📅 The Best Time to Visit the Mediterranean in 2023

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If eating homemade pasta in Italy, getting your heart stolen by the Greek islands, and marveling at the yachts in Monaco is your definition of a proper holiday, then the Mediterranean might be just the destination you need.

Whether you’re looking for finger-licking food, rich culture, stunning landmarks, or entertaining events, you’ll find a little bit of everything.

For a more encompassing experience, we suggest visiting as much as you can of the entire region; if not, begin by choosing your favorite Mediterranean destination and allow things to unfold from there.

We leave things to you destination-wise, but let’s begin your itinerary planning by allowing us to share when the best time to visit the Mediterranean is. Let us be your guide!

Overall Best Time to Visit the Mediterranean

Tourists in a neat corridor of Florence with vine-lined brown and orange walls and a stone walking path

Canadastock/Shutterstock

The best time to visit the Mediterranean is in May or June and in September or October.

Going in May/June means the temperatures are warm and pleasant, and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds and intense heat. September/October days are mild and dryish before the winter rainfall and cold comes to the fore.

Marveling at Michelangelo’s David in the city of Florence? Check, as the weather isn’t scorching hot. Getting lost in the small Croatian towns without “fighting” the large crowds?

Of course — you’ll be visiting in a low-season month. Finding accommodation without breaking the bank? Yes, as you’re not partaking in the Mediterranean summer craze.

The weather also supports a myriad of outdoor activities without breaking a sweat, such as going on guided ancient archeological ruins tours, attending local festivals, hiking, and biking, to name a few.

That said, occasional spring rains or fall showers aren’t unheard of but won’t ruin your plans.

Cheapest Time to Visit the Mediterranean

The cheapest time to head to the Mediterranean is in early December. It’s also when the entire region is slow with tourists.

Most are waiting for the Christmas holiday mood to begin, and others have just finished their fall itinerary, allowing you to take advantage of cheap airfare deals, attractive hotel packages, and reasonable prices in local venues.

And while the weather may not be the best, as it’s winter after all, you can head to some warmer places, such as Portugal, Spain, and Crete.

Although summer activities are out of the question at this time of the year, these locations offer stunning landmarks, unusual architecture, local hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, so you won’t feel like you’re missing anything else.

Least Busy Time to Visit the Mediterranean

dpVUE.Images/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit the Mediterranean is in March and April.

Being shoulder months, March and April are perfect for visitors who wish to travel earlier in the season. You can visit Malta, Sardinia, Morocco, or Corsica, as they’re already quite hot but with pleasant nights.

In any case, wherever you head, you’re bound to avoid the large crowds at this time and enjoy the blossoming spring flowers and calming greenery.

Worst Time to Visit the Mediterranean

The worst time to visit the Mediterranean is in July and August.

The weather can be unbearably hot during the day, and school break coincides with these summer months, so family holidays are in full swing. Expect roads with heavy traffic and accommodation and airfare prices over the roof.

That said, although this is the “worst” time to visit the Mediterranean, it’s also the best if you wish to enjoy warm seawater temperatures, sunny days, blue skies, and a plethora of recreational activities.

From horseback riding, scuba diving, and snorkeling to just hitting the beach and working on that summer tan, Mediterranean summers are anything but dull.

Summer also boasts many local festivals, so make sure to check for lineups and dates well in advance — attending your favorite Mediterranean festival may be just what will make the summer mayhem and tourist crowds worthwhile.

Things to Consider

Scenic view of Perast at the Bay of Kotor pictured during the best overall time to go to the Mediterrean

Canadastock/Shutterstock

When taking a Mediterranean journey, there are several things worth considering for an enjoyable stay, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Insects are fairly common in summer, especially at night, so bringing insect repellent is highly recommended.
If you wish to cruise the Mediterranean, the best time to do so is during the April–October period. If you wish to avoid cruise crowds, opt for the spring months; to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea at its finest, stick to the summer period. To avoid any unpleasant cruise surprises, sure to know your currency options for Mediterranean cruises, as not all countries accept the euro.

