Aviation Weather Overview

GreekAirports.gr

Sep 5

2 min read

6 – 12 September 2026

Consolidation of Early-September Meteorological Patterns Across Greek FIRs

Entering the second week of September, settled barometric pressure continues to dominate the Greek airspace, anchoring stable Visual Flight Rules (VFR) across all mainland and island sectors. The persistent seasonal Meltemi wind regime shows signs of a gradual, seasonal relaxation across the Aegean basin, though localized coastal gradients still produce moderate afternoon crosswinds. Flight dispatchers can anticipate excellent baseline visibility, minimal cloud cover, and comfortable nocturnal cooling trends that alleviate prolonged late-summer heat stress on airport infrastructure.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (LGAV)

Daytime maximums hovering between 30°C and 33°C, easing to comfortable overnight lows of 20°C–22°C under clear skies. Light, diurnal sea-breeze patterns prevail. Operational Impact: Pristine visibility and unrestricted ceiling conditions dominate. While daytime heat remains steady, slightly lower peak temperatures compared to late August provide minor relief for density altitude margins on heavy mid-day departures.

A high-angle abstract photograph shows the curved, weathered white marble seating tiers of the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece, creating a textured, geometric pattern that fills the frame.

Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (LGTS)

Highs ranging from 27°C to 30°C, dropping to crisp early-autumn overnight minimums of 16°C–19°C. Highly stable atmospheric profile with light, variable surface flows

Operational Impact: Ideal operational window for standard vectoring, training flights, and precision ILS approaches. Noticeable morning and evening cooling reduces thermal friction along northern valley approach paths.

A scenic coastal view of the Thessaloniki waterfront promenade in Greece, featuring the iconic White Tower in the distance, a long paved walkway with apartment buildings along the left, and the calm waters of the Thermaic Gulf to the right under a soft, cloudy sky.

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (LGIR)

Consistent daytime temperatures between 28°C and 31°C, sustained by moderated northern Meltemi breezes averaging 12–15 knots. Nighttime lows stabilizing near 21°C–23°C.

Operational Impact: Steady maritime airflow continues to moderate runway asphalt heating. Gradual easing of peak wind velocities lowers crosswind deviation risks for medium-narrowbody turnarounds.

A clear, sunny view of the historic Venetian fortress walls of Rocca al Mare (Koules Fortress) in the old port of Heraklion, Crete, with industrial harbor cranes and a ship visible across the blue water in the background.

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (LGRP)

Warm, dry conditions with daytime highs peaking at 30°C to 33°C, dropping to comfortable evening minimums around 20°C–22°C. Steady north-westerly gradient winds persist.

Operational Impact: Uninterrupted visual approaches across the Dodecanese corridor. Ground operations can expect stable apron conditions as late-summer solar intensity slowly moderates.

A sunny, low-angle view of the medieval stone fortifications and towers of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes in Greece, framed by tree branches overhead, stone ramparts, and vibrant pink flowers in the foreground.