The 7 Warmest Places In Greece To Visit If You Like The Heat

If you’re someone who thrives in scorching temperatures, Greece offers an array of sun-drenched destinations that will satisfy your heat-seeking desires. From Rhodes with its Saharan winds to Crete’s 300+ days of sunshine, the Greek islands deliver consistent warmth that often pushes beyond 35°C in summer months. You’ll find perfect conditions for endless beach days, swimming in bath-warm waters, and exploring ancient ruins under brilliant blue skies. But which Greek hotspot will truly match your temperature preferences?

Key Points

• Rhodes stands as Greece’s warmest destination with summer temperatures averaging 26-27.5°C and 2780+ annual sunshine hours.
• Crete offers consistent warmth with summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C and 300+ sunny days yearly.
• Karpathos boasts reliable year-round warmth with summer peaks of 30.5°C and virtually no rainfall from June through August.
• Kos enjoys extended summers with 28-31°C temperatures from June to August and pleasant Aegean breezes moderating extreme heat.
• Athens experiences intense summer heat with temperatures frequently surpassing 35°C in August and approximately 2,800 annual sunshine hours.

Karpathos: The Sun-Drenched Secret of the Dodecanese

Nestled in the Dodecanese archipelago, Karpathos boasts one of Greece’s most reliable warm climates year-round. With summer temperatures peaking at 30.5°C in August and a warm 27.5°C average, you’ll find plenty of heat to enjoy.

Experience Greece’s sun-soaked paradise where temperatures soar to 30.5°C and warm Mediterranean days await your arrival.

The island basks in 13 hours of sunshine during July and August, making it perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Even spring offers pleasant conditions, with May averaging a comfortable 20.7°C. Rare temperature spikes can occasionally push the mercury up to 39°C during intense summer heat waves.

You’ll appreciate the dry summer months when planning water activities, as rainfall is virtually non-existent from June through August. The sea reaches its warmest temperatures during this period too.

Like the caldera views of Santorini, Karpathos offers breathtaking scenery that makes it an unforgettable destination in the Mediterranean.

For the ideal balance of warmth without extreme heat, visit in May, June, or September when you can enjoy hiking and exploring Karpathos’s secluded beaches with fewer crowds.

Rhodes: Where Saharan Winds Meet Ancient History

Rhodes enthralls visitors as Greece’s warmest destination, where ancient wonders stand beneath an almost perpetually sunny sky. You’ll experience summer temperatures averaging 26-27.5°C, with Lindos in the southeast registering as one of Greece’s warmest spots year-round.

The island benefits from cooling Meltemi winds that moderate the summer heat from mid-May onward, making outdoor exploration of Medieval architecture more pleasant.

Winter remains remarkably mild, averaging 12.5°C in January.

For the perfect balance, visit during shoulder seasons (May or September-October) when temperatures range from 21-28°C with fewer crowds.

The sea reaches a delightful 25-26°C by August, extending water sports opportunities for months. With an impressive 2780 hours annually, Rhodes boasts some of the most abundant sunshine in the entire Mediterranean region.

When Saharan air occasionally drifts in, prepare for intense but brief heatwaves that showcase the island’s dramatic climate.

Despite its luxurious appeal, Rhodes offers many budget-friendly options for travelers looking to experience its natural beauty without overspending.

Crete: Spring Heat and Year-Round Warmth

Boasting a consistent warmth that outshines most Mediterranean destinations, Crete delivers impressive temperatures throughout the year, particularly during its stunning spring season. You’ll enjoy winter averages of 15-17°C, while spring heats up quickly with April reaching 33°C and May soaring to 38°C.

The island’s climate varies geographically—southern coastal areas run 2-3°C warmer than the north, thanks to Libyan Sea influences. The impressive Mount Ida towers at 2,456 meters, creating diverse microclimates across the island. Many visitors enjoy getting unique tattoo art inspired by ancient Minoan designs while exploring the island’s cultural heritage.

Summer brings reliable heat with July and August frequently exceeding 35°C, occasionally hitting 41°C.

Even autumn retains summer’s warmth, with September and October maintaining pleasant 20-24°C averages.

With 300+ sunny days annually and minimal spring rainfall, Crete offers perfect conditions for exploring its diverse landscapes without the peak-season crowds.

