weather on zakynthos

Weather on Zakynthos: Monthly climate guide

Zakynthos, a beautiful Greek island, has a Mediterranean climate. This attracts visitors all year round. The weather changes a lot with the seasons, making some times better than others to visit. This guide will help you understand the climate, temperatures, and rain to plan your holiday.

The weather on Zakynthos is mild in winter and hot in summer. July and August are the hottest months, with highs of 32.4°C and 32.8°C. January is the coldest, with lows of 7.7°C. The island gets most of its rain from October to March, with an average of 975 mm.

Key Takeaways

  • Zakynthos experiences hot summers and mild winters
  • August is the hottest month with highs of 32.8°C
  • January is the coldest month with lows of 7.7°C
  • Annual rainfall averages 975 mm, mainly from October to March
  • The best time to visit Zakynthos for beach holidays is June to mid-September
  • Sea temperatures peak in August at 26.5°C

Introduction to Zakynthos’ Climate

Zakynthos, a beautiful Greek island, is located at 37°48′N 20°45′E. It has a Mediterranean climate. The island, covering 405.55 km2, has different seasons that affect its weather conditions. The forecast shows short, hot summers and long, cool winters. Temperatures vary from 5.5°C to 32.8°C all year.

The island’s climate changes with the seasons. Summers are dry and sunny, ideal for beach lovers. Winters are wetter and cloudier. This climate helps the island’s farms, like olive groves and vineyards, grow well.

Climate change has affected Zakynthos. Over 40 years, the island has gotten warmer. This warming is shown by ‘warming stripes’, with red for warmer years. There’s also more rain now, making winters wetter.

“Zakynthos’ climate is a delicate balance of sun, sea, and seasonal change, creating a paradise for both nature and tourists alike.”

Knowing Zakynthos’ weather is key for visitors and locals. Whether you’re coming for summer or winter, the forecast helps you enjoy this Ionian gem.

Spring Weather on Zakynthos

Spring on Zakynthos brings a lovely change in the weather. From March to May, the island warms up slowly. This makes it a great time to see its natural beauty.

The temperature rises a lot during spring. By late May, it can reach up to 80°F. Nights stay cool, between 44°F and 60°F.

Zakynthos spring climate

Rainfall drops a lot in spring. The chance of rain goes from 28% to just 7%. Rainfall falls from 2.5 inches to 0.6 inches. The skies also clear, with cloud cover going from 41% to 22%.

Daylight hours get longer in spring. It starts with 11 hours and 23 minutes on March 1st. By May 31st, it’s 14 hours and 36 minutes. This means more time for outdoor fun.

Month Average High (°F) Average Low (°F) Rainfall (inches) Daylight Hours
March 59 44 2.5 11:23
April 70 52 1.6 13:00
May 80 60 0.6 14:36

Spring is perfect for enjoying Zakynthos before the summer gets busy. The weather is mild and sunny. It’s great for exploring the island and outdoor activities.

Summer Climate in Zakynthos

The summer weather in Zakynthos is hot and sunny. From June to August, the island enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This attracts visitors from all over the world.

In June, the day gets up to 28°C, with little rain. July brings even warmer days. August is the hottest, with highs of 31°C. Sometimes, it can get over 35°C.

The sea is warm in August, reaching 26.5°C. This is ideal for swimming and water sports. Rain is rare, with July seeing just 6mm on average.

Month Average High (°C) Average Low (°C) Rainy Days
June 28 18 1
July 31 21 1
August 31 21 1

Summer days in Zakynthos are long, with up to 14 hours of daylight in June. As August ends, daylight hours get a bit shorter. Despite the heat, the chance of cloudy days goes down from 22% to 12%. This means more sunshine for everyone.

Autumn Weather Conditions

The zakynthos autumn climate changes from summer’s warmth to cooler temperatures. As autumn goes on, the temperature drops a lot. Daily highs fall from 26°C to 17°C, and lows from 16°C to 11°C.

More clouds cover the island, going from 30% to 41% in October. This means more rain, with chances rising from 20% to 28%. The island gets more rain, from 56 mm to 94 mm on average.

Zakynthos autumn climate

As autumn gets closer, we get less daylight. By October’s end, we lose about 1 hour and 9 minutes of sunlight. Sunrise moves from 6:56 AM to 7:55 AM, and sunset from 7:19 PM to 5:38 PM. Remember, daylight saving time ends in late October, changing these times.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Low (°C) Rainfall (mm)
September 28 19 23
October 23 15 94
November 19 12 117

Even though it’s cooler, the sea is still warm enough for swimming in October. Water temperatures average 23°C. Autumn is a great time to visit Zakynthos for nice weather and fewer people.

Winter Climate on the Island

The winter weather in Zakynthos is mild but rainy from December to mid-March. The temperature ranges from 8°C to 14°C, with January being the coldest. Snow is rare at sea level but might dust the highest points.

Winter days in Zakynthos mix sunshine and clouds. On average, the island gets about 4 hours of sunshine daily in December and January. The sunniest day is around 22 January, with clear skies 59% of the time.

