Greece Expects Summer Weather During Holy Week and Easter

Greece will enjoy summer weather during Holy Week and Easter, the Meteo weather service of the National Observatory of Athens said on Monday.

In many parts of the country the highest temperature as of Holy Friday and afterward will reach or even exceed 35 on the Celsius scale (95°F.)

Particularly in Athens, on Friday and Saturday, temperatures are forecast to hit 30-32 degrees, while in Patras they will range from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius and in Iraklio, Crete, between 35 and 38C.

The wind will reach 5-6 on the Beaufort scale, while dust and sand from Africa are expected to affect several regions as of Wednesday.

The last month of the spring, May, is usually a warm month in Athens with average temperatures fluctuating between 23.8°C (74.8°F) and 16.4°C (61.5°F).

In the Greek capital, the average high-temperature marginally rises, from a comfortable 19.2°C (66.6°F) in April, to a warm 23.8°C (74.8°F). The average low temperature is 16.4°C (61.5°F).

In May, the average seawater temperature is 18.5°C (65.3°F). Swimming in that temperature is not enjoyable for the majority. Controlling breathing becomes progressively more difficult as surface water temperature decreases below 21°C (69.8°F).

Travel ban in Greece for Easter

Plans for a traditional Greek Easter in the ancestral village will have to be dropped for a second consecutive year as the ban on nonessential travel between regions of Greece has not been lifted.

Those seeking to enjoy the summer like weather in Greece will have to stay within their region of residence for this week. Travel to the Greek islands and other parts of the mainland is prohibited for now, but the ban will be lifted on Monday, May 3.

A number of health experts have warned that lifting the current ban for Easter celebrations will undermine the national effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 ahead of the country’s formal reopening to international tourists on May 14.

62% of Greek residents yearn for Easter back in the village

Traditionally, Greek people travel to family-owned homes in the countryside or on the islands to celebrate the most significant religious event of the Orthodox calendar year.

It is an opportunity to not only herald the arrival of spring, but also to reunite with family and observe significant cultural traditions and religious ceremonies. 

According to a national poll conducted by Alco on behalf of the Greek channel Open Beyond TV, at least 6 in 10 residents of Greece believe that the traditional Easter exodus should be allowed.