Along the Olympian Riviera lies Paralia, a beach in the region of Pieria in Central Macedonia, Greece. Paralia in the municipality of Katerini, is a sought after destination for locals (especially during the month of mid-July to mid-August) and for visitors from around the world. The views of mountains and the seashore are breathtaking, and this small port is unique in what it has to offer, including wonderful weather, pristine, beautiful Blue Flag beaches, great night life and culinary delights.
Climate
The weather in Paralia is a big attraction with a mild Mediterranean climate,
exceptional sunshine and rarely below freezing temperatures in the winter
months. The average mean
annual temperature is 18ºC, and with rainfall averaging only 750 mm per
year, most days are ideal for outdoor activity, enjoying the beautiful beaches
and shopping at the many unique boutiques and souvenir shops.
Winters, though mild, can be a bit wet and windy, but the temperatures are not prohibitive. January and February see averages between 5ºC and 10ºC, but since 80 per cent of Greece is mountainous, in this area of Macedonia, the mountains do protect the coastal regions, offering warmer alternatives in the winter months and a cooling sensation from the summerâs breezes.
Most would agree, however, that the best time to visit Paralia is between the months of May and September. July and August can be a bit hot with temperatures getting as high as 35ºC, yet the oceanâs breezes keep the humidity down, so the warmth is not too uncomfortable. There are times when the evenings in the summertime can be cool.
Monthly averages
January has a normal temperature coming in at 5ºC, with the coolest being around 1.7ºC and occasionally warming up to about 9.3ºC. Precipitation is quite low with only an average of 5 days seeing any rain at all.
February clocks in with a normal temperature reading around 6.8ºC, and while it can still get colder, even perhaps a low as 2.5ºC, it is most generally mild and can even reach as high as almost 11ºC. Again, as in January, rainfall can be present, but usually stays around 5 to 7 days for the month.
March is the beginning of the warmer trend, leaving winter behind and heading for spring. The average temperatures in March are around 9.7º, yet can climb a little higher, even up to 14ºC. There may be a chance of a bit more rain in March, but weâre still looking at 6 to 8 days for the entirety of the month.
April can reach as high as 19ºC, but usually stays around 14.5ºC. April also seems to fit in well with the late winter and spring time rain fall in terms of days that may possibly be quite wet.
May sees temperatures beginning to introduce summer, topping out at almost 25ºC. The lowest temperature that May seems to entertain is around 12.4ºC, but this is as rare as rainfall.
June gives birth to summer and the heat begins to rise with highs coming in at around 30ºC while averaging 24.5ºC. Rainfall drops off considerably during the month of June, and records indicate 2 to 3 days of rain at the most.
July and August are the most popular months, especially for locals. The summer weather is in full bloom with temperatures soaring as high as 35ºC. There have been low temperatures on record, some as low as 18ºC. Rain is a non-issue in these two months with on average only a day or two of rainfall, still, this is rare and most of the days are full of sunshine.
September is a month with considerable heat still, but the cooling process is under way and temperatures come in at an average of around 21.5ºC. The temperature can climb as high as previous months, although itâs unlikely. Rainfall is more prevalent, but still never considered to a real hindrance.
October and November, the autumn months, are still lovely with moderate temperatures averaging around 12ºC to perhaps 15ºC. Rainfall is climbing a bit, with expectations of wet weather 3 to 5 days for the entire month. It can get quite cold in November, down to as low as 6.7ºC, although this is certainly the exception.
December matches January pretty well on average, yet does not fall as low as records indicate January can. The average December temperature is 6.8ºC with rainfall climbing up to 6 or 7 days for the month.
All in all, Paralia enjoys a mild climate and even though the mountainous environment can shift and add variety due to their influences on the structures of high and low pressure systems, generally, there is not a time of year that is egregiously uncomfortable. One visit will indicate why Paralia is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, in Greece â" and beyond.