Weather in Katerini in December
December is early winter in Katerini: cold and fairly changeable. Expect highs of about 10°C / 49°F and overnight lows near 3°C / 38°F. Nights feel cold, so warm layers matter. In the water, expect around 15°C / 59°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Rain falls on around 6 days, adding up to about 50 mm over the month. Cold snaps from the north can bring frost, icy winds and a dusting of snow. Katerini sits on the plain between Mount Olympus and the sea, with beaches a short drive away. You get about 9½ hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm winter coat, a hat, gloves and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Weather can change quickly at this time of year, so check the forecast before a long day out. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Katerini in December
Swimming isn't really on the cards in Katerini in December, with the water at around 15°C / 60°F. The best time for swimming is July and August, with August usually the warmest. Beaches like Paralia Katerinis and Olympiaki Akti are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. A wetsuit makes a big difference if you want to get in.
Crowds & Prices in Katerini in December
Tourism in Katerini slows right down in December. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. The festive season brings a brief rush around Christmas and New Year. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Katerini in December
Katerini is a lived-in town, so shops, cafés and services run as normal in December. Everyday businesses stay open, while beach hotels and seasonal tavernas close. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. The mountain refuges on Olympus close for the winter. Cafés and tavernas are busy with locals, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Festivals & Holidays in Katerini in December
On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is honored in harbors across Greece, and decorated boats appear alongside Christmas trees. Christmas is celebrated with church services, carols sung door to door by children and festive sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes. In Katerini, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Katerini?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. Expect highs of around 10°C / 49°F, lows near 3°C / 38°F and rain on around 6 days. In December, Katerini is ideal for seeing Mount Olympus, museums and long lunches, with few other visitors around. Don't come for swimming or nightlife, though. For sun and sea with fewer crowds than summer, choose June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Katerini in December?
Through December, sunset in Katerini moves from around 5:05 pm to around 5:15 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 5:05 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it snow in Katerini in December?
Occasionally. December is cold and often grey in northern Greece, and snow is possible during cold spells, although it rarely settles for long near the coast. The surrounding mountains usually have snow. Pack warm winter clothes.
Is December a good time for hiking on Mount Olympus?
Only the lower trails. Mount Olympus is snow-covered in December, and the high routes are for experienced mountaineers with winter gear. Forest walks near Litochoro and the lower Enipeas Gorge are the better options, in dry weather.
Do I need a car in Katerini in December?
Not for Katerini itself, which is easy to explore on foot. A car is the best way to reach Mount Olympus, Ancient Dion and the beaches, as bus connections are much less frequent in winter.
Is December or January better for visiting Katerini?
December, for the festive atmosphere, with decorations, events and New Year celebrations. January is quieter and cheaper, with Epiphany on 6 January. The weather is similar, so it comes down to your dates.
Katerini Weather by Month
