The climate of Olympia
Olympia, nestled in the Peloponnese region of
Greece, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers—designated as Csa under the Köppen climate classification. This ancient city experiences a significant variation in temperature, daylight hours, and rainfall throughout the year.
With an annual high temperature fluctuating between 14°C (57.2°F) in the cooler months of
January and
February to 30°C (86°F) in the hotter months of
July and
August, Olympia displays significant seasonal temperature swings. Alongside this, low temperatures wander from 6°C (42.8°F) in the winter months to 19°C (66.2°F) in the height of summer. The city's rainfall follows a similar seasonal pattern, with the driest months falling between
June and August, peaking at a mere 8mm (0.31"), while the wettest months occur towards the end and beginning of the year, where rainfall extends to dramatic 148mm (5.83") in
December.
Olympia also registers sharp discrepancies regarding daylight and sunshine hours. While December only receives a meagre 9.6 daylight hours, June basks in a generous 14.7 hours, reaching a maximum of 13 sunshine hours in July, double the 5 sunshine hours experienced in the darker months of December and January. Finally, the UV index demonstrates a steady increase from 2 in winter to a zenith of 10 in the heart of summer.
The best time to visit Olympia
With its Mediterranean climate,
Olympia thrives in the warmth of summer, particularly in
July. Here, visitors can appreciate the longest daylight hours and highest sunshine levels, coupled with low rainfall. Despite the most considerable UV Index of 10, temperatures remain comfortable, ranging from 30°C (86°F) during the day to 19°C (66.2°F) in the cooler nights. Therefore, for someone seeking sun-soaked days and comfortable evenings, the best time to visit would be in the height of the Grecian summer.
The worst time to visit Olympia
Winter poses adverse conditions for those considering a visit to
Olympia, with
December ranking as the least favourable month. Visitors will encounter minimal daylight hours and sunshine, coinciding with the year's highest rainfall of 148mm (5.83") across 14 days, making outdoor exploration challenging. Additionally, the lowest temperatures of the year often fall between 15°C (59°F) to 7°C (44.6°F), contributing to the overall unfavorable weather conditions.
Spring weather in Olympia
Spring in
Olympia sees a gradual rise in temperature and an increase in daylight and sunshine hours. As the city bids farewell to winter,
March witnesses the temperature rise from 14°C (57.2°F) in the daytime to 16°C (60.8°F) by
May, with the temperatures at night increasing from 6°C (42.8°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). Additionally, rainfall lessens from 70mm (2.76") in March to a scanty 22mm (0.87") by May, allowing for pleasant outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Olympia
Summer brings about a change in
Olympia, with an escalation in temperature and sunshine hours. The season begins with a high daytime temperature of 23°C (73.4°F) in
June, which climbs to 30°C (86°F) by
August — the nocturnal lows being a comfortable 16°C (60.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Olympia savors an incredibly dry period with minimal rainfall, from 8mm (0.31") to 6mm (0.24"), and sports the year's highest daylight and sunshine hours.
Autumn weather in Olympia
The advent of Autumn marks a cooling period in
Olympia. Temperatures during the day fall from 28°C (82.4°F) in
September to 19°C (66.2°F) in
November, mirrored by a decline in nighttime lows from 16°C (60.8°F) to 10°C (50°F). Predictably, rainfall begins its ascent from 27mm (1.06") in September, peaking at 131mm (5.16") in November, while daylight and sunshine hours commence their gradual winter descent.
Winter weather in Olympia
Winter sees
Olympia enveloped in its coldest climes, with
December and
January recording a high of 15°C (59°F) and a nighttime low of 6°C (42.8°F), further dropping to 7°C (44.6°F) in
February. The city registers the highest rainfall during these cooler months, with 148mm (5.83") in December gradually tapering off to 93mm (3.66") in February. Furthermore, this period sees the least daylight and sunshine hours, contributing to the overall colder and darker winter atmosphere.
Weather in January
Weather conditions in
Olympia,
Greece in
January indicate the start of the year with a mix of chilly temperatures and notable rainfall. The lowest temperature settles at 6°C (42.8°F) while the highest barely touches 14°C (57.2°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Olympia ushers in somewhat improved weather conditions compared to
January, with slightly reduced precipitation and marginally increased daylight hours. This is a transition month, with a loss of 23mm (0.91") in rainfall from the previous month, receiving only 93mm (3.66").
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the arrival of
March, the weather in
Olympia begins to gradually veer towards the warmer side, the landscape embracing the expected Spring aesthetics. A congregation of more sunshine hours and a notable drop in rainfall from previous months gives March a refreshing feel.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Olympia in
April leaves the vestiges of winter behind and starts to adopt the fragrance of spring. In comparison to
March, this month is characterized by more welcoming weather, bringing an increase in daylight and sunshine hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a remarkable shift in weather, laying a warm and sunny carpet for the foreseeable summer. In
Olympia, the month is marked with vibrant blue skies and an evident increase in temperature compared to
April. A significant decrease in rain, totaling a meager 22mm (0.87"), makes May one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather profile for
June in
Olympia celebrates the arrival of summer showcasing the highest sunshine hours thus far, accompanied by rising temperature levels. There is a visible reduction in rainfall as the dry season starts to take hold of the region.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Climbing temperatures and continuous long sunny days award
July as the quintessential summer month in
Olympia. The rainfall reaches its lowest point in the year, recording a near-negligible 6mm (0.24") of precipitation. The city basks in the warmest weather as compared to the previous months, ideal for dipping into the clear Mediterranean waters.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Olympia continues the summer trend with consistent heat and minimal rainfall, strikingly similar to the pattern observed in
July. In fact, it ties with July for the warmest month boasting 30°C (86°F) maximum temperature, coupled with a marginal increase in minimum temperature (from 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F)).
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Olympia experiences a subtle shift in weather. While the city carries forth some of
August's warmth, this month ushers in the first signs of the impending autumn. Still, the area remains dry with an average rainfall of 27mm (1.06"), creating ideal conditions to explore the Grecian ruins.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The cool breeze of
October signals the start of autumn in
Olympia with temperatures beginning to dip but remaining relatively comfortable. Although still sunny, the city experiences more rainfall than
September, observing a considerable increase of about 75mm (2.95").
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Olympia sees the temperature continuing to fall, paving the way for the upcoming winter season. The rainfall records a significant increase, reaching a total of 131mm (5.16") which is amongst the highest of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Finally,
December descends, welcoming the winter season in
Olympia. As the coldest month of the year, the city experiences a drop in both maximum and minimum temperature levels. December emerges as the wettest month with precipitation levels reaching a peak at 148mm (5.83").
Weather in December »