Does It Snow in Greece? See When and How Much

A Greek winter typically runs from November to April, though seasonal shifts occur. Does it snow in Greece? Yes, it does snow in Greece, but snowfall is usually no more than trace amounts. Keep reading to learn about Greek winter weather, what the average snowfall is, how snow affects Greece’s birds and other wildlife, and where snow is most likely to fall.

When Is the Greek Winter Season?

Greece’s winter season runs from November to April, though the Mediterranean climate lends towards winters that are rainy and mild. By April, the weather warms up and winter’s rainy season begins to ease its grip.

While the average number of rainy days per month in Southern Greece ranges from 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.48 centimeters) in December, January, February, and March, by April that number is down to eight. Northern Greece is wetter with a monthly average of 10.7 to 12.5 inches (27.178 to 31.75 centimeters) through the winter, and it starts to slow down in June.

The rainy season plays an important role in how much snow Greece receives. As it’s so wet, snow is highly likely in Northern Greece and in mountain towns and cities where temperatures are colder. Still, WeatherSpark lists the average snowfall for the second-largest city in Greece at less than an inch all winter long.

Most historical weather data focuses on rainfall rather than snow. Major cities receive the most coverage, which makes it difficult to find how much snow smaller, remote areas receive.

How Cold Does Greece Get in the Winter?

Looking at the average low and high temperatures in the northern and southern regions shows why Northern Greece is more likely to see snow.

Thessaloniki is a northern port on the Aegean Sea and the second-largest city in Greece. Athens, the largest city in Greece, is on the southern tip between the Saronic Gulf and Petalioi Gulf.

January and February are the coldest months in both cities. Athens has an average daily low of 41.26º F (5.2º C) in January and 41.72º F (5.4º C) in February. Respective average highs of 54.5º F (12.5º C) and 56.3º F (13.5º C) are typical in those months.

In Thessaloniki, it’s much colder. January and February’s average lows are 34.34º F (1.3º C) and 35.96º F (2.2º C). The average daily highs reach 48.74º F (9.3º C) and 51.62º F (10.9º C), respectively.

What Is the Biggest Snowfall in Greece?

On January 21, 2022, Storm Elpis arrived after a low formed over the Aegean Sea and combined with a low that formed in Russia. As polar air dipped farther south than usual, temperatures dropped enough to turn the area’s heavy rain into lake-effect snow.

Northern areas of Greece saw heavy snow, but Athens doesn’t often get snow and was unprepared. Thousands of drivers became stranded on the Attiki Odos, a main thoroughfare in Athens, which resulted in the Greek Army bringing in food, water, and blankets to try to help. People were stranded in their vehicles for a full day. In all, Athens received 7.87 inches (20 centimeters) of snow from Storm Elpis.

Still, a larger storm in 2008 dumped even more on Athens. That storm left 9.8 inches (25 centimeters) making it the third largest snowstorm in Athens history. The largest in Greece’s recorded weather history happened in February 1911 when 59 inches (150 centimeters) of snow buried Athens.

For the most part, this snowstorm didn’t affect wildlife at all. As Storm Elpis stirred up winds and created a stronger surf, seagulls used the surf to their advantage to feast on fish being pushed ashore. People’s lives were disrupted more than animals were as heavy snowfall in Greece isn’t that common and historical records are spotty at best.

Highest Snowfall in Greece During the Winter Months

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gatsi/iStock via Getty Images