BookMyDreamCruise
Greek Isles cruise scenery

Best time to cruise · Good time to go

Greek Isles cruises in August

The Dormition of the Virgin on August 15 is Greece’s great summer holiday, when Greeks flood the islands and pilgrims crowd Tinos. Ferries, beaches and tavernas are packed and fares peak. The sea is at its warmest, around 77°F (25°C), and the meltemi is at its strongest, so pack seasickness remedies if you’re prone.

  • Good time to go
  • Avg high 88°F
  • 14 hrs daylight

Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greek Isles in August: Good time to go

The Dormition of the Virgin on August 15 is Greece’s great summer holiday, when Greeks flood the islands and pilgrims crowd Tinos. Ferries, beaches and tavernas are packed and fares peak. The sea is at its warmest, around 77°F (25°C), and the meltemi is at its strongest, so pack seasickness remedies if you’re prone.

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, August brings average highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows near 77°F, with about 0.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 14 hours of daylight.

Verdict
Good time to go
Season
April to early November; best late May–June and September
Average high / low
88°F / 77°F
Rainfall (month)
0.4 in
Daylight
About 14 hours
Typical cruise length
3 to 7 nights from Piraeus; 7 to 12 nights on wider Eastern Med routes

What to pack: light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms.

How August compares with the rest of the year

Greek Isles weather in August

Average monthly weather in Greek Isles cruise ports
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F (°C)581459156216672074238228873188318328762468206216
Low °F (°C)511152115312581464187222762577257323671961165513
Rain in (mm)4.41122.5642.5641.0260.9230.8210.390.4111.4361.9483.4863.897
Daylight (hrs)101112131415151412111010
Average daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall for 2015–2024 from NASA POWER for the area around Greek Isles cruise ports, adjusted to sea level; daylight is calculated for mid-month. Real weather on any given day varies.

August weather port by port

PortAvg highAvg lowRainDaylight
Athens92°F76°F0.5 in14 h
Santorini81°F77°F0.2 in14 h
Mykonos78°F76°F0.2 in14 h
Rhodes87°F80°F0.2 in14 h
Heraklion, Crete84°F78°F0.3 in14 h
Chania (Souda Bay), Crete88°F78°F0.3 in14 h
Corfu88°F78°F0.9 in14 h
Kuşadası (for Ephesus)103°F75°F0.2 in14 h
Patmos81°F76°F0.1 in14 h
Nafplio97°F75°F0.6 in14 h
Katakolon (for Olympia)85°F80°F0.6 in14 h
Argostoli, Kefalonia86°F80°F0.9 in14 h

Average daily highs and lows, 2015–2024, from NASA POWER, adjusted to sea level. Rain is the average monthly total.

Other great cruise destinations in August

Greek Isles in August: FAQs

Is August a good time to cruise Greek Isles?

Yes, it's a good month. The Dormition of the Virgin on August 15 is Greece’s great summer holiday, when Greeks flood the islands and pilgrims crowd Tinos. Ferries, beaches and tavernas are packed and fares peak. The sea is at its warmest, around 77°F (25°C), and the meltemi is at its strongest, so pack seasickness remedies if you’re prone.

What is the weather like on a Greek Isles cruise in August?

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, August brings average highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows near 77°F, with about 0.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 14 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.

What should I pack for a Greek Isles cruise in August?

Pack light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. Check your cruise line's dress code for evenings.

When is the best time to cruise Greek Isles?

April to early November; best late May–June and September. The best months are usually May, June, September.

Where else can I cruise in August?

August is also a top month for Alaska, Canada & New England, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: NASA POWER climate data.