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

July is an exciting time to visit Greece as the peak of the summer season is in full swing, the weather is wonderfully warm, and the Greek isles are buzzing with energy. As July is one of the most popular months to visit Greece, you can expect larger crowds, especially in popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Beaches, bars, and restaurants come alive with music and dancing, and you can choose to indulge or observe from a quiet distance.

With over 220 inhabited islands to choose from, you have a chance to truly personalize your Greek adventure, finding ways to avoid heavy crowds, perhaps also finding an escape from the heat for a while. Certain islands offer you a chance to enrich your travel experience with local traditions and entertainment, as cultural events and festivals take place.

Greece in July sees longer days and clearer night skies, making it ideal for you to enjoy outdoor activities and nighttime dining. You may choose to spend time on the serene beaches of less-traveled islands or join the summer vibe in bustling villages and popular cities.

July marks the middle of summer in Greece, offering you sunny and hot weather with minimal chance of rainfall. Average daytime temperatures reach around 84°F in Athens, sometimes soaring to 96°F, with highs reaching up to 91°F on the islands.

The Mediterranean climate means while the southern islands are hotter, the northern regions can be slightly cooler. The sea is inviting, with average temperatures around 78°F, which is perfect for swimming and beach activities. Early mornings are mild, making this the ideal time to wander around villages, while evenings are warm, perfect for outdoor dining.

Athens • Best Place for Sightseeing

Athens in July turns into a bustling, vibrant city offering you a chance to explore the wealth of sightseeing opportunities from morning to night. From the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to the ruins of Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens, you can gain an understanding of their historical significance.

Take some time out to savor Greek cuisine, either on a food tour exploring authentic markets or at a taverna in the historic Plaka neighborhood. You can take in the neoclassical architecture of the Plaka before wandering around Syntagma Square, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament.

Crete • Best Place for Great Weather

When looking for a Greek island that offers the ultimate in excellent weather, Crete should be your island of choice. With warm temperatures averaging around 84°F and highs that can get up to 100°F, the island experiences some of the hottest and sunniest weather. Rainfall is virtually non-existent and the northwesterly Meltemi breeze that may occur brings gentle relief from the heat of the day.

There are a variety of beaches and inviting waters to spend your time enjoying, from the pink sand of Elafonissi to the crystal-clear waters of Balos Lagoon. The sea temperature is welcoming at an average 75°F, making it perfect for you to enjoy a leisurely swim or exciting water sports.

Naxos • Best Place for Families with Children

When looking for a family beach destination in Greece in July, Naxos will offer you and your family an unforgettable island experience. With family-friendly activities, safe waters, and easy access to many attractions and amenities, Naxos is a perfect choice, convenient for families with young children.

The island boasts over 60 miles of beautiful beaches, such as Agios Prokopios and St George Beach. The soft sand and shallow waters make this ideal for you and your family to play and swim safely. You can enjoy water activities such as sailing trips to nearby islands and windsurfing lessons at Laguna Beach Park.

Land-based fun can include a cooking class for all ages or a guided tour to archaeological sites like Portara and Venetian Kastro. Share in the rich culinary heritage of Naxos in family-run tavernas, where you and your family can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine together.

Milos • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Milos is a wonderful choice when looking for an island offering romantic scenery in Greece in July. The island’s unique geological features include a volcanic landscape that provides a dramatic scenery of striking contrasts between white rocks and the deep blue sea.

With its breathtaking and diverse beaches, such as Sarakiniko, which is known for its moon-like white rock formations and turquoise waters, Milos offers you surreal beauty and a truly romantic setting in which to relax, swim, and enjoy sunsets together. You can visit the Venetian Castle and Plaka, capture a renowned Milos sunset, or find yourself at one of the many secluded spots for a peaceful and intimate getaway.

You can take a wander through narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea in quaint villages like Klima and Plaka. These villages offer cozy tavernas and cafés, creating the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a leisurely stroll.

Folegandros • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

You may wish to step away from the bustling streets and packed beaches of the more popular Greek islands when visiting Greece in July. A great option to consider is the island of Folegandros. An excellent choice to avoid crowds while enjoying the beauty of the Greek islands, Folegandros is less frequented by tourists, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic Greek experience.

Folegandros’ serene environment makes it feel like a step back in time, where you can encounter local life, including herds of goats and traditional farming practices. The small and picturesque town of Chora is perched on cliffs with stunning views. It has a cozy atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants and shops, making it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.

The island features stunning beaches with turquoise waters that are often quiet and less crowded, some of them requiring you to hike a bit to reach them. Your reward is a more intimate beach experience, a leisurely day filled with exploration and relaxation, and an overall slower pace.

Enjoy Cultural Performances in Epidaurus

Step into a world of classical music performances and notable productions by playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides when you visit the Epidaurus Festival. The ancient theater of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese is renowned for its historical significance and stunning acoustics. Opera and theater productions showcase Greek and international works, contemporary plays, and innovative interpretations. You can step back in time as you watch a performance of ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, then take a break to explore the surrounding area, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in various cultural activities during the festival period.

Celebrate Honey and Honey-Based Products in Evia

Spend time at the Honey Festival in Steni, Evia, with a chance for you to enjoy honey tastings and honey-based dishes, along with live music and dance events. The festival takes place towards the end of July in the village of Steni. Supporting the local community, the focus is on all things honey as you celebrate the region’s rich tradition of beekeeping and high-quality honey production. The festival features traditional Greek desserts and dishes made with honey, such as baklava, melomakarona, or honey cookies, and honey-drizzled dough balls known as loukoumades.

Embrace the Pull of the Hydra Puppet Festival

Experience something a little different when you attend the Hydra Puppet Festival. It’s a fascinating display of international puppet artists highlighting their techniques, with puppeteers coming to Hydra from as far away as Brazil and Togo. Held during the last two weeks of July, the festival is an excellent opportunity for a new generation of Greek puppeteers to pop onto the European puppet scene. Enjoy a fascinating display of color, skill, and charming entertainment in this significant annual cultural event.

Greece offers you a lot more than just a plethora of gorgeous beaches and island escapes when you visit in July. It also provides you with the chance to experience its rich heritage, Greek cuisine, and unique festivals. Hot and sunny weather, warm Mediterranean waters, and a long list of activities are just a handful of reasons you should consider visiting Greece in July.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our Greece tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our Greece travel guide.