Greece is set to move from autumn storms to a burst of summer-like warmth over the coming days, before cooler, wetter weather returns just in time for the October 28 national celebrations.
Following a period of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms, meteorologists say the weather will turn significantly milder starting this weekend, with sunshine and temperatures soaring well above seasonal norms.
From unsettled skies to “Saint Demetrios summer”
According to forecasters, Thursday will bring patchy rain and isolated storms across the Peloponnese, the Cyclades islands and parts of the Aegean Sea, before conditions improve from the west later in the day. Temperatures will rise slightly, reaching 22–24°C across much of the mainland and islands, and up to 26°C along Crete’s northern coast.
By Friday, weather conditions will stabilize as Greece enters what locals call the “Saint Demetrios summer,” a brief warm spell that often occurs in late October. Meteorologist Klearhos Marousakis said the mini heatwave could lift the mercury to 26–28°C nationwide, with some areas potentially nearing 30°C over the weekend.
Weekend sunshine before the change
“By Sunday and Monday, thermometers may reach 30°C in regions such as Thessaly, central Greece and northern Crete,” noted meteorologist Georgios Tsatrafyllias, who described the weekend as mostly sunny with limited rainfall in the west and northwest.
Former National Meteorological Service (EMY) director Theodoros Kolydas confirmed that warm southerly winds will keep temperatures high through Monday, especially along northern Crete where they could reach 29°C.
Cooler, wetter weather on October 28
However, the mild spell will not last. A new weather system is forecast to arrive late Monday, bringing rain, thunderstorms and a noticeable temperature drop across much of the country.
“On the eve of October 28, a new front will move in, with rain and storms continuing into the national holiday before gradually easing,” Marousakis said. Tsatrafyllias added that the approaching disturbance will likely “parade” across the country, coinciding with the day’s military and school parades.
Kolydas also warned that “by Tuesday, colder air from the Balkans will push south, ending the brief spell of warmth.”
