Mykonos Weather & Time to Visit

The weather of Mykonos is similar to the one of the other Cyclades, that is the typical Mediterranean with mild winters and hot, dry summers. From April to August, the weather is always bright and sunny. The island has very low rainfall and for that reason, it uses tankers to supply its population and the high tourism in water. There are strong north winds (meltemia) throughout the summer months. The winter in Mykonos is relatively mild in contrast to other areas of Greece, rainfalls are rare due to the low vegetation while it rarely snows.

Best time to visit Mykonos

The cosmopolitan island of Mykonos is visited by millions of travellers annually, as its vibrating nightlife and wonderful shores become a pole of attraction for young people, couples, celebrities and jet setters alike.
You will find below information about the best time to visit Mykonos.

In brief, the vast majority of visitors book their vacation on the Island of Winds between June and August, as the hot weather, sunny days, pulsating party scene and Mykonian tours reach their peak.
Moreover, most people tend to utilize their work vacation or schools’ summer break as an ideal getaway from the quaint daily routine.
But visiting Mykonos during the high season is not the sole option; the island has gradually evolved in a year-round destination, with considerable emphasis placed in the milder shoulder season.
There is growing interest in the low winter season as well, for different reasons.

Let us take a more detailed look at the best time to visit the island, its seasons, along with the best activities for each of them.
Build a great, fulfilling itinerary for your upcoming Mykonian vacation and make the most out of it!

Visit in High Season (Summer)

Starting off with the most sought-after visiting period, Mykonos’ potential is undeniably at its peak during summertime.
From June to late August, the small Cycladic wonder welcomes the majority of its annual visitors.
While it does get crowded, especially in its southern and western parts, that should not discourage anyone from having a fantastic time.

Booking Arrangements for Summer Vacation

First things first, for a pleasant vacation it is vital to have an equally satisfying accommodation experience. There are plenty of splendid locations in Mykonos to stay at, depending on your expectations and needs.

A lodging in Mykonos Town ensures short distances from the nightlife hotspots, the acclaimed cocktail bars, the cozy boutiques and promenade taverns. It also diminishes the need for a vehicle, as the Town’s bus stations can be reached on foot and allow for frequent and cost-effective trips. Chora’s outskirts allow for the same amenities and proximity to the picturesque Windmills and the Venetian Castle among others, while additional luxury and serenity are present, away from the epicenter of attention. (View all things to do)

Furthermore, if you are a sports enthusiast or prefer walking to the beach instead of driving there, accommodation near the seashore should be the go-to solution. Shimmering bays like Paradise, Elia, Kalo Livadi, Psarou, Ornos, Agios Ioannis are among the top options.

Keep in mind that once you have decided upon visiting Mykonos during summertime, booking your accommodation, airplane tickets or ferry tickets (depending on how you choose to travel to and from the island) should be arranged at least 4 to 8 months in advance. Booking the tours, activities and workshops is also highly recommended, as they sell out during the high season.

Last but not least, making early dining reservations as well as sunbed reservations will save you tremendous hassle and time. If you prefer discovering Mykonos on a tailor-made pace, book your rental vehicle with Greeka a few months in advance for the best rates available.

Weather Conditions in Summertime

Greece has hot summers, thanks to its Mediterranean position. While temperatures climbing up to 37℃ is ordinary in July and August, the Cycladic island complex is not affected as much as the mainland. Especially on Mykonos, the seasonal Meltemi winds during these months keep the temperature between 19℃ and 29℃, cooling the island.

Enjoy a great summertime on this splendid Aegean island by using sunblock products and avoiding long sun exposure. A light jacket or shawl at night is also recommended.

Tours, Activities & Events during Summer

Mykonos is a thriving Cycladic destination during the high season, thus the available excursions and activities become great additions to any itinerary. To alleviate the blazing sun, a visit to Kalafatis bay, Ftelia or Korfos will introduce you to the exquisite sports of windsurfing and kitesurfing. For a more relaxed approach, scuba diving or sailing to the intriguing islands of Delos and Rhenia are excellent alternatives.

Take a more detailed look at all available Mykonos tours, day trips and find the best ones for you.

Furthermore, on a more cultural approach to Mykonos, enjoy the numerous events and concerts taking place at the Odysseas Elytis amphitheater in Chora, as well as the popular bays of the island. If you visit around the 15th of August, you will get to experience one of the main local and religious events, the Assumption of Virgin Mary. It is followed by days of feasts and celebration, where you may interact easier with the locals for an authentic experience.

Island-hopping

Island hopping tours from Mykonos create a perfect getaway from the tourist masses, creating the opportunity of exploring more Aegean destinations for moderate prices. The ferry routes connecting Mykonos with other Cycladic islands are daily and reliable throughout the tourist season.

The top island destinations to visit from Mykonos are easily Santorini, Paros and Ios for endless pampering and partying, while Naxos, Koufonisia and Milos offer a serene and welcoming antithesis.

