Greek holidays are the perfect opportunity to flaunt a high-brow aesthetic. The country is renowned for its scenery, from the blue domes of Santorini to the chalk-cut curve of Zante’s Navagio Beach. And with those backdrops, just imagine the wardrobe potential. It’s enough to send you straight on a shopping haul (or perhaps to consult a personal stylist).
Knowing what to wear in Greece isn’t only about planning impressive outfits, though. What about comfort and functionality? With its boat tours, top temperatures of 30 to 45°C, and historical sightseeing, there’s a lot to consider when packing. Equally, don’t just immediately pack a summer suitcase. A proper seasonal analysis should always play a role in decision-making — did you know that certain areas of Greece have ski resorts?
Don’t treat packing for Greece with a blanket approach. Learn these seasonal packing tips instead.
Understanding Greece’s Climate
Fundamentally, seasonal packing boils down to understanding Greece’s climate. As a sweeping overview, travellers should note that Greece has a Mediterranean climate: dry summers with plenty of heat and cooler springs, autumns, and winters. Visiting in these colder months? It’s wise to pack an umbrella or waterproofs to help contend with higher precipitation levels.
If you check general guidance on the best months to go to Greece, advice typically stems from a blanket summary of the Mediterranean climate. For the most part, this is effective guidance, especially when planning geographically innocuous stays in luxury Antiparos villas.
But we’ll let you into a secret: Greece also has pockets of microclimates, aka areas that don’t fit the standard weather patterns. The result? Drastic climate variations that could catch ill-prepared travellers off-guard.
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Differing terrain, elevation, equatorial proximity, and wind patterns can all create microclimates. Often, it’s a perfect storm of a few factors.
So, what are some examples?
Let’s rewind back to those aforementioned ski resorts; Greece is heavily mountainous, and these regions of higher elevation experience lower temperatures. Kato Nevrokopi, in the mainland’s northeast, reaches winter temperatures so low that it’s nicknamed the ‘Siberia of Greece.’ Bordering Rodopi Mountain Range National Park, it spends much of the year engulfed in heavy snow.
In contrast, the southernmost areas of Greece, like Crete and the Dodecanese islands of Rhodes and Karpathos, stay mild throughout winter. In Crete, the geographical positioning of the island means (even in its coldest month of January) the lowest temperatures fall is 9°C. Snowfall is incredibly rare.
When weighing up what to wear in Greece, region matters as much as season. The contrast in weather patterns between Greece’s mountains and islands is huge, and it’s worth considering how the Greek territory spreads vertically. Some areas are much closer to the equator than others.
Throughout this article, we’ll reference the Mediterranean climate patterns to provide seasonal guidance on what to wear when visiting Greece. But quickly use this time to also Google whether your destination has microclimate conditions to be aware of. You can never be too prepared.
What to Wear in Greece by Season
The truth is, packing for Greece is a mixed bag. Are you channeling Mamma Mia or a Greek take on Aspen Extreme? A few months — or even weeks — can make all the difference. To decide whether it’s shorts and a sundress or layers and a woollen coat, look no further. Here’s what to wear when visiting Greece: season by season.
Spring (March – May)
Summary: Maxi skirts, jumpsuits, dark-wash denims, comfortable shoes, and waterproof layers.
Aside from slight fickleness between sunshine and showers, spring is a beautiful time to visit Greece. The general temperatures hover at around 10°C to 20°C throughout March and April; things are slowly creeping towards swim-in-the-sea and sunbathe weather. As a shoulder season, tourists are only beginning to trickle in; crowds aren’t yet overwhelming.
In these months, maxi skirts and jumpsuits provide trendy coverage for a balance of warmth and aesthetic. March and April are also excellent months for men and women alike to rock their best dark-wash denim — don’t worry, loungewear and jackets are predicated 2025 buzzwords. Think floaty and looser fits, like straight legs rather than skinny jeans. You’ll be packing more fabric, but the same unrestrictive style applies.