Kos: The Sizzling Southern Aegean Escape

Kos invites sun-seekers with its exceptional Southern Aegean climate, delivering consistent warmth throughout the extended summer season. You’ll enjoy daytime temperatures consistently hovering between 28-31°C from June through August, with invigorating Aegean breezes preventing the mercury from climbing above 34°C.

The island’s Mediterranean climate grants you 12 hours of sunshine daily during summer months. Sea temperatures reach a blissful 26°C in August. What sets Kos apart is its balanced weather profile — warmer than the Cyclades while experiencing fewer extreme winds than northern islands. The refreshing Meltemi wind from the northwest provides natural cooling during the hottest summer days. While not as popular as Crete’s beaches, Kos offers equally impressive coastlines with fewer crowds during peak season.

For maximum heat, visit July-August, but consider the sweet spots of May/June or September/October when 23-28°C temperatures combine with thinner crowds. Even winter remains mild, with January rarely dipping below 5°C.

Milos: Volcanic Heat and Cool Sea Breezes

Milos delivers a unique thermal experience shaped by its 1.5 million years of volcanic history. As part of the Aegean Volcanic Arc, the island combines intense summer heat (29-32°C in July-August) with mineral-rich landscapes where sulfur, iron, and manganese create vibrant natural canvases.

You’ll find Sarakiniko Beach‘s white volcanic formations reflecting heat while crystal-clear waters maintain pleasant 24-26°C temperatures. The island’s horseshoe shape created by ancient volcanic activity contributes to its diverse microclimates across different coastal areas. Unlike Corfu’s verdancy, Milos features arid terrain that intensifies the summer heat experience for visitors. The arid Mediterranean climate ensures minimal rainfall and low humidity during summer, though cooling Meltemi winds provide welcome relief along the coast.

For heat-seekers, geothermal hot springs and thermal spa tourism offer year-round warmth. The island’s traditional white-washed architecture provides respite from the sun, while boat tours to volcanic islets intensify your solar exposure – perfect if you’re chasing that summer heat.

Corfu: Lush Landscapes Under Summer Skies

Unlike Milos’ volcanic moonscapes, Corfu presents a verdant paradise where summer warmth embraces lush greenery. This Ionian island reaches peak heat in August, with temperatures hovering around 80°F (27°C) and occasional highs of 91°F (33°C).

You’ll find the perfect balance of heat and humidity (around 65%) as you explore Paleokastritsa’s beaches or hike segments of the Corfu Trail. The island’s Mediterranean climate guarantees plenty of sunshine for outdoor adventures, from snorkeling in crystal waters to exploring the Old Fortress. Heat waves can sometimes push temperatures up to 42°C during particularly hot periods.

After a day of soaking up the sun, cool off in one of Corfu’s many tavernas, where local cuisine and vibrant nightlife await. Corfu’s position makes it an ideal starting point for island hopping adventures to other Ionian destinations. With excellent infrastructure and diverse accommodation options, you’ll comfortably experience this island’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Athens: The Scorching Capital Experience

When European capitals compete for summer heat, Athens invariably claims the crown. You’ll encounter Mediterranean climate at its most intense here, with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 30°C and sometimes surpassing 40°C in August. The city basks in approximately 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, with nearly 12 hours daily during July.

For the heat-seeking traveler, Athens offers:

1. Long, dry summers from June through September with minimal rainfall
2. August experiences as the hottest month, averaging 29°C but frequently reaching 35-36°C
3. Archaeological explorations best scheduled for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid midday heat

The hot season typically lasts about three months, from June 10 to September 12, with July being hottest at an average high of 91°F (33°C) and low of 73°F (23°C).

Despite the scorching temperatures, you’ll find the capital’s numerous outdoor festivals and performances thriving throughout summer, with mountain suburbs providing cooler respites when needed. After exploring the city’s ancient treasures, consider visiting Mykonos where you can cool off in stunning infinity pools while still enjoying Greece’s warm climate.

The Sum Up

You’ll find irony in seeking Greece’s hottest spots while others flee the heat. These seven destinations offer exactly what most travelers try to avoid—scorching temperatures that’ll test your endurance while rewarding your sun-seeking spirit. Pack extra sunscreen, embrace the sweat, and remember: you’re voluntarily choosing what locals often escape. That’s the beauty of travel—your perfect vacation is someone else’s heatwave warning.