Weather in Corfu in October
Expect pleasantly warm, often wet weather in Corfu in October, autumn. Expect highs of about 24°C / 74°F and overnight lows near 15°C / 58°F. Sea temperatures average around 22°C / 72°F, pleasant for a swim. Rain falls on around 7 days, with about 121 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Corfu is one of the wettest parts of Greece, which is exactly why it's so green, with olive groves and cypress trees everywhere. Heavy showers and thunderstorms can arrive in autumn, usually between long, warm, sunny spells. Days bring around 11 hours of daylight. Pack layers: T-shirts for the day and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Corfu in October
October is a great month for swimming in Corfu, with water temperatures around 22°C / 72°F. Swimming is still good, although the sea has cooled since August. Try Paleokastritsa and Glyfada for clear water. Many coves are rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are useful. The sea is usually at its calmest early in the morning. Beach facilities are only partly open at this time of year.
Crowds & Prices in Corfu in October
Crowds in Corfu are moderate in October, with plenty of space at the main sights and beaches. You'll find better deals on rooms and car hire than in July and August. On cruise-ship days, the main sights are busiest between late morning and mid-afternoon. The crowds concentrate at Corfu Old Town on cruise-ship days, so for a calmer experience, explore the villages and coves of the northwest. You can often book at short notice, except around holidays.
What's Open in Corfu in October
Ferries to Corfu from Igoumenitsa run more often as the season winds down. The airport has direct flights from across Europe in the season, as well as flights from Athens. Businesses begin closing through October, so the choice shrinks towards the end of the month. Archaeological sites and museums are on their longer summer hours. Opening hours are long, with many tavernas serving until late.
Festivals & Holidays in Corfu in October
October brings the start of the olive harvest in many areas, and in some regions, the first tsipouro or raki of the season. 28 October, Ochi Day, is a national holiday with parades marking Greece's refusal to surrender in 1940. Locals in Corfu mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. As the season quietens, local life takes over again, with markets and harvest gatherings.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Corfu?
October is one of the best months to visit Corfu. Expect highs of around 24°C / 74°F, lows near 15°C / 58°F and rain on around 7 days. The sea is warm, the weather is reliable and the summer crowds are thinner, so beaches and villages feel relaxed. It suits almost everyone, from couples to families outside school holidays. The only caveat is that a few seasonal businesses may be closed at the very start or end of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Corfu in October?
In early October, the sun sets in Corfu at around 7:25 pm, and around 7:05 pm by mid-month. Clocks go back an hour on the last Sunday of October, so by the end of the month sunset is around 5:40 pm. All times are Greek local time. The Kaiser's Throne viewpoint above Pelekas is a favorite on the west side of the island.
Does it rain in Corfu in October?
Yes, more often than in the Aegean. Autumn arrives in western Greece in October, and heavy showers or thunderstorms are common, usually between warm, sunny spells. It's still a pleasant month if you keep your plans flexible and pack a waterproof.
Can I visit Corfu Old Town in October?
Yes, and October is a lovely time to do it. Corfu Old Town is lively without the peak-season crowds, and it's comfortable to walk around during the day. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Do I need a car on Corfu in October?
It's the easiest way to get around. Corfu is spread out, and buses in October are less frequent than in summer, so a car lets you explore villages and beaches at your own pace.
Is October or November better for visiting Corfu?
October, clearly. The start of the month often still feels like late summer, with a warm sea and open tavernas. By November the season is over on most islands: many businesses have closed, ferries run less often and the weather is more unsettled.
Corfu Weather by Month
