After a brief but intense cold spell over the New Year, weather conditions in Greece are shifting, bringing a gradual rise in temperatures and a move toward milder winter weather. Early on Friday, January 2, frost was still recorded in many areas, with temperatures dipping below zero in northern and inland regions. However, the overall trend points to a steady warm-up.
Greek meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas described the transition as “from freezing to thawing,” noting that colder air masses are retreating while warmer air moves in from the west and south, softening conditions nationwide.
Friday Forecast
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, western parts of the country will see increasing cloud cover, with local rain developing from midday and isolated thunderstorms over the Ionian Sea. Elsewhere, skies will be mostly clear at first, followed by scattered clouds and light rain later in the day, mainly in northern and eastern regions.
Light snowfall is expected in mountainous inland areas, while winds will strengthen from southern directions, reaching gale force over parts of the Aegean Sea by nightfall. Daytime temperatures will rise, reaching around 11–16°C (52–61°F) in most areas, though early morning frost will persist inland.
In Athens, conditions will remain generally fair with increasing clouds in the evening, while Thessaloniki will experience variable cloud cover and temperatures ranging from just below freezing to around 9°C (48°F).
Weekend Outlook
On Saturday, rain and isolated thunderstorms are forecast mainly in western Greece, with unsettled conditions spreading to northern and eastern regions. Strong southerly winds will dominate, particularly at sea, and temperatures will climb further, reaching up to 17–19°C (63–66°F) in southern areas.
Sunday will bring intervals of cloud cover and local rain, especially in western and northeastern parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to remain stable, maintaining the milder trend.
Weather for Epiphany
On the Epiphany holiday, western Greece is expected to see increased cloudiness with rain and isolated storms, while the rest of the country will experience mixed conditions with occasional showers, mainly in the north and eastern Aegean. Weather patterns will also favor the transport of African dust, and temperatures will rise further, particularly in southern regions.
