Mykonos off season: what's open, weather and getting there in winter
What is open in Mykonos in winter, the weather each month, how to get there without direct flights, and when the island comes back to life.
- November to March most beach clubs and big hotels are closed; Hora is active all year.
- In winter there is usually at least one ferry a day to Athens, but no direct boat to Santorini.
- Late April–early June and September–October: open, pleasant and less crowded.
If you want a quiet, cheap Mykonos, come in winter for Hora and walks, not beaches. If you want sea and nightlife, plan for late May or September.
What is Mykonos like out of season?
Mykonos in winter is a different island: quiet, local and much cheaper. Most beach clubs, luxury hotels and famous restaurants close between November and March, beach umbrellas are packed away in November, and in January only a few places to stay, tavernas and bars remain open. On the other hand, Hora's lanes are empty of tourists, prices are low, and you see the island as locals live it.
Mykonos weather in winter and the shoulder months
| Month | Temperature (min–max) | Rain days | Sea temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 18–22° | 5 | 21° |
| November | 14–18° | 6 | 19° |
| December | 11–14° | 10 | 17° |
| January | 9–13° | 10 | 16° |
| February | 9–13° | 8 | 16° |
| March | 11–15° | 7 | 15° |
| April | 13–18° | 5 | 16° |
Averages per Climates to Travel. Winter brings strong winds, and the sea can be rough and too cold to swim. More on the Cyclades by month in Greece weather by month.
What is open in Mykonos in winter?
- Hora (the main town): active all year, with some of the locals' cafés, bakeries and tavernas.
- Accommodation: mainly small hotels and apartments in Hora stay open. January has the least choice.
- Beaches: open for walks and views, but with no facilities, umbrellas or bars.
- Parties: the big summer clubs are closed. Around New Year there is a bit more life.
Getting to Mykonos in winter
- Ferry: in winter there is usually at least one ferry a day between Mykonos and Athens (Piraeus or Rafina) and Syros. There is usually no direct boat to Santorini in winter. Strong northerly winds sometimes cause cancellations, so keep a spare day. See ferry from Athens to Mykonos.
- Flights: there are domestic flights from Athens in winter too, less often than in summer. There is no direct flight from Israel in winter.
When does Mykonos "wake up"?
According to local guides, by the end of April about 75% of tourist businesses are open, and direct ferries between Mykonos and Santorini usually resume in early April. By mid-May almost all hotels and restaurants are open. Late April to early June and September–October are the best times for an open, pleasant and less crowded Mykonos.
Local events in winter
- December: Christmas preparations and decorations in Hora.
- January: Epiphany, with ceremonies by the sea.
- February–March: Carnival (Apokries), in a relaxed local version.
- 25 March: Greek Independence Day.
Who is Mykonos in winter for?
For people who like photography, walks, quiet and local Greek food, and who want to see the island without summer prices. If you want sea, beaches and parties, come from late May. What Mykonos costs in summer, in is Greece expensive? Prices by island.
More in our Mykonos guide and on the Mykonos destination page.
FAQ
Is Mykonos open in winter? Yes, Hora is active all year, but most beach clubs, big hotels and tourist restaurants close between November and March.
Can you get to Mykonos in winter? Yes, by ferry from Athens (usually at least once a day) or by domestic flight. Keep a spare day for wind.
Can you swim in Mykonos in November? The sea is still about 19° in November, so on calm days you can, but beaches have no facilities. From December the sea is cold.
When is the best time to visit Mykonos without the crowds? Late April to early June, and September–October: most places are open, it is pleasant and less crowded.
