Greece › Mykonos › Best Time to Visit Mykonos
By Santorini Dave
See Also
• Best Hotels in Mykonos
• Best Towns in Mykonos
• Best Beaches in Mykonos
• Maps of Mykonos
• Mykonos Port Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
The Branco Mykonos Hotel is one of my favorite beach hotels in Mykonos. Swimming and weather are best in Mykonos from June to September.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos?
My favorite time to visit Mykonos is between June and September when the weather is hot and the water is warm enough for swimming. May and October offer warm weather, thinner crowds, and cheaper hotel rates; but some hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs may be closed during this time. I don’t recommend visiting Mykonos between November and March. If visiting outside of high season it’s best to stay in Mykonos Town.
Me and my son during a July visit to Mykonos.
Mykonos January Weather:
Cold, windy, some rain.
115 sunshine hoursMykonos February Weather:
Cold, windy, rainy.
150 sunshine hoursMykonos March Weather:
Mild, windy, occasional rain.
200 sunshine hoursMykonos April Weather:
Mild, less windy, some rain.
260 sunshine hoursMykonos May Weather:
Warm, sunny, little wind.
300 sunshine hoursMykonos June Weather:
Hot, sunny, breezy.
335 sunshine hoursMykonos July Weather:
Very hot, sunny, breezy.
375 sunshine hoursMykonos August Weather:
Very hot, sunny, windy.
355 sunshine hoursMykonos September Weather:
Hot, sunny, less windy.
290 sunshine hoursMykonos October Weather:
Warm, wind increases, some rain.
235 sunshine hoursMykonos November Weather:
Cooler, windy, more rain.
170 sunshine hoursMykonos December Weather:
Cold, very windy, rainy.
115 sunshine hours
Mykonos Town is best to visit from late May to early October.
- Best Time to Party in Mykonos: The Mykonos beach clubs and parties with DJs run from late June until mid-September with the high point being late July and August. There’s great nightlife in Mykonos Town from May to early October.
- Best Time for Good Weather in Mykonos: The warmest weather in Mykonos (and all the Greek islands) is between June and September when it’s sunny, hot, and the water is perfect for swimming. Water temperature heats throughout the summer months and is warmest in August and early September. Since most people visit for the great Mykonos beaches (and related nightlife) it’s pretty quiet here in May and October though the weather is still very nice.
- Best Time for Greek Island Hopping: There are some incredible islands (Santorini, Naxos, and Paros are the best) just a short ferry ride from Mykonos. Hopping on a ferry and exploring these nearby islands is a highlight of traveling to Greece. Santorini has a longer tourist season than the other Greek islands so you can happily visit there anytime between late April and early November. For the other islands mid-May to early October is best.
- Best Time for Visiting Mykonos and Santorini: There are daily Greek ferries from Athens to Mykonos year-round, but ferries between Santorini and Mykonos only run in the tourist season. Direct Mykonos-Santorini ferries usually start in early April and end in late October. In April, May, and October this will often be a smaller SeaJet ferry (that can have a bumpy ride). From June to September there will also be a larger car ferry and high speed catamaran that have a smoother feel. If you visit when there is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Santorini (usually, November to March) you’ll have to go via Athens (fly or ferry).
- Best Time for Saving Money in Mykonos : Hotels are much cheaper in the shoulder season (April, May, and October) than in the summer months but there’s also a lot less going on so you need to weigh the pros and cons. Transportation, food, and drink prices tend not to vary much by season. If you want good weather but cheap hotels then late May, early June, late September, or early October are great times. There are no guarantees but the first three weeks of October can often surprise visitors with great weather.
Mykonos beach clubs are at their best from mid-June to mid-September.
Mykonos Travel Seasons
- High Season (July to early September): Hot, sunny weather with lots of people – but never so many that it’s unenjoyable. Prices are at their peak. The seawater at its warmest and best for swimming. Ferries and flights run with the greatest frequency. If you’re going to Mykonos for the nightlife then this is the time to visit. For first-time visitors, weather and nightlife are often the most important factors, and the high-season months offer exactly what they’re coveting.
- Shoulder Season (May and June, September and early October): Great weather. Sunny and warm but not blazingly hot like the summer. Tourists are around but it’s never crowded. Everything is open in June and September but May and October will definitely see some closed doors. The sea might not be warm enough for swimming in May and October.
