Weather in Greece in August

The hottest parts of Greece in August tend to be the sheltered plains and southern coasts, where the heat builds steadily through the day and little wind reaches the shore.

• Heraklion: Heraklion sits on the north coast of Crete and is typically one of the hottest and driest spots in the country in August, with the city feeling close and bright through the afternoon. The surrounding plain holds the heat, so the sea breeze is welcome in the evening. We would suggest planning sightseeing at Knossos, about five kilometres away, for early morning when the air is still cooler, and reserving the middle of the day for the pool or the shade. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Kalamata: Kalamata lies in the southern Peloponnese, where the Messenian coast gets intense sun and little cloud through August. Temperatures in the town and inland olive groves commonly stay high into the evening, so the warmth can feel heavier than on the islands. For travellers who want a classic mainland stay with a sheltered harbour and a steady warm climate, it is a sound choice, the same brief our Greece holidays deals are built around, though we would advise carrying water and planning shade for the afternoons.
• Athens city centre: Athens can be one of the hottest places in mainland Greece in August, as the basin around the city traps heat and the urban streets reflect it back. Summer afternoons regularly feel very warm, and walking the Acropolis is best done in the first hours of the day. The metro offers a cool and quick way to move around, and the city's evenings become pleasant later on, making it a worthwhile base when you want history paired with outdoor dining after dark. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Rhodes: Rhodes in the Dodecanese is typically very hot and dry in August, with long sunny days and sea breezes arriving in the afternoon on many days. The island's southern and eastern resorts get the strongest sun, so a stay at Faliraki suits those who want guaranteed heat and wide sandy beaches. The medieval lanes of the historic quarter are most comfortable in the morning, and we recommend booking a hotel with plenty of shade and a good pool for the hottest hours. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Crete west coast: Chania on Crete's west coast is hot in August but usually a little more moderated than the south, with the Venetian old harbour catching evening breezes off the water. The city offers a mix of heat and relief, so you can spend warm days on the beach and cooler evenings walking the harbour front. For a Cretan base that balances warmth with coastal breeze, Chania is a practical choice for many travellers, and it pairs well with an excursion into the mountains. It is exactly the brief our Greece Beach Holidays deals are built around.