You're finally planning the trip of a lifetime to Greece and cannot wait to pack your holiday itinerary with stops at some of the country's most beautiful and historically significant sites. It's time to put that vacation request form in, and you heard the most pleasant time to holiday in Greece is July and August. Although this statement is true, unfortunately the majority of tourists flock to Greece during this high season as well. When it comes to planning your dream holiday in Greece, remember that when it comes to actually enjoying the sights and finding a reasonably priced hotel, timing is everything.

The Low Season

The low season in Greece runs from November through March. Basically, Greece's tourist industry shuts down for the majority of these months because the winter weather is so unpredictable. Potential bad weather during these months makes the trip not terribly worthwhile. If you're able to secure lodging, don't be amazed when you spend the majority of your holiday in your hotel room. As with most things in life, however, there is an exception to the rule and a silver lining: Crete and Rhodes. Remember, Crete is the southernmost point of Europe, meaning it's warmer longer than the northern cities on the mainland. If your holiday schedule is set, just remember to stick to Crete.

The Midseason

In stark contrast to the bleak winter months, Greece in the spring (March through May) is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Europe, if not the world. The flowers are blooming and everyone feels a sense of renewal, helped in part to the increased tourist traffic. The arrival of spring also means the possibility of rain, and it can be quite heavy, so if you're travelling during these months, try to hold off until the beginning of April. The combination of milder temperatures and fewer tourists makes visiting Greece during midseason your best bet. Hotels, restaurants and cruise companies are looking to recoup some of the losses suffered during the low season, making it possible to score a great deal. Just be aware the longer you wait, the more you run the risk of visiting Greece during the dreaded high season.

The High Season

The high season of Summer (June through August) should be renamed the peak season, because this is far and away when the majority of tourists from across Europe, North America and Australia make their way to the islands. Aside from the crowds, there's also the heat, which typically soars over 37 degrees for stretches during July and into August. If you're travelling to Greece — particularly Athens — during the high season be prepared to pay more for your flight, hotel and restaurant bills.

Autumn

September and October make up autumn in Greece and signal the end of the hectic peak tourist season. Be aware that although the weather during the fall season is more pleasant and the crowds thinner, you might not find the same level of enthusiasm felt during the spring or summer. By the time fall rolls around, many shopkeepers, restaurant owners and just about everyone else are exhausted from the frantic high season, meaning you might not find as many friendly faces as you would during the spring or summer; however, the smaller price tags combined with the milder temperatures are probably enough to make you overlook this minor issue.

Whether you're enjoying a quick family getaway or a romantic, extended rendezvous at one of the best hotels in Athens Greece, this amazing area offers something for everyone to enjoy. Just remember to keep your umbrella handy in the spring, sunscreen in your bag during the summer and pack a warm coat if you're visiting Greece during the winter.

Image provided by Dennis Jarvis from Flickr’s Creative Commons

About the Author: Amanda Green is a guest blogger and longtime resident of Athens. Amanda originally moved to Athens from Sydney after college and is now celebrating 13 years in this beautiful, vibrant city.