Are you planning a trip to Greece in September and wondering what the heck you should pack? I just spent two weeks traveling around many Greek islands during this time of the year and I’m here to share with you exactly what I packed (and what I wish I packed!) and what the weather was like. Keep reading to learn more!
Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.
To me, there’s truly nothing better than Greece in September. While many flock to this popular country during the summer months of June, July and August, September brings smaller crowds, gloriously warm weather, and more affordable prices — especially when it comes to accommodation.
If you have a September trip planned to this magical country, I’ve got you! Here’s a girl’s guide on what to wear in Greece in September, including a comprehensive packing list, what you can expect the weather to be like, and how to consciously dress in Greece according to cultural norms.
What’s the Weather like in Greece in September?
As mentioned above, September is one of the best times to visit Greece because it’s right on the edge of summer and fall! During this month, you can expect plenty of warm, sunny days without the intense heat of peak summer.
Not to mention, there will be little rain (yay!). The Mediterranean climate keeps the skies mostly sunny in Greece in September. That said, if you visit at the end of the month, there is an increased chance of rain showers, but these will be short and sweet!
Daytime + Nighttime Temperatures
Though it varies by region, daytime high temperatures in Greece in September typically range from 77-86°F (25-30°C), making it ideal for beach days, sightseeing, and island hopping without feeling overheated.
Once the sun sets, temperatures drop a bit, especially on the islands. Expect evening lows around 63-68°F (17-20°C), so a button down, long-sleeve t-shirt, or light jacket will be handy if you’re planning on dining or exploring after dark.
(And believe me, you’ll be dining after dark! The Greeks tend not to eat until later in the evening, like 8 PM and later. This tip and many more are included in my blog on 25 important things you should know before going to Greece!)
Weather Variations By Region
Depending on where you go, the weather will vary slightly. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect September weather to be like across the Greek islands, mainland Greece, and northern Greece.
- The Islands: Places like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete stay warm, but coastal breezes can make evenings cooler. You’ll enjoy lots of sun with only a slight chance of rain later in the month.
- Mainland Greece: Athens and other mainland cities experience similar temperatures but may be a few degrees warmer than the islands, with little humidity.
- Northern Greece: Thessaloniki and northern regions can be slightly cooler, especially toward late September, with a higher likelihood of rain, so it’s wise to pack an extra layer.
What I Wear in Greece in September
When I’m traveling around Greece in September, here’s what I tend to wear.
- In the Daytime: A lot of tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts in the day time
- To the Beach: Swimsuits, shorts, and a white button down to the beach (along with a tote bag holding my lightweight Turkish towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a filtering water bottle)
- In the Evening: Long, lightweight linen or cotton pants paired with a nice tank top and white button down, or a dress with a white button down
- On Nights Out: a nicer-looking dress, pair of nice shorts and a blouse, or long pants and a blouse
My Greece Packing List for September
Here’s everything I packed for my two-week island-hopping trip to Greece! This packing list would be ideal if you’re visiting popular places, like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Crete, as well as more underrated islands like Paros, Syros, and Milos.
Note that I’m a pretty minimalist packer! All of this fit in my Osprey Fairview 40L backpack, specifically using these incredible compression packing cubes to fit everything.
Obviously, adjust this Greece in September packing list as needed to fit your style of travel. (I know that not everyone is a minimalist — and that’s okay!)
Second note: you’ll find affiliate links to some of my favorite sustainable clothing brands below, including Boody, Organic Basics, tentree, Toad&Co, and MATE the Label. I wholeheartedly support these brands and their missions to make high-quality, long-lasting, and sustainable products.
With that said, let’s get into my guide on what I pack for Greece in September!
Psst, before jumping on your flight, don’t miss reading my blog on 25 important things you need to know before you go to Greece!
Tops
- 2 t-shirts (check out this cute t-shirt from Organic Basics)
- 4 tank tops (I love these cropped ones from MATE the Label and the flex corset top from Organic Basics!)
