Most islands in the Cyclades depend almost entirely on tourism and can be a tad desolate during the winter. The weather in the Greek islands predisposes to spend long hours outside. December Weather in Greece . It differs from city to city and also can vary drastically depending on if you are traveling to the mainland or among the islands. Bring your umbrella though: Corfu is one of the greenest and wettest islands in Greece. Greece can be counted on to be beautiful all year round if you pick the right place and time to visit. Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just 250 … Because of the close proximity of Africa, hot air reaches the island with ease. Hire a car and you’ll have the island to yourself; a real boon at ancient sites such as the famous Knossos. WHEN TO GO TO GREECE. Apart from the big cities and the Greek islands that one can visit during the winter, Greece has many popular winter destinations as well, with great natural beauty. The winter months in the northern regions of the country can be quite harsh. This beautiful city is known for being a tourist hotspot and, in the winter months, is incredibly popular due to its wonderful weather. Ferry crossings are likely to be rougher; this is not so bad in the big steady car ferries, but hydrofoil and fast catamaran crossings are less suitable for rough seas. Lanzarote. Islands and resort towns that depend on tourism tend to shut down almost completely over the winter, leaving just skeleton services open, if any. The best months for a trip to Greece are the spring months (April-June) and September to October. Athens is hands down an all-year destination. We visited Greece in December, so I guess it wasn’t the middle of winter, but we were surprised by how warm it was. With … Only the hardy will brave the cold sea temperatures, though. Probably one of the most cosmopolitan islands of Greece, Corfu has a stunning capital which features excellent examples of Venetian architecture. 11 Best Things to Do in Antipaxos (Greece), The Beginners Guide to Living on the Ionian Islands, Greece. Most hotels and seaside taverns there close and only a few accommodation options are open all year round, mostly in large islands, such as … If we could only visit one Greek island in October, and had enough time to explore, … Give Greece’s Other Urban Treasures A Chance. Expect cosy tavernas, live music and seasonal festivities. I’d avoid Hydra as it’s only served by hydrofoils, which – although they do run over the winter months – are not very pleasant when the sea is rough and prone to long journey times. They’re also not equipped for winter tourism – it can be tricky to find a guesthouse with adequate heating, for example. Bear in mind that most of the small islands more-or-less shut up shop between the end of October and the start of May, therefore getting to them by plane or ferry is virtually impossible. Summers are long, with high temperatures and almost tropical heat, plenty of sunshine, clear skies and long days. The charming university cities Chania and Rethymnon in West Crete make excellent bases. The warmest Greek island is Karpathos, although the difference with Crete and Rhodes is practically inaudible for residents or tourists. Weather in Greek Islands in June 2020. Once a thriving commercial centre and popular vacation spot, Lesvos is often overlooked these days. The dates are not set in stone though and vary locally depending on the weather and flight and cruise schedules. It’s so close to the mainland that you could almost swim across to the Peloponnese, meaning you’re unlikely to be stranded due to high seas, and you’ll still find a few tavernas open to serve the visiting weekenders from Athens. Crete has not yet been discovered by retirees fleeing cold Northern Europe, like Cyprus, Malta or Andalucia, so tourist infrastructure is fairly non-existent during the winter. The climate is mostly mild although changeable, with bad weather (cold and wet with rough seas) is a distinct possibility. Not only is Limassol fairly warm throughout the winter months, but it's also a city that has the best of both worlds.… May and October are quite warm with temperatures of around 25°C in the shade, plenty of sunshine and excellent weather for the beach. Most small hotels and pensions shut down over the winter; not only is there less demand but the intricacies of the tax system mean it makes more sense to close completely. In general, the Canary Islands have a mild climate in winter but not all the places are so warm. Meteora – Beyond Unique. The second largest city in Cyprus is considered to be the hottest city in the region … I do recommend booking in advance during winter, and checking the heating situation with the accommodation before hitting that ‘confirm’ button. Pack a good jacket as it does get windy. Beautiful whitewashed village Lindos has one of the best microclimates in the Med making it a solid bet for sunshine in October and November. Climate - Greek Islands (Greece) Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours The Greek islands have a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Corfu Town is a popular destination during the Christmas and New Year period. In winter, temperatures in Greece progressively decrease as you head north: the average daily temperature in January is 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in Iraklion (on the southern island of Crete), 9.5 °C (49 °F) in Athens, and 5.5 °C (42 °F) in Thessaloniki. Is Chios the most ignored island in the Aegean? { Or maybe the distance from Athens helps keeps the crowds away (it’s 15 hours on the ferry). 