Weather in Meteora in August
August is the height of summer in Meteora: hot and fairly changeable. Daytime highs average around 33°C / 92°F, and nights drop to about 18°C / 65°F. With no sea to cool things down, there's a big swing between the heat of the afternoon and the cooler night. Rain falls on around 4 days, adding up to about 23 mm over the month. Meteora's rock pillars rise above the town of Kalambaka at the edge of the Thessalian plain, where summers are hot and winters cold. Far from any sea breeze, the inland plains are among the hottest places in Greece in summer. You get about 14 hours of daylight a day, leaving long, light evenings. Bring loose, light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, strong sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun is strong from mid-morning onwards, even when a breeze makes it feel cooler. Plan sightseeing for the early morning or evening, and keep the midday hours for shade and a long lunch.
Swimming in Meteora in August
Meteora is inland, and the nearest swimming is at the Aegean coast, about two hours' drive away. The coast there averages around 26°C / 80°F in August, so it's a good day trip for a swim. For the best swimming, aim for July and August, when the sea is at its warmest. Pair the trip with lunch at a seaside taverna to make a day of it. Weekends get busy with locals, so a weekday trip is calmer.
Crowds & Prices in Meteora in August
August is peak season in Meteora, and the busiest spots are crowded. Prices for rooms and car hire are at their yearly high. Around 15 August, when Greek families travel, rooms sell out. The busiest spot is the biggest monasteries by mid-morning; for more space, start early, before the tour buses arrive. Book early, as the best-value rooms go first.
What's Open in Meteora in August
Kalambaka, below Meteora, keeps running in August, with buses and trains from Athens and Thessaloniki. It's the full season, so hotels, restaurants, beach bars and excursions are all running. Museums and sites are open on extended summer hours. Shops in tourist areas often stay open into the evening. Opening hours are long, with many tavernas serving until late. Most attractions run on their full seasonal schedules.
Festivals & Holidays in Meteora in August
15 August, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, is the biggest summer holiday, with church services and village festivals everywhere. Many Greeks return to their home villages in August, and panigyria, village feasts with live music and dancing, run late into the night. Locals in Meteora mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. Summer evenings are the time for festivals, open-air cinemas and late dinners outdoors.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Meteora?
August is fine for Meteora if you can handle the heat. In numbers: highs of about 33°C / 92°F, lows of 18°C / 65°F and rain on around 4 days in a typical August. Inland temperatures peak in summer, so plan sightseeing for early morning and evening and rest at midday. It suits travelers combining the area with a trip to the coast. For more comfortable conditions, May, June, September or October would be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Meteora in August?
Sunset in Meteora is at around 8:50 pm at the start of August, around 8:30 pm in mid-August and around 8:10 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. The long evenings leave plenty of daylight after the heat of the day.
Is Meteora too hot in August?
It can be. August is hot and dry inland, without the cooling breezes of the coast, and heatwaves happen most summers. Mornings and evenings are the best time to be out, and short thunderstorms occasionally bring relief late in the month.
Can I visit the Meteora monasteries in August?
Yes, but August is busy and hot. Go early, before tour groups arrive, and check the opening days. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Each monastery closes on one or two days a week, and not all on the same day.
Do I need a car to visit Meteora in August?
Not strictly. Kalambaka, the town below the rocks, is easy to walk around, but the monasteries are spread along a winding road above it, so a car or taxi makes them far easier to reach. Walking paths from Kalambaka and Kastraki are another option. In August, start early, before the heat and the tour buses.
Is August or September better for visiting Meteora?
September, for most travelers. The heat eases, evenings cool down and it's much more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
Meteora Weather by Month
