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Whether you’re enchanted by the colorful villages and majestic monuments or wish to head there for the fantastic beaches and finger-licking mood, Corfu has a way of seducing every traveler who steps foot on the island.
With almost 1.7 million people visiting the island last year, it’s clear that many other travelers also share this opinion.
Whatever your reasons for going to the island, there’s the best time to visit Corfu and the worst time to be there (yeah, we also couldn’t believe it.)
Follow along to find the best dates for your personal itinerary and discover other useful bits of information, such as when to steer away from the peak season crowds and how to go easy on your wallet. Let us be your guide!
The Best Time to Visit Corfu in 2023
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The overall best time to visit Corfu is during the island’s peak season in summer (June–August).
With temperatures between 61°F and 88°F, visitors need little convincing to explore the island’s beaches and enjoy a laid-back vacation.
Our top recommendation for a summer swim is definitely Canal d’Amour — the sea here is at its calmest at this time, so cave exploration and cliff diving are fair game.
That said, these months also see prices skyrocket, less elbow room than any other season on the island, and long queues in front of bars and restaurants.
Still, this is when you can truly experience what a Mediterranean summer getaway truly means, and no other season quite captures it. To avoid the occasional intense heat, consider heading to Ropa Valley.
Visitors can engage in golfing, horseback riding, or even wine tasting. The main area worth visiting, however, is Theotoky Estate, where you can join guided tours through the cellars and, of course, sample some of the local delicacies.
June visitors can join the Saint John festivities. Celebrated in Mantouki and other Corfu villages, this event continues the long-standing tradition of jumping over fires.
Travelers headed to Kontokali, Stavro, Arghirades, Antiperni, and Othoni can enjoy celebrations related to the Festival of the Holy Spirit. Want to move around and learn a local dance or two?
Then the International Folklore Dance Meeting festival in Sinnies might be just the right event for you. Held annually since 1997, the festival features both Greek and international dances and music performances.
If you visit in August, join The Vararola Festival celebrations. Being a mock recreation of the actual 1716 battle, you’ll get to see a boat being set on fire and a plethora of intrigued tourists such as yourself.
Then there’s The Festival of Garouna and Ano Gerakiana (August). Celebrating the return of previous Corfu residents, this event brings about emotional family reunions, giving the island quite a nostalgic vibe.
Cheapest Time to Visit Corfu
Wish to visit Corfu on a budget? No problem — keep your eyes peeled for November offers including cheap accommodation rates and affordable airfare.
But it’s not just the airfare and accommodation that gets more affordable at this time — starting November 1, museums also provide visitors with discounts. So, make sure to take advantage of that if you find yourself on the island in November.
You can also pay the Corfu Aquarium a visit, head to local art galleries, and check out the Jewish Synagogue, Agia Theodora Mitropolis Orthodox Cathedral, as well as the Church of Saint Ioannis the Precursor.
A fairly comfortable fall month, Novembers on Corfu see temperatures between 50°F and 66°F.
Least Busy Time to Visit Corfu
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Those who wish to steer away from the island crowds should consider visiting Corfu in September and October. Family vacations have come to an end, leaving fall visitors to enjoy the island in solitude.
From sleepy streets to quiet beaches, fall on Corfu can be amazing if you give it a chance. You can engage in the same activities as you would in summer, just without the intense heat.
September visitors will find swimming in the sea not only possible but quite enjoyable. Restaurants have fewer guests, and the weather makes activities such as sightseeing and hiking quite comfortable.
The weather’s also ideal for heading to Mon Repos, in close proximity to the island’s main town. Being a former palace, the Mon Repos scenic walk is a great one-day attraction.
Plane spotting is kind of a thing in the fall months, too. Just go to Kanoni and witness the awe-inspiring roaring sounds near Corfu International Airport.
If you visit in September, attend Corfu Literary Festival for a marvelous island celebration of the arts. If you’re coming to Corfu during this time, expect temperatures fluctuating between 56°F and 82°F.
Worst Time to Visit Corfu
While there really isn’t a bad time to visit a great island, we believe visiting Corfu during winter (December–February) simply doesn’t do the island’s beauty justice.
You can’t hit the beach, go for a swim, or work on that tan, and the precipitation levels are quite high, so packing an umbrella is more important than packing your sunglasses.
That said, just because winter isn’t the prime time to visit Corfu doesn’t mean you’re not going to enjoy your time on the island. For instance, if you visit in February, expect to experience the Carnival season in full swing.
From the well-known grand parade to customs such as burning the King Carnival, this event makes everyone on the island buzz with festive energy and join the plethora of local dances.
If you come earlier, you can join the Feast of Saint Spyridon (December) celebrations. In any case, whenever you visit in winter, stick to the bigger cities as opposed to more remote villages, as businesses in larger towns stay open to cater to locals’ needs.
Also, note that certain souvenir shops in winter remain closed. Those that do work, however, offer much better prices in winter than in summer. Hiking is also possible, as long as you have the necessary rain gear.
