Looking for the best time to visit Mykonos, Greece? Discover the months that offer the perfect mix of good weather, fewer crowds & 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 dock bringing 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 saavy traveler and taking the time to research the best time to visit Mykonos. You'll be glad you did!
Continue reading the best time to go to Mykonos or save it for later!
Late May and late September is the best time to visit Mykonos
If you’re looking for the best months to visit Mykonos that offer the perfect mix of warm weather, long days, and less 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.
You'll avoid the summer masses and easily find a quiet beach. Hotel rates will be lower than summer and you’ll have an easier time getting into restaurants without reservations.
Mykonos in September 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 the middle towards the end of the month 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!
Our visit to Mykonos in May was PEFECT! Mykonos in September is similar to May with slightly less crowds.
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 is 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 80's.
When the sun goes down it does get chilly. During the day I was typically in shorts and a t-shirt or a dress and in the evening I would wear a light jacket or jeans and a light sweater.
Fokos beach all to ourselves
Consider renting a car for the day to really explore the island. This will give you the opportunity to visit beaches that are only reachable by car, and therefore much less crowded. Beaches on the bus routes are always more crowded.
*Please steer clear of renting an ATV or scooter. The hospitals are filled with tourists each year from bad accidents. Part of the reason is the roads are very narrow, steep, and have hair pin turns. The other reason is many people renting these ATVs and scooters have no idea what they are doing and are a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the road. Go the safe route and pay for a small car. The price is only about 15-20 euros more and worth it.
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 April and October bring the same benefits as May and September except that you won’t have guaranteed warm weather for sunbathing or beach going. 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.
Aim towards the middle to the end of April and beginning of October. Many businesses run during the main tourist season and not all will be open the beginning of April or the end of October.
Mykonos in October and April is perfect if swimming and sunbathing isn't your priority and less crowds with lower prices is.
June through August - the best time for parties and the worst time for crowds and prices
If you're visiting this Greek island for crazy parties then summer is the best time to go to Mykonos. Otherwise, I would stay away from this time of year at all costs. 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 are jumping in the ocean.
Cruise ships bring in 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 gone 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 is a tourist island and therefore really shuts down during the winter months. You will have the best luck with weather and some shops being open in November and March, but December through February will be particularily dead, chilly, 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 stear 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 enought to lounge by the pool. Summer is dreadful crowd and price wise and is only worth the hassel if you're looking to party. Winter is cold, grey, 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 are looking for! I'm sure you will leave planning a return trip just like I did.
Looking for tours and activities in Mykonos?
See my other Greece blog posts
Do you have a favorite time of year to visit this picturesque island? Share your thoughts on the best time to visit Mykonos in the comments below!
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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