Best Time to Visit Paros
Part of the Cycladic group of Greek islands, just over 50 miles north of Santorini and about 25 miles south of Mykonos, Paros is most often accessed by a three-hour ferry ride, but there are flights from Athens that will get you here in just 40 minutes. It’s a bit different than its more famous neighbors in that much of it closes down during the off season, with the majority of hotels open between late April and mid-October.
For those want to spend most of their time here swimming in warm water, sunbathing, and enjoying lively nightlife, visit in July or August. If your goal is weather that’s pleasant enough for sightseeing while avoiding the crowds, April and May or mid-September through October are generally ideal.
To help you determine the optimal time according to your particular needs we’ve put together this guide based on the popular interests and seasons.
Best Time for Hiking
Paros is one of the best islands for hiking, with a trail network that covers approximately 22 miles with treks ranging from easy three-hour hikes to more challenging full-day outings. As the summer months, particularly in the island’s interior, can bring sizzling hot temperatures in the and water isn’t always available, it’s not the best season for those who hope to cover a lot of it on foot.
While the average high temperature in July and August is in the upper 80s Fahrenheit (30+ Celsius), it can feel much hotter under that searing sun. Instead come when it’s warm but not unbearably so, from around late April through early June or mid-September through October. This is when afternoon temperatures are usually around the mid-70s Fahrenheit/23-24 Celsius.
Best Time for the Beaches
With Paros home to so many spectacular beaches, many visitors come to the island for a beach getaway. If lots of sun and warm seawater for swimming is your goal, plan to visit between about mid-June and early September, which is the hottest time of the year bringing highs that average around 88°F/31°C.
This is the peak season, meaning it’s the busiest time of year although it won’t be near as crowded as islands like Santorini or Mykonos. There are no big cruise ships that stop here and as it’s larger, there’s more room to spread out. Plus, there’s a water taxi that leaves from the docks at Parikia for visiting more tranquil stretches like Krios as well as options for day trips to enjoy the beaches on nearby Antiparos.
Best Time to For Nightlife
Paros is third, behind only Mykonos and Ios when it comes to exciting nightlife. There are plenty of bars and clubs in Parikia, including options right along the waterfront, but the liveliest party scene can be found in Naoussa, the island’s center for fun after dark. To enjoy it, you’ll want to visit in July or August, just keep in mind that this is the high season, so it’s important to book your reservations and transport in advance.
Your reward will be warm evenings for strolling the cobbled streets, perhaps sampling the countless small bars along the way. You’ll find an impressive number of drinking and dancing venues, places for live music, and beach clubs that host fun parties.
Best Time for Sightseeing
There are plenty of sights to enjoy on Paros, from the Church of 100 Doors to monuments, castles, and lighthouses. If sightseeing is a priority over swimming and sunbathing, May and October are the best time for your visit.
You’ll be able to take everything in without getting elbowed by other tourists while temperatures are comfortable for walking, usually around the low- to mid-70s Fahrenheit/low 20s Celsius. Of course, with the sun shining most of the time, sunscreen and a hat is still a necessity. Everything will be open, ferries will be running frequently and it may be possible to spend time on the beach and even swimming, particularly later in May or in early October.
High Season
(mid-June through mid-September)
Summer, mid-June through mid-September, is the busiest time on Paros as it is with all the Greek islands. It’s the time to enjoy swimming from the beautiful beaches and taking part in the buzzing nightlife season. High season means the hotels will be charging their highest rates of the year and airfare is usually at its peak too, along with the heat.
This island is typical of the other Greek islands, with afternoon highs averaging in the mid- to upper-80s Fahrenheit/low 20s Celsius. You’re unlikely to have any rain get in the way of your plans, but you will need plenty of sunscreen and other protection like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Shoulder Season
(late April through mid-June + mid-September and October)
The shoulder season is the perfect time to visit for those who prefer to avoid the crowds, enjoy a quieter time and often idyllic weather. Hotels and restaurants will be open and ferries run regularly – you might be able to score some discounts on accommodation and airfare too.
If you’d like to swim, you may want to aim for mid-September through October as the water will still be warm from those hot summer temperatures. In the spring, it might not be warm up enough to be comfortable until late May. During most of this period you can expect afternoon highs to be in the 70s Fahrenheit or upper teens/low 20s Celsius.
Low Season
(November through late April)
Few tourists visit Paros during the low season, especially between November and February when almost everything shuts down. There will be a few hotels open, but it will be very quiet throughout the island, even in Parikia and Naoussa.
Beaches are deserted and even most restaurants and bars close while air and ferry services are dramatically reduced. If you can find a room available, the rates are likely to be significantly discounted, and you’ll want to bring a rain jacket along with clothing that can be layered. November, December and January are the wettest months, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 48°F/9°C to 55°F/13°C.
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