- Low Season (late October to April): This is winter and that means gray skies, cool weather, and rain. Few hotels and restaurants are operating (but enough to get by). Ferries and flights have very limited schedules though there’ll be at least one ferry a day going to Athens and Syros but not usually not other islands like Santorini, Naxos, or Paros.
Mykonos Weather by Month
Swimming and water activities are best in the warm months of June, July, August, and September. The best tours and things to do in Mykonos are open and running during the spring, summer, and early fall months.
- Mykonos Weather in March: Weather is still cool but winter is ending and businesses are slowly starting to open. Almost half of the restaurants and hotels will be open by the end of the month.
- Mykonos Weather in April: Weather is getting warmer and it’s possible to have some warm days by the end of the month when swimming and sunbathing feels possible. By the end of the month, 75% of the tourist business will be open. Nightlife is still quiet but a few bars in Mykonos Town will be open and have something going on.
- Mykonos Weather in May: By mid-month summer feels like it’s arrived. All hotels and restaurants are open, the weather is getting nice, the beaches clubs are opening, and tourists are starting to arrive in significant numbers. There is plenty of nightlife options in Mykonos Town.
- Mykonos Weather in June: Great weather, everything open, and nightlife is thumping. Beach parties with DJs start about mid-month.
- Mykonos Weather in July: Almost the height of summer but still a little quieter than August. Hot weather, huge beach parties, and Mykonos Town bars are crazy (and fun).
- Mykonos in August: The busiest month on Mykonos with the most club parties, the craziest nightlife (in town and at the beach), and beautiful weather (though it can be windier than July and September).
- Mykonos Weather in September: The nightlife and activity quiets a bit but still lots going on, everything open, and great weather. The last big club party takes place sometime around mid-September.
- Mykonos Weather in October: Early October is still tourist season with good beach weather and nightlife in Mykonos Town but by mid-month many hotels and restaurants start to close. By the end of October the island is feeling very quiet.
- Mykonos Weather in November: Almost like winter but there’s still a little bit going on in Mykonos Town. With some good luck and a late-season warm spell it’s possible to swim in early November but for the most part the beaches are deserted.
- Mykonos Weather in Winter (December to February): The island is very quiet in winter. Weather is temperate by northern European standards – warmish, sunny days are not unusual – but be prepared for plenty of rain, grey skies, and chilly winds. Most businesses are closed but there’s always enough open to get by.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your detailed information on Mykonos! It’s helped us plan our vacation for early May. Just wanted to know if we could do beach hopping by water taxi? Have heard the water taxi is not operational till late May. Thanks
Late May is when I have usually seen it start up. But Mykonos is getting busier earlier in May, so I would not be surprised if it started in early May next year. If it’s not running you can still take the bus to Platis Gialos and walk to either Paraga or Paradise beaches, then bus back.
Hi Dave,
Love the info here, thank you!
Planning to visit Mykonos 18-23 April (possibly over Easter weekend). Just wondering if it will be really quiet and if it’s worth visiting? Not fussed about clubs etc but would like to try out some restaurants etc. Will there be ferries to santorini by any chance?
Would you recommend Santorini over Mykonos during this time (or are they both pretty similar around this time).
Thanks so much!
I love being in Santorini over Easter (and in April) as there is plenty open and lots going on. Mykonos will have some restaurants open but probably not all. Santorini will be almost completely open by mid-late April.
Hi Dave
I intend to visit Greece in October last week. Will travel to Mykonos on 21st Oct. My plan is to visit Mykonos, Santorini, Crete primarily. I have 14 days in my hand. I will be leaving from Greece on 3rd November.
1. Is this a good time considering that I would love to Swim?
2. Will Mynokos clubs be open around this time?
3. Can you kindly recommend an itinerary?
1. With some good luck you might still be able to swim but for most people it’s too chilly. That said, you can still get some very warm days in late October and as long as you’re ok with cool (not cold) water you’ll be able to jump in.
2. Mykonos clubs close by late September. There should still be a few bars open in Mykonos Town.
3. I would avoid Mykonos and stick to Santorini and Crete as they remain busy, open, and attractive (lots of non-beach attractions) well into November. Just be sure there is a Santorini-Crete ferry running on the day you require.
