Weather in Thessaloniki

Be prepared for any weather whims in Thessaloniki! In this section, you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and clear charts.

Thessaloniki, located in Greece, boasts a typical Mediterranean climate. This means the city offers its guests hot, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, usually delight visitors with comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather for walking and exploring.

The summer months, especially July and August, are characterized by high average temperatures reaching 27.3°C and minimal rainfall. Winter, from January to February, is significantly cooler, with average temperatures around 5-8°C, though they rarely drop below freezing. Although rainfall is generally low year-round, winter and spring (for example, March and May) see slightly more rainy days compared to the dry summer.

Overall, the climate of Thessaloniki is favourable for tourism for most of the year. The hottest months are July and August, while the coolest are January and December. Rainfall remains low throughout the year, making the city attractive for those who prefer sunny weather.

The temperature regime in Thessaloniki demonstrates distinct seasonal changes typical of the Mediterranean climate. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from a cool 5.6°C in January to a hot 27.3°C in July and August. The coldest months are traditionally January, when the average minimum temperature drops to 1.5°C and the maximum rarely exceeds 9.8°C, and December with average values of 4.0°C at night and 11.4°C during the day. The sweltering period falls in July and August, when daytime temperatures regularly rise above 32°C, and nights remain very warm, around 22°C.

The summer months in Thessaloniki, especially June, July, and August, are characterized as hot. Average maximum temperatures in June reach 29.5°C, and in July and August, they confidently surpass 32°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with minimum temperatures around 19.7°C in June and about 22°C at the height of summer. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer months can be quite perceptible, reaching 10°C or more, which means that even after a hot day, the evening can bring pleasant coolness.

Winter in Thessaloniki, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by its mildness, although it can be quite cool. Average temperatures in January, the coldest month, range from 1.5°C to 9.8°C. In February, it gets slightly warmer: from 3.5°C to 12.7°C. Although frosts happen infrequently, night temperatures can approach freezing. Daytime temperatures in winter usually stay above 10°C, creating comfortable conditions for walking if there is no rain. Fluctuations between day and night temperatures in winter are also noticeable, averaging 7-9°C.

Precipitation in Thessaloniki is distributed unevenly throughout the year, however, the city is not known for heavy rains. The main differences are observed not so much in the total amount of rainfall, which remains low year-round (1-2 mm per month), but in the frequency of rainy days. There is no clearly defined season of torrential rains here, but there are periods with more frequent, though usually not heavy, precipitation.

The highest number of rainy days falls in the spring and autumn months, as well as in winter. Thus, March stands out as the month with the highest probability of precipitation – on average 11 rainy days. Also quite often, about 10 days a month, rains can occur in May, June, and November. In the winter months, such as January and December, there are approximately 9 rainy days each. Given the small total amount of precipitation (about 2 mm in these months), it is most likely a matter of light or short-term rains rather than prolonged downpours. Snow is a rare phenomenon for Thessaloniki, and precipitation in winter falls predominantly as rain.

The summer months and mid-autumn are characterized as the driest periods in Thessaloniki. In July, August, and September, the number of rainy days is minimal – only about 5 days per month. The absolute "champion" for dryness is October, when on average only 4 rainy days are recorded. In these months, the total amount of precipitation is also the lowest, amounting to just 1 mm, which makes them ideal for those who prefer sunny weather without surprises in the form of rain.

When planning a trip to Thessaloniki, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the city's Mediterranean climate, in summer (June-August) you will need light, breathable items: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, swimwear, and definitely a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream, as the average maximum temperature reaches +32°C. Although rainfall is minimal, a light wrap or cardigan may be useful for evening walks when the temperature drops slightly. Don't forget comfortable shoes for long city excursions.

In the off-season, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Thessaloniki is changeable. During the day it can be quite warm (average temperature from +10°C to +24°C), but evenings can be cool. The principle of layering will be very appropriate here: t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, jeans or trousers, a sweater or fleece jacket, as well as a light jacket or windbreaker. In spring and November, the number of rainy days increases (up to 10-11 days in March and May), so a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will not be amiss. Comfortable closed shoes are also important.

In winter (December-February), it is cool in Thessaloniki, with the average temperature ranging from +5°C to +8°C, sometimes dropping to +1.5°C at night. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, warm trousers, a jacket (preferably waterproof and windproof, as there are rainy days – about 7-9 per month), a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although severe frosts are rare, warm layered clothing and waterproof shoes will make your stay comfortable, especially if you plan long walks.