Is March a Good Time to Visit Greece? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Greece and are considering visiting in spring, you might wonder if March is a good time to visit Greece. March marks the beginning of spring and shoulder season, meaning the crowds are thinner than during the peak season, offering the perfect opportunity to explore another, more authentic side of the country. But what is Greece like in March, and what are the best things to do in the country during that time? Keep reading to find out!
The weather in Greece in March
The weather in Greece in March is milder than in winter, with the temperatures hovering between 10°C (50°F) and 16°C (61°F). Generally speaking, the weather is mild, although unpredictable, with occasional rains and thunderstorms. So, if you plan to visit Greece in March, brace yourself for various weather conditions and pack accordingly! Also, keep in mind that Northern Greece experiences colder weather than Southern Greece, with Thessaloniki typically having cooler temperatures than Athens.
As for the islands, depending on their position, they have different weather patterns. For example, Crete has mild weather all year round, while Corfu is a generally rainy island. We recommend checking out the weather forecast for the specific destination you want to visit before your trip!
Where to go in Greece in March
March is the perfect time to visit otherwise overcrowded cities and islands! So, if you want to visit famous attractions and explore at your leisure, this might be the ideal month for your trip. Some of the best places in Greece to visit in March are:
Athens
Athens is more than a stop-off before you visit the Greek islands. It’s a fascinating city that will lure you with its unique character! Having a hotel in Athens city center as your base, you can easily visit all the main attractions in the historic center, including the Acropolis Hill, the Parthenon, the Greek Parliament, the Ancient Agora, and the Plaka district.
Santorini
March offers the unique opportunity to see the world-famous island of Santorini without the hordes of tourists that flock to it in summer. And there’s no denying that visiting the volcano, Oia, Fira, and the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri will be more pleasurable without the crowds! Additionally, a more authentic side of Santorini will be revealed to you at that time of the year. To embrace it, choose a hotel in Mesaria or another traditional village for your stay -you will introduce yourself to the locals’ lifestyle and immerse yourself in the slow rhythms of island life, which is a priceless experience!
Mykonos
Why not combine your visit to Santorini with a quick trip to Mykonos? Best known for its cosmopolitan flair, beautiful beaches, and picturesque main town, this island is a must-visit. Mykonos might be loud and overcrowded in summer, but visiting in March allows you to experience the island’s authentic side. A side infused with tradition, natural beauty, and hospitality!
Crete
Crete is one of the best islands to visit in March, as it has mild weather throughout the year making it the perfect destination for a spring getaway! Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno are some of the island’s most beautiful towns, while Samaria Gorge, Balos Beach, and Diktaion Andron Cave are must-visit places for nature lovers. Given that Crete is a big island, we suggest staying for at least a week to make the most of your trip!
What to wear in Greece in March
When it comes to packing for your trip to Greece in March, you should cover all bases by bringing clothes for different weather conditions. As we mentioned above, the weather in Greece in March is unpredictable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry! So, some must-haves are:
- A pair of comfortable shoes for walking
- An umbrella
- A raincoat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A light coat
- A couple of pairs of jeans
- Several cotton tees
- A couple of sweaters
- A pair of water-resistant boots
Things to do in Greece in March
Thanks to the absence of crowds and the mild weather, there are many things to do in Greece in March! Some of the best experiences you should add to your bucket list are:
Have a taste of the nightlife in Athens
If you visit the Greek capital and don’t have a taste of its nightlife, you will miss out! Nightlife in Athens is exhilarating and offers the opportunity to experience firsthand how the locals have fun. Kolonaki, Syntagma, Gazi, Monastiraki, and Psyrri are the best neighborhoods for nightlife, but if you’re searching for a more hip place, Exarcheia is your best bet!
Join the celebrations for the Greek Independence Day
The Greeks celebrate Independence Day on March 25th, with parades taking place in every city throughout the country and citizens taking the streets to celebrate. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, join the celebrations and watch the parades -it will be an experience of a lifetime! Just keep in mind that March 25th is a national holiday, meaning that most shops are closed, so plan your day accordingly.
Cross Samaria Gorge in Crete
If you are a thrill seeker or a nature lover, crossing Samaria Gorge in Crete is an experience you must have during your trip! Samaria Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in Greece, is the perfect place to embrace nature and hike through an otherworldly landscape. If you want to explore the gorge and its wonders, you can join a hiking group or embark on this adventure alone if you are an experienced hiker!
Do island hopping
Why visit just one island if you can hop between several of them? Island hopping is the best way to go to more than one island during your vacation, but with so many islands to explore, it might be difficult to plan your itinerary. We suggest picking an island group and hopping between its islands. This way, your trip will be easy and pleasurable, giving you enough time to enjoy each island’s culture and landscape at your own pace!
So, the answer to the question ‘Is March a good time to visit Greece?’ is ‘Absolutely’! Greece in March is quieter than in peak season, and the weather is nice, allowing you to explore it at your leisure and immerse yourself in the local culture. So, are you ready to plan your trip to Greece in March?
