Greece may welcome 2026 with wintery conditions, as meteorologists warn of a notable cold spell bringing the possibility of snowfall to parts of the country, including areas around Athens. According to forecasts, snow cannot be ruled out around the change of the year, particularly in northern and northeastern sections of the wider Athens region.
Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos said that if current weather models remain consistent, snowfall could occur shortly before or after midnight on New Year’s Eve. Snow levels may drop locally to elevations as low as 250 to 300 meters, mainly affecting higher neighborhoods near surrounding mountains and nearby northern suburbs. The phenomena are expected to be local and generally weak to moderate in intensity.
Beyond the capital, temporary snowfall is also possible in several regions of mainland Greece and on some islands, mostly at higher elevations. In a few cases, brief snowfall may even reach low-lying or coastal areas, particularly on islands in the northern Aegean Sea. In central and northern Crete, snow is forecast at higher altitudes during New Year’s Day.
Other forecasters echoed the wintery outlook. Theodoros Kolydas noted that temperatures during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are expected to be 4 to 5 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages, creating a distinctly wintry feel. However, he stressed that weather conditions are not expected to disrupt travel or holiday celebrations.
Meteorologist Kostas Lagouvardos also pointed to a strong cold air intrusion affecting much of central and eastern Europe, drawing comparisons with similarly cold New Year conditions recorded in 2016.
Overall, while Greece is set for a colder-than-usual start to the year, experts emphasize that any snowfall is likely to be brief and localized, with no major weather-related problems anticipated as celebrations take place.
