As with every year, August weather tends to be hot. Delicate travelers may well prefer to choose another month to explore, but if high energy delights you, the party scene is usually at its peak in August with September's return to school and work looming only weeks away.
The mornings will be your best bet for sightseeing, as the heat grows strongest about 1pm, making the Greek habit of taking an afternoon nap or relaxation period very attractive.
In "normal" years, many Greeks travel home for the Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated throughout Greece. Because of the increased domestic travel, transportation is jammed. Travelers with Greek surnames reportedly seem to fare better on getting that last seat during the first two weeks of the month. Many Greeks will also be observing a Lenten-like fast for the period between August 1st and the 15th, when the fast gives way to feasting. This generally does not affect what is available for tourists to eat, though some additional fast-friendly specialty dishes may be worth a try.
Travel on and around the 15th itself is usually limited. The 15th is a national holiday, the Greek Orthodox observance of the Feast of the Dormition also known as the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and many sites will be closed for the day. The effect of the Olympics on this observance and celebration is not clear yet.
The cultural festivals of Greece are in full swing as the Athens Festivalcontinues, the Patras Festival begins, and dozens of other major and minor festivals take advantage of the crowds to present the best of Greek culture to as many minds and souls as possible.
Grape harvest festivals are underway in several places. The Dodecanese islands of Samos and Rhodes both host major festivals. See the full August festival list, or go on to the next pagefor a quick look at rates, weather, and crowd levels for August.