Pro Tip: While cruising is a special experience on its own, engaging in wildlife watching can take your cruising adventure to the next level.

Wine tasting is a must for a complete Mediterranean experience — although pretty much available during the entire year, September and October may be peak months, as they overlap with the harvest season.
The Mediterranean is a wide region encompassing a lot of countries, so what may apply to one country can be completely invalid for another one. For instance, certain Moroccan rules make sense just for your Moroccan visit, but heading to Egypt, Tukey, or Italy requires abiding by another set of rules.
People in larger cities (especially those in the tourist industry) speak English as they’re used to having tourists. However, learning a few local phrases goes a long way toward getting better service or information. For instance, you can polish up on your high school Italian and “Buongiorno” your way through Italy.
If you’re traveling from America, give yourself ample time to recover from the jet lag, so factor that in when you plan how many days you wish to spend in a specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Casino Monte Carlo in Monaco pictured on a nice day during the best time to visit the Mediterranean

Monte Carlo, Monaco – July 2018 – The Monte Carlo Casino, gambling and entertainment complex in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Cote de Azur, Europe/Ecstk22/Shutterstock

What makes a country Mediterranean?

A country “qualifies” to be Mediterranean if it surrounds the Mediterranean Sea or it’s situated within the Mediterranean Basin. There are 22 Mediterranean countries, and here are the most visited ones: France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.

The rest are: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine, Slovenia, Syria, and Tunisia.

What is the most expensive place in the Mediterranean?

Monte Carlo, Monaco is the most expensive place in the Mediterranean. While visiting it may be somewhat challenging if you’re on a budget, with insights into the potential expenses you may encounter, planning your budget will be a walk in the park.

Here are some figures shared by past travelers to help you in the process: for a three-day trip to Monaco, you’ll need $1287 if you’re traveling solo, $2359 for couples, and $3052 for a family of four.

Keep in mind that all these figures are solely approximations, which means it’s more than likely they’ll change at some point, so we urge you to always check for the latest info before you head to Monaco.

Why is it called Mediterranean climate?

The Mediterranean climate is mainly a consequence of the Mediterranean Sea, hence the name. It’s characterized by a comfortable climate with dry and hot summers and mild to chilly winters.

What are five interesting facts about the Mediterranean Sea?

1. Two different islands are situated within the sea, namely, Malta and Cyprus.
2. The Mediterranean Sea consists of several smaller seas, the most well-known ones being the Balearic Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Alboran Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Sea of Marmara.
3. The Mediterranean Sea is more than five million years old.
4. The name Mediterranean means “center of the Earth.”
5. The average depth of the Mediterranean Sea is 4,900 feet.

Why is it called Mediterranean cuisine?

Mediterranean cuisine is a style of cooking with ingredients of the wider Mediterranean region. The overall concept goes back to the areas in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea that grow olive trees. Key ingredients making the Mediterranean cuisine what it is are grapes, olives, and wheat.

Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!

The best time to visit the Mediterranean is in May or June and in September or October. The temperatures are pleasant for all kinds of outdoor activities, and the months see moderate crowds, which allows you to explore the Mediterranean the way every traveler should.
The cheapest time to visit the Mediterranean is in early December. It’s when potential travelers are encouraged to search for airfare deals and affordable accommodation rates. Note the weather isn’t as great as visiting in other periods, though.
The least busy time to visit is in March and April. It’s ideal for visitors who wish to avoid the (in)famous Mediterranean crowds and enjoy their trip in solitude.
The worst time to visit the Mediterranean is in July and August. It’s when most families head for their summer holiday, so roads are packed, airfare prices skyrocket, and accommodation availability is scarce.

That said, the worst time is also the best for beach-related activities and fun summer events. As you can see, there’s something for every traveler in the Mediterranean, regardless of when you visit.

Just pick the destination of your dreams, and have fun exploring this marvelous region! Finally, if you need further help choosing a specific destination, here are more ideas:

Happy travels, and we can’t wait to hear which of these picturesque dream destinations you picked!