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Greek Isles cruise scenery

Best time to cruise · Best time to go

Greek Isles cruises in September

Warm water, golden light and thinning crowds once Greek schools reopen in the second week. Highs drop into the low 80s °F (27–28°C), the meltemi eases, and the evenings are perfect for an outdoor dinner in Rhodes or Chania. Demand is high and cabins on the best itineraries go early.

  • Best time to go
  • Avg high 83°F
  • 12 hrs daylight

Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greek Isles in September: Best time to go

Warm water, golden light and thinning crowds once Greek schools reopen in the second week. Highs drop into the low 80s °F (27–28°C), the meltemi eases, and the evenings are perfect for an outdoor dinner in Rhodes or Chania. Demand is high and cabins on the best itineraries go early.

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, September brings average highs around 83°F (28°C) and lows near 73°F, with about 1.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 12 hours of daylight.

Verdict
Best time to go
Season
April to early November; best late May–June and September
Average high / low
83°F / 73°F
Rainfall (month)
1.4 in
Daylight
About 12 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 September compares with the rest of the year

Greek Isles weather in September

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.

September weather port by port

PortAvg highAvg lowRainDaylight
Athens86°F71°F1.4 in12 h
Santorini78°F74°F0.8 in12 h
Mykonos76°F73°F0.9 in12 h
Rhodes83°F77°F0.7 in12 h
Heraklion, Crete81°F75°F0.9 in12 h
Chania (Souda Bay), Crete83°F74°F0.9 in12 h
Corfu82°F73°F2.8 in12 h
Kuşadası (for Ephesus)95°F68°F0.6 in12 h
Patmos78°F73°F0.7 in12 h
Nafplio90°F69°F1.9 in12 h
Katakolon (for Olympia)80°F76°F2.6 in12 h
Argostoli, Kefalonia81°F75°F2.8 in12 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 September

Greek Isles in September: FAQs

Is September a good time to cruise Greek Isles?

Yes, it's one of the best months. Warm water, golden light and thinning crowds once Greek schools reopen in the second week. Highs drop into the low 80s °F (27–28°C), the meltemi eases, and the evenings are perfect for an outdoor dinner in Rhodes or Chania. Demand is high and cabins on the best itineraries go early.

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

Across Greek Isles cruise ports, September brings average highs around 83°F (28°C) and lows near 73°F, with about 1.4 inches of rain over the month and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Conditions vary from port to port and day to day.

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

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 September?

September is also a top month for Hawaii, Canada & New England, Pacific Coastal, Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean.

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

Sources: NASA POWER climate data.