Carol

We will be in Athens and Rhodes either the last week in June or the last week of July. Will the weather/crowds/accomodation prices and availability be significantly better at the end of June than at the end of July? Or is it already pretty hot and crowded by then? We will be mostly sightseeing and not doing much swimming or sunbathing. Thanks.

fiona

Carol<BR>June would definitely be better on all counts. However, if you are going mainly for sightseeing late June may still be too hot for you. Are these the only times you can manage? If not, I would suggest going late September. Whatever you choose, have a great time!

Carol

Thanks, Fiona. Our only other possibility is for late October/early November (we will be combining this with a cruise). I read that mid October starts the rainy season and I think I would rather deal with the heat than lots of rain. Do you know what &quot;rainy season&quot; implies in Greece? Sporadic showers or days-long downpours? Thanks.

fiona

carol<BR>We were in Rhodes last year in the second week of October and had great weather but many flights stop at the end of October. Lindos, where we were, &quot;closes up&quot; on the last day of October. All but a very few restaurants and bars are closed.I would stick to June!

Carol

Thanks, Fiona. Our only other possibility is for late October/early November (we will be combining this with a cruise). I read that mid October starts the rainy season and I think I would rather deal with the heat than lots of rain. Do you know what &quot;rainy season&quot; implies in Greece? Sporadic showers or days-long downpours? Thanks.

Yiannis

Carol,<BR><BR>Here in Greece we don't really call it &quot;rainy season&quot; since there isn't that much of rain. Definately there is no day-long rain, it's something very rare, a couple of times per season. I don't know if you have been to Greece before, but don't imagine any tropical climate, it's only mild meditteranean weather. Meaning no lot's of humidity, thus making even hot summer days not so bad.<BR>I spent a full year in Rhodes with the army, and I can tell you that October will be nicer if you don't swimm that much. Especially the old town of Rhodes is much better, even if a few shops are closed. I prefered the town in the fall/winter that summer. Most of the cheap-souvenir stores close making space for the actual old-town &quot;colors&quot; and style.<BR>Enjoy your trip!

Carol

Yiannis,<BR><BR>Thanks for your reply. Fall (and spring) do sound like wonderful times to visit. Unfortunately, I just learned that we will not be able to coordinate a trip during those times. So, in your opinion, if we visit during the end of June/early July will we miss the worst of both the crowds and the heat? We could try one of the more northern islands but Rhodes sounds so lovely and interesting I would hate to pass it up. Thanks for your thoughts.<BR>

Yiannis

Dear Carol,<BR><BR>Don't be dissapointed, still late June/early July it's a great time to visit. It's busy but not the peak of the season. Rhodes is a great island, but you need to have a car to better explore it I believe. If I understand well what you are looking for, you will need the car to escape to different beaches, away from resort areas that exist in Rhodes. Walk around the old town, and explore parts of the old town that you don't see too many people explore, there are still people living regularly withinn the limits of the old-town. Furthermore, if you finally go to Rhodes don't forget to visit Symi island, several small boats do day trips. My advice: Do stay at least one night in Symi! You get to walk around the town and not need to worry for the same day return. <BR>