Naxos enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer highs reach 28–30°C, while winter lows rarely fall below 9°C. Rain falls mainly from October to March, with summers almost rain-free. The island is sunny and breezy, especially from May to September, making it ideal for beachgoers and outdoor explorers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, features a Mediterranean climate marked by pronounced seasonal contrasts. Summers (June–September) are hot, dry, and sunny, with average highs of 28–30°C and lows around 21–23°C. Rain is extremely rare in summer, and clear skies prevail, offering up to 13–14 hours of daylight and 11–14 hours of sunshine per day. The northern Meltemi wind is a defining feature, blowing steadily through July and August, which keeps the heat comfortable and creates excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Occasionally, heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C, but the wind and low humidity make even the hottest days bearable. Sea temperatures peak at 24–25°C in late summer, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Winters (December–February) are mild and wetter, with average highs of 14–16°C and lows of 9–11°C. Rain falls mainly from November to March, with January and December being the wettest months (up to 60–75 mm and 8 rainy days each). Snow is rare on the coast but possible in the mountains. Winter days are shorter, with 4–5 hours of sunshine, and the island can be windy and occasionally stormy. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, featuring mild to warm temperatures (16–25°C), blooming or colourful landscapes, and moderate rainfall. These seasons offer fewer crowds and are ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the island’s authentic charm. Naxos receives about 350–400 mm of rain annually and enjoys over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. The climate is further moderated by the Aegean Sea, ensuring pleasant weather and a long tourist season.
| Average climate data for Naxos, Greece | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 16 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 12 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 22 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 20 | 117 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 69 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 73 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 29 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 19 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 27 | 23 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 20 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 39 | 38 | 29 | 23 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 21 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
The best time to visit Naxos is from late May to early October, when temperatures are warm (22–30°C), rainfall is minimal, and sunshine is abundant. These months are ideal for beaches, water sports, and exploring the island’s villages and ancient sites. June and September offer perfect weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to March, when days are shortest, temperatures are coolest (highs of 14–16°C, lows of 9–11°C), and rain is most frequent. Many tourist services close in winter, and strong winds or storms can disrupt travel, though the island remains tranquil and authentic.
Naxos has hot, dry summers (highs 28–30°C) and mild, wetter winters (highs 14–16°C, lows 9–11°C). Rain falls mainly from October to March, while summer is sunny and almost rain-free. The Meltemi wind is common in summer.
Snow is rare on the coast but possible in the island’s mountains during winter. Most winter precipitation falls as rain, and frosty nights are uncommon except at higher elevations.
June to August are the sunniest months, with up to 13–14 hours of sunshine daily and long daylight hours. Even in spring and autumn, Naxos enjoys several hours of sun per day.
Naxos receives about 350–400 mm of rain annually, with most falling from November to March. July and August are the driest, often with no rain at all. Rain is moderate in spring and autumn.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a warm coat for winter evenings. A windproof jacket is useful in summer due to the Meltemi wind.
Yes, Naxos is known for the Meltemi, a strong north wind that blows mainly in July and August. Winds are also common in spring and autumn, making the island ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Naxos is least crowded in winter (November–March) and early spring. These periods offer quieter attractions and better prices, but weather may be wetter and less suitable for beach activities.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (26 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (13.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (24.5 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (12.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 18.1 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (25.3 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (15.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 19.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is January (21.7 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (1 mm). Over the whole year there are 116.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (11.3 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is August (0.6 days). Over the whole year there are 69.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is July (75.2 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is December (70.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 73 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is January (28.6 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is May (17.2 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 23.4 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (39.4 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (2.6 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 20.8 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 12.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 8.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are July and August (UV index: 7). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.2.