If the winter weather gets a bit too much for you, you can always find refuge in fun indoor tours, such as the Patounis Soap Factory guided tours and learn all there is to know about natural olive oil soap production (tip: during winter time, booking in advance isn’t necessary).
Winter temperatures on the island vary between average lows of 41°F and highs of 57°F.
Things to Consider
CORFU-AUGUST 24: Tourists go shopping in local souvenirs shops on August 24,2014 on Corfu island, Greece./lornet/Shutterstock
Visiting Corfu is nothing short of magical, but to make sure it’s as stress-free as possible, consider the following:
- American citizens may travel to Greece without any visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. They’re required to have a valid passport for at least three months after their departure from Greece, however.
- If you’re traveling with kids, monitor them at all times. While most Corfu beaches are kid-friendly, August sees the appearance of “meltemia,” a summer wind, which makes the sea somewhat choppy.
- The sea is the warmest in the August–October period.
- Bringing insect repellent and SPF cream should be your priority while packing. Be on the lookout for wasps and mosquitos. Also, jellyfish are quite (in)famous during summer.
- Be on the lookout for narrow roads and reckless drivers if you decide to rent a car — it’s not uncommon for tourists to drive off the hillsides.
- Getting a scooter may be tempting, but unfortunately, there have just been so many accidents that we recommend that travelers stick to public transport or cars.
- Almost every summer, the entire country experiences heatwave and wildfire episodes which come and go. While most vacations go trouble-free even during active wildfires, make sure to always keep up with the latest information and follow local advice.
- Get a map of the island and carry it with you, especially in more remote areas with poor phone coverage and unreliable Internet connection.
- Locals are very proud of their island, and chances are, they’ll ask you how your stay is, what you like about the island, whether you have any remarks, and so on. In fact, they take such pride in their island life that they address themselves firstly as Corfiots and secondly as Greeks.
- While Corfu is generally a safe island with a low crime rate, we urge caution and awareness of your valuables at all times, as advised with any other location you may be visiting for the first time.
- Get travel insurance before your island getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many days do you need in Corfu?
While you can see most of the island in a few days, we suggest spending at least a week on Corfu to truly relax and enjoy the island without feeling like you’re rushing somewhere or trying to do everything in a short amount of time.
Is Corfu cheap or expensive?
Your Corfu getaway can be as cheap or as expensive as you wish. On the whole, past travel data shows you’ll need around €113 ($124) per day on your holiday. Previous visitors have spent €31 ($34) on meals and €55 ($61) on transportation per day.
Note that the above-mentioned budget figures are based on previous visitors’ data, so don’t rely too much on them — always search for the most recent information before you visit somewhere, including Corfu.
Which is better: Corfu or Crete?
Both Corfu and Crete are stunning islands, and as such, they attract travelers from different walks of life. Want a dynamic holiday with plenty of places to go and things to see? Head to Crete. Interested in a laid-back family holiday where you can easily get from one place to another? Opt for Corfu.
Can you get around Corfu without a car?
While renting a car gives you much more flexibility and allows you to go off the beaten path, it’s absolutely possible to navigate the island on foot and/or by bus. Ultimately, it depends on where your accommodation is and what you plan on doing during your island stay.
For instance, if you only plan on basking in the sun and staying in close proximity to Corfu Town, your two feet will be more than enough.
Which is the best area to stay in Corfu?
Corfu has many great areas — it all comes down to your budget and accommodation preferences. Here are our suggestions to help you make up your mind:
1. Corfu Town, the best option if you’re visiting for the first time
2. Sidari, ideal for budget-minded travelers
3. Moraitika, perfect for a lavish stay on the island
4. Agios Georgios, the most suitable area for a family vacation
5. Kavos, the place to be if you’re a party animal
6. Palaiokastritsa, everything adventure enthusiasts can possibly seek
Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | June to August |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | November |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | September and October |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | December to February |
- All in all, the overall best time to visit Corfu is during the island’s peak season in summer (June–August). Daytime activities abound, the weather’s hot, and everyone flocks to the island to take advantage of the summer season. This means higher prices and crowded beaches, though.
- The cheapest time to visit Corfu is in November. This is when you can find reduced hotel rates and affordable plane tickets.
- If you wish to avoid the peak season crowds, consider heading to Corfu in September and October. The island’s a lot more sleepy, as opposed to its high season, but that’s what makes it enjoyable for those who wish to explore it at their own pace in more solitude.
- The worst time to find yourself on the island is during winter (December–February). Still, the island never fails to surprise, as even during the dull winter months, there are events such as the Carnival that keep everyone full of excitement.
Given the majestic landscape, enchanting villages, and tasty local cuisine, Corfu is a destination full of surprises at every corner. Whether you come at its best, cheapest, or seemingly worst time, the island will be a Mediterranean haven you’ll never wish to leave.