Take a look at the best island-hopping bundles including Mykonos and elevate your Greek vacation.

 

Visit in Shoulder Season (Spring & Fall)

Spring and Fall are both exquisite seasons to visit a bustling destination like Mykonos without the endless tourist waves and strenuous expenses it translates into.
From mid-April to late May and from September to late October, every visitor can immerse themselves in the laid-back and cozy ambience.
Almost all establishments, tours and day trips are available too, while cultural excursions are favored during shoulder season.

Weather Conditions in Spring & Fall

The weather during these two seasons is much milder compared to the hot summer and chillier winter. The daylight hours are plenty and lengthy, so travellers can also get a nice tan, as well as make the most out of their vacation time. Fluctuating between 18℃ and 23℃, the weather is formidable for any kind of tour and activity. Island hopping to other Aegean destinations is also recommended during shoulder season, along with the sailing tours to the intriguing Delos and Rhenia islands.

Booking Arrangements

While much more relaxed compared to summer, spring and fall have been growing in tourism in the last decade. Booking all airplane or ferry tickets, accommodation and rental vehicles is important. Reserve every essential facility a couple months in advance and take advantage of the great offers and prices.

If you plan on visiting in springtime, specifically during the Easter holidays, it is recommended to check the dates early on, as Easter is a popular moving celebration. Additionally, many Greeks grasp the opportunity of workplace vacation and school breaks to visit Mykonos and the Cyclades during that period. Hotels and restaurants will be buzzing with festivities and guests. Staying between 4 and 8 days is ideal for this unique season.

Advantageous Aspects

Spring and Fall paint Mykonos in a fascinating color palette, enhancing its landscapes without the harsh sunlight of summer. There is no congestion in the alleys of Chora or Ano Mera, traffic is back to its usual levels, allowing for comfortable and swift transportation around the island.

Furthermore, with prices being moderate (with great offers the closer you book to the low months) visitors can savor more experiences, flavors and activities. Dine at the top restaurants or the cozy taverns hassle-free. Enjoy your drinks in Little Venice, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Interaction with the locals is also much easier and more personal.

Moreover, sightseeing is an excellent option in shoulder season, as visitors can take in the experience without pressure and waiting in queues; from the intriguing museums in Chora, the orthodox monasteries near Ano Mera, the wineries of Mykonos, to the Venetian Castle or the historical Delos island, everything can fit in the Mykonian itinerary. Let’s not forget that the nightlife is also active during spring and fall, with numerous upbeat parties and events taking place.

Lastly, while it may be a bit chilly for open water swimming, lounging next to the sea and diving in a heated pool can ideally substitute it.

 

Visit in Off-season (Winter)

Mykonos has been experiencing a small but steadily growing tourist influx during wintertime, especially in the last few years.
This concerns the period between early November until late March.
Travellers from across the globe and even Greeks have been booking their vacation close to the winter holidays, combining the low prices with the tranquility of the island.

Booking Arrangements for Wintertime

While booking tickets and accommodation in Mykonos’ low season is not faced with packed routes and rooms, it is important to note a few things. The most essential is double-checking the airplane or ferry routes of your arrival and departure, as they are limited during winter.

Furthermore, upon selecting the lodging of your preference, contact it early on to confirm that every facility and amenity will be available. Some hotels limit their amenities in wintertime due to low visitor numbers, while others remain closed until springtime. Staying in Mykonos Town is ideal, as it remains lively and most establishments are operating. The other parts of Mykonos tend to get very quiet during winter. An ideal stay can be arranged for at least 3 to 5 days.

Weather Conditions

While the Mediterranean winter is much milder than the central or northern Europe’s, it can still get chilly with sporadic rainfalls and cloudy days. The temperature is usually between 9℃ and 18℃, which is especially pleasant during the sunny days. Make sure to pack a warm pair of boots, a coat, a scarf and a trusty umbrella; no excess is required for a comfortable time on the island. Open water swimming during winter is not recommended for beginners, as the waters are icy cold. A heated pool or hot tub will warm and pamper you instead.

Activities & Events

While the seashores are only pleasant for walks, Mykonos offers its cultural and traditional side to the winter travellers in abundance. Make sure to visit the informative and well-maintained museums of Chora with their folklore and archaeological displays, as well as the top-tier archaeological museum of Delos.

Moreover, sightseeing in the picturesque settlements of Chora and Ano Mera is a great way to discover the Mykonian identity; from the emblematic Windmills and the Venetian Castle, to the unique orthodox monasteries and churches, the mosaic of Mykonian beauty will keep you excited. Alternatively, you may familiarize with the locals during the winter holidays, as many Greeks visit the island and their families there. Celebrate with them and you could even be invited to a home-made Christmas dinner. Lastly, the local taverns and relaxing bars will accompany you during your stay with their mouth-watering delicacies and drinks.