Zakynthos
Greece · Europe
The best time to visit Zakynthos is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around -1°C (30°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Zakynthos – What you should know
Zakynthos — in Italian, Zante — is the southernmost of the large Ionian islands and has a classically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and wet winters. From June to September it barely rains; temperatures typically rise to 29–33°C (84–91°F), and the Ionian Sea is at its warmest during this period. The famous Blue Caves in the north and the Navagio beach in the west show themselves in their most spectacular form at this time.
The most important natural phenomenon on Zakynthos is also linked to summer: from June to August, Laganas Bay is the most important nesting site of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. A marine protected area restricts boat traffic and beach use during the breeding season. Guided night tours to the nests are among the most impressive nature experiences in Greece.
Spring (April/May) and autumn (October) are the insider tips for travellers who want to experience both nature and beach: the weather is pleasantly warm (typically 18–26°C (64–79°F)), the island blooms in yellow and purple, and prices are well below high-season levels. In October, the sea is still warm enough for a last swim of the year.
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–)19 (66) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)24– (75–)36 (97) | 34° (93°)28– (82–)38 (100) | 34° (93°)29– (84–)37 (99) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 6° (43°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 7° (45°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)12 (54) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)15 (59) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h | 7h | 9h | 10h | 11h | 12h | 13h | 12h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 5h |
🌊Water Temp | 17° (63°) | 16° (61°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 20° (68°) | 24° (75°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 24° (75°) | 21° (70°) | 19° (66°) |
🌧Rain Days | 9d118mm (4.6") | 7d72mm (2.8") | 6d57mm (2.3") | 3d27mm (1.1") | 1d13mm (0.5") | 1d11mm (0.4") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 3d53mm (2.1") | 5d89mm (3.5") | 8d138mm (5.4") | 9d131mm (5.2") |
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 Zakynthos with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Zakynthos
December – March
Zakynthos in silence: the Blue Caves and Navagio shipwreck beach accessible without the tourist boats. Zante Town with its Venetian heritage and the Solomos Museum almost to yourself.
April – June
Spring and sea turtles: the loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) begin nesting on Laganas beach at night — boat tours to watch them start up. Snorkelling in the Blue Caves is especially clear.
July – September
Peak season: tourist boats call at Navagio beach every day, Laganas is loud at night and Tsilivi lively. Go early in the morning for the shipwreck photo without boats.
October – November
Off-season: baby turtles hatch and find their way to the sea, the island is quiet and the water still warm.
Events & Festivals
August
- Dekapentavgoustos (Dormition of the Virgin)· 15 August
A national holiday and the peak of the season. Ferries and flights sell out weeks ahead because all of Greece travels to the islands now. The inland villages hold panigiria with live music.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
- The best time to visit Zakynthos is May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Zakynthos?
- In summer, daytime highs in Zakynthos average 34°C (93°F), with peaks around 37°C (99°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around -1°C (30°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Zakynthos get?
- Zakynthos has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Zakynthos?
- Water temperature in Zakynthos ranges from 16°C (61°F) (February) to 27°C (81°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, and October), 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
MayJunOct
