Corfu
Greece · Europe
The best time to visit Corfu is May, June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Corfu – What you should know
Corfu is the greenest of the Greek islands — and there are climatic reasons for that. The Ionian position in north-west Greece makes Corfu wetter than the Aegean islands: in winter it rains considerably more than on Crete or Rhodes, which blesses the island with lush olive groves, cypresses and wildflower meadows. In summer, however, Corfu is also dry and sunny, with temperatures typically of 28–29°C (82–84°F) and up to 11 hours of sunshine daily.
The best travel time is May, June and September: the weather is superb, the vegetation brilliantly green, and the bays of the west coast less crowded than in high summer. In July and August, millions of visitors stream onto the island — the beaches around Paleokastritsa and Glyfada are then full, but the water is crystal-clear and warm enough for hours-long swimming sessions.
A special attraction of Corfu lies in winter and spring: from January to March the island is almost deserted, the olive harvest is underway, and the mountain villages of the interior show a completely different face from Corfu's touristy summer. Those seeking hiking, authentic village gastronomy and peace will find in Corfu outside the season one of the least-known gems of the Greek travel calendar.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 15° (59°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)21 (70) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)30 (86) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)36 (97) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)37 (99) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)38 (100) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)13 (55) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)18 (64) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)16 (61) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h | 7h | 8h | 10h | 10h | 12h | 13h | 11h | 9h | 7h | 5h | 5h |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 20° (68°) | 23° (73°) | 25° (77°) | 26° (79°) | 25° (77°) | 22° (72°) | 20° (68°) | 17° (63°) |
🌧Rain Days | 10d144mm (5.7") | 9d130mm (5.1") | 7d94mm (3.7") | 4d45mm (1.8") | 3d37mm (1.5") | 2d23mm (0.9") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 1d16mm (0.6") | 4d94mm (3.7") | 6d147mm (5.8") | 10d178mm (7.0") | 10d158mm (6.2") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Corfu with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Corfu
December – March
Corfu in Venetian winter light: the UNESCO-listed old town without cruise passengers, olive groves in the misty morning, the Kanoni peninsula and Mouse Island in silence. Corfu is green all year round — and its rainy winter is the reason why.
April – June
Spring — one of the greenest moments in Greece: cypress groves, wild orchids, mountain roads into the interior. Orthodox Easter on Corfu is unique: the botides pot-throwing at 11 am on Holy Saturday is a spectacle found nowhere else.
July – September
Peak season: Paleokastritsa and Glyfada are full, the marinas occupied and the old town flooded with cruise passengers. The northeastern tip around Kassiopi is quieter and less built-up.
October – November
Autumn peace: the sea is warm, the olive harvest begins and the island exhales. In the evenings Corfu Town has time for its guests again.
Events & Festivals
April
- Easter on Corfu – Botides (pot throwing)· varies (Holy Saturday, Orthodox Easter)
At 11 am all the church bells ring at once — and clay pots full of water come flying out of the old town's windows onto the streets. This unique tradition dates back to Venetian times and is considered one of the most dramatic Easter spectacles in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Corfu?
- The best time to visit Corfu is May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Corfu?
- In summer, daytime highs in Corfu average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 38°C (100°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around -2°C (28°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Corfu get?
- Corfu has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 6 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Corfu?
- Water temperature in Corfu ranges from 15°C (59°F) (February) to 26°C (79°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MaySepOct
