Key Takeaways
- The peak tourist season in Mykonos is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this time, you can expect warm weather, vibrant nightlife, and a bustling atmosphere.
- The shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Mykonos is relatively quiet during the winter months, from November to March. Many romantic hotels, restaurants, and clubs close down during this time, and the island becomes deserted.
Finding the best time to visit Mykonos starts with a little inspiration and a bit of meditation.
Close your eyes and dream about sailing on glassy, turquoise waters, feeling the warm sunshine on your back, and marveling at the small buildings scattered on the low hilltops of a whitewashed Cycladic island.
Imagine immersing yourself in a different culture, landscape, and culinary experience and still having time to discover the rich history of one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
This is the charm of the Greek island of Mykonos. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, it's the reason over 500,000 tourists stayed in hotels on the island in 2019.
Mykonos sits lavishly in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades archipelago that surrounds the sacred island of Delos.
The island is known for gorgeous views, incredible beaches, and mesmerizing nightlife. Visitors can also dine in one of the top-rated restaurants and browse the chic boutiques, art galleries, and museums.
If you're excited to book the vacation of a lifetime or looking for a luxurious honeymoon destination, Mykonos awaits you.
Now that you're ready to follow your dreams, how do you find the best time to visit Mykonos?
Find the weather you prefer
Mykonos shines in the summertime as a tropical nirvana for sun-seekers, but the island welcomes visitors all year long.
Is it better to travel during the quiet winter months when there are fewer tourists?
Or perhaps in the spring, when beach hotels in Mykonos, shops, and restaurants revive their businesses from the long winter slumber, just like in all the Greek islands?
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A Closer Look at Mykonos Throughout the Year |
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|
Month |
Hours of Sunshine (approx) |
Monthly Rainfall liter/m2 |
Temperature |
|
|
F |
C |
|||
|
JAN |
10 |
74 |
54 |
12 |
|
FEB |
11 |
70 |
54 |
12 |
|
MAR |
12 |
48 |
57 |
14 |
|
APR |
13 |
22 |
61 |
16 |
|
MAY |
14 |
9 |
64 |
18 |
|
JUN |
15 |
2 |
72 |
22 |
|
JUL |
15 |
0 |
75 |
24 |
|
AUG |
14 |
1 |
77 |
25 |
|
SEP |
12 |
5 |
73 |
23 |
|
OCT |
11 |
29 |
68 |
20 |
|
NOV |
10 |
50 |
61 |
16 |
|
DEC |
10 |
69 |
57 |
14 |
Data obtained from Travel Tables
January - March
What is it like to visit Mykonos in winter?
That is a question for one of the 10,134 locals who inhabit this enchanted island all year long.
Surprisingly, a light dusting of snow greeted them one cold day last January, but it's a rare occurrence.
Mykonos is called the "Island of the Winds," referring to the heavy Meltemi winds from the north. As a result, the shores can be very windy at times, and rain often falls during these colder months.
A typical winter day in Mykonos averages around 55℉ (13℃), with about 11 hours of daylight.
If you're used to snowstorms and freezing temperatures in your hometown, this type of winter sounds ideal.
It may be too cold to swim in the waters, but this should not be a problem if you're an avid surfer with a proper wet suit.
April - May
Mykonos warms up to 61℉ (16℃) in the springtime, which is not exactly hot weather but it is pleasant nonetheless. The rain is less frequent, and the hills are speckled with patches of colorful wildflowers.
The days stretch out a little longer, and you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, although it is still not warm enough to swim yet.
June - August; Paradise Beach is waiting for you!
Ahhh, now this is perfect beach weather! During the summer months, from early June, the temperature rarely goes above 80℉ (27℃), and the days are long, with the islands sporting the hottest weather of the year. Rainfall is almost non-existent.
Mykonos becomes a thriving mecca for beach-goers, and the entire island is your playground, with huge beach parties being hosted on a daily basis.
When visiting Mykonos in June, you will find that the days are finally hot enough for a refreshing swim, sunbathing, and every kind of water sport you can think of.
It tends to be cooler than neighboring Greek islands because you can feel the more potent effects of the Meltemi winds, especially at sea.
When you're sailing on the water, winds reduce the humidity and increase visibility. They also create tall waves, but you learn quickly to maneuver around them.
If you're looking for a unique sailing adventure, try a Mykonos sailing trip that combines the archaeological wonders of Delos and snorkeling near Rhenia Island.
September - October
At the end of summer, from early September to early October, the temperature settles to a pleasant 73℉ (23℃), and the sea has warmed to perfection.
