Best Time to Hike Mount Olympus 2026: Month by Month

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Olympus rises almost straight from the sea to 2,918 m, so the weather at Litochoro tells you little about the weather on Mytikas. The high zone is snow-covered for about nine months of the year, summer afternoons can bring sudden storms, and even in September the top can be close to freezing in the morning.

This guide goes month by month, then covers how cold it gets on top, how long the snow stays, why you start early, when the refuges open, fire-risk days in summer and the best seasons for the lower mountain.

The quick answer

The best time to hike Mount Olympus to the summit is June to September, when the high path is mostly clear of snow and the refuges are open. August is the busiest month and September the quietest. Summit temperatures run from about 0 to 20 °C in summer and about minus 10 to 10 °C in winter; on 29 September 2026 it was 2 °C on top. Start early and aim to be down from the summit by early afternoon, when storms tend to build. Spring and autumn suit the forest, gorges and Dion. In winter the peaks are a job for mountaineers with ice axe and crampons.

When is the best time to hike Mount Olympus?

June to September for the summit, with the path mostly clear of snow and the refuges open. September is often the calmest month, and August the busiest.

In June the last snow can still sit in the gullies near the top, so early in the month ask at Refuge A before you go above Skala. July and August bring the longest days and the most people, and refuge beds fill up, so book ahead. September is quieter, with clear air, but colder mornings and shorter days.

If you are joining a guided trip, the guide makes the call on the day. The options are compared in the guided hikes guide.

The wide, stony Plateau of the Muses below the high peaks — The Plateau of the Muses, high above the forest, loses its snow only in summer.

What is Mount Olympus like month by month?

Snow on the high mountain from about October to May or June, a summit season from June to September, and green forests and gorges in spring and autumn.

Use this as a rough guide: every year is different, and a late spring or an early autumn snowfall can shift the season by weeks.

Months	High mountain	Lower mountain and Dion
December to March	Winter mountaineering only	Cold, often wet; Dion open
April and May	Deep snow up high; Refuge A opens around mid-May	Green, flowers, rivers running full
June	Summit season starts; snow in gullies early on	Warm, good for walks
July and August	Main season, busy refuges, afternoon storms	Hot; walk early; fire-risk days
September	Quieter, clear, colder mornings	Pleasant, cooler
October and November	First snow; refuges close from late October	Autumn colours in the beech forest

How cold is it at the top of Mount Olympus?

In summer, roughly 0 to 20 °C on the summit; in winter, about minus 10 to 10 °C. On 29 September 2026 the summit reading was 2 °C, with 7 °C at Refuge A.

Wind makes it feel colder, and the top is often in cloud even when the coast is in sun. Pack for both ends of the range, even on a hot day in July: a warm layer, a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves weigh little and make the last hour much more comfortable.

Refuge A publishes live readings and links to mountain forecasts on its website, which is the best place to check the day before.

Reach Mytikas in one day in the summer season: a 4x4 start high on the mountain and a mountain guide with helmet and harness. Rated 4.9 from 30 reviews.

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How long does the snow stay on Mount Olympus?

About nine months of the year on the high mountain, roughly from September or October to May or June.

Snow in the gullies is what decides whether the high path is a summer hike or a winter climb. Once it has gone, the route from Prionia to Refuge A and on to Skala is a hike, and only the last stretch from Skala to Mytikas is a short, exposed scramble where you use your hands. While snow lies on that ground, the whole upper mountain is winter terrain. How the route changes section by section is in the difficulty guide.

The rock face of Stefani glowing orange in evening light — Stefani, the Throne of Zeus, in evening light once the snow has gone.

Why should you start early on Olympus in summer?

Because storms and hail can build quickly on summer afternoons. Start early and aim to be off the summit by early afternoon.

That is why the two-day trips sleep at Refuge A and leave for the top at about 05:00 to 05:30, and why the one-day guided summit uses a 4x4 to start high on the mountain. If clouds build or thunder starts while you are near Skala, turning back is the right call: Skala is a fine summit in its own right. The refuge staff give daily advice on conditions, and the refuge links to several mountain forecasts.

One-Day Mytikas Summit with a Mountain Guide

One day to Mytikas with a mountain guide: a 4x4 transfer to the Christakis hut high on the mountain, the traverse from Skolio to Skala and the scramble to the top with helmet and harness. Rated 4.9 from 30 reviews; ages 13 to 70, not for people afraid of heights.

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When are the Mount Olympus refuges open?

Refuge A (Spilios Agapitos) opens from about mid-May to late October. The higher refuges on the Plateau of the Muses open for a shorter summer season, so check with each one before you go.

Refuge A, about 2,100 m: mid-May to late October, 110 beds, booked through mountolympus.gr.
Christos Kakkalos, 2,648 m: a small refuge with 17 places, open from about late May to early November, with a short spring season depending on snow.
Giosos Apostolidis, 2,697 m: about 80 places, open from about June to October; confirm dates with the refuge.
Book early for summer: beds fill up, especially at weekends in July and August.

A stone refuge with a red roof and hikers resting outside — A night at a refuge is what makes the early start possible.

Can summer fire risk affect your hike?

It can. On days of very high fire risk, authorities can close forest areas, so check before you go, especially for the lower forest and the gorges.

These bans cover forests and protected areas across the region, and they are published as public notices, so look for them the day before. One reviewer of the private Olympus day had the gorge walk swapped for another stop because of a fire-safety closure. Fires are never allowed in the national park, and you walk on the marked trails only. If your summit day falls on a closure, your guide or the refuge will know. For the gorge in particular, see the Enipeas gorge guide.

The classic two days via Refuge A, with a dawn start for Mytikas and a guide who watches the weather for you. Rated 5.0 from 3 reviews.

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Is spring, autumn or winter a good time to visit?

Spring and autumn are good for the lower mountain, the forest walks and Dion. Winter on the high mountain is mountaineering with ice axe and crampons, which this site does not cover.

In April and May the rivers run full and the slopes turn green, while the peaks still carry deep snow. October brings autumn colours to the beech forest and quieter paths. Both seasons suit a visit to Dion and Litochoro, and the Dion day trip combines both in one day from Thessaloniki. The lower gorge walks are covered in the Enipeas gorge guide, with the caveat that the storm damage makes wet weather a bad time to cross the river.

In winter the high mountain is for experienced mountaineers only, and the summer refuges are closed.

A sea of clouds below the summit ridges, with a hiker sitting on a rock — On a clear autumn morning the clouds can sit far below the ridges.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to climb Mount Olympus?

July and September are the most reliable. July has long days and settled weather; September is quieter but colder in the mornings. June can still have snow in the gullies.

Is there snow on Mount Olympus in summer?

In June some snow often lingers in the high gullies, and from late September the first snow can fall. July and August are usually clear.

Can you climb Mount Olympus in winter?

Only as a mountaineer, with ice axe, crampons and winter experience. The summer refuges are closed and the high route is snow and ice.

When do the refuges on Mount Olympus open?

Refuge A opens from about mid-May to late October. The higher refuges have shorter seasons, so check with each one before you plan.

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