When it comes to a holiday in Greece, Rhodes is one of the first places that comes to mind along with Athens and Greece. Part of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece, Rhodes is in the southeastern part of this European country, located on the Aegean Sea. Rhodes is steeped in Greek mythology, deep rooted history, and a unique culture. Moreover, the picturesque landscapes and the gorgeous beaches make it worthwhile. But before you start making plans, it is important to know when is the best time to visit this Greek Island. Here is a detailed account on the best time to visit Rhodes Island in Greece.
The climate is one of the most important factors that determines the best time to visit a place. Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate, where the summers are quite warm while the winters are mild. Another important fact about Rhodes is that it has 300 days of sunshine in a year, due to which it earns the title of “Sunshine Island”. Here is a breakdown of the four seasons of Rhodes.
While the climate of Rhodes is crucial in deciding when to vacation in Rhodes, your interests and travel goals also determine the ideal time for your visit. Here are the best times to visit Rhodes as per different travel priorities.
Best Beaches: The best beaches to visit in Rhodes are Faliraki, Lindos, Tsambika, Anthony Quinn, Elli, Glystra, Agathi, Prasonisi, and more.
Cons of Visiting in Summer: One of the main cons of visiting Rhodes in summer is that the island would be extremely crowded. Moreover, everything would be expensive too. Due to the tourist crowd, getting hotel accommodation would be difficult, unless you book well in advance.
Cons of Visiting Rhodes in Autumn and Spring: There are very few cons of visiting Rhodes in these seasons. You may not be able to enjoy long days of sunshine as the days are shorter during these months. The island may experience some rainfall in the late autumn months, and the waters may be too cool to swim in the spring season. Also, several tourist services like water sports may not be operational during these months, especially in late autumn and early spring.
If Rhodes is on your travel bucket list but your budget is stopping you from visiting this island in Greece, autumn and spring seasons are great. You would find the prices of flights, accommodation, attractions, and activities cheaper than it is during the summer season. However, if you are on a shoestring budget, winter season would be the best option for you. Unlike several European countries, winters in Rhodes are quite mild. The temperature is somewhere around 14-degree C to 17-degree C, making it ideal for exploring the place. You are likely to get great discounts and deals on flights, hotels, and tour packages.
This is also a great time to visit the fabulous museums on the island. A visit to Archeological Museum of Rhodes would give you an insight into the ancient and medieval history of the place. A few other interesting museums here are the Bee Museum of Rhodes, Rhodes Toy Museum, Path of Gods – Greek History Museum, Jewish Museum of Rhodes, Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes, Museum of Modern Greek Art, and more.
Cons of Visiting Rhodes in Winter: The weather in Rhodes is not very favorable in winter. Although the winter is mild, you can expect rain anytime during the three months of the winter season. This makes outdoor activities quite difficult. Swimming in the waters may not be possible in this season, as the water would be too cold. Also, you would not be able to enjoy the water sports. Several other tourist activities would be closed during this season.
Here is a guide to visiting Rhodes every month of the year, including information on the weather, temperatures, and local events and festivals.
January is part of the winter season in Rhodes, with temperatures between 12-degree C to 15-degree C. You will find very few tourist crowds during this month. The same can be said about the prices. While visiting the beaches may not be very favorable during this month, exploring indoor attractions like museums would be a good idea. You can also drive around the coast to take in the beauty of the place. You get to celebrate New Year Day (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), and The Three Holy Hierarchs (January 30) in this month.
Winter continues in Rhodes in February, when the temperature is between 13-degree C to 16-degree C. The frequency and intensity of rains become less during this month. You can continue with exploration of the indoor attractions, although you may also consider visiting the beaches to sit and relax on the sand. Visiting the Valley of the Butterflies, taking a day trip to Lindos, and enrolling in a Greek cooking class are some other things to do in February. As for festivals, you must not miss the Carnival of Rhodes, which is filled with parades, elaborate costumes, and parties.
March is when spring begins in Rhodes officially, although the weather is still a bit cool during this month. The temperature is around 14-degree C to 17-degree C, and the chance of rain goes down by 35%. With 12 hours of sunshine, it is a great month to explore the outdoors. You can also check out the Old City of Rhodes, which would take you back to its medieval history. If you are in Rhodes on March 7, you will get to be a part of the Dodecanese Reunification Day, which marks the day that Greece was reunified with the Dodecanese Island in 1947. There is also the Greek Independence Day, which is celebrated on March 25.
