The best time to visit Mount Olympus depends on what you want from the trip. This guide covers the seasons in Pieria and Thessaly, Greece and what each one means for sightseeing, crowds and cost.
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and, in myth, the home of the Greek gods. It rises behind the small town of Litochoro and the sea, with forests, gorges and a rugged summit area that attract hikers and climbers from around the world.
Short Answer: When to Go
Visit from late June to September for hiking, when mountain huts are open and trails are mostly snow-free. Spring and autumn are good for lower walks and the Enipeas Gorge, while winter brings snow and is best for experienced mountaineers.
Mount Olympus Season by Season
| Season | Weather | Crowds and prices | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | Cool to warm, 7–23 °C (45–73 °F) | Light | Snow remains on the upper slopes; the lower trails are pleasant |
| Jun–Aug | Warm at the base, cool on the mountain, 18–32 °C (64–90 °F) | Busiest, especially in July and August | Best for climbing; start early to avoid afternoon storms |
| Sep–Nov | Mild to cool, 8–27 °C (46–81 °F) | Moderate then quiet | Clear air and autumn colors, with the first snow possible on the heights |
| Dec–Feb | Cold with snow, -2 to 12 °C (28–54 °F) | Very quiet | Winter conditions on the peak; only for experienced climbers |
Events That Affect Timing
Litochoro hosts the Olympus Festival, a summer cultural event of concerts and theater in the area, and the Olympus Marathon, a trail race, takes place in the mountains. Dates vary, so check ahead.
When to Avoid the Crowds
The quietest windows are November to April. The busiest are July and August, and summer weekends, when popular sights fill early and accommodation costs more, so book ahead if your dates overlap. The summit Mytikas involves some scrambling near the top, so check conditions and book a night at a mountain refuge in advance if you plan to climb, and start early to avoid afternoon storms.
Mount Olympus Quick Facts
- Location: Pieria and Thessaly, Greece.
- Type of place: Mountain and mythological peak.
- Best time to visit: Visit from late June to September for hiking, when mountain huts are open and trails are mostly snow-free. Spring and autumn are good for lower walks and the Enipeas Gorge, while winter brings snow and is best for experienced mountaineers.
- Suggested time: 2 to 4 days, or 1 day if you are short on time.
- Busiest: July and August, and summer weekends. Quietest: November to April.
What to Pack for Mount Olympus
Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen, as mountain weather changes quickly. Pack a headlamp, a map or app, plenty of water and snacks, and warm clothes for nights at the refuge.
Common Timing Mistakes
- Starting a summit hike late and getting caught by afternoon storms.
- Underestimating the altitude and the scrambling on the upper sections.
- Not booking a refuge in advance in July and August.
- Going in winter or early spring without proper equipment.
Getting There and Getting Around
Litochoro is about 90 minutes’ drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport, and about 5 hours from Athens. Buses and trains serve Katerini and Litochoro, and a car makes it easier to reach trailheads such as Prionia. Taxis and guides can help with transfers.
Top Sights in Mount Olympus in Any Season
- Hike the Enipeas Gorge: A scenic trail from Litochoro along a river through forest and gorges, with the ruins of Agios Dionysios monastery on the route.
- Climb toward Mytikas: The highest peak in Greece, at about 2,918 meters (9,573 feet), is reached by multi-day hikes from Prionia with an overnight at a mountain refuge.
- Stay at a mountain refuge: Huts such as Refuge A, at about 2,100 meters, offer simple meals and beds and are a key part of the traditional ascent.
Tours Worth Booking Whenever You Go
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Mount Olympus, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Thessaloniki: Bus Trip to Dion & Mt Olympus National Park — rated 4.6 from 296 reviews, from $57.
Plan Your Trip
More Mount Olympus planning help: best tours and experiences in Mount Olympus, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Mount Olympus?
Visit from late June to September for hiking, when mountain huts are open and trails are mostly snow-free. Spring and autumn are good for lower walks and the Enipeas Gorge, while winter brings snow and is best for experienced mountaineers.
When is Mount Olympus least crowded?
The quietest times are November to April. Peak pressure comes during July and August, and summer weekends.
How many days do I need in Mount Olympus?
Plan on 2 to 4 days for a comfortable visit, or 1 day if you are short on time. Our guide to how many days you need in Mount Olympus has a sample plan.
Are tours in Mount Olympus good value?
We list 6 tours with prices starting around $57 and a typical starting price near $139. The most-reviewed option we list is Thessaloniki: Bus Trip to Dion & Mt Olympus National Park, rated 4.6 from 296 reviews and starting around $57.
Plan Your Tours in Mount Olympus
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Mount Olympus for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
