We are planning our first trip to Greece for our 5th Anniversary which is in April. Is this too early to go to the Greek Isles? We want to be able to go to beaches and swim in the hotel pools. What temp would it be outside then?

I don't know about the islands and beaches, but we had a marvelous time on the mainland in late April. All the wildflowers were in bloom and the weather was lovely. The ancient sites and museums were not yet overrun by tour groups either which was a huge plus

>go to beaches and swim in the hotel pools
Cold, water about max 18C but getting warmer every day. Sunshine will be nice, though.

The weather may be nice, but chances are the water will be too cold for swimming. When I was there in mid April nobody really started swimming until late May and even then the water was coooold (and I hail from a cold climate). If you want to enjoy wonderful wildflowers and quiet sites free of tourists this is a great month to travel in Greece.

If your looking for a beach holiday - not so much IMHO

Cheers,

Murphy

Also, nobody had their pools set up yet, which wouldn't really matter - pools in Greece are not usually heated.

Food for thought,

Murphy

Too cold to swim in April. Fantastic time to go otherwise.

Thanks for the responses. I guess no swimming. I like the idea of no crowds. Would it be warm enough for shorts and getting sun?

Short and sun on the southern isles shouldn't be a problem. Actually, I went swimming in the sea in Rhodes on the first week in April, I'm still alive