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With stunning whitewashed buildings, accented by lush bougainvillea flowers, the shimmering Aegean Sea on all sides, Byzantine churches, and innumerable party hot spots scattered throughout the island, Mykonos has proven time and again that it’s one of the top holiday destinations in Europe.
Though once a near-barren island stricken by poverty, Mykonos has seen a rapid transformation over the years as more and more locals recognised its value as a tourist destination. Now, it is nothing short of a Mecca for partygoers.
Of course, Mykonos isn’t just about pulsating disco lights, music, and partying – the island itself is absolutely gorgeous. There isn’t a single lane or alley that doesn’t offer a range of frames for aspiring photographers (and fashionistas) and to say that you can simply point your camera and shoot blindly and still end up with a stunning picture isn’t a hyperbole by any means!
With Mykonos being such a popular tourist destination, you’re probably wondering about the best time to head to this island. As the climate is typically on the warmer side, there isn’t any time of the year when tourist spots are inaccessible due to the weather. Due to this, the best time to visit Mykonos depends solely on the activities that you want to pursue!
Peak Season: July-August
Off Season: September-October, April-May
Shoulder Season: November- March
| Travel Seasons | Min/ Max Temperature | Weather |
| Spring | -3-15°C | Cold and dry with minimal showers |
| Summer | 11-23°C | Pleasantly warm with occasional showers |
| Autumn | 1-15°C | Pleasant with heavier showers |
| Winter | -22 - -3°C | Frigid and heavy snowfall |
Temperature: The temperature during the spring season varies between 12-23 degrees, with it getting progressively warmer as May approaches.
Weather: Spring in Mykonos begins in March, with the weather gradually warming up and inspiring local hotels and restaurants to re-open. By April, the weather becomes warm enough to sun-bathe, and most tourist businesses become fully operational during this time. By May, the island is ready to greet the wave of tourists that arrive here during the summer. Most restaurants, pubs, and bars are open by this time.
Significant Events: During the spring season, Mykanos celebrates Easter. As a result, the churches in the city are teeming with life and celebration at this time. Arguably, the spring season is a great time to visit Mykonos because the Easter celebrations prompt locals to refurbish and paint their homes, making the city look vibrant and fresh.
Why you should visit now: The spring season falls under the shoulder season when it comes to tourist activity in Mykonos. You’ll be able to enjoy everything the city offers without having to navigate your way through crowds. The local winery, Vioma, offers guided tours and tastings during this period and by participating in the same, you can boast of seeing a completely different side of Mykonos. As spring warms up, you’ll be able to be a part of cycle and kayak tours too.
Things to know before you visit: As the weather is still on the colder side, you may need warm clothes at night when the cool sea breeze blows into the city.
Tip: Make the most of the lack of tourists by visiting all the famous restaurants and bars during this time. You’ll be able to enjoy the best that the city has to offer without competing with thousands of tourists for attention!
Temperature: The temperature during the summer hovers between 21-24 degrees.
Weather: Summer in Mykonos is nothing short of magical. Though the weather is warm, its highs never exceed 29 degrees, which means that you’re never going to experience suffocating heat. The lowest temperatures that you can expect during this time are between 21-24 degrees.
Significant Events: Summer is THE time to visit Mykonos, with most clubs boasting of legendary headliners like Avicii, Afrojack, Dash Berlin and more. It is during this period that you fully understand why Mykonos has such an unshakable reputation for being a party island. Apart from this, there are a few festivals that occur during the summer. The festival of Agia Paraskevi celebrates a church of the same name and brings together over 4,000 visitors. The biggest highlight of the festival is the popular dish patatato, and you just cannot leave without trying it. Dekapentavgoustos is a huge festival celebrated on the 15th of August, to mark the day the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. In Mykonos, locals turn all their attention away from popular spots like the Choro area, and head to a village called Ano Mera to celebrate. This festival is held at the monastery of Panagia Tourliani.
Why you should visit now: If you want to experience the island’s party culture, then the summer season is the best time to visit. There are scores of bars and restaurants that offer experiences to die for, and with most tourist businesses fully operational at this time, you’ll never encounter a shuttered door. Conversely, what you may encounter is long lines and a lack of tables so do make reservations way in advance to truly enjoy Mykonos!
