, and heritage tours showcase the history and culture of each destination.

Activities: Mediterranean cruises • Island hopping • Water sports • Hiking • Cycling • Horseback riding • History and culture tours • Scuba diving • Snorkeling

Best Months: September • October • November • December

Fall and winter are surprisingly spectacular seasons to visit the Mediterranean and September through December are the best times to visit for unique activities.

The weather is still suitable for many outdoor activities, such as lavish cruises along the rugged coastlines and leisurely strolls through the fabulous wilderness landscapes. That said, you can also enjoy several essential experiences in the odd rain shower or cold temperatures.

You can spend your afternoons lounging at sensational spas, discover the ancient archeological sites across the Mediterranean, taste wines at historic estates, prepare Mediterranean cuisine during culinary classes, and attend vibrant cultural festivals to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Activities: History and culture tours • Spa treatments • Culinary and cocktail tours • Cooking classes • Winetasting • Cultural festivals • Hiking • Wildlife tours

Do you wish to discover the distinct cultures and history of the Mediterranean’s best destinations with your family? Are you dreaming of a summer honeymoon on the pearl-white shores of Adriatic and Aegean beaches? We can help you plan a trip to the Mediterranean during the best time for your travel preferences.

Browse sample itineraries from our Mediterranean vacations for inspiration or scroll through our Mediterranean travel guide to learn more about the breathtaking European region.