Best Time to Visit Mykonos
Mykonos is a year-round destination with something to enjoy in every season. It’s the liveliest and hottest in the summer, the time to take part in water sports to stay cool, enjoy parties on the beach, and or dancing in the clubs until the wee hours of the morning. In the fall, the weather is often mild and pleasant – early in the season the sea is still warm enough for swimming, but when it gets too chilly you can always kayak along the coastline or explore the museums.
The winter is wonderfully quiet for enjoying tranquil moments, simply enjoying the scenery or taking advantage of all the shopping opportunities. In the spring, gorgeous color takes over the island as the weather warms up once again, while the crowds of summer haven’t arrived just yet, making it ideal for sightseeing and boat trips to Delos Island.
If that isn’t enough to help you make your decision, here’s a look at the best time to travel to Mykonos according to your interests as well as what to expect in each season.
Best Time for Sightseeing
If your primary reason for visiting is to see sights like the historic windmills, the sea captains’ homes in Little Venice, take a tour to Delos or a 4X4 excursion, you may want to avoid the busy summer season and come during the shoulder season, either between mid-April and mid-June or September/October instead.
While there will be some tourists here, it won’t be so crowded that you’ll have to elbow your way through to capture a photo. It’s likely to be sunny and warm, but not uncomfortably hot. If you’d like to spend some time swimming, aim for late May, June, or September. Afternoon high temperatures during the shoulder season range from 19°C/ 66°F to 26°C/ 79°F so you’re likely to be able to enjoy some sunbathing too.
Best Time to Visit for a More Budget-Friendly Trip
As most people visit Mykonos in the summer, hotels and resorts charge their highest rates of the year. While not always true, airfare tends to be higher during this season too. November through March bring the most savings and the island is typically very quiet between December and February in particular.
The sea can sometimes be warm enough to swim through early November and you may enjoy some sunny days, but you’ll need to be prepared for rain, chilly winds and grey skies. While many businesses close, there’s always something open here. The sweet spot for discount rates and good weather is mid-October through early November or March through mid-April. Just remember there are no guarantees.
Best Time for the Beaches
If a beach escape is what you’re after, with most time spent soaking up the sun and the sand, anytime between June and September will fit the bill, bringing plenty of sunshine. July and August are the hottest months, with afternoon highs around 29°C/ 84°F.
September is often ideal and you’ll be more likely to find your own spot on the sand for sunbathing, but you’re looking for more action you’ll want to come during the peak of the season. With the sun warming up the seawater all summer, it may be possible to swim through October and even into November depending on your comfort level.
Best Time for Parties/Nightlife
There’s no doubt that when it comes to partying and nightlife, the peak of summer is when you’ll want to come. There will be beach parties and clubs with DJs hopping from late June through early September with the high point mid-July through August. You might even bump into a celebrity or two. Parties on the sand dominate the scene during the day and there will be sunset parties at Psarrou, Paradise, and Super Paradise. You’ll find clubs open late into the night and even well into the morning offering theme nights, pools, and rotating international DJs.
High Season: (mid-June through mid-September)
As with just about every Greek island, summer is the high/peak season of the year. It’s usually not as hot as it is on the mainland, with the average high temperature in July and August 29°C/ 84°F.
Of course, some days can be must hotter than that, so you’ll want to prepare accordingly, bringing plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. It’s a good idea to pack at least a couple of bathing suits as you’ll probably be spending quite a bit of time in the water, and when it comes to your other clothing, think loose and light colored. As this is the busiest time of year, be sure to book your airfare and hotel reservations well in advance.
Shoulder Season: (mid-April through mid-June + mid-September and October)
Unless your idea of the ultimate vacation in Mykonos is to party all day and night, mingle with the big crowds and spend time in the water, the shoulder season may be the best time to come. The weather will be pleasant but not too hot, you might enjoy some discounted rates (especially early or later in the season), and you’ll have plenty of room to soak up the sun on the beach.
If you want to swim, the best time to visit during this period is from late May through mid-June or mid-September through early October. While you might still be able to enjoy the sea comfortably as October progresses, it’s not guaranteed.
Low Season: (November through mid-April)
The low season, or off season, can be enjoyable for many. The island will be at its quietest of the year, providing plenty of moments for solitude on the beaches. This is also the least expensive time to come, making it ideal for a budget-friendly trip.
While you won’t have to worry about snow, it can be rainy, windy, and chilly with the average high temperature in January 13°C/ 56°F. You might get lucky and enjoy some nice sunny days too but be prepared by packing a rain jacket and clothing that can be layered. Also keep in mind that transportation will be more limited, and many businesses will be closed.
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