I hope my opinions are of some help.
Hi Dave, my travel friend and I have never been to Greece and are planning a birthday trip this October 12-16. We would like to visit multiple islands. We are in our early 40’s and enjoy an active beach and club scene. I’ve seen online that the tourist season ends early October and restaurants and stores may be closed mid-October. Can you help us with the following questions?
1) For mid-October, what island is best to fly into and get a great 5-star hotel?
2) We want to visit as many islands as possible. Should we get different hotels to visit and stay there or should we plan for day trips to the different islands daily and stay on one island?
3) Which island do you suggest for mid-October that has great nightlife and great restaurants still open?
We really want to book our flight and accommodations within the week but will change our destination if the tourist season and weather does not permit a great birthday vacation. Any information will be so appreciated!
Many thanks!
Santorini has the most five-star hotels and the most flights in October so that’s what I’d recommend. Day trips are generally not advised. Much better to move to a different island and not waste time going back and forth. And finally, Santorini is the busiest island and has the most active dining and nightlife scene in October.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your lovely and informative site. I still have a small question. My wife and I are planning a visit to Mykonos in April, 2nd week. Although we do not want crazy parties to attend to, we still love a bit of nightlife and a small beach party kind of. Heard somewhere that Guapaloca will open by the 1st of April for beach parties. Can you pls give us the exact info on this? If not in Guapaloca, is there any possibility of any beach party during that period?
Thanks in advance.
Guapaloca will open in April but will be quiet. For more buzz and more open bars stay in Mykonos Town.
Great website Dave. It’s helped us immensely with planning our first trip to Greece. Will there be much of a nightlife (beach parties, beach clubs) in Mykonos in the first week of October? Alternatively, seeing as there’s more of a local population in Paros, will we actually be better off in Paros for parties?
Mykonos beach clubs and beach parties will be long over by early October – though there will still be some nightlife in Mykonos Town. Paros will be quieter still. In October and early November I recommend being in Santorini if you want any nightlife.
Hi Dave,
First, thank you! I love your guides! My family (husband and boys aged 17 and 18) will be in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini April 18-27. We know Mykonos will be quiet, but the boys really want to go to Delos. I thought we’d spend two day and two nights in Mykonos. One day for Delos and then Mykonos town, and the next day relax by a hotel pool or maybe check out a beach or two. Do you think we should stay in town and take a bus to see beach or stay at a beach hotel? If beach hotel, we were considering Petinos Beach or Branco Mykonos. If in town, Semeli. Just don’t know whether beach hotels will be so dead that we’d prefer to be in town. I do think we will be exhausted from three packed days of sightseeing, and want the Monday to totally chill before going to Santorini Tuesday. Just not sure whether that warrants staying at the beach over town. Thanks for your help!
I definitely recommend staying in Mykonos Town. Go to Delos and rent a car to see the island’s countryside (which is at its greenest in April). Many people love visiting Mykonos in the spring when it’s calm, quiet, and beautiful. But do be prepared for over half of shops and restaurants to be closed.
My fiancé and I are looking into honeymooning in Greece in early June. We were recommended to do 2 nights Athens, 4 nights Mykonos, and 4 nights Santorini. We definitely want to go to Athens and Santorini but we are unsure about Mykonos. We were suggested Mykonos over Naxos or another island because of the time of year we are going. We are a couple in our early 30’s. We want to relax on our honeymoon at pools and the beaches but also spend a good chunk of time exploring (possibly renting ATVs) and sightseeing. Which island would you recommend? Thanks!
Both are great islands but I’d recommend Naxos for you. They both have wonderful beaches. Mykonos has more luxurious hotels and much more nightlife. Naxos has more history (though Mykonos does offer day trips to nearby Delos) and more interesting inland villages. Naxos is larger and the popular spots are more spread out making zipping around on an ATV less appealing – I prefer a rental car on all islands but especially for a large island like Naxos.
Hi Dave,
I am getting married in March and plan to visit Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos – specifically between 13 to 23 march. From what I have read, it seems march is not a great time for Mykonos as we wont be able to enjoy the nightlife. Should I still continue with the above itinerary or could you suggest some other place to visit in Greece.
