Looking for the best time to visit Mykonos, Greece? Discover the months that offer the perfect mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and better prices!
With the ease and affordability of today’s travel, WHEN you go to a place is almost as important as WHERE you decide to go. Mykonos is an extremely popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Cruise ships bring in thousands of tourists and the island's small footprint and narrow streets can barely sustain the heavy crowds. That's why it's so important to research the best time to visit Mykonos before you book your tickets.
What time of year you visit will absolutely make or break your trip. I'm not trying to be dramatic but that's just how it goes with this little, but popular, island.
Go at the wrong time and you’ll be paying an arm and a leg for your hotel, it will take you 20 minutes to walk down a narrow lane that would normally take 3 because of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. And forget about last-minute reservations to anything.
Thumbs up for being a savvy traveler and taking the time to research the best time to visit Mykonos. You'll be glad you did!
Short and sweet answer for the best time to go to Mykonos
Late spring and early fall are the best time to visit Mykonos. Specifically late May and late September through early October. This is shoulder season, but unlike winter, things are still open (hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, etc.).
Mykonos in May and September offer the best sightseeing weather and decent crowd levels.
Late May and late September is the best time to visit Mykonos
Late Fall and late Spring are ideal for those looking to explore Mykonos and who are not solely focused on big beach parties
If you’re looking for the best months to visit Mykonos that offer the perfect mix of warm weather, long days, and fewer tourists, this is your sweet spot.
Mykonos in September and May will have plenty of sunshine and is warm enough to lay out and go swimming…though the water may be a bit chilly.
May brings highs in the low 70s and lows in the high 50s. Chance of rain is extremely low with an average of three rainy days for the month. Days are long and the only minor downside is the water is still very cold.
September averages about 10 hours of daylight vs the 12 you'll get in May. It's also a bit warmer with highs in the in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s. The water is also warmer since it's had all summer to heat up.
The (minor) downside of Mykonos in fall is that it's rainy season. While September only averages about 4 rainy days, October sees 8 and November averages about 10. So if you're going to visit in fall and want warm weather with a lower chance of rain, aim for September.
Another perk of visiting Mykonos in September and May is that you'll avoid the summer masses. Hotel rates will be lower than summer and you’ll have an easier time getting into restaurants without reservations.
Mykonos in September (even early October) and May is glorious! In general, these two months are absolutely the best time to go to Mykonos, but if you want to be precise I would focus on mid to late May and September to get the best weather and crowd level.
Jake and I went to Mykonos in May (the 15th to be exact) and it couldn't have been a better time to visit!
Fokos beach all to ourselves
We didn’t make reservations anywhere and got in with no problem. The crowds were slightly higher in the afternoon since cruise ships would dock, but they weren’t “shoulder to shoulder” bad.
The mornings and evenings were ideal with just enough people to feel lively but never crowded.
Mykonos in May brought warm weather during the day and cool evenings. We didn’t swim as the water was pretty cold but did wade in the water a bit.
Keep in mind that the sun is very strong in Mykonos because it's so far south. It feels warmer than the temperature says it is. On days when the high was only 72, it felt like it was in the 80s. It does get chilly when the sun goes down.
Mykonos is always windy, but May is least windy
Lastly, let's talk about wind. Mykonos is a windy island with wind speed ranging from 10 to 16 mph. The least windy month is May...another perk for choosing late spring! September is only slightly more windy than May.
What to wear in Mykonos in September and May
During the day I was typically in shorts and a t-shirt or a dress. In the evening I would wear a light jacket or jeans and a light sweater.
SEE my OTHER GREECE POSTS INCLUDING:
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYKONOS
BEST BEACH CLUB IN MYKONOS – SCORPIOS MYKONOS
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI GREECE
April and October is the next best time to visit Mykonos
Mykonos in October and April is perfect if swimming and sunbathing aren't a priority but fewer crowds and low prices are.
Mykonos in April and October bring the same benefits as May and September except that you won’t have guaranteed warm weather for sunbathing or beach time.
