The best season for a motorcycle road trip in Greece
Because it is generally less visited outside the summer months, Greece is sometimes perceived as a country that is constantly sunny and rain-free. Contrary to popular belief, however, not only is the weather not always sunny in Greece, it can also rain a lot and often. Conversely, it can also be extremely hot and dry, which is not ideal for a motorcycle road trip.
Choosing the right season is therefore essential to take full advantage of all the good reasons for a motorcycle trip to Greece. This guide should help you determine the ideal season for you!
When and where to travel by motorcycle in Greece
The maximum distance between the southern coast of Crete, facing Libya, and the northern border with Bulgaria, in the heart of the Balkans, is close to 800 kilometers as the crow flies. This means that the climate can vary considerably from one end of the country to the other.
If you're planning a complete road trip from north to south, like our Tour of Greeceyou're unlikely to find the same conditions all along the way, especially in the shoulder seasons. On the other hand, tours focused on a single region, such as the Peloponnese Tour or the Discovering Creteoffer more consistent weather conditions.
With 80% of the country covered by mountainous terrain and over 15,000 kilometers of coastline, altitude and the sea also play a major role in weather conditions: sun, rain, wind and temperatures.
Here, then, is a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the three possible seasons based on the main areas where a motorcycle road trip is of interest in Greece.
We didn't include winter, which is not a suitable season, given the low temperatures, heavy rainfall and seasonal closure of most tourist addresses. Nor have we considered the countless small islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which are of little interest for a touring motorcycle trip.
Winter
Chelmos - Vouraïkos Park, Peloponnese.
Spring road trip (March to May)
Spring brings favorable conditions for motorcycle travel in Greece. While March is not ideal, with cool temperatures, frequent rainfall and many establishments still closed, April and May are two very pleasant months.
Springtime
Daisies above Monemvasia.
Benefits
Pleasant climate: temperatures are mild, fluctuating between 15°C and 25°C. Ideal for riding without the heat.
Green landscapes: after the winter rains, the vegetation is lush, especially in the Peloponnese and certain mountainous areas of mainland Greece. Everywhere, flowers fill your nose with their delicate fragrances.
Low tourist numbers: few tourists, which means low-traffic roads and more accessible historic sites.
Disadvantages
Risk of rain: especially in March and early April. Although showers are generally brief, they can nevertheless be intense.
Cool temperatures at altitude: for driving in the mountainous areas of mainland Greece, bring warm clothing.
No sea bathing : if you're chilly, forget sea bathing in spring, even in Crete.
Availability : in March, and again in April, it may be difficult to find open accommodation in some remote areas, and there will be less supply in more touristy areas.
Regional differences
Crete: the south coast is warmer and drier, while the interior remains cool.
Peloponnese: perfect for exploring picturesque villages and winding roads like those in the Magne or Arcadia mountains.
Continental Greece: the Vikos Gorge and the Tzoumerka and Pinde parks are magnificent in spring.
Summer road trip (June to August)
The summer months in Greece are less suitable for motorcycle touring, as the heat can be uncomfortable. June will still be pleasant, with temperatures generally not exceeding 30 degrees, even in Crete. July and August, on the other hand, are very hot months, with thermometers frequently exceeding 35 degrees.
Of course, not all years are alike, and sometimes it's possible to enjoy pleasant weather even in the height of summer. Difficult to predict in advance, however... So if you're planning to ride in summer in Greece, adapt your equipment accordingly, ride at the coolest times of the day, and remember to hydrate regularly.
Summertime
Arcadian massif in the Peloponnese.
Benefits
Guaranteed sunshine: ideal for lovers of warmth and blue skies. No general problem of overtourism in Greece.
Dry roads: virtually no rain, apart from thunderstorms or brief showers, making driving more predictable.
Active nightlife: coastal towns and villages offer a lively nightlife.
Sea bathing : this is the ideal season for it. Still a little cool in June, the sea will be nowhere below 25 degrees from July to September.
Light : summer days are long, especially in June and July.
Disadvantages
Intense heat: temperatures may well exceed 35°C.
High tourist numbers: the main tourist sites can be very busy, even outside the Cyclades. That said, there is problem of overtourism in Greece.. That's why it's a good idea to going through a professionalwho will be able to guide you and give you useful advice to avoid these inconveniences. That said, you won't come across many people on the roads, as tourism in Greece is sedentary.
Higher prices: with the exception of Athens and certain islands, Greece remains an affordable country, but prices will nevertheless be higher in summer.
Regional differences
Crete: it's hard to find cool temperatures to avoid the heatwave, except above 2,000 meters altitude.
Peloponnese: with coastline on all sides, the Peloponnese offers a more pleasant summer climate thanks to the sea and sea breezes, provided you're close to the sea.
Continental Greece: avoid plains like Thessaly, which can turn into a frying pan, and prefer the mountainous massifs of Tzoumerka, Pindus or Vikos, where you'll suffer less from the heat.
Autumn road trip (September to November)
Autumn is also a very pleasant time of year to plan a motorcycle road trip in Greece. Temperatures drop rapidly without any real increase in precipitation. September resembles a summer month, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees, both in the air and in the sea. It's a very pleasant time of year for motorcycling in Greece.
From October onwards, the days get much shorter, but conditions are still favorable for motorcycling: little rain and temperatures around 25 degrees. November will be cooler and more uncertain in terms of rain.
Autumn
The Vikos Gorge in Epirus.
Benefits
Temperate climate: similar temperatures in spring, with heat still present but bearable in September, and pleasant until the end of October.
Fewer tourists: the summer crowds disappear, offering a more peaceful experience.
Wines and harvests: in Greece's wine-growing areas, the grapes are usually harvested in September, while the olive season often starts in November. Beware of slippery roads, especially in wet weather.
Colorful landscapes : in the mountains, the forest is decked out in its beautiful autumn coat.
Disadvantages
Possible rains: especially in November, although rainfall remains moderate.
Regional differences
Crete: the waters of the Mediterranean remain warm, perfect for combining motorcycling and swimming.
Peloponnese: magnificent olive groves and golden landscapes.
Continental Greece: less crowded at historic sites such as Delphi and Meteora.
Travel by motorcycle in Greece according to the season... and your tastes!
In Greece, each season has its own attractions for a motorcycle road trip.
Spring and autumn are the best times to combine pleasant weather, low crowds and enchanting scenery. Summer is perfect for sun-seekers, as long as you take regular breaks to avoid the heat and ride at the coolest times of the day. As for winter, it's best to forget it for a motorcycle road trip in Greece.
The most important thing is to find the climate and environment that best suit your road trip plans. If you'd like advice from a professional motorcycle tour operator in Greece, contact Hellenic Rides !