Things to know before you visit: The summer season marks the peak tourist season, which means that rates and tariffs for accommodation will be at an all-time-high. To lessen the financial blow a little, and to ensure that you actually get rooms at your desired establishments, you must book your tickets beforehand. It makes the most sense to do so at least a month prior to your vacation dates, but if you’re travelling during July or August, you might just have to book your rooms sooner. The same goes for flight tickets.
Tip: Carry sunscreen with you wherever you go because the opportunities for sunbathing in Mykonos aren’t just endless, they’re irresistible - you’ll find yourself wanting to soak up the Grecian sun more frequently than you originally intended!
Temperature: The temperature in Mykonos during the autumn season hovers between 21-26 degrees.
Weather: Autumn in Mykonos marks the end of the party season, with cooler winds surging across the city. Having said that, this is the shoulder season and many people consider it the best time to travel to Mykonos. You’ll find that the water in the Aegean Sea is still warm enough for a swim, even though summer has ended.
Significant events: One of the most patriotic festivals, Ochi day, is celebrated in October. The day marks General Metaxa’s firm stance against Mussolini in 1940, and Greeks celebrate his resolve by partaking in large feasts, parades, folk dancing and musical performances.
Why you should visit now: With throngs of tourists exiting the city by the end of August, you get to experience a more authentic version of Mykonos. Instead of catering to the party-crowd, locals now turn the focus on travellers who’ve come to see Greek culture. This shift in attitude is quite prevalent in the way most restaurants begin to present themselves around this time. As this is the shoulder season, you’ll find that things are a little bit cheaper than they are in the summer. You’ll be able to experience delicious Greek meals, listen to live music performances, ride horses on the beach and enjoy late nights at bars and pubs that play great music, without having to deal with tons of people. Another huge advantage of visiting Mykonos during this time is that you’ll feel as though you’ve got the island all to yourself!
Things to know before you visit: Though the peak season is over, you’ll find that most tourist businesses are still operating fully in September. This, however, begins to change towards the end of October and you may find it a little harder to cross off every item on your bucket list if you plan to visit specific restaurants and bars.
Tips: If you’re travelling to Mykonos in September, you can still get by with just your summer clothes. However, the weather becomes chillier during October and you’ll need light layers as the evening wears on.
Temperature: The lowest temperatures you’ll experience from November to February are 14-10 degrees respectively, with the highest being 18-14 degrees.
Weather: Though technically winter, Mykonos does not become particularly cold (especially when you compare its winter with winter in other European cities). Having said that, the sea breeze can often make it seem colder than it is, which is why you must come prepared with your woollens.
Significant Events: The biggest festival celebrated in Mykonos during the winter is Christmas in December. With joyful bells, children singing carols, and pleasant weather, Christmas on this island is an absolute delight. Mykonos has over 600 churches and some of them date back to the Byzantine era. This would be a great time to explore as many of them as possible.
Why should you visit now: If your idea of the perfect vacation means visiting tourist-free areas and truly exposing yourself to the local culture, then you must visit Mykonos during the winter season. Every time you visit a restaurant, the beach, or any tourist spot, you’ll only be surrounded by locals and this will give you an extremely authentic picture of what life in Mykonos truly is like. Apart from this, winter is considered the low season, with affordable rates and tariffs at all establishments. Backpackers and budget-friendly travellers can take advantage of this and stay at premium hotels for a fraction of the price.
Things to know before you visit: As winter is the low season, many restaurants and hotels shut shop so that their owners can enjoy a more languid pace of life. As a result, you’ll have to do your research regarding the establishments that are in business during this time and then book your tickets accordingly. A huge advantage of travelling to Mykonos during this period is that you don’t necessarily have to book your tickets in advance. Travellers with unclear work schedules can still spend New Year’s here, even if they end up booking right at the 11th hour.
Tips: When compared to most European cities, Mykonos does not experience frigid winters. However, that does not mean you should underestimate its weather. Carry woollens, as well as wind-protective garments like windbreakers or leather jackets to protect yourself from the sea breeze at night. You should also carry gloves and scarves if you’re prone to getting the chills easily!
Mykonos has something to offer, no matter when you visit this beautiful island. So, take stock of the experiences you want to garner during your trip and then book your tickets accordingly! For the best travel packages and flights, check out the options listed on our website.
