Weather in Thessaloniki in September
September is late summer in Thessaloniki: warm and fairly changeable. Temperatures typically peak at around 27°C / 80°F in the afternoon and fall to about 17°C / 62°F at night. In the water, expect around 25°C / 77°F, warm enough for long swims. There are typically 4 rainy days, with around 33 mm of rain in total. The weather becomes more changeable as autumn goes on, with more rain and cooler nights. Thessaloniki sits on the Thermaic Gulf in northern Greece, with Mount Olympus visible across the water on clear days. You get about 12½ hours of daylight a day. Summer clothes are fine by day, with a light layer for the evenings and plenty of sunscreen. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. Mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Thessaloniki in September
Expect the sea around Thessaloniki to be about 25°C / 76°F in September, comfortable for long swims. Swimming is still good, although the sea has cooled since August. The city's own seafront isn't for swimming, so locals head to the beaches of Chalkidiki, about an hour away. Beaches are lively but less crowded than in high summer. No wetsuit needed.
Crowds & Prices in Thessaloniki in September
Visitor numbers in Thessaloniki are at their highest in September. Prices for rooms and car hire are at their yearly high. The Thessaloniki International Fair in September brings crowds and higher hotel prices. The crowds concentrate at the waterfront and the Ladadika district in the evening, so for a calmer experience, do your sightseeing on weekday mornings. Book early, as the best-value rooms go first.
What's Open in Thessaloniki in September
Thessaloniki is open for business all year, with flights, trains and buses running as normal. Hotels and tavernas are open as usual, with no seasonal closures to worry about. Museums and sites are open on extended summer hours. Public transport and services run as normal. Outdoor café terraces are in full use. Cafés and tavernas are busy with locals, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Festivals & Holidays in Thessaloniki in September
September is harvest time, with grapes picked for wine in many areas and village feasts on 8 September for the Nativity of the Virgin. The Thessaloniki International Fair takes place in September, bringing exhibitions and events to the city. Late-summer village festivals continue into September, and the grape harvest gets underway.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Thessaloniki?
September is a good time for Thessaloniki, with long, warm evenings and a relaxed summer atmosphere. In numbers: highs of about 27°C / 80°F, lows of 17°C / 62°F and rain on around 4 days in a typical September. Days can still be hot, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning. It suits travelers who enjoy eating outdoors and exploring late into the evening. For cooler sightseeing weather, April, May or October would be ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Thessaloniki in September?
Through September, sunset in Thessaloniki moves from around 8:05 pm to around 7:15 pm in Greek local time, as the evenings get shorter. In mid-September, expect it at around 7:40 pm. The waterfront promenade is the place to watch it, looking across the gulf toward Mount Olympus on clear days.
Is it still warm in Thessaloniki in September?
Yes. September is warm and mostly sunny, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming, especially early in the month. It cools down faster than southern Greece, though, and by late September evenings can be fresh and showers more likely.
Can I visit the White Tower in September?
Yes. The White Tower is open on longer summer hours, but September is hot and busy. Go right at opening time or late in the day, bring water and a hat, and expect crowds around midday. It stands on the waterfront, with a museum inside about the city's history.
Do I need a car in Thessaloniki in September?
Not in the city. The center is walkable, buses cover the rest of the city and the metro runs through the center. A car is useful for trips to Chalkidiki, Mount Olympus or Vergina. In September, walk in the morning and evening and use buses in the midday heat.
Is September or October better for a trip to Thessaloniki?
Both are excellent. September is warmer and still summery, while October is cooler and more comfortable for long days of sightseeing, with the occasional shower. Choose October if you plan to walk a lot.
Thessaloniki Weather by Month
