Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.
The region experiences a transitional continental-Mediterranean climate. Coastal areas around Kavala, Xanthi and Alexandroupoli have warm, dry summers and mild winters. The Rhodope Mountains rising behind the coast bring cooler summer temperatures and snow November–March. The Thracian plain including Komotini has hotter summers and colder winters than the coast.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
Items
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Items
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Items
- Period
- July–August
- Crowd level
- High
- Note
- Kavala and beaches busy; book accommodation 4–6 weeks ahead
- Period
- Easter (variable)
- Crowd level
- Moderate–High
- Note
- Greek families travel; Philippi popular
- Period
- May–June
- Crowd level
- Low
- Note
- Ideal for independent travel
- Period
- September–October
- Crowd level
- Low–Moderate
- Note
- Post-peak; best value
- Period
- November–March
- Crowd level
- Very Low
- Note
- Quietest; some rural businesses closed
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Xanthi Carnival
One of Greece's most famous carnivals; elaborate costumes; parades; book accommodation months ahead
Philippi Festival
Ancient theatre performances at the Roman theatre of Philippi; tickets from philippi-festival.gr
Kavala International Jazz Festival
Jazz concerts at the Kavala Municipal Theatre
Komotini Summer Festival
Cultural events, music and exhibitions in Komotini city parks
Dadia Vulture Festival
Birdwatching event at Dadia Forest Reserve; guided tours and talks