Month by month · winter 2026–27
Greece in December
In Athens, December averages about 14°C by day and 8–9°C at night, with Christmas and Boxing Day on the calendar. Short bright days, decorated squares and long, unhurried dinners — festive high season without the summer prices.
The weather: The quiet core
Athens, long-term averages. The south is a few degrees milder, the north and the mountains colder.
By day
14°C
At night
8–9°C
Rain
70–80 mm
Sunshine
4–5 h/day
The heart of the wet season. Christmas weather is mild by northern European standards. Snow becomes plausible in the north and on the mountains; in Athens itself it is uncommon, but not unheard of.
What’s on in December
This season’s dates, worked out for 2026.
In season
The experiences at their best this month.
Olive oil & the new harvest
Nov – Jan
Pressing runs Nov–Jan. It is the one harvest that actually happens in winter — mills are working, and the oil goes from tree to spoon in front of you.
Agritourism & farm stays
Oct – Apr
A long weekend is the sweet spot: one guesthouse, one working farm, one very long lunch. Autumn and early spring are kindest for the driving.
Mountains & snow
Dec – Mar
Peak cover on the high centres. Four days lets you lose one to weather and still ski, which in Greece is planning, not pessimism.
Thermal springs
Nov – Mar
Hot water is wasted in August. Cold, wet, quiet months are exactly when sitting in a steaming spring stops being odd and starts being obvious.
Wine & wineries
Nov – Mar
The quiet season: smaller groups, and the person pouring is usually the person who made it. Book ahead — winter tastings are by appointment.
Gastronomy
Oct – Apr
The whole season. Winter is when the ovens come back, the stews go on and the table stops being a salad with a view.
Where to go in December
Three ways to point the trip.
Where this month’s festivals are biggest
Mildest, and still fully awake
For snow: the gateways to the ski centres
On the table
Pork traditions, cabbage and citrus, and the great sweet duo of kourabiedes and melomakarona beside festive breads.
Snow & sport
The ski season begins in earnest; most centres are spinning by the holidays.
3 races this month →WINTΣR GRΣΣCΣ
The off-season guide to Greece — 39 airports, one honest open-o-meter, October to April.
wintergreece.gr
Destinations
Experiences
Details are checked but change without notice — always confirm opening hours, transport and conditions directly before you travel.