Greece is seeing fewer snow days and reduced snow coverage due to climate change, according to a study by the National Observatory of Athens’ Meteo team.
Between 1991 and 2020, snow cover days decreased significantly, with a loss of 30-50 days in many mountainous regions during the 2011-2020 decade compared to 1991-2000. The study found sharp declines in annual snow cover, especially in northern Greece, with the Pindus range and Mount Parnassus losing 20 days of snow annually compared to the 30-year average.
Other areas, such as the Rhodope mountains and Mount Olympus, also saw notable reductions. Crete’s White Mountains experienced the smallest decline.
Research director Kostas Lagouvardos noted that snow now arrives later in November and melts earlier in spring. This trend persisted after 2020, with warmer winters and minimal snowfall affecting ski resorts, particularly at lower altitudes. The 2023-24 winter was warmer, though snowfall slightly improved over the previous year.
The decline in snowfall impacts Greece’s water cycle. “The primary issue is the insufficient replenishment of groundwater, as snow, in particular, is invaluable. The slow melting of snow, especially in spring, is beneficial for underground water reserves and soil moisture,” he said.
Winter tourism is also at risk, with ski centers below 1,900 meters seeing up to 36% shorter snow seasons during 2011-2020 compared to 1991-2000.