Greece in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Athens, Greece: 57°F High • 48°F Low

The end of the year brings cool yet pleasant weather to Greece, with the average temperature in December ranging from the high 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. With few rainy days, there are ample dry days during which to explore Greece’s ancient ruins, colorful villages, and stunning landscapes. Pack layers for sightseeing, as well as a lightweight jacket and umbrella, and you’ll be comfortable in the moderate weather in Greece in December.

Athens • Best Place for Sightseeing

As Greece’s epicenter of ancient history and culture, Athens dazzles visitors with iconic sites like the Acropolis, set atop a hill overlooking the sprawling city. The weather in December in Greece is perfect for strolling through the Acropolis Museum’s vast collections and chances to wander ancient monuments like the Temple of Zeus without battling summer crowds.

With many Christmas markets and festive lights on display, Athens combines holiday charm with renowned landmarks like the Parthenon. Wandering the Plaka district’s cobbled streets while sipping hot chocolate makes even the most famous sites feel wonderfully intimate.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Athens & Santorini

Crete • Best Place for Great Weather

In December, Crete boasts one of Greece’s mildest climates, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low-60s Fahrenheit. Explore charming cities like Chania and Rethymno beneath sunny skies, then marvel at the ruins of the ancient Minoan palace Knossos without weather worries.

The south coast offers warmer weather, allowing for beach town escapes that are ideal for sightseeing. With sunny days and cozy tavernas to duck into if rain showers appear, Crete lures travelers with its rich history and culture against a backdrop of pleasant winter weather.

Learn more: Athens, Santorini, and Crete Itineraries & Vacations

Thessaloniki • Best Place for Families with Children

Thessaloniki invites families to enjoy festive Christmas flair and an abundance of kid-friendly activities. The city's Christmas market along the waterfront entertains kids with carnival rides, music, and dance performances, all while parents sample regional wines and crafts.

Mild December weather allows for family adventures like biking Thessaloniki's coastal paths or exploring the rich Byzantine history of Hosios David without the large summer crowds. With interactive museums, a dazzling holiday scene, and a laidback coastal atmosphere, Thessaloniki creates memorable Greek vacations for parents and kids alike.

Meteora • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

In December, it’s easy to embrace the beauty of Meteora, one of Greece’s top places to visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features breathtaking Byzantine monasteries perched dramatically atop soaring rock pillars, linked by stairs and hiking trails woven through the cliffs. With far fewer visitors than in the peak summer months, December allows you to linger at cliffside monasteries like the Great Meteoron Monastery and take in sweeping valley views in blissful solitude.

December weather is comfortable and ideal for harnessing the tranquility across this unique landscape undisturbed. Meteora in December allows you to connect intimately with one of Greece’s most remarkable and spiritual places.

Learn more: 12-Day Greece Itineraries & Tours

Santorini • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Santorini entices couples and honeymooners with its iconic sunsets, colorful clifftop villages, and luxurious suites situated along the volcanic slopes. In December, you can watch the island’s legendary sun dip into the Aegean Sea at places like Oia when it is far quieter.

Stroll red-sand beaches with your loved one, unwind together at one of Santorini’s natural thermal springs and spas, or visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement that was buried under volcanic ash in the 1600s BC. Far more serene, yet still utterly captivating, Greece’s jewel of the Cyclades weaves romantic charm for two.

Learn more: Santorini Vacations, Tours, & Trips

Marvel at the Festive Transformation of Athens

The Greek capital is festive during December, with colorful lights draped across Christmas markets and sightseeing favorites like the Plaka district and National Gardens sprinkled with Christmas cheer. Take in the abundant holiday markets or join Athenians donning festive attire for celebrations across the glimmering city.

Learn the Ancient Art of Greek Cooking

Master staples like spanakopita, dolmades, and moussaka during a festive cooking class in Athens or intimate farm-to-table workshops at organic estates and vineyards on islands like Paros and Santorini. On Greek food tours, discover classic and modern takes on local cuisine from welcoming chefs and unravel the techniques of traditional Greek cooking.

Tour the Colorful Christmas Villages of Zagori

Visit remote mountain villages swathed in yuletide splendor across the Zagori region, which is lit by strings of white lights and hosts robust holiday markets ideal for sampling regional delicacies and hunting handmade gifts. Stay overnight in one of Zagori's centenarian stone houses to fully immerse yourself in holiday traditions.

Soak in the Thermal Springs of Edipsos

Relax in the renowned thermal baths of Edipsos on the island of Evia, where mineral-rich waters feed pools and spas ideal for thermotherapy amid December’s cool air. Indulge in a soothing massage or meditate as the steam rises around you.

Enjoy Skiing and Snowboarding

Mainland Greece offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities in December. With days filled with sweeping views of mountain peaks coated in white and quaint villages that come alive at night with local cuisine, music, and hospitality, Greece provides an unforgettable alpine experience for snowsport enthusiasts.

From the twinkling lights of Athens to the peaceful hillside monasteries of Meteora, Greece offers ancient wonders and festive holiday cheer in December. With fewer tourists, comfortable weather, and cities decked out for Christmas, you can discover this legendary destination from a cozy, intimate angle, whether you're skiing in the mountains or unwinding in waterside thermal baths.

Explore more inspiration for your December trip in our Greece travel guide, or browse our collection of Greece vacations and tours to inspire your personalized travel experience.