5. Santorini’s increasing popularity means its tourist season is becoming longer and longer, so you won’t find it completely shut down in the winter – although tourist infrastructure is much reduced. Naxos has a strong agricultural industry and year-round residents, plus an increasing number of expats who stay throughout the winter season. For example, some of the hottest islands in Greece are Crete, Rhodes and Karpathos. Everyone has a rough idea what to expect of the Greek islands in the summer, but what are they like over the autumn and winter months? There are some very pleasant days with very good weather for the beach, especially during the second half of April and the first half of November. The climate of Greece in August and July is very hot, but these are the preferred months for vacationers. })(); For all the legal bits go to my Disclaimer and Privacy Policy, Wild View Retreat – A Review (And What To Expect On Your First Juice Fast), 50 of the Best Waterproof (But Cute) Jackets for Travel. Leonidio, Greece has recently appeared on the radar of winter climbing hotspots in Europe. Imagine sipping warm rakomelo (a raki and honey drink), enjoying the low winter sun, the smell of wood fires in the air and a cosy atmosphere in cafes and tavernas (although beware the cigarette smoke). Which means the ones that have either student populations or industry other than tourism, or both. Most Greek islands are known for their beaches, but Skiathos features some of the region's best. Bear in mind that most of the small islands more-or-less shut up shop between the end of October and the start of May, therefore getting to them by plane or ferry is virtually impossible. If you prefer islands with a mid-winter buzz, the Saronic islands are still lively with Athenians taking mini-vacations or making second-home visits. Found this post useful? Whereas in the southern Greek Islands such as Crete, winter can be quite mild and both sunny and warm. All Rights Reserved. This idyllic village lies about 3.5 hours south of Athens and rests on the coast of the Peloponnese, a historic mountainous peninsula with a deeply indented coastline that juts into the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps it’s the association with the refugee crisis – the crossing from nearby Turkey is one of the major refugee routes, and Lesvos has one of the biggest volunteer presences in Greece. The vibrant working town has a student population and long-held liberal associations. The sea water temperature in Greece varies between 17 ° C in the winter months and 27 ° C in August. But if you stay longer than a day you’ll find a (relatively) lively taverna scene in Aegina Town, with a host of live music throughout the season. } So which is the warmest Canary Island for a 2020/2021 winter holiday? Dozens of Cretans are jammed into small and big city cafes. The challenge can be finding somewhere to stay. Unless you’re a fan of desolately empty resort towns with wind-whipped waves, then the best Greek islands to visit during low season are the ones that retain some life over winter. For those who want to spend the Christmas and New Year's Eve in the beach, sunbathing, is the better to stay in Tenerife or Gran Canaria.NO DOUBT! It can be cold, wet and windy for days on end. Rather than the deserted Caldera villages, try nestling up in mountain village Pyrgos which is bolstered by its wine industry and has fab sunset panoramas. Winter is peak citrus season here on Chios, which is known for its lemons, oranges and mandarins, as well as mastic (a resin product unique to the island). What you need to keep in mind is that those temperatures refer only to the weather in Tenerife South and also the south of Gran Canaria. Rather than hitting the beach, why not hit one of the hiking trails that wind through mountain villages. Seasonal workers return to their mainland homes for the winter to catch up with friends and family (or head out of Greece altogether). Handsome Ermoupoli, capital of Syros, is one of the most unique towns in the Greek islands with its stately neoclassical buildings, a legacy of its shipbuilding past. This makes it easy to visit Aegina as a day trip from the capital. When most people picture Greece, they