When to visit Halkidiki? It depends on what you're after: the warmest beach days; the lowest prices; the smallest crowds; or the ideal balance of all those? In this guide we break down every month — with 5-year data — so you make the right call.
📋 TL;DR
- Best overall: September — warm sea, fewer crowds, good prices
- Cheapest: May / October
- Warmest sea: August
- Fewest crowds: May / October
- Family with school kids: July (early)
📅 Month-by-month breakdown
☀️ May — Late spring
- Air temperature: 22-25°C day, 14-17°C night
- Sea temperature: 19-21°C (slightly cold)
- Rain: 4-6 days/month
- Occupancy: 30-40%
- Accommodation prices: -50% off peak
Good for: hiking (Aristotle Trail), photography (flowers), historical sites. Not ideal for: all-day swimming — sea still cold.
🌞 June — Start of summer
- Air temperature: 26-30°C day, 17-20°C night
- Sea temperature: 22-24°C
- Rain: 2-3 days/month
- Occupancy: 50-65%
- Prices: -25% off peak
Good for: first-timers, families, swimming, water sports, beach clubs just opened. Big plus: everything open but without August congestion.
🔥 July — Peak season begins
- Air temperature: 30-34°C day, 21-23°C night
- Sea temperature: 24-26°C
- Rain: 1-2 days/month
- Occupancy: 85-95%
- Prices: peak
Good for: families with school-aged kids, party youth (Kallithea, Hanioti), boat trips, full atmosphere. Tips: book 4 months ahead for top resorts.
🌡️ August — Peak peak
- Air temperature: 31-35°C day, 22-24°C night (occasional 38°C+ heatwaves)
- Sea temperature: 25-27°C (the warmest)
- Rain: 1 day/month
- Occupancy: 95-100% — fully booked
- Prices: peak +15%
Good for: nightlife, peak atmosphere, warm sea. Not ideal: couples wanting quiet, photographers, hiking (heat). Tip: if going August, pick Sithonia or Athos for slightly fewer crowds.
🌅 September — Sweet spot
- Air temperature: 26-30°C day, 18-21°C night
- Sea temperature: 24-26°C (still warm)
- Rain: 2-3 days/month
- Occupancy: 50-70%
- Prices: -30% off peak
Good for: almost everything — couples, families without school kids, photographers, snorkeling/diving (best visibility). See full September guide.
🍂 October — Off-season begins
- Air temperature: 21-26°C day, 13-16°C night
- Sea temperature: 22-23°C (still swimmable)
- Rain: 5-7 days/month
- Occupancy: 20-40%
- Prices: -50% off peak
Good for: budget travelers, decompression, off-season tourism (Mount Athos, Petralona). Tips: many restaurants and some accommodations close mid-October. See October guide.
❄️ November-March — Off-season
- Air temperature: 8-15°C day, 3-8°C night
- Sea temperature: 12-16°C (no swimming)
- Rain: 8-12 days/month
- Occupancy: 5-15% (locals)
- Prices: minimal but little open
Good for: Mount Athos, mountain villages (Arnaia) with fireplaces, Christmas/Easter (unique experience). See Easter in Halkidiki.
🎯 Recommendation by type
| Traveler type | Best month |
|---|---|
| Family with school kids | July (early) |
| Honeymoon couple | September |
| Solo budget | May / October |
| Photography | September / October |
| Snorkeling/diving | September |
| Nightlife | August |
| Hiking | May / October |
| Cultural | Spring / Autumn |
📊 5-year data (2020-2025)
Source: Hellenic National Meteorological Service, Nea Moudania station. 5-year averages.
💡 Pro tips
- September = Best: If you don't have school constraints, there's no better month. Warm sea, fewer crowds, good prices.
- Heatwave alert: August can have 3-5 days with 38°C+. If sensitive, pick June or September.
- Last week of August: Greeks return for school — packed until August 23rd, then empties.
- Easter: Beautiful experience but you need short mountain stays. See Easter guide.
🔗 Keep reading
Sources: Hellenic National Meteorological Service 2020-2025 averages, Greek Statistical Authority occupancy data, Booking.com price benchmarks Q1 2026.