Thessaloniki Weather by Month

Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate with noticeable continental influences, giving it hotter summers and cooler winters than coastal southern Greece. Sitting on the Thermaic Gulf at sea level, the city gets about 450mm of rain annually, concentrated from October through March. July and August are dry with 25mm or less of rain each, while November and December bring the most precipitation at 50 to 60mm per month. Sea temperatures in the gulf peak at 26°C (79°F) in August and drop to 13°C (55°F) in February.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall

Thessaloniki’s monthly weather varies significantly between seasons. Summers are hot and dry, autumn is mild with increasing rain, winters are cool and wet with occasional frost, and spring brings warming temperatures and blooming landscapes. Here is the month-by-month breakdown: See our best time to visit Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)

Winter in Thessaloniki is cool and wet. December averages 10°C (50°F) during the day but drops to 3°C (37°F) at night, with 53mm of rain spread across 10 rainy days. January is the coldest month with highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). Frost occurs on roughly 5 to 7 nights per month. Snow is rare in the city center, falling maybe once or twice per winter, but Mount Hortiatis (1,200m) just east of the city gets regular snow cover from December through March. February brings marginally warmer weather at 11°C (52°F) but similar rainfall at 38mm. The sea temperature sits at a chilly 13°C (55°F). See our things to do in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)

Spring transforms Thessaloniki rapidly. March starts at 15°C (59°F) with 43mm of rain, but by April daytime highs reach 19°C (66°F) and rainfall drops to 36mm. The countryside around the city turns green and wildflowers blanket the nearby hills. May is comfortably warm at 25°C (77°F) with 43mm of rain, typically from brief afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. Sea temperature reaches 20°C (68°F) by late May, warm enough for a brisk swim. This is the best season for outdoor sightseeing and day trips before the summer heat arrives. See our Thessaloniki events and festivals calendar for more details.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)

Summer brings genuine Mediterranean heat. June averages 30°C (86°F) by day and 18°C (64°F) at night with just 30mm of rain. July and August are the hottest months, both averaging 32°C (90°F) daytime highs. Heatwaves can push temperatures above 38°C (100°F) for 3 to 5 day stretches, especially in late July. Nights cool to a comfortable 20°C (68°F). Rainfall is minimal: 25mm in July and 21mm in August. The Thermaic Gulf warms to 26°C (79°F) in August. Thessaloniki’s waterfront breezes, the Vardaris wind from the northwest, provide some natural cooling on the seafront promenade. See our best neighborhoods in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)

September remains summery at 27°C (81°F) with 30mm of rain and sea temperatures at 24°C (75°F). October cools noticeably to 21°C (70°F) and rain increases to 47mm across 8 rainy days. November marks the real shift to winter: daytime highs drop to 15°C (59°F), nights fall to 7°C (45°F), and rainfall peaks at 58mm, the wettest month of the year. By late November, most outdoor cafes have packed up their terraces and the city settles into its winter rhythm. See our where to stay in Thessaloniki guide for more details.

Thessaloniki Weather by Month: Humidity and Wind

Relative humidity in Thessaloniki averages 65 to 70% year-round, highest in December (78%) and lowest in July (52%). The city experiences two main wind patterns: the Vardaris, a cold northwesterly wind that sweeps down the Axios River valley, strongest in winter and early spring, and the southerly sea breeze that brings warm, sometimes dusty air from North Africa in spring and autumn. The Vardaris can reach 50 to 60 km/h on gusty winter days. Sunshine hours peak at 12 per day in July and drop to just 3 per day in December. See our Thessaloniki travel tips and FAQ for more details.

What to Pack for Thessaloniki by Season

For summer visits (June to September), pack light cotton clothing, sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat. A light jacket is useful for air-conditioned museums and evening waterfront walks. For winter (December to February), bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Rain is frequent and the Vardaris wind cuts through lighter jackets. Spring and autumn call for layers: a light sweater plus a waterproof jacket handle the variable conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round since Thessaloniki’s historical center and Ano Poli involve significant walking on cobblestones and stairs. See our Thessaloniki travel guide hub for more details.