think of the Greek Islands. on: function(evt, cb) { } Rhodes has the double advantage of a university and a southerly position in the Aegean. And what attracts most foreign tourists here, undoubtedly is the lovely Mediterranean climate. Madeira, Portugal. Imagine Britain if it were set on a tiny island in the Mediterranean, home to warm weather, colorful streets, centuries… The Greek islands decline in winter, as they are most famous for their beaches and transport to the Greek islands becomes less frequent in winter. If you’re after a classic Cycladic experience with whitewashed buildings head then Naxos during the off-season. Cruise ships stopping at big attractions such as Santorini and Rhodes carry on occasionally throughout the winter. Read an overview of the climate. Raki Distillation. Which means the ones that have either student populations or industry other than tourism, or both. Another consideration is much-reduced ferry schedules during the autumn and winter. For those who remain on the islands over winter, a special village atmosphere remains and life slows down considerably. Although the winter months are not warm enough for the beach, the weather is often sunny and warm. This is understandable, because on the one hand, they are located in the southern parts of Greece, and on the other hand are in the eastern half of the country. Rent a car and head out to the countryside to explore the quiet beauty of the island’s historic villages. Known for being one of the warmest places in mainland Spain in winter, Malaga is easily one of the best places to spend winter in Spain. On the one hand the summer heat makes staying indoors uncomfortable, on the other hand winters are too mild to stay at home. From December till the end of March the weather is cool but not very cold. This can be a great time to visit as the vibe is relaxed and prices are low. The beautiful villages of Zagorohoria and the town of Kastoria in Epirus, Pelion villages , Arachova and lake Plastira near Meteora in … Plus, Crete—which has some of the warmest winter temperatures—has heaps of cultural sites, great culinary adventures, and winter activities such as hiking and biking. Low season in the Greek islands is roughly mid-October to mid-April. It’s not that cold. Most Hotels and Restaurants in Mykonos Are Closed in Winter Over the years, I visited all the islands. The best time to visit the Greek islands, like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Kefalonia (Argostoli), is in October when the weather is still warm and the crowds are few. But for those undeterred by both factors, the lively capital Mytilene provides one of the best year-round island spots. Limassol, Cyprus. Temperature of water and air, precipitation, amount of days with rain and advice on the best time to visit Greek Islands. Crete has some of the warmest temperatures over the autumn and winter months, in fact it has one of the mildest winter climates in Mediterranean Europe due to its southerly position. Stick to the Chora to enjoy its low key charms in the blustery and bright winter weather. However, there are some differences that are worth considering. ); Hi there. Its capital is a workaday port city; the island lives on agriculture rather than tourism. Greek islands have always been one of the best holiday destinations in the world. If you’ve got cash to splash and your own wheels then you might want to consider something more luxurious; you can find beautiful lodges and villas up in the mountains, perfect for a crackling fire, winter stews and some hiking. Unless you’re a fan of desolately empty resort towns with wind-whipped waves, then the best Greek islands to visit during low season are the ones that retain some life over winter. Click to save to Pinterest: (function() { The smaller island of Lanzarote is the one closest to the coast of Africa. For a Hawaiian getaway that’s just as warm but a little quieter, try Maui. } The Greek islands are an all-year-round vacation destination, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to approximately 100°F (38°C). Ermoupoli is also the administrative hub of the Cyclades island chain which means there’s a decent year-round population of workers and students. Well, of course, there are cooler days, but they are rare. Greece has a winter like anywhere else and January is smack bang in the middle of it. Winters are short, very nice and mild, with excellent conditions for hiking and long walks. listeners: [], Climate of Athens. Even in the midst of winter, it was possible to walk around just in a T-shirt and a light jacket or an anorak. Crete in October. In April and November, daytime temperatures are usually around 20 – 22°C. Hi there. Weather phenomena recorded in previous years in Greek Islands ☃ Water Temperature in localities in Greek Islands ☀ Weather forecast for Greek Islands in June ☔. The medieval Old Town with its impressive castle and fortifications and