What's the best time to visit Mykonos?
The best time to visit Mykonos is between April to June and September to October, offering warm, sunny weather ideal for beach activities and experiencing the island’s vibrant nightlife without the peak season crowds.
These shoulder seasons provide a perfect balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds, along with better hotel rates. Notable events like the Mykonos Biennale and the Harvest Festival enhance the cultural experience, making these months ideal for enjoying all that Mykonos has to offer.
The small Greek island of Mykonos – “the island of the winds” – consistently ranks as one of the best European islands to visit for beautiful beaches, nightlife, shopping, dining, and culture.
When you come to Mykonos, you enter a gorgeous island paradise with everything you’d expect a luxe Mediterranean destination like this to offer. The climate is pure bliss, with warm, dry summers and mild, slightly rainy weather in spring, late fall, and winter.
Some of the Aegean Sea’s best beaches are right here on the shores of Mykonos. But when should you go? Discover everything the island has to offer when you learn the best time to visit Mykonos for all types of trips. We’ll also share the worst time to visit so you can plan the perfect trip!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Mykonos
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The best time to visit Mykonos is during the warm, sunny months of April to June and September to October. During this time, you’ll have picture-perfect beach days, buzzing nightlife, and seaside attractions without the peak season crowds.
The shoulder seasons in spring and fall are by far the best time to visit Mykonos. You’ll enjoy the best the island has to offer in the absence of the massive crowds that arrive in July and August.
The weather is prime during these periods, making the perfect opportunity for sunny days at the beach, water sports, dining al fresco, and sightseeing around the island.
April, May, and June see highs in the high 60s to the upper 70s with hardly any rainfall to ruin your outdoor plans. Just ahead of the busiest months of the summer season, you’ll get better deals on hotels and appreciate the smaller crowds wherever you go.
In September and October, the affordable and short fall shoulder season thins out the big summer crowds and a more laid-back vibe takes over the beaches, bars, and restaurants here.
Temperatures hover in the mid-to-low 70s in September and October. Rainfall is hardly measurable in September, but October sees around 1.6″ of rain.
Blessedly mild-yet-warm weather, room to stake your claim at the most scenic spots on the beach, and lower prices on accommodations around the island make these 2 periods the best time to visit Mykonos.
If you arrive in June on an odd-numbered year, you’ll be able to experience the Mykonos Biennale with short films, artwork, dancing, and historical tours around the island.
The Harvest Festival takes place at the Agricultural Museum in September. Sample different Greek wines, foods, and dance to traditional music from the island’s past.
Hotel prices differ from month to month during these periods, so pay attention to the average nightly rates between April-June and September-October:
- April: $73-$193/night
- May: $75-$197/night
- June: $123-$325/night
- September: $113-$298/night
- October: $71-$186/night
You can score amazing deals in April, May, and October before and after the truly ideal summer weather arrives. April and May are a little cooler (65-71F) while October is wetter (1.6″ of rain).
Cheapest Time to Visit Mykonos
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The cheapest time to visit Mykonos is from October to December. You’ll find some of the lowest hotel prices of the year during this off-season period when temperatures drop to 60F-70F.
Between October and December, you’ll be able to stay in Mykonos for a fraction of the peak season price. Hotel rates drop to as low as $28/night in December!
There’s no doubt that October, November, and December are the best time to visit Mykonos on a budget. While you’ll miss most of the warm, beach-friendly weather, you can still swim in Mykonos in October.
Temperatures are pleasant and mild during the fall and early winter in Mykonos. October highs reach 71F, November is around 65F, and December hits 60F. Rainfall isn’t heavy, but Mykonos enters its rainy season come October.
Rainfall totals slowly creep up each month, with October seeing 1.6″, November with 1.9″, and December with 2.7″ of rain. The low prices this time of year might be the main attraction to visiting between October and December.
Hotel rates drop considerably, especially during December:
- October: $71-$186/night
- November: $79-$208/night
- December: $28-$73/night
Some of the seaside restaurants and bars shutter their doors around October as the peak season crowds thin out and the low season arrives.
Still, you’ll find plenty of places to stay in Mykonos, eat, and explore on the island. If you can deal with chillier temperatures in the 50s-60s, December is definitely the cheapest month to visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit Mykonos
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The least busy time to visit Mykonos is from October to February, when the weather cools off and crowds drastically thin out in the low season.
From October to February, Mykonos enters its low season with very few tourists arriving. It’s the cooler weather, rainfall, and limited off-season attractions that make this time of year so much less crowded.
If blaring music and jam-packed clubs and shops aren’t your thing, you’ll appreciate the laid-back nature of a visit to Mykonos in October, November, December, January, or February.
Each of these months offers less-crowded conditions with excellent hotel availability and lower off-season prices. Some clubs, restaurants, and shops are closed or operating on limited hours this time of year.
Temperatures vary quite a bit during this period, starting out around 71F in October and dropping to 57F in January and February. October is still warm enough for swimming at the beach, but come November, the beaches are deserted.
Rainfall can be a problem if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors and sightseeing around the island.
October and November are the least rainy months during this time. December through February see anywhere from 2.3″ to 2.8″ of rainfall throughout each month, which equates to about 7-9 rainy days per month.
It’s the combination of cooler temperatures less suited for time at the beach, limited nightlife, and shorter days that make this the least busy time to visit Mykonos.
Fortunately, the prices reflect the low season and drop accordingly, especially from October to December (the cheapest time of year to visit):
- October: $71-$186/night
- November: $79-$208/night
- December: $28-$73/night
- January: $90-$236/night
- February: $91-$239/night
While prices are slightly higher in January and February, they’re nowhere near the peak season rates of $170-$500 per night. To sidestep crowds and enjoy Mykonos’ quieter side, come from October to February.