Rainfall is a big part of winter, with December being the wettest month. The island gets about 165 mm of rain in November and 147 mm in December. The chance of a wet day drops from 39% to 29% as winter goes on.

Month Average High (°C) Average Low (°C) Rainfall (mm)
December 16 10 147
January 14 8 130
February 14 8 110

Winter in Zakynthos has its own charm, despite the cooler weather and more rain. The island’s green landscapes look beautiful in the wetter months. It’s a peaceful place to escape the summer crowds.

Weather on Zakynthos: Monthly Breakdown

Knowing the weather on Zakynthos each month is key for a great trip. The island’s climate is Mediterranean, with clear changes through the year.

Spring on Zakynthos is mild and beautiful. April has 17°C temperatures, 45mm of rain, and 8 hours of sun. May gets warmer, with 21°C, less rain at 24mm, and 10 hours of sun.

Summer is when most tourists visit. June is warm, with 25°C, just 11mm of rain, and 12 hours of sun. July and August are the hottest, with 28°C and only 5mm of rain. July has the most sun, with 13 hours a day.

Autumn starts nicely, with September still at 25°C and 10 hours of sun. October cools to 21°C and gets wetter, with 56mm of rain.

Month Avg. Temp (°C) Rainfall (mm) Sunshine (hours)
April 17 45 8
May 21 24 10
June 25 11 12
July 28 5 13
August 28 5 12
September 25 16 10
October 21 56 8

Winter is cooler, especially in January and February, with 11°C temperatures. It’s also the wettest time, not great for beaches but perfect for culture.

Sea Temperatures and Swimming Seasons

The sea temperature in Zakynthos changes all year, affecting when it’s best to swim. The swimming season is from May to November. During this time, the sea stays warm, above 20°C.

Summer is the best time for water fun. August has the warmest sea, at 26.8°C. It’s perfect for long swims and sports. June, July, and September also have great swimming weather, with temperatures over 25.6°C.

Spring and autumn offer cooler, but still nice, swims. In October, the sea is about 23.3°C, between 20.8°C and 25.9°C. It’s a good choice for swimming late in the season, away from the crowds.

Season Average Sea Temperature
Winter 16.9°C
Spring 17.2°C
Summer 25.1°C
Autumn 23.3°C

Zakynthos’ sea is saltier than the world’s oceans, with 39.16‰ salinity. This makes swimming feel different. For the best swimming, visit from mid-June to early September. The sea and weather are perfect then.

Rainfall and Humidity Patterns

Knowing about zakynthos rain patterns and humidity is key for a great visit to this Ionian island. Zakynthos has a Mediterranean climate with wet and dry seasons. These seasons shape the island’s weather all year.

The wet season is from October to March, with November being the wettest. Zakynthos gets about 5.92 inches of rain then. The dry season is from April to September, with very little rain.

Zakynthos’s humidity is high all year, averaging 68%. This makes the island’s plants grow well and keeps the air comfy. The dew point varies from 44°F to 65°F, affecting how we feel the temperature.

Month Average Rainfall (inches) Average Humidity (%)
January 4.5 75
April 1.8 65
July 0.2 60
November 5.92 73

Zakynthos gets about 27.95 inches of rain each year. This is much more than the region’s average of 2.33 inches. The rain makes the island green and supports its many plants and animals.

Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration

Zakynthos is known for its long sunshine hours, especially in summer. July and August see 12 hours of sunlight each day. This makes it perfect for those who love the sun and beaches.

Even in winter, Zakynthos gets 4-5 hours of sunshine daily. This ensures it remains a popular spot all year round.

The daylight hours in Zakynthos change a lot throughout the year. The longest day is around 20 June, with 14 hours and 47 minutes of daylight. The shortest day is on 21 December, with just 9 hours and 33 minutes.

This variation in daylight hours means there’s always something to do. Whether it’s long summer evenings for island-hopping or cosy winter afternoons for exploring local culture.

In October, Zakynthos starts with 11 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. By the end of the month, it’s 10 hours and 39 minutes. Sunrise is around 6:57 am, and sunset is at 5:41 pm.

This time of year offers a nice balance of daylight and cooler weather. It’s perfect for outdoor activities and relaxing without the summer heat.

Visitors should know the sunniest time in Zakynthos is from mid-June to early September. August is the hottest, with highs of 31°C (89°F). January is the coolest, with lows of 6°C (43°F).

These changing conditions mean there’s something for everyone. Whether you want hot beach days or mild weather for sightseeing, Zakynthos has it all.

Anna
Anna

Hi! 😊 I'm Anna, the author of ZakynthosOnline.com. I'm a young travel enthusiast who fell so deeply in love with Zakynthos that I decided to make it my home. One summer, I visited this magical island and immediately felt it was my place on Earth. Strolling along the golden beaches and discovering hidden gems, I knew I didn't want to leave. Now, I share my adventures, local tips, and stories about life on the island with you through my blog. Join me, and let's uncover the secrets of Zakynthos together! 🌅