cobbled streets is one of the most stunning historic sites in Greece, and one that is best enjoyed out of season when the cruise-ship crowds and holidaymakers have all but disappeared. callback: cb Aegina is the closest island to Athens and well served by frequent ferries, even during the winter. My top recommendation would be the lemon and pine-scented island of Poros. Greece has a winter like anywhere else and January is smack bang in the middle of it. Its elegant Venetian Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, looks stunning in the crisp winter light and is still lively during the winter thanks to its student population. That’s enough time to wander around the pretty harbourfront with its neoclassical buildings, and to get a taste of some of the island’s famous pistachios and fresh fish, and to check out the Temple of Aphaia. Travel guide and advices. Winter nights are cold with temperatures around 9 – 10°C. Tourist Maker © 2020. Booking a whole home is a good bet so try Airbnb; prices are likely to be very affordable. THE CONS OF VISITING THE GREEK ISLANDS IN WINTER. The average annual temperature is 20,1°C, the average daytime temperature in January is 16°C and in August (the warmest month) is about 29°C in the shade or more. About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Contact. } Most islands will remain connected to Athens by car ferry, but connections between islands are less frequent. Corfu Corfu, an island in the Ionian Sea, is still warm and dry during the summer but receives much more precipitation during the winter months than Santorini and other popular islands. event : evt, It can be cold, wet and windy for days on end. Generally speaking, most beach towns will keep some bars and accommodation open as long as the sun is shining and people are still arriving. There are two main rules – the weather is drier to the east and warmer to the south. https://www.touristmaker.com/blog/what-is-the-warmest-greek-island If you’re in Athens over the winter and dying for a quick taste of the islands, then one option is to bolt for one of the closest islands whilst the weather is looking good. There are plenty … Because of this, Corfu is covered with much more lush vegetation than other parts of Greece. From early June till the end of September, the weather can get pretty hot because of tropical air masses from the Sahara desert. Corfu’s beautiful capital is coming into its own as a winter destination. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Hotels in business districts are another option. The only activity is renovation work to buildings and streets and live music in the evenings. Across Greece, the average temperatures in December can reach highs of 57 Fahrenheit (14 Celsius) and lows of 43 F (6 C). forms: { It wasn’t quite hot enough to swim but it was the perfect temperature for walking, and there are some great places to walk in the Greek islands. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, the Greek islands out of season represent a great opportunity to really get to the heart. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { If you’re looking for a true local experience then head to Chios. Winter is the time to discover the cities and the starting point for the sweetest "war" and the competition between cafes offering the best hot chocolate! Nightlife and restaurants will be limited so foodies are better off visiting during shoulder season if possible, but a few more hotels are opening throughout the year now as a part of a drive to spread out the impact of tourism on the island. Though the climate in Greece has some typical common features, the weather conditions in different parts of the country, including different islands, vary from very hot and dry to moderate and humid. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the warmest islands in the Canaries during the months of December, January and February. A true bucket-list destination, the first sight of the monasteries perched … Winter in Greece is waiting for you to experience: Sporting Activities in the Wild Large areas of woodland with snow-capped peaks, forest trails and old pathways, fast-flowing rivers crowned with stone bridges and striking lakes create the ideal setting for having a truly memorable experience during your winter … A hotel proprietor in Mykonos told us that “many business owners enjoy spending winter in Thailand because it is cheap and warm.” So if you find yourself in Greece during this time, the Best Greek Cyclades island to visit in winter is the capital of Syros. The tourist season usually starts to wind down during October, in anticipation of a shift in weather. It can be wet and windy at times, but the payoff is beautiful green hills for hiking and exploring places like colourful Molyvos. The years, I visited all the islands places are so warm of Venetian architecture Us! 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