Greece — Water Temperature in Seas, Lakes and Rivers
Check today’s water temperatures across Greece, including seas, lakes, and rivers. View real-time updates and seasonal ranges for both coastal and inland waters. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature in Lakes and Rivers
Popular Lakes
Popular Rivers
Popular Places
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
Water Temperature Trends
Greece’s coastal waters are among the warmest in the Mediterranean but show clear seasonal and regional shifts. Along the Ionian and southern coasts, sea surface temperatures typically range from about 14–28 °C (57–82 °F) over the year; in the Aegean and around northern shores figures are slightly cooler, roughly 13–26 °C (55–79 °F). Winter months (December–February) see sea temperatures around 13–17 °C (55–63 °F), spring brings a steady rise to about 15–20 °C (59–68 °F), late summer peaks in July–August commonly reach 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) or higher near Crete, and autumn cools through 20–24 °C (68–75 °F). Swimming is widely permitted and popular, especially from late spring through early autumn when water is comfortably warm for recreational bathing; in winter casual swimming is less common due to cold and the risk of hypothermia, though some experienced swimmers and winter sea‑swimming groups do enter the water.
Swimming Conditions
Freshwater bodies such as lakes and rivers are generally cooler and more variable than the sea. Lowland lakes can warm to comfortable bathing levels in summer, often 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), but mountain lakes and fast rivers remain cold, frequently only 4–15 °C (39–59 °F) even in summer. River temperatures depend on flow and shading and can be noticeably chillier than nearby coastal water. Swimming in lakes and rivers is allowed in many places but depends on local safety rules, water quality and currents; lifeguard absence, underwater hazards and sudden temperature changes are common concerns. Visitors should check local advisories and exercise caution where signs, seasonal restrictions or water quality warnings are posted.