4 Greek Islands You Can't Miss in September and October...

So you’re eyeing the magical Greek islands for your September or October getaway? You’re in for a treat! Picture this: fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and all those charming island vibes. Here are my top picks for the 4 Greek islands you absolutely shouldn’t skip during this time of the year:

Travel Tip(s)

Avoid summer temperatures

In September and in October, the weather is typically still pretty pleasant. On the Greek islands, this is a fantastic time of year to go sightseeing and engage in outdoor sports.

Avoid tourist crowds

The new school year in Greece starts in early September. Therefore, many families have returned home, and the crowd factor is substantially less.

Also, June to August is the peak season for large cruise ships to visit the Greek islands.

Avoid higher prices

July and August are the high-season (peak season) months, while June and September are referred to as the “shoulder months”. The prices are much lower in the shoulder months.

So, considering all the above you will get much more value for money if you book your holiday from mid-September to mid-October.

So you’re eyeing the magical Greek islands for your September or October getaway? You’re in for a treat! Picture this: fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and all those charming island vibes. Here are my top picks for the 4 Greek islands you absolutely shouldn’t skip during this time of the year:

Santorini

The iconic beauty you've seen in countless postcards. September and October are golden months here – the blazing summer heat has mellowed, and you can relish those breathtaking sunsets without the peak season hustle.

With September being the fourth warmest month in Santorini, it’s still very much beach weather.

September also brings the second hottest seawater temperatures of the year, after August.

The wind from the north, the Meltemi, may influence your itinerary as it can make the sea quite rough. But if you are flexible with your planned activities, you will be fine.

Suggested Reading:

Mykonos

If you're into the party scene, Mykonos might just steal your heart. While it's winding down from the peak summer madness, you can groove to the beats at a slightly more relaxed pace. The September vibe here? Stylish and energetic.

There are still plenty of tours and activities to do during September and October. For example, visiting the ancient ruins on the island of Delos and enjoying a breathtaking Mykonian sunset.

Visiting Mykonos from mid-September to mid-October won’t have you enjoying the warm July/August temperatures, but it will allow you to see the island in a different light.

October is a great month for stunning sunsets.

The island is known for its beach parties and vibrant nightlife during the high season. Therefore, Mykonos in September is my favorite time to enjoy the less crowded beaches, sightseeing, and evening dinners. October is too cool to my liking to do beach hopping.

Due to the frequently very high Meltemi winds that blow on the island, Mykonos is nicknamed as “The Island of the Winds.” So, be flexible with your itinerary.

Suggested Reading:

The average daytime temperature in September is 22 degrees Celsius and in October 18 degrees Celcius – great weather for sightseeing!

Crete

The biggest of the bunch, Crete's still sizzling in September, making it perfect for some sun-soaked beach time. Plus, you can dive into its rich history and explore ancient ruins without the summer heatwave.

During the shoulder month of September, you may get lunch at a beachside taverna, rent a beach umbrella, and visit a secluded church in a mountain pass because most shops and attractions are open. Flights and hotels are readily available, and prices are moderate. Even last-minute offers might be found.

September is less windy, slightly cooler but still sunny. Whereas some rain will fall during October, especially on the western side of Crete. The average daytime temperature in September is 26 degrees Celsius and in October 21 degrees Celcius!

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has plenty of sightseeing activities in addition to its gorgeous beaches and delicious traditional dishes. I absolutely believe in hopping on a sightseeing bus before I endeavor to explore on my own. This is when I really get to decide what I want to see, and when. Also check out the suggested reading below for links to the various day trips, activities, tours, and attractions.

Beautiful wildflowers bloom in May and may be seen all across the island’s natural wonders.

Suggested Reading:

Rhodes Island

Medieval charm meets Aegean beauty on this gem. In September and October, the weather's still fab, and you can wander through its captivating old town without the sweltering heat of July.

When it comes to Rhodes, shopping and partying are two highly popular activities. But that’s not all. You also have a lot of exploring to do in this amazing medieval town. For example, the stunning Lindos Castle, superb museums and on some days, you can walk on the Walls of the city. There is so much more to do on Rhodes Island. Check out the links below for more things to do.

Travel tip… September or October? If you go in September, you will have plenty of beach days left, so book holiday accommodation with a sea view, or at least near the beach. However, you may want to stay in town towards the end of October, so you are closer to all the sightseeing attractions. Check out the average temperatures in our graph.

Suggested Reading:

So there you have it, the 4 Greek Islands you can’t miss in September and October. Your autumn Greek island escape is about to be legendary. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a good dose of curiosity to explore these treasures. Opa!