The Best Time to Visit Mykonos | Ideal Months for Weather + Crowds

Looking for the best time to visit Mykonos, Greece? Discover which months offer the perfect mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower 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 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.

The 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 for 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/mid-fall are the best time to visit Mykonos.

Specifically, mid-May and late September through mid-October. This is shoulder season, but unlike winter, things are still open (hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, etc.).

Mykonos in May and September offers the best sightseeing weather and decent crowd levels. I've visited both times and slightly preferred May because it was more colorful with flowers blooming everywhere and felt a lad less crowded than September.

September had warmer weather and ocean temps (the water was freezing in May), but was slightly more crowded. Flowers were in bloom, but it wasn't the explosion of colors that May brought.

Mid-May and late September is the best time to visit Mykonos

Late Fall and late Spring are ideal for the "typical" tourist. This is not the time for those focused on big beach parties

This is the sweet spot if you’re looking for the best months to visit Mykonos and explore the island. Late spring and late fall offer the perfect mix of warm weather, long days, and fewer tourists; ideal for wandering the island and enjoying your hotel pool. I.e., a great time if you're visitng Mykonos for the first time and want an all around good experience. 

This is not the time for those looking to experience bumping, wild, beach parties. The best time for that is summer.

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 downside is that the water is still very cold. While it's warm enough to lay by the pool/enjoy the beach, you probably won't be swimming in the ocean.

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 low 80s and lows in the low 60s. The water is 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. 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 finding restaurant and bar 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 for the best weather and crowd levels.

Jake and I went to Mykonos in May (the 15th to be exact) and it couldn't have been a better time to visit! 

I later visited Mykonos in late September. During my 7 days, 4 were perfect weather (70s, no rain, and little wind), 2 were extremely windy with gusts up to 50 mph, and 1 day had on and off rain.

When I visit Mykonos again, I'll opt for May. The crowds were slightly better and the flowers were in full bloom. The bougainvillea seemed to overtake every corner with bright pinks and fuchsias.

September brought more leafy greens. It was still colorful, as the bougainvillea held some of its blooms, but it wasn't an explosion of color like May.

Getting into restaurants in mid-May and September was no problem, even at the last minute. The crowds were higher in the afternoon with cruise ship tourists, 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 and September brought warm weather during the day and cool evenings.

Because Mykonos is so far south, the sun is very strong. It feels warmer than the temperature reads. 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 and September are the calmest

Lastly, let's talk about wind. Mykonos is a windy island with wind speeds ranging from 10 to 16 mph. May is the least windy month, followed by September.

What to wear in Mykonos in September and May

During the day, I was typically in shorts and a t-shirt or a casual dress. In the evening, I would add a light jacket or wear 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

If swimming and sunbathing aren't a priority, Mykonos in October and April is perfect. Crowds are considerably lower than in May and September, as are prices.

Mykonos in April and October brings the same benefits as May and September, without the guaranteed warm weather for sunbathing or beach time. 

If lying on 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, with an average of 5 rainy days (slightly higher than May). October temperatures range from the low 60s to low 70s with 8 rainy days.

Even if it does rain, it's usually light showers, not downpours. You can easily pop into a cafe and wait for a break in the rain to continue your sightseeing. Aim for late April and early October for the best weather.

Ocean temperatures are still fairly warm in October, but don't plan on swimming in April, as it will be freezing. 

Another reason to aim towards mid to late April and the beginning of October is tourist season. Many businesses run during the main tourist season and close shop the rest of the year. Not all restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, and beach clubs will be open at the beginning of April or the very end of October.

April is considered a "soft opening". By May, everything is open. Things gradually start shutting down in late October.

What to wear in Mykonos in April and October

Layering is key during these months as mornings and evenings are quite chilly. Afternoons can quickly become hot if you're in 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 experience beach clubs and parties in full swing. 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 full, 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. I can’t tell you how many told me it is “absolutely miserable” this time of year.

Summer is also very windy. The Meltemi winds hit their peak in July and continue well into August.

If hitting up the never-ending parties is not your goal, then summer is 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

The combination of warm weather and fewer crowds make May and September the best months 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!

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The Best Time to Visit Mykonos | Ideal Months

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Come back after your trip! Share in the comments below the month you picked and why you thought it was the best time to visit Mykonos.