Weather in Karpathos

Find out what the weather is like in Karpathos right now to better plan your journey. This section presents up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and charts to help you prepare for your trip.

The climate on the island of Karpathos can be described as classic Mediterranean, combining long sunny summers with mild, albeit wetter, winters. Thanks to its southern location in Greece, a comfortable atmosphere prevails here, rarely bringing extreme temperature fluctuations. This makes the island a wonderful destination for travel, where the weather is predictable and favourable for holidays.

The summer period, especially from June to September, is distinguished by exceptional dryness and warmth. During these months, the average air temperature fluctuates between +23...+26°C, and rain is almost entirely absent, guaranteeing tourists clear skies and ideal conditions for a beach holiday. Even on the hottest days, the sea breeze often brings a pleasant freshness, softening the heat.

Winter months, conversely, bring coolness and precipitation. Although the temperature rarely drops below +13°C, the number of rainy days in January and February increases noticeably. Transitional seasons, such as May and October, offer a golden mean: it is already warm enough for comfortable walks, but without the summer heat, which is excellent for those who prefer active tourism and excursions.

The climate on Karpathos is distinguished by its mildness and absence of extreme variations, making a stay on the island comfortable at any time of the year. The coolest period falls in January and February, when the average air temperature is around +14°C. Winter here is not frosty at all, but rather resembles early spring: even on the coldest nights, the temperature rarely drops below +13°C, allowing you to enjoy walks without heavy winter clothing.

Summer on the island is characterized by dry and sunny warmth. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when average figures reach +25.8°C, and maximum values approach +27°C. Notably, precipitation is almost completely absent from June to September, so tourists can expect guaranteed clear weather. Thanks to low humidity and sea breezes, the summer heat is tolerated quite easily.

A feature of the temperature regime of Karpathos is its surprising stability throughout the day. Judging by meteorological data, the difference between day and night temperatures is minimal and often amounts to just 1–2 degrees. This means that even after sunset, the air remains warm and pleasant, creating ideal conditions for long evening dinners on terraces. The velvet season, especially October with its comfortable +21.6°C, is also a wonderful time for a visit.

Precipitation on Karpathos is distributed extremely unevenly throughout the year, forming clearly defined dry and wet seasons. For lovers of beach holidays and cloudless skies, the ideal time will be summer and the beginning of autumn. In July, August, and September, rains here are practically excluded: statistics show an average of 0 rainy days in these months. June also delights with stable weather, when the probability of precipitation is reduced to a minimum.

The situation changes with the arrival of winter, when the frequency of rains increases noticeably, although their intensity remains low. The "wettest" period is considered to be January, when about 14 days with precipitation are recorded, as well as December (11 days) and February (10 days). At this time of year, travellers should be ready for changeable weather, however, thanks to the mild climate of Greece, prolonged downpours are rare here, and even in winter, one can catch sunny hours.

Transitional seasons — spring and mid-autumn — offer an excellent balance. In April, May, and October, the number of rainy days drops sharply to two per month. This makes the off-season a wonderful time for excursions and walks around the island without the exhausting heat and without the frequent rains characteristic of the winter months.

When packing for Karpathos in the summer season, give preference to light clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, to feel comfortable in the warm weather. Since rain is practically absent from June to September and the sun is very active, be sure to take high-quality sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. However, it is worth remembering the winds characteristic of the region: even at the height of summer, it can be fresh in the evenings, so a light windbreaker or a thick shirt will become indispensable companions.

For a trip in the off-season or winter (from November to March), the best solution will be the principle of layering. At this time, the temperature holds around 14–16°C, and the probability of precipitation increases noticeably, so it is worth putting a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and warm jumpers in your suitcase. In spring and early autumn, the weather is very pleasant but changeable, so a combination of t-shirts with light cardigans will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

Regardless of the time of year, pay special attention to footwear. The island is conducive to long walks and exploring mountain villages, so comfortable trainers or trekking boots with non-slip soles are simply necessary. If you plan a beach holiday, grab special swimming shoes (aqua shoes), as many beaches on Karpathos are pebbly or rocky, and entering the water barefoot can be uncomfortable.