- 2 bodysuits (I wear these from Boody all the time! I have two — they’re so soft and comfy.)
- 1 long-sleeve t-shirt (I recommend finding a cute one from Organic Basics — they have great choices!)
- 1 nice-looking blouse
- 1 white button down (the best cover-up for both swim days and evenings! This gauzy 100% cotton button down from MATE the Label is perfect)
Bottoms
- 1 pair of jean shorts
- 1 pairs of linen shorts (these from tentree are great)
- 2 pairs of biker shorts (I love these from Boody — they have pockets!)
- 1 skirt or skort (I prefer a tennis skirt with built-in shorts to help with chafing!)
- 2 pairs of long pants (ideal for chillier nights and flights — I like these! I also brought a nice pair of linen pants in Corfu Town to wear out to dinner and bars)
Dresses + Jumpsuits
- 1 dress (I brought a simple bodycon dress like this, which looked super great with a linen button down!)
- 1 romper (I wear these organic cotton “shorteralls” from Toad&Co all the time!)
Undergarments
- 10 pairs of underwear (I know, it’s a lot! But I like to have enough for at least a week. I wear these from Boody!)
- 3 bras (1 padded no-wire bra, 1 regular bra, and 1 bralette)
- 3 pairs of socks (Love both the long Boody socks and short Boody socks)
Shoes
- Classic Vans (I love my white lace-up pair — they go with everything and they’re super comfy)
- Birkenstocks (I wore these nearly everyday — I have a pair of the classic sliders)
Miscellaneous
- Pajamas (I wish I had this Boody sleep set)
- Swimsuits (I brought 1 one-piece and 2 bikinis)
What I Wish I’d Packed for Greece in September
Honestly, this September packing list for Greece is pretty solid. Personally, I like to pack a lot of neutral-colored tops and bottoms that can be paired together in a multitude of ways.
This not only helps save on space, as I’m not packing items that I’ll only wear once, but it also makes it look as though I packed way more outfits than I actually did!
That said, there are still a few things I wish I’d packed for Greece in September, including:
- Bandana — This would have been super handy for keeping my hair out of my face and for wiping sweat off when I was walking around places, like the ancient ruins of Athens.
- Sweatshirt — I get cold quite easily, so having a heavier sweatshirt for evenings would have been nice!
- One “nicer” outfit — I got away with what I brought but I kind of wish I would have packed one more nicer-looking dress to wear when going out in trendier destinations, like Mykonos.
Essential Tips on How to Consciously Dress in Greece
Greece is a very religious country and, as such, there are some cultural norms you should be aware of when determining what to wear in Greece in September.
- Religious Sites: If you plan to visit monasteries or churches, dress more modest. Bring a scarf or wrap to cover shoulders and consider a longer skirt or pants. If you aren’t properly covered, they might not let you in or you might get comments by members of the church. Better to be safe than sorry!
- Island vs. Mainland Style: The Greek islands definitely have a more relaxed vibe compared to larger cities like Athens, where adults tend to dress more formally. (Kids and teens dress pretty informally.)
- Respect Local Culture: Embrace being a respectful traveler by blending style with cultural awareness, especially in smaller towns where you’re more likely to stand out. If you’re a woman traveling Greece, avoid wearing very low-cut or revealing outfits, or cover up with the long-sleeve button down I suggested. If you’re a man, avoid going topless and stick to more refined looking tops and bottoms — leave the white tank tops, aka “wife beater tanks,” at home!
I hope this guide on what to wear in Greece in September helps you plan for the best possible trip! If you have any questions, stick ’em in the comments below.
Sophie xx
Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:
- 25 important things you should know before going to Greece
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- 5 ridiculously fun things to do in Athens, Greece (#3 is a MUST!)
- How to Spend One Week Island Hopping in Greece
- 11 essentials to pack when traveling to Europe for the first time
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As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.
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