Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and rich history. But when is the best time to visit this beautiful destination and what can you expect from the weather?
The answer depends on your preferences and what you want to do on your holiday. Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. The daily average temperature ranges from 9.5 °C (49 °F) in January to 27 °C (80.5 °F) in August . However, there are some variations depending on the season and the location. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip to Corfu:
Summer (June to August)
If you are looking for sun, sea, and sand, summer is the best time to visit Corfu. The months of July and August are the warmest and driest of the year, with scorching heat pushing the mercury to 31°C (88°F) on the average day, and very little rainfall for weeks on end . The sea can be a balmy 25°C (77°F) in the height of summer, making it perfect for a refreshing dip in the afternoon . You can enjoy long days of sunshine and blue skies, as well as a lively nightlife and plenty of events and festivals.
However, summer is also the peak tourist season in Corfu, which means that you will have to share the island with hordes of other visitors. You can expect crowded beaches, long queues at attractions, and higher prices for accommodation and services. You should also be prepared for some heat waves, which can make the temperature soar to 40°C (104°F) or more . If you are not a fan of extreme heat or crowds, you might want to avoid this period or choose a quieter location on the island.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Corfu if you want to enjoy mild weather, blooming nature, and fewer tourists. The average temperature rises from 12°C (54°F) in March to 19°C (66°F) in May , which is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or sightseeing. The rainfall decreases gradually as well, although you might still encounter some showers or cloudy days. The sea is still too cold for swimming, but you can admire the stunning views of the coast and the islands.
Spring is also a good time to experience some of the local culture and traditions of Corfu. You can witness the celebrations of Greek Easter, which usually falls in April or May , and enjoy the colorful parades, fireworks, and feasts. You can also join the festivities of Unification of the Ionian Islands on May 21st , which commemorates the union of Corfu and other islands with Greece in 1864.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit Corfu if you want to avoid the summer crowds and heat. The average temperature drops from 23°C (73°F) in September to 15°C (59°F) in November , which is still pleasant enough for enjoying the beach or exploring the island. The rainfall increases gradually as well, but there are still many sunny days in September and October. The sea remains warm enough for swimming until late October , so you can still take advantage of the water sports and activities.
Autumn is also a good time to discover the gastronomy and wine of Corfu. You can taste some of the seasonal products such as olives, grapes, figs, and nuts, as well as some of the local specialties such as pastitsada (meat stew with pasta), sofrito (fried beef with garlic sauce), and bourdeto (spicy fish soup). You can also visit some of the wineries on the island and sample some of the local wines such as kakotrygis (white), petrokoritho (red), or liastos (sweet).
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the coldest and wettest season in Corfu, but it can also be a charming time to visit if you don’t mind the weather. The average temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) in December to 9°C (48°F) in February , with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The rainfall is quite abundant, especially in December and January, and sometimes it can even snow on the higher peaks of the island . The sea is too cold for swimming, but you can enjoy the dramatic views of the waves and the storms.
Winter is also the low season in Corfu, which means that you will have the island almost to yourself. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, the villages, and the monuments, without the crowds and the noise. You can also experience some of the winter festivals and events, such as the Feast of Saint Spyridon on December 12th , which is the patron saint of Corfu, or the Carnival, which takes place in late January or early February , and features colorful costumes, masks, and dances.
Conclusion
Corfu is a wonderful destination that offers something for everyone, regardless of the season. However, depending on your preferences and interests, you might want to choose the best time to visit Corfu and enjoy its weather and attractions. Here is a summary of the pros and cons of each season:
- Summer (June to August): Pros: hot and sunny weather, warm sea, lively nightlife, festivals and events. Cons: crowded beaches, long queues, high prices, heat waves.
- Spring (March to May): Pros: mild weather, blooming nature, fewer tourists, Greek Easter celebrations. Cons: some rain and clouds, cold sea.
- Autumn (September to November): Pros: pleasant weather, warm sea, fewer tourists, gastronomy and wine. Cons: some rain and clouds, cooler sea.
- Winter (December to February): Pros: low season, peace and quiet, winter festivals and events. Cons: cold and wet weather, cold sea, some closures.
We hope this guide has helped you decide when is the best time to visit Corfu and what is the weather like. Whatever you choose, we are sure you will have a memorable holiday on this beautiful island!
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