A large portion of the summer crowd tapers off, so beach lounge chairs are easier to find. Rainy days slowly return to the island, especially from early October onwards.
The hotels and restaurants are less packed from early September, and most recreational activities are still available.
November - December
By this point in the year, the usual visitors are long gone. They leave with a few new Greek words to add to their vocabulary and endless vacation memories to share with friends and family back home.
The days are noticeably colder, around 60℉ (16℃), and the days become shorter. The winds are still strong, and rainfall is constant, especially in December.
Most water activities are shut down for the season, including many hotels and restaurants. Ferry service is also limited. As a result, we don't recommend visiting Mykonos during those months.
Determine how much vacation time you need
Turning your dream into a reality starts with a bit of planning and research. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect itinerary for when you visit Mykonos.
How will you reach the island?
The most common route to Mykonos is to fly to the Athens airport (ATH - Eleftherios Venizelos). From there, you would either take a 45-minute connecting flight to Mykonos Airport (JMK) or a more leisurely 2.5-hour ferry ride to the island. There are plenty of direct Mykonos Santorini ferries, especially until early October when the tourist season officially ends.
If you're lucky, some European cities have direct flights to Mykonos.
Once you arrive on this glorious island, you and your travel companion(s) can reach most places by foot, bicycle, or taxi. Better yet, use the bus system - this is an excellent opportunity for your kids to improve their navigation skills! You can also rent a moped if you're feeling adventurous, but some prior experience is recommended.
Car rentals are also available when visiting Mykonos, but be aware that some roads leading to the beaches will be winding & narrow in places. You can also explore some of the more rugged terrains by booking a private Mykonos jeep safari.
How many days do you need to explore the island and Mykonos Town?
Mykonos is about 33 square miles, eight miles long, and six miles wide. Even though it is a small island, there's quite a lot to see and do.
You can happily savor your vacation time for about five days in a comfortable hotel near one of our pristine beaches or the bustling, energetic Mykonos Town (Chora), where the Mykonos Town bars will keep you entertained during your vacation nights.
Each location has a different vibe, so if you're looking for where to stay in Mykonos, you'll want to choose a hotel closest to the activities you love.
What if you only have three days in Mykonos?
If the best time to visit Mykonos is only a few days, consider this Mykonos guide.
- You'll have plenty of time for unhurried strolling along the beaches, shops, and museums.
- You can also take an evening trip into Mykonos Town for delectable dining & the hottest dance parties in the Mediterranean. This is precisely the point of the vacation where people make a mental note to do this more often!
- Suggestions for two sailing trips (one during the daytime and one in the evening) are included. You will not miss out on any of Mykonos' unique water activities.
Even with limited travel days, you can fit all the Mykonos essentials into a shorter stay.
Visiting only for one day?
Many of our visitors are either cruise ship passengers docked in Mykonos Town for a single day or taking a day trip from another island. At the same time, there are plenty of people visiting Mykonos during an island-hopping adventure.
They are eager to have the quintessential Mykonos experience but must be back on their ship, ferry, or flight by the evening.
For a stress-free visit, we highly recommend this one-day Mykonos itinerary. It balances all the pleasures of our island in the sun and gives you the option of one of our popular shore excursions, the Mykonos Highlights half-day tour.
Will you have time to see other Greek islands?
Mykonos island has delightful neighbors like the islands of Santorini and Naxos, but it holds the distinction of being only a 30-minute ferry ride from the sacred island of Delos. As a result, when you visit Mykonos, you ought to grab the opportunity to explore the nearby islands.
The Greek island of Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mythical birthplace of both Apollo (god of the sun) and Artemis (god of the moon). The entire island is uninhabited, and you're welcome to explore the spectacular architecture.
You'll find a wholly unearthed sanctuary to the gods, a port, a theater, elaborate villas, and scattered remains of magnificent pieces of art.
For an even better experience when you visit Mykonos, try a day trip from Mykonos to Delos. You can skip the lines and relive the thrills and achievements of this ancient site with a personal tour guide.
When you return to Mykonos Island at the end of your archaeological expedition, it will feel as if you were transported through time for a day!
As you can see, no matter how limited your vacation time is, a trip to Mykonos, and the surrounding areas, will fill you with wonder. You'll have a new appreciation for history, quality family time, and the importance of having fun.
How to plan your trip to Mykonos during the peak season
The best time to visit Mykonos, for most people, is from April to October.
Here's a breakdown of what the year looks like.
- Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season when the island is most crowded. If you're looking for maximum time at the beach, plenty of water sports, and a lively party atmosphere in the evenings, plan to visit during these months. Everything is open, the hot weather is delightful, and you may even run into a celebrity in one of the beach bars!
- Spring (April & May) and Fall (September & October): These shoulder season months suit families more due to the good weather, and the warm average sea temperature. You might hesitate to take your kids out of school for an overseas trip during those months, especially in early October, but it is worth it. Mykonos for families is an amazing cultural experience for kids of all ages and one they'll never forget.
- Winter (November to March): Traveling during these months is best for laid-back visitors who are looking for quiet escapes, cheap hotels, and don't mind the cool weather and lack of crazy parties. Remember, many businesses, even in Mykonos city, will be closed at this time as locals recover from the busy tourist season.
The secret to planning a stress-free Mykonos summer holiday
If you can't find time in your schedule to visit Mykonos in the spring/fall, and you don't want to travel in the winter off-season, how can you ensure a superb summer visit?
Make plenty of advanced reservations and figure our how to get around Mykonos!
Design a complete Mykonos travel itinerary with sightseeing tours, lunch and dinner reservations, and everything from water sports to lounge chair rentals, all ahead of time.
Let's look into a few of the popular sightseeing attractions on the Greek island that never sleeps that could be of interest even if Mykonos is a stop to your island-hopping adventure.
The Windmills of Mykonos
When you approach the harbor of Alefkandra, you can't help but admire a few iconic, beautifully-preserved structures. Back in the 1500s, early Venetians capitalized on the power of the Meltemi winds and made over 20 strategically-placed windmills for grinding various grains into flour.
Head over at sunrise before the rest of the island has woken up, or time it perfectly for a spectacular sunset shot for the best photos.
The museums in this area are all open from April to October. There is a suggested donation of two euros per person. The most popular one is the Boni Windmill and Agricultural Museum. Nearby is the "Lena's House" museum on Matoyianni Street, which is open daily from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Next to the Paraportiani church, the Kastro museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
Paraportiani Church
This quaint building contains five different churches perched on a hill with a gorgeous view of the water below. The inside is not open to visitors, but you can take a stroll in the building all year round.
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
No trip to Mykonos is complete without a visit to this museum. It is open from April to October, and although small, there are many intricate pieces to explore. The collection of vases will amaze you, especially the detailed craftsmanship. Most of the items were excavated during archaeological digs in Mykonos and surrounding areas.
Aegean Maritime Museum
Open from April to October, this museum features a massive collection of sailboat replicas of the past and other maritime artifacts. Of course, you won't want to miss the exquisite lighthouse in their peaceful courtyard.
Archaeological Site of Delos
If you're visiting Mykonos from April to October, you can take a 30-minute ferry ride to Delos. There is an admission fee of 12 euros for the museum and for exploring the outdoor archaeological exhibits on the island. Currently, the museum is closed for renovation, but it is usually open during the summer months.
Please note that many ferries limit their trips during the off-season.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos for seasonal events?
Have you ever experienced an Orthodox Easter celebration in Greece and especially the Greek islands? If not, you're missing out!
It's an annual event on the island, and visitors are welcome to participate as well. You'll have a chance to visit the local churches, walk inside shops of special floral processionals, indulge in traditional meals, and meet the local residents of this picturesque island.
The timing varies every year, between April 4th and May 8th, and it is usually a few weeks after the Catholic Easter observance.
Greek Easter traditions during Holy Week are a spiritual feast of the senses. So, if you decide to visit Mykonos during this time, it might even entice you to try a traditional cooking class with your travel companion(s).
Final Thoughts - Book your First trip to Mykonos
A Mykonos vacation appeals to everyone because it has a little of everything.
All it takes is a bit of research to find the best time to visit Mykonos for you. As you scramble to find the perfect week between school and work schedules, remember this: no matter when you go, from Mykonos Town to the less popular village of Ano Mera or near the popular Paradise beach, your first visit to Mykonos will be extraordinary!
Book your Mykonos trip soon so you can start planning a fabulous holiday for yourself and your travel companions. Pack your suitcases immediately, grab your loved ones, and leave all the daily stresses behind as you head to the airport.
Here is a little secret: the best time to visit Mykonos, or any other Greek islands, to be honest, is anytime, and you can! Not to mention that you can travel from Santorini to Mykonos and combine the Cyclades in a wonderful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Mykonos?
Is Mykonos crowded during the summer months?
Are the beaches and attractions open during the off-season?
What is the weather like in Mykonos during the summer?
Are there any festivals or events in Mykonos?
