Travelling to Greece in September: Why It’s Probably the Best Time to Visit
I’ve always gone to Greece in the thick of summer, late July, early August. Smack in the middle of the mad heat and the mad crowds. Last year though, we had to leave Melbourne later, on August 20. At first it felt odd, like I was missing the “proper” Greek summer. But it turned out to be a good change.
The first few days were the same as always: hot, busy, that familiar Greek summer buzz. But as the days rolled on, everything slowly started to shift. The crowds thinned out. Athens felt easier. You could actually move through the streets without being shoulder-to-shoulder, wander around the landmarks without rushing just stand there enjoying the view for as long as you liked.
On the islands it was even more noticeable. Sunbeds easier accessible. Tables at good restaurants without the stress of booking weeks ahead. Some days we had beaches completely to ourselves. Even the tiny streets of Mykonos, usually packed, felt spacious. And the best part? No Meltemi winds blowing through and causing havoc. Just calm, clear days where you could sit on the beach without hanging onto your hat.
The weather was still beautiful. Warm, sunny days, none of that extreme August heat. A few clouds here and there, but nothing that stopped us swimming or going about our days. And the sea, oh my god, the sea. It was warmer than I’ve ever felt it, like it had been simmering all summer. Slipping into that water in September felt magical.
Then there’s the practical stuff. Hotels were cheaper, cars easier to hire and in plenty of places you could just show up at a bar or taverna without a booking. It felt more relaxed, more like how Greece used to be, 10 years ago, before it became so hectic.
The locals, even they seemed different. After a crazy peak season, everyone seemed more friendlier, more relaxed after the madness of summer - everything feels a little πιο χαλαρό (more chilled). And for the first time ever, we found Kostas open!
Why Visit Greece in September
Less chaos: fewer people in Athens and the islands, shorter queues, space to actually breathe
Better prices: hotels, car hire, even eating out across Greece is easier on the wallet
Perfect balance: warm sunny days without that intense August heat
Calmer seas: no Meltemi winds on the islands blowing everything
Still buzzing: not dead quiet, just Greece in September at its best pace
Locals at ease: friendlier, more relaxed after the madness of summer
Travelling in September felt like finding Greece’s best-kept secret. Once you’ve done it, you’ll wonder why you ever battled August.
Thinking of planning your own September in Greece?
That’s exactly what my She Knows Greece guides are for. They’re not generic lists, they’re the places I actually love, the boutique hotels worth booking and the tavernas and bars that make a trip special.
Right now you can explore Athens, Sifnos, and Folegandros. I’m also working on new guides for Milos, Naxos, and Syros — if you’d like to be the first to know when they’re released, sign up here.
Visiting Greece in September showed me that Greece doesn’t need to be hectic to feel alive.