Weather in Antikythera in March
March is early spring in Antikythera: cool and often wet. Temperatures typically peak at around 14°C / 58°F in the afternoon and fall to about 10°C / 51°F at night. Expect rain on around 7 days and about 53 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. The sea averages about 15°C / 59°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Weather fronts become rarer as the season goes on, and calm, clear days take over. Antikythera sits alone between Kythira and Crete, fully exposed to the open sea. Days bring around 12 hours of daylight. Pack a warm jacket, layers and a waterproof, plus shoes that can handle wet paths. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler than the middle of the day. It's a lovely time for walking, with fresh air and green countryside. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Antikythera in March
At around 15°C / 60°F, the sea in Antikythera is too cold for most people to swim in March. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. Many locals swim all year, but only for a few minutes at a time. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Antikythera in March
You'll have Antikythera largely to yourself in March. It's the cheapest time to visit, with the best deals on accommodation. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. Book ahead anyway, as the few places that stay open are small.
What's Open in Antikythera in March
Ferry links from Kythira and Crete to Antikythera continue through March, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Very little stays open: expect one or two tavernas and a few rooms at most. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 March. Check opening days before setting out, as some places open only at weekends.
Festivals & Holidays in Antikythera 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 Antikythera, 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 March a Good Time to Visit Antikythera?
March is a maybe for Antikythera. 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. In numbers: highs of about 14°C / 58°F, lows of 10°C / 51°F and rain on around 7 days in a typical March. 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 Antikythera in March?
In early March, the sun sets in Antikythera at around 6:20 pm. Clocks go forward an hour on the last Sunday of March, so by the end of the month sunset is around 7:45 pm. All times are Greek local time. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Is March still winter in Antikythera?
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 Antikythera?
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 island is also known for bird migration in spring and autumn.
Do I need a car on Antikythera in March?
No. Antikythera 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 Antikythera?
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.
Antikythera Weather by Month