If laying by the beach isn’t a priority, then this would be the best time to go to Mykonos because it will be even less crowded than May and September and the prices will be lower.
April sees temperatures in the 50s and 60s and the chance of rain is slightly higher than May, averaging 5 rainy days. October temperatures range from the low 60s to low 70s and 8 rainy days. The water in October is considerably warmer than in April, or even May.
Aim towards mid to late April and the beginning of October. Many businesses run during the main tourist season and not all will be open the beginning of April or the very end of October.
Also, note that not all beach clubs will be open in April and October.
What to wear in Mykonos in April and October
Laying is key during these months as it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. Afternoons can quickly become hot if you're getting full sun. Jeans/skirts and a t-shirt paired with a jacket/sweater for when it gets cold will be perfect.
June through August is the best time for parties
Summer in Mykonos is best for those looking to take advantage of beach clubs and parties. Otherwise, this is the most crowded and expensive time to visit Mykonos.
If you're visiting Mykonos island for crazy parties, then summer is the best time to go to Mykonos. Beach club calendars are packed with popular artists and live shows. If that's something you could care less about, then I would stay away from this time of year.
Hotel prices will be extremely high, tours will be more expensive, everything will be crowded at all times, and it can get extremely hot...unless you're jumping in the ocean.
Cruise ships bring tourists by the thousands this time of year. That cute street that took you 3 minutes to walk down in mid-May will take you 20 minutes during summer with the crowds.
Locals say all the charm is lost during the summer months and I can’t tell you how many told me it is “absolutely miserable” this time of year.
If hitting up the never-ending parties is not your goal, then summer is definitely the worst time to visit Mykonos.
November through March - winter is not the best time to visit Mykonos
Mykonos shuts down in the winter. You'll have fewer options for hotels, restaurants, and tours.
Mykonos is a tourist island that revolves around visitors chasing the sun. Therefore, during the winter months, it nearly shuts down.
You'll have the best luck with weather and some shops being open in November and March, but December through February will be particularly dead, chilly, windy, and grey.
If snagging an incredible hotel deal and having the island to yourself is your aim, then this is the time to go. Otherwise, I would steer towards warmer more lively months.
In summary
I will definitely choose to spend May or September in Mykonos when I return. The combination of warm weather and fewer crowds makes these months the best time to visit Mykonos.
If you're looking for fewer crowds and even better hotel deals, April and October will fit the bill. Just know it may not be warm enough to lounge by the pool.
Summer is dreadful crowd and price-wise and is only worth the hassle if you're looking to party.
Winter is cold, grey, windy, and much of the island is closed.
I hope this post helps you decide the best time to visit Mykonos for the type of trip you're looking for! I'm sure you'll leave planning a return trip just like I did.
*some of these hotels are adults-only*
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MYKONOS:
Midrange
- Portobello Boutique Hotel
- Andronikos Hotel
- Aeolos Resort Mykonos
- Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas
- Vencia Boutique Hotel
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The Best Time to Visit Mykonos | Ideal Months
Looking for tours and activities in Mykonos?
Do you have any recommendations for hotels in Mykonos and Santorini?
These are the nice hotels I recommend that make for an incredible experience. If you want budget suggestions (i.e. you don’t really care where you stay), let me know and I’ll send you those as well.
Mykonos:
Boheme Mykonos
Bill and Co
Santorini:
Canaves Oia Suites
Adronis Altta Mare
Andronis Boutique Hotel
Andronis Arcadia Hotel
Hi Ashley,
My husband and I will be staying on Paros, but are thinking about a day trip to Mykonos. Would the crowds still be manageable around June 1st or 2nd, or would it already by too packed to be enjoyable?
Thanks!
I looked at the cruise ship schedule and sadly those days look absolutely terrible. Cruise ships are what ruin and overwhelm the city. If you can get there super early you might get a few enjoyable hours…but overall, expect it to be very crowded.