Weather in Anafi in March
March is early spring in Anafi: mild and fairly changeable. Average highs reach 16°C / 61°F, with lows of around 11°C / 51°F. The sea averages about 16°C / 61°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Rain falls on around 5 days, adding up to about 55 mm over the month. Spring winds can still be brisk, but the hills turn green and wildflowers appear everywhere. Anafi is a small, remote island east of Santorini, with rugged hills and very little shelter from the wind. You get about 12 hours of daylight a day. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. It's a lovely time for walking, with fresh air and green countryside. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler than the middle of the day. The weather can change from one day to the next, so check the forecast before planning a long day out. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Anafi in March
At around 16°C / 61°F, the sea in Anafi is too cold for most people to swim in March. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. The best swimming weather is still a few months away. A wetsuit makes a big difference if you want to get in.
Crowds & Prices in Anafi in March
Tourism in Anafi slows right down in March. It's the cheapest time to visit, with the best deals on accommodation. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. Book ahead anyway, as the few places that stay open are small.
What's Open in Anafi in March
In March, ferries between Piraeus and Rafina and Anafi run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. Only a handful of rooms and one or two tavernas stay open, and some days almost nothing is. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. Most sites close on 25 March. Check opening days before setting out, as some places open only at weekends.
Festivals & Holidays in Anafi in March
25 March is Independence Day, a national holiday with school and military parades, and it's traditional to eat fried salt cod with garlic sauce. If Clean Monday falls in March, expect kite flying on hillsides and beaches, and meatless picnics. In Anafi, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Anafi?
March is a maybe for Anafi. It's peaceful and green, and good for walking, but the season hasn't started, so few places are open and ferries are less frequent. Expect highs of around 16°C / 61°F, lows near 11°C / 51°F and rain on around 5 days. It suits self-sufficient travelers who want solitude. For a more comfortable trip with everything running, come in June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Anafi in March?
In early March, the sun sets in Anafi at around 6:10 pm. Clocks go forward an hour on the last Sunday of March, so by the end of the month sunset is around 7:35 pm. All times are Greek local time. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Is March still winter in Anafi?
March is the turning point. Early in the month it can still feel wintry, with cool winds and the odd storm, but spring usually arrives by the end of it. Wildflowers start to cover the hillsides, the days get noticeably longer and sunny days become more common, though evenings stay cool enough for a jacket.
Is March a good time for walking on Anafi?
Yes, it's one of the best times. March is ideal for walking, with comfortable temperatures, green hillsides and wildflowers. Carry water and a light layer. The walk to Kalamiotissa Monastery beneath the great rock of Kalamos is the island's classic hike.
Do I need a car on Anafi in March?
No. Anafi is small enough to explore on foot, and the distances between the harbor, village and beaches are short. In March, seasonal minibuses and beach boats usually don't run, so be ready to walk and bring sturdy shoes.
Is March or April better for visiting Anafi?
April, for most travelers. It's warmer and sunnier, wildflowers are at their best, and more hotels and tavernas reopen as the season begins. Greek Easter often falls in April, a wonderful time to be on an island, though it pushes up demand. March is quieter and cheaper, but more is still closed.
Anafi Weather by Month
