Weather in Amorgos in December
In Amorgos, December brings early-winter weather that is cool and often wet. Average highs reach 15°C / 60°F, with lows of around 11°C / 52°F. The sea averages about 18°C / 64°F, bracing, and too cool for many swimmers. Rain falls on around 9 days, with about 82 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Amorgos is a long, mountainous island, and its steep southeastern cliffs catch the full force of the wind. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. You get about 9½ hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Short days and changeable skies are part of the appeal, with fewer visitors and a more local feel. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Amorgos in December
The sea around Amorgos averages about 18°C / 64°F in December, refreshing rather than warm. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Agia Anna and Aegiali are local favorites. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you feel the cold, a wetsuit top makes a difference.
Crowds & Prices in Amorgos in December
December is one of the quietest months in Amorgos, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. Rates for rooms and car hire drop to their yearly lows. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Amorgos in December
Ferry links from Piraeus and Rafina to Amorgos continue through December, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Most hotels, restaurants and bars close for the winter, and only a few places stay open for locals. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. It's worth calling ahead to restaurants, as off-season hours can be irregular.
Festivals & Holidays in Amorgos in December
Christmas is celebrated with church services, carols sung door to door by children and festive sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes. On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is honored in harbors across Greece, and decorated boats appear alongside Christmas trees. In Amorgos, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Otherwise, life follows its normal rhythm, with Sunday lunches and busy cafés rather than big events.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Amorgos?
December is a maybe for Amorgos. It's quiet and relaxed, with mild spells that are nice for walking, but the sea is cooling, the weather is less reliable and many seasonal businesses have closed. Expect highs of around 15°C / 60°F, lows near 11°C / 52°F and rain on around 9 days. It suits travelers who want peace and local life. If you're after sun and swimming, June, September or October would suit you much better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Amorgos in December?
In early December, the sun sets in Amorgos at around 5:00 pm. By mid-month it's around 5:00 pm, and by the end of December around 5:10 pm. All times are Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Amorgos in December?
December is one of the stormiest months in the Aegean. Strong winds and bands of rain come through regularly, and the worst storms can cancel ferries for a day or more. There are calm, bright days in between, and snow at sea level is very rare. If you're traveling by ferry, allow a buffer day before any flight home.
Can I visit Hozoviotissa Monastery in December?
Yes. Hozoviotissa Monastery is open in December, though winter hours are shorter and there are closing days, so check before you go. It's peaceful, with few visitors. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered; women are traditionally expected to wear a skirt, and wraps are often lent at the entrance. It clings to a cliff face above the sea and is reached by a steep stepped path.
Do I need a car on Amorgos in December?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in December, and some routes stop completely, so a hire car is the easiest way to explore. Rental rates are low off-season, but fewer agencies are open, so book ahead.
Is December or January better for visiting Amorgos?
December has the edge for atmosphere, with Christmas decorations and New Year celebrations, while January is quieter still, with Epiphany on 6 January. The weather is similar: cool, changeable and occasionally stormy. Both suit travelers who want the island at its most local.
Amorgos Weather by Month
