Aviation Weather Overview

GreekAirports.gr
6 minutes ago
2 min read

23 – 29 August 2026

Late-Summer Aviation Forecast for Primary Greek Gateways

High-pressure ridging across the Aegean and mainland Flight Information Regions (FIRs) continues to dominate flight operations. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) will remain active nationwide with clear skies, low humidity inland, and light-to-moderate seasonal Meltemi winds across island entry points. Airside crews and flight planners should prepare for sustained high temperatures, high density altitudes, and potential thermal turbulence during late afternoon peaks.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (LGAV)

Highs of 33°C to 36°C with overnight minimums around 24°C–26°C under clear skies. Winds remain light to moderate out of the north-northwest.

Operational Impact: Ceiling and visibility conditions remain optimal. High ambient temperatures during peak midday departure windows will elevate density altitude, requiring dispatchers to monitor take-off weight constraints for heavy long-haul departures.

A narrow, picturesque stepped street in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, lined with traditional outdoor tavern seating, vibrant pink bougainvillea blossoms, and a view of the Acropolis hill rising in the background.

Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (LGTS)

Daytime highs ranging from 29°C to 34°C. Nights drop to a comfortable 22°C–24°C. Moderate cloud cover builds mid-week with low isolated precipitation risk.

Operational Impact: Surface stability ensures clean vectoring and uninterrupted ILS/VFR operations. Mid-week cloud buildups around nearby elevated terrain present minimal risk to arrival corridors.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki standing prominently on the waterfront promenade under a clear blue sky, framed by green trees and urban buildings with a Greek flag flying on top.

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (LGIR)

Daytime highs hover steadily between 29°C and 33°C, backed by moderate northerly Meltemi breezes around 15–20 knots. Nighttime lows drop to 23°C–25°C.

Operational Impact: Continuous maritime airflow moderates runway temps and prevents heat-shimmer turbulence on final approach. Aircraft operating near crosswind limitations should account for gusts during afternoon shifts.

A traditional fishing boat moored with thick ropes at the old Venetian harbor in Heraklion, Crete, with sailboats and the city skyline blurred in the background.

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (LGRP)

Hot and dry conditions with highs reaching 33°C to 36°C and mild overnight lows around 22°C–25°C. Steady north-westerly winds throughout the week.

Operational Impact: Clear approaches across the Dodecanese corridor. Ground support teams should enforce hydration and crew rotation protocols to manage turnaround exposure during maximum heat hours.

A narrow, stone-paved street featuring medieval stone arches and historic shopfronts in the Old Town of Rhodes, Greece.