April brings a little more warmth to the island of Rhodes, as the temperature increases to 16-degree C to 19-degree C. The possibility of rain is minimal in this month, making it possible for you to bravely venture onto the beaches. However, water temperatures are still around 18-degree C, which may be too cold for most people. It is a great time for sightseeing, as you can explore the island without too many tourists. If you are visiting in April, you are likely to get the chance to experience Easter in Rhodes (although this festival may all fall in March). It is one of the most important festivals for Christians. Masses at the church, fireworks, and feasts are generally a part of Easter celebrations.
Rhodes is at the peak of spring in May, with temperatures between 19-degree C to 23-degree C. While the daytime weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor expeditions, the night times can be a bit cool. Apart from sightseeing, you can also swim at the beach, as the water is warm enough for a dip or two. One of the main holidays in this May Day, celebrated on May 1. On this day, people visit rural areas for picnics, fly kites, and pick wildflowers. Then there is the Rhodes Medieval Rose Festival that is celebrated for a few days in May, where you get to see and know about the history and culture of the island through reenactments of medieval life.
June is officially summer in Rhodes. Expect the temperature to be between 23-degree C and 27-degree C throughout the day. You can enjoy 87% of sunshine and more than 14 hours of daylight. While sightseeing is one of the best tourist activities in June, this month is also the beginning of the beach season. A visit to the beach will give you the chance to enjoy the sun, take a dip in its pleasant waters, and try out beach sports. June is also the month of the Feast of St John the Baptist, the day the patron saint is celebrated with feasts and bonfires.
Summer continues in Rhodes in the month of July, with the temperature between 25-degree C to 31-degree C. Along with beach visits and sightseeing, you can go on boat tours, especially sunset tours. Going on a boat tour to Lindos, relishing a traditional Greek meal at a local tavern, and watching a traditional Greek dance and music performance are things not to be missed. On July 24, Rhodes along with the rest of Greece celebrates The Restoration of Democracy to mark the day democracy won over dictatorship rule. There is also Naval Week in the first week of the month, where you would get to see boat races, fireworks, and concerts.
August is the month when summer officially ends in Rhodes. The temperature is somewhere between 31-degree C and 38-degree C. You can expect a lot of crowds during this month of the year. Just like the other summer months, August is also great for beach activities. Plus, going on boat tours and cruises, watching a beautiful sunset from the Old Town, visiting the Valley of Butterflies, and shopping at the Hippocrates Square Market are the best things to do in August. One of the important festivals for Greek Christians is held on August 15, which is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
September marks the entry of autumn in Rhodes, although you would find the weather to be like August. September temperatures are between 28-degree C to 34-degree C, with 88% chances of a perfect sunny day. You can continue to explore the beaches and the outdoor attractions of the city. As schools start in all of Europe in September, tourist crowds are very less during this month. A major festival in Greece in September is The Birth of the Virgin Mary Tsampika, which is celebrated on September 8. In Rhodes, women who wish for a child go on a special pilgrimage to the monastery church on the hilltop on this day.
The temperatures in October in Rhodes are between 21-degree C and 25-degree C, making the weather pleasant and warm. You can still enjoy the outdoors during this month, sans the overwhelming tourist crowd. This is a great time to explore the Old Town, hike in the Valley of the Butterflies (without butterflies around though), and enjoy a local vineyard tour. Taking a traditional Greek cooking class is also an interesting thing to do in this month. On October 28, Greeks celebrate Ochi Day or No Day to commemorate the country’s refusal to Mussolini’s demand to surrender in 1940. You will get to see speeches, parades, folk dances, and more.
November is when Rhodes drifts towards winters, as the temperatures lower to somewhere around 18-degree C to 21-degree C. Although the month receives a good amount of sunshine, there are also slight chances of rain. Beach sports completely stop during this month, and the tourist crowds are almost nil. Still, you can continue with your outdoor exploration; however, it is important to carry a light jacket, raincoat, or umbrella. The Feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel are held on the November 8, an important event for the Orthodox Christians of Greece. There is also the Geek Armed Forces Day on November 21.
With the temperature ranging between 14-degree C and 17-degree C, it is quite cool in Rhodes in December. There is a high chance of rain, and swimming in the sea is rather difficult. However, this is the best time to visit Rhodes if you want to enjoy some peace. Plus, there are the Christmas celebrations to look forward to. Christmas is a long holiday, starting from December to 24 and ending on January 6, i.e., on Epiphany Day. You can enjoy feasts, Christmas carols, and numerous other festivities during this time.
The best time to visit Rhodes totally depends on your interests and budget. Whichever time you choose to visit Rhodes, pack according to the weather for a pleasant stay. Moreover, do not forget to apply for a visa. To visit Rhodes, you need a Schengen visa, like Italy visa and 26 other European countries that fall under the Schengen zone.
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