Always plan for layering; a warm (preferably waterproof) coat goes a long way, while an umbrella is a smart compromise. Similarly, sandals are a fashionable choice for dry days, but it’s savvy to bring a closed-toe option for wetter spells. Swimwear is still worth packing, especially for the cold-dip lovers. Just bring a stylish cover-up, too.
Spring conditions change fast; what about what to wear in Greece in May? Towards the end of spring, temperatures shift to lows of 16°C and highs of 25°C. Match the rising heat with fewer layers and more lightweight linens and sundresses. Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat are also becoming worthy recommendations.
Summer (June – August)
Summary: Sundresses, shorts, sandals, hats, and breathable linen layers.
Everyone’s favourite season has arrived — welcome to a Greek summer. A ball of heat and sociable crowds, the absolute minimum temperatures hover at a tepid 20°C with highs often exceeding 32°C.
When debating what to wear in Greece in June, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sun cream. It might be early summer, but those temperatures are already beginning to soar. Whether you’ve browsing Paros villas or Mykonos villas, prioritize floating outfits like summer dresses to stay cool.
Breathable materials like linen provide more respite from the high temperatures. Material choice is particularly important when planning to sightsee religious areas, where modesty is required no matter the weather. A few linen trousers and floaty tops with a light scarf are ideal. Otherwise, go full steam ahead with swimwear, sundresses, shorts, and sandals.
Packing requirements stay similar, but be aware that the minimum temperatures rise in July and August. When deciding what to wear in Greece in August, prepare yourself for lows of 23°C. A hat and breathable clothing become essentials.
Autumn (September – November)
Summary: Dresses and linens with paired jackets, slowly transitioning to denim-wear and knitwear with base-layers.
Autumn is a grey area. There’s a huge contrast between September versus October and November. September might fall into the ‘fall category’, but, really, travellers can safely pack for an extra month of summer. Lows sit at around 20°C, while highs touch a respectable 28°C — it’s likely too warm to pack the dark-wash denims just yet. Instead, coordinate sundresses and linens with a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. In September, packing and outfit styles are on par with late May or June’s seasonal demands.
What to wear in Greece in October is entirely different. By October, the weather transitions; lows sit at 16°C with highs barely touching 23°C. Jumpsuits, jeans, and maxi dresses are back in, and with them are warmer layers like knitwear and jackets.
November is colder still, averaging between 12°C and 18°C. By now, rainfall has also tripled since September. You’ll need warmer base layers and fashionable waterproof layering.
Winter (December – February)
Summary: Thermal base-layers with warm coats.
By winter, the vast majority of tourists have left, leaving the beautiful coastlines and al fresco tables empty and ready for the taking. For the brave, Greece’s off-season is the perfect chance to experience a quieter pace of life and a warmer European-inspired wardrobe. Don’t abandon your sense of style, especially as getting the shot at bucket-list viewpoints becomes easier. The fashion-forward know a time to shine when they see one.
With temperatures between 7°C and 14°C, even southern areas of Mainland Greece and its equator-nearing islands are chilly. Think base layers on the islands and traditional European ski season attire for the mountains. It’s safe to ditch the hats and sunglasses (unless the blacked-out shades are a fashion statement). Instead, a warm coat with waterproofs becomes the new staple must-pack.
To wear skirts or lighter-looking outfits, invest in thermal base layers, like tights or thin merino tops. A chunky-knit sweater might be too cold as a standalone piece. But with a sneaky merino and optional mid-layer underneath, you’ll stay toasty. The best part about layering is that nobody knows — it’s a good hack to use when packing for Greek winters.
Greece Outfit Ideas for Different Occasions
It’s important to differentiate between suitable occasionwear. A luxury meal overlooking the ocean might prompt a dark blue maxi dress with a scooped back (paired with heels, of course). Yet sightseeing usually demands an element of practicality — think a mid-length summer dress with closed flats and a light jacket to cover up at religious sites.
Colour is an easy decision. White and blue are classic choices amongst Greek tourists and guarantee an aesthetic photo or two. Blues are particularly poignant in the country’s culture, with fishermen traditionally painting their doors in this cheap yet cheerful colour. When preparing outfit ideas, light blues for the day and darker blues at night (or in winter) are solid benchmarks.
