The climate of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki,
Greece, is characterized by a Cfa Köppen climate classification, generally defined as a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Its geographical position close to the sea mitigates the temperature extremities and adds a pleasant, humid layer to the atmosphere. Thessaloniki experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year, with a yearly high average from 8.4°C (47.1°F) in
January to a peak of 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
July. It correlates with humidity levels, which tend to decrease during summer months to a low of 52% in
August.
Precipitation ranges between 20mm (0.79") in August and 55mm (2.17") in
March, spread throughout the month in varying intensities. On average, rainfall days range from 8.4 to 14.3 days per month. Snowfall is almost non-existent apart from the colder winter months of January and
February. Sea temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year, peaking at 26.2°C (79.2°F) during the height of summer in July.
Daylight hours mark a significant increase during the summer months, providing ample sunshine for outdoor activities. In sync, sunshine hours range from 5.8 hours per day in January to an extravagant 11.9 hours per day during July and August. Relative UV index during these months reaches a maximum of 7, one needs to take precautionary measures during this high UV exposure period. A fair visibility of 9km (5.6mi) to 10km (6.2mi) is maintained throughout the year.
The best time to visit Thessaloniki
Accommodating the climatic preferences of everyone,
Thessaloniki can be comfortably visited at any time of the year. Notwithstanding, the ultimate period would be from
May to
October, enveloping late spring, entirety of summer, and early autumn. Temperatures during this time remain consistently warm, averaging between 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 31.7°C (89.1°F). Rainfall is at its minimal during
July and
August, making it optimal for outdoor activities and beach visits. With the sea temperature reaching a high of 26.2°C (79.2°F) in July, it enables an utmost pleasant experience for swimming.
The worst time to visit Thessaloniki
Owing to the mild winters and pleasant climates, there is no particular time that could be classified as the worst for visit. However, if a tourist's prime objective is to evade lower temperatures and any possible snowfall,
January and
February might not be the optimal choice.
Spring weather in Thessaloniki
Spring in
Thessaloniki is a symphony of moderately warm temperatures and blooming scenery.
March,
April and
May temperatures progressively increase from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 23.9°C (75°F), while night temperatures remain comfortably cool. Rainfall decreases gradually from 55mm (2.17") in March to 40mm (1.57") in May, providing a refreshing balance to the warming atmosphere. Daylight extends to the longer 14.4 hours per day by May, complimenting the average sunshine hours that escalate to 11.1 hours by the end of spring.
Summer weather in Thessaloniki
Spanning between
June and
August, summer in
Thessaloniki is characterized by hot temperatures, scarce rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. It offers the hottest months of the year, with average high temperature soaring up to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in June and peaking at 31.8°C (89.2°F) by
July. The humidity decreases in this season, providing relief from the heat. Sea temperature is high enough for a comfortable swim, extending from 23.8°C (74.8°F) in June to peak at 26.2°C (79.2°F) in July.
Autumn weather in Thessaloniki
Autumn witnesses a cool and comfortable outlook in
Thessaloniki.
September to
November sees a decrease in temperatures from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to a milder 15.7°C (60.3°F), accompanied by an increase in precipitation. Rainfall registers a rise from 28mm (1.1") in September to 48mm (1.89") in November. However, the cloud coverage allows for a reasonable amount of sunlight to make autumn days pleasant, with extended daylight hours and still adequate sea temperatures for swimming.
Winter weather in Thessaloniki
Winter in
Thessaloniki is quite mild, unlike the harsh winters of northern
Greece.
December to
February display lower temperatures from 10.1°C (50.2°F) to 8.4°C (47.1°F) alongside an increase in rainfall, peaking at 41mm (1.61") in December. The number of sunshine hours drops to just above half of the summer months, with 6.1 to 6.2 hours per day. Winter also presents a great chance to witness a rare snowfall event with slight accumulation during
January and February.
Weather in January
January in
Thessaloniki,
Greece, is dominated by a winter chill. Humidity is significantly high with the lowest temperature of 2.2°C (36°F), supplemented by the highest snowfall of 35mm (1.38") compared to other months. The new year brings about an invitingly fresh snowfall, with over two days of snow landed.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the year progresses, the weather in
Thessaloniki shifts gently in
February. Despite the cold temperatures, the city experiences a decrease in snowfall compared to the previous month, standing at 34mm (1.34") for this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March commences the spring season, known for its moderate weather conditions in
Thessaloniki. A noteworthy shift can be seen in temperature that rises up to 14.3°C (57.7°F), with snowfall sharply decreasing to a mere 10mm (0.39").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Thessaloniki welcomes
April with open arms, quite warmly. Without any snowfall for this month, there's a clear change in weather patterns, marked by the rise in average temperatures to 18.6°C (65.5°F). As the city waves goodbye to winter, a surge in sunshine hours unveils longer, brighter days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The arrival of
May indicates the onset of summer in
Thessaloniki. Skies tend to be clearer as the percentage of cloud cover decreases significantly. The mercury soars higher during this time, touching a peak temperature of 23.9°C (75°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is quintessentially summer in
Thessaloniki. The temperature continues to rise, peaking at 28.4°C (83.1°F), offering clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Diverse events and festivals colour the streets during this month, making it one of the most exciting times to visit.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the peak of summer to
Thessaloniki, with the maximum temperature reaching a scorching 31.8°C (89.2°F). This is accompanied by lowest rainfall of 22mm (0.87") held in the entire year, making it the driest month. The high temperature encourages beach visits and water sports, while the balmy evenings offer a vibrant nightlife scene.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August remains quite similar to
July with the temperature maintaining its high of 31.7°C (89.1°F). However, there's a minor increase in humidity which could make the heat feel more intense. With numerous festivals taking place during August, there's plenty to do both day and night.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in
Thessaloniki. However, the warmth lingers on with average maximum temperatures sliding to 26.4°C (79.5°F). By the end of September, the weather starts to freshen up, making way for the fall season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a significant change in the weather of
Thessaloniki. From the high heat of summer, temperatures drop down to a more comfortable 20.3°C (68.5°F). The landscape starts blushing in shades of red and orange revealing a picturesque view of the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Thessaloniki, in
November, undergoes another drop in temperature now down to 15.7°C (60.3°F). A noticeable rise in rainfall is evident as it is the second-highest in the year, signalling the onset of winter. Days are quite shorter, and evenings turn chilly, the city switching mode to the quiet and calm winters.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, the winter spell fully sets in
Thessaloniki. As temperatures dip further down to 10.1°C (50.2°F), the city witnesses its first snowfall since
April. This marks the return of snow-capped landscapes and frosty mornings.
Weather in December » [Resources]