Aviation Weather Overview

GreekAirports.gr

2 hours ago

2 min read

18 – 24 October 2026

High-Pressure Ridge Brings Stable VFR Conditions Before Mid-Week System

As the third week of October begins, flight operations across Greek FIRs will benefit from a dominant high-pressure ridge. Stable VFR clarity prevails across major hub corridors through the early part of the week. However, a minor low-pressure system approaching from the central Mediterranean will introduce increasing cloud cover, localized ceiling drops, and a chance of light showers by mid-to-late week across central and southern sectors. Shifting wind patterns and mild temperatures will characterize flight corridors heading toward the weekend.

Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (LGAV)

Daytime highs remain warm and stable between 23°C and 26°C, with overnight lows hovering between 11°C and 17°C. Light to moderate winds shift from westerly/southwesterly flows early in the week toward light northerlies (3–6 mph) later in the period.

Operational Impact: Predominantly clear conditions and high VFR availability Sunday through Wednesday. A mid-week disturbance increases cloud cover with a 30–40% chance of showers on Thursday and Friday, causing minor temporary drops in ceilings. Nominal air density offers optimized departure performance throughout the week.

A scenic view down a narrow Greek city alleyway featuring historic yellow buildings with iron balconies, red triangular flags overhead, outdoor seating, and small trees outside local shopfronts.

Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" (LGSK)

Daytime highs range from 20°C to 24°C, dropping to overnight lows between 10°C and 14°C. Northerly to northwesterly airflow dominates early, transitioning to mild variable breezes later in the week.

Operational Impact: Favorable operational environment with low convective risk. Mostly sunny sky conditions early in the week allow for optimal visual approach availability on Runway 16/34, with minor high-altitude cloud cover building toward Friday.

Front view of a traditional confectionery and novelty warehouse shop in Thessaloniki featuring retro Greek signage ("ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ"), a striped awning, and display windows protected by a metal security grille.

Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (LGIR)

Daytime highs steady between 22°C and 25°C, with mild night temperatures around 15°C to 18°C. Persistent light-to-moderate northwesterly marine airflow across the Cretan Sea.

Operational Impact: Good visual approach conditions overall. Afternoon sea breezes may generate minor crosswinds on Runway 09/27, along with periodic scattered cloud build-ups along the Cretan terrain toward the end of the week.

A quiet street view in the historic Lakkos quarter of Heraklion, Crete, featuring colorful terracotta and grey building facades, wooden shuttered doors, paving stones, and a wall art portrait framed at the end of the lane.

Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (LGRP)

Highs maintaining around 23°C to 26°C with overnight lows near 16°C to 19°C. Light north-westerly airflow prevailing across the south-eastern Aegean sector.

Operational Impact: Unrestricted VFR visibility and favorable flying conditions across the Dodecanese corridor. Ground operations and aircraft turnarounds remain unhindered by weather disruptions.