Sea temperature in Greece
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 356 beaches on the Greece coast.
Best time to swim in Greece
The sea in Greece peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from May – November, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 7 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like April and December are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 15°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Greece sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Greece shows an annual mean sea temperature of 20°C, ranging from 15°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 11°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Greece, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Greece sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Greece?
August is the warmest month in Greece, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Greece?
The coldest month in Greece is typically February, when the water averages around 15°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Greece without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Greece runs from May – November — about 7 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Greece?
Outside peak summer the water in Greece drops toward 17°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Greece?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Greece is about 20°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Greece?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Greece, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Coastal regions of Greece
Region hubs with live sea temperatures, swim conditions and a beach directory.