Meteorologists warn that it’s still too early to make accurate predictions for Christmas weather. Historical data shows that snowfall in major cities during the holidays is rare, especially in southern regions.
While nights will remain chilly, daytime temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 15-16°C across many areas.
Today’s Forecast (Wednesday):
Clouds and scattered showers are expected over Crete, Euboea, and eastern mainland Greece, while the rest of the country will enjoy sunny skies.
Meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas notes that although many are already speculating about Christmas weather, it’s premature to make reliable forecasts. “December has just entered its second ten-day period, and we will provide more accurate and focused predictions closer to the holidays,” he says.
Winter is known for surprises, so weather developments will be closely monitored. Historical records suggest that Christmas snowfall in Greece remains more of a myth than reality, particularly in southern parts and large cities.
Similarly, meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias points out that the upcoming period will feature mild conditions, with weak and sporadic cold spells. “Most medium-range numerical models for the next 10–15 days indicate temperatures about 1.5 to 2.5°C above normal for Greece,” he explains. Despite some brief cold snaps, the overall climate will stay mild and warm, resembling late autumn rather than winter.
Nights will still be somewhat cool, but daytime temperatures will remain mild, giving a sense of a gentle autumn. Specifically, midday temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 15-16°C in many places, with some mainland and island regions even approaching 18°C.
Looking Ahead:
Despite this anomaly, no major weather surprises are expected over the next ten days. December will continue with mild conditions, far from typical winter cold, with little chance of temperatures dropping below zero or snowfall in most parts of the country.
As for Christmas, weather models remain uncertain and unable to accurately predict conditions. Forecasts for strong cold spells or snow in big cities are still tentative. Most meteorologists advise patience and await more precise updates as the holidays approach.
As Kolydas concludes, “Winter is a season full of surprises, and the warmest ‘weather’ at Christmas is the one people create, not the barometric pressure.”
Today’s Weather Details:
- Eastern mainland Greece, Euboea, Crete, and the Aegean will see occasional clouds, with scattered light rain showers possible mainly in Crete, and possibly Euboea and eastern mainland.
- The rest of the country will be mostly sunny with some localized clouds.
- Temperatures range from -2 to 11°C in Western Macedonia, 0 to 13°C in the rest of Macedonia and Thrace, 3 to 14°C in Thessaly, 1 to 14°C in Epirus, 2 to 17°C in mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, 6 to 16°C in the Ionian Islands, 6 to 12°C in northern and eastern Aegean islands, 10 to 15°C in the Cyclades, 10 to 17°C in the Dodecanese, and 10 to 17°C in Crete.
- Winds in the Aegean will blow from the north at 4-6 Beaufort; in the Ionian from the north at 3-5 Beaufort.
- In Athens, expect intermittent clouds with a chance of light showers mainly in northern suburbs. Winds from the north at 2-4 Beaufort. Temperatures between 10 and 16°C.
- Thessaloniki will have mostly sunny skies with some clouds. Winds variable up to 3 Beaufort. Temperatures from 7 to 13°C.
Upcoming Days:
- Thursday: Clouds and light rain possible in Crete and Euboea; otherwise mostly clear with some morning/evening fog inland. Winds from the north 3-4 Beaufort, 5-6 in the Aegean. Temperatures rising slightly, up to 20°C in some southern islands.
- Friday: Mostly clear countrywide, some increased clouds in the south. Visibility may be reduced by morning/evening fog mainly in western mainland. Winds north 3-5 Beaufort. Slight temperature increase in west and south.
- Saturday: Clouds and chance of light rain in eastern Thessaly, Sporades, Euboea, and Crete; mostly clear elsewhere with some clouds in northeast. Local fog possible. Winds variable in west, northerly 3-5 Beaufort in east. Temperatures steady.
- Sunday: Mostly clear with some clouds and isolated rain in eastern mainland and Crete. Fog possible in morning and evening inland. Winds variable west 2-4 Beaufort, north 4-6 Beaufort east and Aegean. Temperatures stable.
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