Worst Time to Visit Mykonos
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The worst time to visit Mykonos is during July and August, the busiest months of the year during the peak summer season. It’s hot, crowded, and expensive during this time.
Mykonos is loud, busy, and expensive during the peak summer season. In the busiest months of July and August, thousands of travelers arrive on the island ready for a nonstop party and fun at the beach.
The restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and attractions around the island are packed during this 2-month period. You’ll have trouble finding a hotel last-minute and need to book months in advance to score a room.
Even if you manage to book a great room during the peak season, you’ll pay dearly for it. Mykonos hotel prices rise drastically during July and August as the demand skyrockets.
Lots of events happen during July and August, from patron saint festivals and concerts throughout July to the XLSIOR Summer Gay Festival in August. Big events bring even more tourists. The weather is amazing, if a little hot, during this busy time of year.
Expect daily highs in the 80s with almost zero precipitation to rain on your parade. The peak season prices are nothing to sneeze at, with hotel rates reaching their highest point of the year in July and August:
- July: $173-$456/night
- August: $188-$495/night
You’re better off visiting ahead of the peak season in April, May, or June or waiting for a fall visit in September or October for lower prices, smaller crowds, and slightly cooler weather.
Things to Consider
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Planning a visit to the island of Mykonos starts with doing some research to learn the ins and outs of traveling to this idyllic destination. Here are some things to consider while you plan!
- Families with kids can enjoy it, too. While Mykonos has a party reputation, it’s still a family-friendly destination with lots to do for families bringing children along. While the dance clubs and bars won’t be on your itinerary, everyone can enjoy the Greek and international food, beaches, checking out the windmills and Little Venice, and visiting the educational museums here. Kids will love taking the half-hour ferry to nearby Dalos or a longer ferry ride (about 3 hours) to Santorini!
- Know your transportation options. The bus in Mykonos is a great way to get around the island affordably, but you can also rent a bike, scooter, or moped for transportation while you’re here. Chora (Mykonos Town) doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, so walking and biking are the modes of transportation here.
- Start your day early. You’ll be able to enjoy less-crowded conditions and have better opportunities for taking photos if you can start your days early in Mykonos. Many people come here to check out the nightlife scene and the town doesn’t get busy until the early afternoon in most cases. If you’re out and about before everyone else, you’ll be able to see a quieter side of Mykonos.
- Party time starts around 4pm. The beachfront dance clubs and bars start kicking off around 4-6pm, and you’ll be able to hear the thumping music all along the beaches here. Parties continue until the late night or early morning hours, so if you want to avoid the club scene, you’ll want to start moving off the beach around 4-6pm.
- Discover the different communities here. Bustling Chora (Mykonos Town, the busiest area with shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels) and Ano Mera (a smaller, quieter village with traditional food and architecture) are the largest communities on Mykonos. You’ll also be able to visit beaches, cafes, and restaurants in Agios Ioannis, Agios Stefanos, Ornos, Platis Gialos, and Tourlos while you’re here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Travelers have a lot of questions beyond the best time to visit Mykonos. If you’re entering the planning stages of your trip, check out the most frequently asked questions to learn more!
What is the cheapest month to visit Mykonos?
December is the cheapest month to visit Mykonos by far. With hotel rates dropping to an unbelievable $28-$73/night, you’ll be able to score excellent accommodations in the heart of Mykonos at rock-bottom prices in December.
The period from October to December is the cheapest time of year to visit Mykonos, with affordable hotel rates from $71-$208/night in October and November.
How many days is recommended in Mykonos?
Plan on spending at least 3 days in Mykonos, but if you can stay for 4-5 days, it’s even better. Mykonos is small, but there’s a lot to explore on this idyllic Greek island.
With 3-5 days to spend here, you’ll be able to enjoy the beaches, sample authentic Greek and international cuisine, check out the different club and bar atmospheres, explore the villages and quarters around the island, and visit the museums and galleries that tell its history.
Is Mykonos better than Santorini?
Mykonos has better beaches than Santorini, but most travelers find that Santorini is the better destination for scenery, laid-back vibes, vineyard and winery tours, and sightseeing.
Mykonos is known for its summertime party atmosphere with lots of bars and dance clubs on the beaches. Santorini is a bit more traditional with a focus on the beauty (natural and architectural) and history of the island.
Do you need more time in Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos is slightly bigger than Santorini, but Santorini offers more things to do outside of the beach and nightlife scene. Both islands are great for a 3-5 day stay, with 5 days being perfect for Santorini.
Walking tours of Santorini and its vineyards and wineries, the archaeological site of Akrotiri, the volcanic caldera, and numerous museums and galleries mean you may need more time in Santorini than in Mykonos.
How long is the ferry ride from Santorini to Mykonos?
The ferry ride from Santorini to Mykonos takes about 3 hours. The ferry runs 8 times each day during the peak summer season and a few months before and after (usually April to October).
There are 4 ferry companies that run boats from Mykonos to Santorini: Minoan Lines, Seajets, Fast Ferries, and Golden Star Ferries. Round trip prices range from $71-$170.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Mykonos?
The best time to visit Mykonos is between April and June and the months of September and October. These shoulder season months are warm, sunny, affordable, and less crowded than the peak months of July and August.
Whether you’re coming when it’s at its best, cheapest, or nearly empty of tourists, the island oasis of Mykonos is a place you’ll never want to leave.