Aviation Weather Overview

27 September – 03 October 2026

Transition to Early-October Meteorological Patterns Across Greek FIRs

As September draws to a close and the aviation sector transitions into early October, regional weather patterns across the Greek mainland and the Aegean basin begin showcasing subtle autumnal shifts. While high-pressure influence continues to maintain predominantly clear skies and excellent overall Visual Flight Rules (VFR) visibility, early morning thermal cooling and localized pressure gradients introduce refreshing temperature moderations. Flight dispatchers and ground operations teams should account for pleasant ambient drops while maintaining standard seasonal vigilance for late-afternoon density altitude variations and shifting coastal winds.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (LGAV)

Daytime highs moderating slightly to between 28°C and 31°C, with crisp overnight lows settling down to 17°C–20°C under clear to gently variable skies. Gentle northerly breezes prevail.

Operational Impact: Exceptional visibility and stable ceiling conditions persist. The cooler ambient temperatures ease peak-hour density altitude effects compared to mid-summer, though standard payload and runway performance verification remains best practice for heavy long-haul departures.

Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (LGTS)

Highs ranging from 25°C to 29°C, with refreshing autumn overnight minimums dropping to 14°C–17°C. Stable atmospheric pressure with light, variable surface winds.

Operational Impact: Excellent operational conditions for standard vectoring and precision ILS approaches. Early-autumn cooling minimizes thermal turbulence along northern approach vectors, providing very smooth approaches for regional traffic.

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (LGIR)

Steady daytime temperatures holding between 27°C and 30°C, cushioned by consistent northern maritime breezes averaging 12–16 knots. Overnight lows ranging near 20°C–22°C.

Operational Impact: Sustained marine airflow keeps runway asphalt temperatures well-regulated. Moderate afternoon crosswind components require standard operational vigilance, but overall stability across the Cretan corridor remains high.

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (LGRP)

Warm, stable pattern with maximum temperatures reaching 29°C to 32°C, easing to comfortable night lows around 20°C–22°C. Persistent north-westerly airflow dominates the Dodecanese sector.

Operational Impact: Unrestricted visual and instrument approaches across the corridor. Ground handling crews will benefit from the slightly eased late-summer solar radiation during afternoon turnaround banks.