Neutral tones are also popular. Think camel, tans, and off-whites; Greek fashion oozes minimalism.
Here are a few ideas for women’s wear for different occasions:
- Beach Day
Solid-colour bikinis or trunks are in, but equally, don’t shy away from a timeless one-piece swimsuit. A figure-hugging swimsuit with strategic cuts or cinching is beautifully paired with heels or sandals. Pair with crochet cover-ups (in long or mid-length fits) in classy nude or neutral colours.
- Sightseeing:
Sightseeing demands practicality, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing fashion. Mid-length dresses are ultra-feminine looks for effortlessly floating the streets of Greece. Stripes, blues, neutrals, and whites are all popular patterns and colours. Pair with a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and trainers or mules — depending on the walking demands. A pair of trusty sunnies, and voila! It’s a complete look.
Alternatively, when incorporating climbing or religious sites, choose modest options like white linen trousers with high-neck tops.
- Evening Dining:
Pull out all the stops. Neutral trousers with a belt and a linen shirt are a classic option for men or women. White dresses are extremely flattering against a new tan — why not channel your inner Greek goddess? Dark blues are an aesthetic pick, too, creating a clear shift from day to night.
Packing Essentials for Greece
You’ve browsed luxury Corfu villas and booked your flight. The time has come to load up your suitcase — yes, it’s normal to be quivering with excitement and anticipation. Greece is the epitome of elegant European culture. The balance of sun, sea, and sightseeing means tourists should pack with an informed flair.
These are the key Greek staples, no matter the weather.
- Linen trousers, preferably with a matching/complementary two-piece top.
- Mid-length dresses (suitable for layering with a coat).
- Maxi dresses for elegant photographs and sensual late-night dining.
- A waterproof jacket for protection against any rainy spells.
- A wide-brimmed hat for protection against powerful UV, sunburn, and sunstroke.
- Closed-toe shoes for wet weather, hiking, and dusty sightseeing.
- Sandals for casual use and beachwear.
- Swimwear (bikini, swimsuit, or trunks) with accompanying cover-ups.
- Sunglasses for eye protection.
- Base layers for chillier mornings, evenings, or winter wear.
And in terms of non-clothing items, you also need:
- A European travel adaptor (preferably with multiple plugs for multi-product charging).
- Plenty of sun cream and heat-resistant spray for your hair.
- A portable charger for peace of mind on longer sightseeing days.
- Optional photography upgrades like a DSLR or underwater camera.
- Large beach towels to avoid hotel fees.
What NOT to Wear in Greece
Be wary of exposed skin, even in the soaring temperatures of summer. UV causes serious damage, and while the centigrade boost might prompt fewer layers of clothing, be aware of the heightened risk.
Breathable linens are safer choices. Always apply, then reapply, suncream — taking care to cover spots under straps and corners of clothing that might move throughout the day.
Unless you’re strictly visiting in the height of summer, never put your eggs in one basket, either. A suitcase packed for a Greek shoulder season should have base layers and waterproofs. Not just dresses or shorts.
Greece Packing List – Quick Checklist
You know what to wear in Greece, depending on the seasons. That’s a lot of information at once, though; let’s simplify what we’ve covered.
Here’s a quick checklist for your trip to Greece.
- Suncream.
- Self-filtering or non-plastic water bottle.
- Heat protecting hair spray.
- Swimwear + optional cover-up.
- Wide-brimmed hat.
- Comfy closed-toe shoes.
- Sandals.
- Sunglasses.
- Underwear and breathable socks.
- Light jacket – preferably waterproof.
- Linen two-piece.
- Jumpsuit.
- Linen or lightweight trousers.
- Stylish yet breathable tops.
- Maxi dresses.
- Mid-length dresses.
- Comfortable shorts.
- EU adaptor.
- Power bank.
- A shawl or scarf.
- A microfiber or quick-drying towel.
- Copies of travel documents and insurance policies.