Expat Topics
Best Time to Move to Greece (2026)
Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips
Last updated: March 2026
The best time to move to Greece is September – November. Mediterranean. Athens: 18°C average, 300 sunny days. Islands hotter and drier. Northern Greece has cold winters. Avoid moving during July – August (40°C heat, tourist overload on islands) if possible.
September – November
July – August (40°C heat, tourist overload on islands)
Greece Climate Overview
Mediterranean. Athens: 18°C average, 300 sunny days. Islands hotter and drier. Northern Greece has cold winters.
Season-by-Season Guide
Spring (Mar–May)
14–24°C
- Perfect weather — wildflowers, pleasant temperatures
- Rental prices still low before summer
- Good time to apply for Greece's Digital Nomad Visa
Summer (Jun–Aug)
28–40°C
- Islands are stunning but overcrowded and expensive
- Athens regularly hits 38–42°C — concrete heat is brutal
- Only move to islands if you've pre-secured long-term housing
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
15–28°C
- Best time to move — still warm, tourists leave, rents drop 30%
- Sea is warmest in September (26°C)
- Non-Dom tax regime applications process well in autumn
Winter (Dec–Feb)
7–14°C
- Lowest rents across mainland and islands
- Athens mild (10–14°C) but islands can feel isolated
- Good for establishing tax residency from Jan 1 (7% flat tax for retirees)
Visa & Immigration
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa takes 1–2 months and requires €3,500/mo income. Golden Visa (€250k property) processes in 3–6 months. 7% flat tax for foreign retirees.
Rental Market
Athens 1-bed: €500–900. Thessaloniki: €400–700. Islands vary wildly — Crete year-round: €450–800; Mykonos summer: €2,000+. Best deals Oct–Mar.
Greece Relocation Timeline
Research Greece visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).
Submit your Greece visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.
Book temporary accommodation in Greece for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.
Book flights to Greece. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.
Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move to Greece?
The best months to move to Greece are September – November. Mediterranean. Athens: 18°C average, 300 sunny days. Islands hotter and drier. Northern Greece has cold winters.
What visa do I need for Greece?
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa takes 1–2 months and requires €3,500/mo income. Golden Visa (€250k property) processes in 3–6 months. 7% flat tax for foreign retirees.
How much does rent cost in Greece?
Athens 1-bed: €500–900. Thessaloniki: €400–700. Islands vary wildly — Crete year-round: €450–800; Mykonos summer: €2,000+. Best deals Oct–Mar.
When should I avoid moving to Greece?
Try to avoid moving during July – August (40°C heat, tourist overload on islands). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.