Greece appears poised to transition smoothly into autumn with weather that still feels like the high point of summer. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued its forecast for Monday, September 1, 2025, depicting blue skies and golden afternoons across the country.
The announcement confirms what many locals have already suspected after weeks of stable summer conditions: the warm, settled pattern is not yet over. In fact, for much of Greece, the new month begins in almost textbook Mediterranean fashion — clear, dry, and just breezy enough to keep the heat from clinging too heavily.
Winds will move predominantly from the west–northwest at force 3 to 5 Beaufort, a comfortable range for sailors and ferry captains, though those navigating southern seas may encounter pockets reaching force 6. The wind direction is a familiar one for the Aegean at this time of year, giving respite from the scorching meltemi that dominated much of July and August.
Heat Persists Across the Mainland
Temperatures, EMY notes, will remain largely unchanged from the last days of August. The eastern mainland — regions such as Thessaly and parts of Attica — will experience the sharpest warmth, reaching temperatures of 34–35°C. These are figures more often associated with mid-summer than with the threshold of autumn, but Greece is well accustomed to September offering one final flourish of heat before cooler evenings begin to set in.
Elsewhere, the mercury will hover between 30 and 33°C, pleasant enough for lingering beach holidays, vineyard visits, or those long café afternoons under striped awnings.
Locals often call this period the “second summer.” It is a stretch of days when school preparations begin, but sandals and swimsuits remain within arm’s reach. The pace of life is slightly calmer, with fewer cruise ships anchoring and fewer traffic jams leading to seaside tavernas. Yet the weather stubbornly refuses to let go of its July temperament.
Sunny Calm with a Hint of Breeze
On Crete, the largest and southernmost island, the forecast is particularly inviting. Sunshine is set to dominate skies across the island, from the mountain villages of Lassithi to the harbors of Chania and Heraklion.
Winds here, too, will arrive from the west–northwest at 3–5 Beaufort, enough to ruffle the Libyan Sea but not to disrupt ferries or beach umbrellas. For those venturing out on day trips — perhaps to Elafonissi’s pink sands or up the winding road to Anogeia — the breezes will offer relief from the midday warmth.
Temperature ranges are forecast between 22°C at night and 30–32°C during the day. This means balmy evenings, perfect for outdoor dining, when plates of dakos and glasses of raki are enjoyed under strings of café lights, while the daytime remains hot enough for sea swimming well into the afternoon.
A Gentle Transition Toward Autumn
Meteorologists emphasize that no significant change is expected in the immediate days that follow. That steadiness is a hallmark of early September, a period when summer and autumn intermingle in Greece’s climate with a quiet handshake rather than a clash.
Travelers arriving this week can expect stable conditions ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and island hopping. Farmers, too, welcome the calm, as olive groves and vineyards prepare for the harvest season without the disruption of storms or unseasonable rain.
For Crete in particular, the early September weather provides a reliable window for cultural festivals, village panigyria, and outdoor concerts that stretch long into the night. Locals often remark that “the island breathes easier” in September: tourists still fill the tavernas, but the sense of suffocating summer rush is gone.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
While climate change has made forecasting more unpredictable in recent years, this particular report from EMY suggests continuity rather than surprise. The absence of sudden cold fronts or heat spikes reassures both residents and visitors.
If September is traditionally Greece’s soft landing from the fever pitch of summer, then 2025 seems intent on upholding tradition. With sunny skies, moderate winds, and lingering warmth, the first day of the month looks less like an ending and more like a graceful encore.
