Greece in October? Here’s What to Expect & Wear

ByNausheen Farishta
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Greece was on my bucket list for years before I finally had the chance to visit. The catch? I’d be going in October. I’d always pictured summery, sunshiney vibes when thinking about Greece – what would an off-peak month be like there?

The verdict? Visiting Greece in October has pros and cons but with some strategic planning I had a fantastic experience and you can, too. 

What’s the weather in Greece in October? 

I was in Greece for basically the entire month of October, in a few different areas, from October 3 through October 24. As expected, it became cooler as the month went on – but not by much. 

Generally, Greece in October still felt hot! It was a bit cooler in the early mornings and late evenings but still mild. The sun shone strongly and the skies remained a pretty, clear blue. 

Only toward the end of my trip, when I spent several days in Athens, did it feel more consistently cooler. On average during the month of October in Greece you can expect temperatures ranging from 64-75 degrees Fahrenheit or 18-24 degrees Celsius. 

Is October a good month to travel to Greece? 

Based on my experience visiting Greece in October of 2024 – yes. Not only is the weather still delightfully pleasant, you’re also likely to experience fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations. 

Can I still swim in Greece in October?

Of course, no trip to Greece is complete without taking a dip! Yes, you can certainly still swim in Greece in October but it’s more likely to be a pleasant experience if you visit in the first half of the month. 

view over the sea from a restaurant in Sifnos Greece

Which Greek island is best to visit in October? 

I knew I wanted to go island-hopping in Greece during my trip, but planning which islands to spend time on during shoulder season required some extra thought.

The islands that are more tourist-dependent or already on the smaller side could be too quiet, with many restaurants and shops shutting down for the season. 

So, I made sure to visit these first. The islands that tend to have a higher concentration of local life and businesses were less likely to see a dramatic seasonal shift, so I was okay going to these later in the month.

And I saved Athens, the capital city, for the very end knowing it would be buzzing no matter the time of year. 

Here’s a breakdown of my solo Greece itinerary with some additional insight, so you can adapt it for yourself: 

Santorini 

I didn’t want to go there at first. I actually didn’t think Santorini was worth visiting until I experienced it for myself. But, flying in from Italy and wanting to go straight to the islands it simply made the most sense. 

A white bell tower with ornate detailing rises above a cluster of whitewashed buildings in a traditional Greek village, set against a vivid blue sky. Blue railings, bright bougainvillea, and sunlit rooftops add bursts of color to the serene scene.

I was in Santorini from October 3-5. This is one of the islands that is certainly dependent on tourism, so I also wanted to make sure to go here in the earlier part of October.

It was very hot in Santorini in early October, with plenty of sunshine. Perfect for swimming! 

Sifnos

After Santorinin, I took a ferry to the quieter Sifnos island. I knew I wanted to experience a more off-the-beaten-path island.

Sifnos Greece at sunset, view of pink flowers in the foreground, mountains and whitewashed buildings in the background

But considering that Sifnos is a smaller island that still feels undiscovered, I also wanted to visit during the early part of October to ensure most things would be open. 

While quite a few restaurants, shops and accommodations were still open a lot had also already begun to close for the season.

So, I’m glad I went when I did and would recommend prioritizing Sifnos for the first week of October or the earlier part of the second week of the month. 

Syros

Perhaps the most unsung, underrated island of my entire itinerary happens to be the capital of the Cycladic island group.

A stone walkway curves along the rocky coastline of a Mediterranean town, with colorful historic buildings perched above, including a blue-domed church. The clear turquoise water laps against a moss-covered sea wall in the foreground under a bright blue sky.

I had a hunch things wouldn’t be shutting down on this island that is not very popular with tourists, and has a strong local work and life scene year-round. 

I went to Syros in mid-October and it was perfect. I stayed for five days, and could easily have stayed longer. Not because there’s so much to do in Syros, but also because it felt like such a comfortable place to live and exist in for a while. 

Swimming was still an option here mid-October, and I enjoyed a couple visits to the magical Vaporia beach. 

Crete 

view of colorful buildings in distance, across a body of water, with a black lamp post in the foreground

I took a flight from Syros to Crete rather than a ferry. Crete is the largest island in Greece. It’s popular with expats, tourists and locals alike. For these reasons, I put this toward the latter half of my itinerary. 

I visited Chania for a few days but honestly, knowing what I know now I would not have visited Crete unless I could have dedicated more time to it and rented a car to explore the different sides of the island.

There’s simply too much to see and do there and I barely scratched the surface. 

What to Wear in Greece in October 

Especially if you’re trying to keep to a minimalist travel wardrobe, you’ll want to zero in on the essentials to pack for an October trip to Greece. Here are some considerations and suggestions: 

A white bell tower with ornate detailing rises above a cluster of whitewashed buildings in a traditional Greek village, set against a vivid blue sky. Blue railings, bright bougainvillea, and sunlit rooftops add bursts of color to the serene scene. You said: She Knows Alt Text said: A woman takes a mirror selfie in a softly lit room, wearing a blue and white striped sundress with a black crossbody bag and sunglasses perched on her head. The background shows a neatly made bed and a decorative partition wall with circular cutouts.

For clothes: Lightweight fabrics 

Whether in the form of shorts, pants, tops or dresses your best bet is to opt for lightweight and natural fabrics. I prioritized linen and cotton pieces.

During the day you might want to dress more casually, but bring at least a couple slightly dressier outfits for evenings out (probably best to leave the heels at home, choose wedges instead). 

If you plan on hiking at all, don’t forget to pack something sweat-wicking and comfortable. 

Tip: If you’re packing dresses or skirts, choose midi or maxi lengths. It can get pretty windy on the islands so a longer cut will keep you cool and covered! 

Here’s some inspo: 

For shoes: Comfortable and sturdy 

You’ll likely be walking a lot during your trip, and possibly even take a few hikes. Pack comfortable pairs of sneakers and sandals. For sneakers, make sure you have decent traction (my tip, avoid Allbirds).

For sandals, the most comfortable pairs I’ve found for extended periods of walking during travel have all come from Clark’s. 

For swimming: Bring double

If you plan on swimming a lot, bring at least a couple swimsuits. That way, you can avoid having to put on a damp swimsuit and allow each one ample time to dry.

Be sure to bring a coverup and dress respectfully in non-waterfront areas. 

For accessories: Effective and safe 

Be sure to pack a hat and polarized sunglasses for sun protection. And go with an anti-theft crossbody bag to keep your belongings safe. 

Don’t forget to pre-purchase your eSIM for easy access to data plans while abroad.

So, should you visit Greece in October?

If you’ve been debating whether or not a visit to Greece in October would be worth it then consider this post an encouraging yes! To help you plan your Greece trip check out my detailed Greece guides or Greece travel videos next.

Nausheen is a solo female traveler who is passionate about travel as a way to increase self love and confidence. She focuses on slow travel and bouts of digital nomadism, and has experience living abroad across several continents. As a post-divorce, South Asian woman in her 30s Nausheen aims to empower fellow women of color in particular to live life on their own terms. She shares travel itineraries, tips and inspiration on her blog and social media channels.