Weather in Arki in December
Expect cool, one of the wettest times of year weather in Arki in December, early winter. Expect highs of about 15°C / 59°F and overnight lows near 9°C / 48°F. Rain falls on around 10 days, with about 139 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. In the water, expect around 18°C / 64°F, bracing, and too cool for many swimmers. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. Arki is a tiny, low island north of Lipsi, with little shelter from the wind. Days bring around 9½ hours of daylight, 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. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Arki in December
At around 18°C / 65°F, the sea in Arki is swimmable in December if you don't mind a chill. 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. The water is famously clear, which makes it great for snorkeling. A short wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.
Crowds & Prices in Arki in December
Tourism in Arki slows right down in December. Rooms are cheap, but only a handful stay open. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. 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 Arki in December
Ferry links from Patmos and Lipsi to Arki continue through December, 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 and 26 December. Cash is useful, as smaller places may not take cards.
Festivals & Holidays in Arki 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 Arki, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Arki?
It depends on what you want. In December, Arki is peaceful and inexpensive, but the season is over, the sea is too cool for most swimmers and the weather can turn. Expect highs of around 15°C / 59°F, lows near 9°C / 48°F and rain on around 10 days. It's fine for a quiet break or escaping to a tiny island. For a proper beach holiday, go in June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Arki in December?
Through December, sunset in Arki moves from around 4:55 pm to around 5:05 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 4:55 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Arki 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.
Is December a good time for walking on Arki?
Yes, on dry days. Walking in December can be very rewarding, with clear air and empty paths, but days are short, trails can be muddy after rain and the wind can be strong on exposed ground. Start early, carry a warm layer and check the forecast. It's one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese, with a few paths leading to quiet coves.
Do I need a car on Arki in December?
No. Arki is small enough to explore on foot, and the distances between the harbor, village and beaches are short. In December, seasonal minibuses and beach boats usually don't run, so be ready to walk and bring sturdy shoes.
Is December or January better for visiting Arki?
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.
Arki Weather by Month