Not only is Mykonos very quiet in March but there might not be any ferries between Mykonos and Santorini (until later in March or even April). I would recommend Naxos and Santorini as they are connected by a daily year-round ferry and Naxos will have more to see and do in the off-season (though still quiet).
Getting Married in Greece in September.
My fiancee and I are planning on getting married in Tinos around September 25th. We were thinking Tinos as it is still very close to Mykonos but a little less expensive. Our concern is that the weather and the nightlife won’t be good enough to entice people to fly from Australia to Greece. Can you describe the weather from morning till night around Mykonons at end of September? We need to know if it will be too cold and windy to have an outdoor wedding at night at that time of year.
Thanks very much!
I always find when to visit questions hard to answer. There are no guarantees with the weather. Usually the weather is nice for swimming and sunbathing in late September and early October. But after mid-September anything is possible including the odd wet and chilly day. Nightlife on Tinos in late September will be quiet but there are some local bars that stay open year-round so you should be able to find something. If you could move your wedding date up two weeks your odds on good weather and more active nightlife increase markedly (but perhaps that’s not possible for you).
Hi Dave,
I am considering hitting Mykonos on a Greece trip for Easter Holy Week. I do not need any clubs, but it would be nice if it did not feel like a ghost town at night when going out for dinner and some drinks. Would you expect somewhat decent nightlife because it’s Holy Week and late April? Or still too early? Thanks.
April (excluding Easter) is very quiet though there is still enough open to get by. The week of Easter will definitely be busier than usual. Still quiet by summer standards but yes there’s an uptick in activity and nightlife.
Hi Dave,
My friends and I have a flight from Mykonos to Paris at 12:45pm. The earliest ferry that day (we are coming from Naxos) arrives at port at 11:25am. Is it too ambitious to think we will make our flight? Additionally, do you have any insight into international departures from Mykonos airport?
Thank you!
Katie
The Mykonos airport is a bit of a disaster. Planes are usually late leaving and boarding and security are slow and painful. You probably would make your flight, unfortunately you can’t really plan on it working out that way. If it was me I’d take a different (earlier) ferry.
Hi!
I am planning for a holiday with my wife in Greece with few days in Athens, Mykonos island, and Santorini island in the month of November. This may be around mid November or so. I want to know will I get a ferry or not? How will be the weather? Will beaches be open?
Prakhar Deep
There will be ferries to Santorini (from Athens) and ferries to Mykonos (from Athens) but not ferries between Santorini and Mykonos. You’d have to go via another island, or more likely, Athens. Beaches are always “open” but will the weather and sea be warm enough for swimming? Unlikely. Maybe in early November with an unusual warm burst but most years it’s coolish by early to mid November.
Thanks for sharing nice information Dave !
A quick question. Traveling to Mykonos from 30th April to 3rd May for honeymoon. Not much into partying. Planning to relax with my partner. Would good hotels, spa, or cafe be open in late April and early May?
Vikram
Yes, the island will still be quiet but no problem finding good hotels, a spa, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
My Fiance and I are planning our Honeymoon to Greece in early October. We want to do Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. I am having trouble figuring out the best way to see and get to all of these places (flight or ferry). Any suggestions. Brittany
I would fly to Santorini (most flights are with Aegean), then ferry to Mykonos (with Hellenic Seaways), then ferry to Athens (Blue Star or Hellenic). Early October is a great time to visit.
Hi Dave. I am planning to host a small group for a half day (sunset cruise) in Santorini. Do you happen to have a recommendation for a private, half-day catamaran that includes dinner/drinks? It will be for 6 people. Thanks.
David
You can read this page about my favorite tours on Santorini. Pretty much all boat tours of the caldera include food and drinks.
Will the clubs be open in late May? May 26 to June 1? Which one would you recommend for straight girls age 25, 21 and 19? And finally what is the minimum age to enter?
Both Cavo Paradiso and Paradise Club at Paradise Beach will have parties with DJs on the weekend by late May. (These are the two biggest dance clubs in Mykonos but they don’t really get going until late June.) In Mykonos Town Skandinavian Bar should be rocking by late May – but just gets crazier in the summer.