Rhodes features a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, and sunny summers, and mild, wetter winters. The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, with long, bright days in summer and moderate temperatures even in winter. Seasonal changes bring vibrant springs and autumns, making Rhodes a year-round destination for both beach lovers and culture seekers.
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.
Rhodes’ climate is defined by its southern Aegean location, resulting in four distinct seasons. Summers (June–September) are hot, dry, and exceptionally sunny, with average highs of 29–34°C and occasional peaks above 38°C. Nights remain warm, around 21–23°C, and rainfall is extremely rare – August often sees virtually no rain. The Meltemi wind, blowing from the northwest, provides relief from the heat, especially on the west coast, and keeps humidity moderate. Sea temperatures reach 25–26°C in August, ideal for swimming and water sports. Sunshine is at its maximum, with up to 13 hours per day in July and August.
Winters (December–February) are mild and wetter, with average highs of 15–17°C and lows of 8–11°C. Rainfall is concentrated in these months, especially December and January, which can see up to 180 mm of rain each. However, sunny days are still common, and snow is extremely rare on the coast. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with pleasant temperatures (17–26°C), moderate rainfall, and blooming or golden landscapes. These seasons are perfect for hiking, exploring ancient sites, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty without the intense summer heat. Annual precipitation averages 700–850 mm, and Rhodes enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Winds are generally light to moderate, with the Meltemi strongest from May to September.
| Average climate data for Rhodes, Greece | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 20 | 16 | 29 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 13 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 75 | 60 | 35 | 26 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 31 | 57 | 81 | 389 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 15 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 85 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 69 | 71 | 70 | 71 | 68 | 69 | 69 | 68 | 67 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 68 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 22 | 22 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 20 | 18 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 18 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 19 | 21 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 35 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 30 | 17 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
The best time to visit Rhodes is from May to October, when temperatures are warm (20–34°C), rainfall is minimal, and the sea is perfect for swimming. For those seeking fewer crowds and milder weather, May–June and September–October are especially pleasant, offering ideal conditions for both beach and cultural activities.
The least favourable time to visit is from December to February, when Rhodes is coolest and wettest. While temperatures remain mild, frequent rain and occasional storms can limit beach days and outdoor activities, though the island is quieter and prices are lower during this period.
Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe.
Summer temperatures in Rhodes typically reach 29–34°C, with occasional peaks above 38°C in July and August. Nights are warm, and the Meltemi wind provides relief from the heat.
Snow is extremely rare on the coast of Rhodes. Winters are mild, with daytime highs of 15–17°C and nighttime lows of 8–11°C. Rain is more common than snow in winter.
Rain falls mainly from November to February, with December and January being the wettest months. Summer is almost completely dry, with little to no rainfall from June to September.
Rhodes enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, with July and August each averaging up to 13 hours of sun per day. Even in winter, sunny days are common.
Pack light, breathable clothes and swimwear for summer, layers and a rain jacket for winter and spring. Sun protection is essential year-round, and an umbrella is useful in autumn and winter.
Rhodes is breezy year-round, especially from May to September when the Meltemi wind blows. Humidity is moderate, and the wind helps make high summer temperatures more comfortable.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (29.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (14.6 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 21.3 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (25.5 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (12.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 18.7 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (27.4 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (17 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 21.4 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (80.7 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is August (1 mm). Over the whole year there are 388.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (15.2 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (0.3 days). Over the whole year there are 84.9 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is April (70.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is October (65.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 68.3 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (22 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is May (15.1 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 18.1 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is January (35 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (2.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 17.2 %.
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 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 12.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 9 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February and December (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.4.
