Weather in Ithaca in October
October in Ithaca means autumn conditions: pleasantly warm and often wet. Average highs reach 24°C / 75°F, with lows of around 16°C / 61°F. In the water, expect around 23°C / 73°F, comfortable for swimming. Rain falls on around 7 days, with about 81 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Heavy showers and thunderstorms can arrive in autumn, usually between long, warm, sunny spells. Ithaca is a small, green, mountainous island in the Ionian, right next to Kefalonia. Days bring around 11 hours of daylight. Pack layers: T-shirts for the day and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. The light is softer than in summer, which makes it a lovely time for photos and walks. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Ithaca in October
October is a great month for swimming in Ithaca, with water temperatures around 23°C / 73°F. Swimming is still good, although the sea has cooled since August. Gidaki and Filiatro are local favorites. Some beach bars and sunbed services are open, but not all, so bring your own shade. Quieter coves around the coast are often just as beautiful as the famous beaches. No wetsuit needed.
Crowds & Prices in Ithaca in October
Crowds in Ithaca 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. Weekdays are calmer than weekends at the most popular spots. Early mornings and late afternoons are the quietest times at popular sights. You can often book at short notice, except around holidays.
What's Open in Ithaca in October
Ferry services between Kefalonia and Ithaca are being cut back in October. Most places stay open into early October, then start closing as the month goes on. Archaeological sites and museums are on their longer summer hours. Shops in tourist areas often stay open into the evening. Opening hours are long, with many tavernas serving until late. Boat trips and excursions run regularly, weather permitting.
Festivals & Holidays in Ithaca 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. In Ithaca, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. As the season quietens, local life takes over again, with markets and harvest gatherings.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Ithaca?
Yes, October is an excellent choice for Ithaca. In numbers: highs of about 24°C / 75°F, lows of 16°C / 61°F and rain on around 7 days in a typical October. You get warm water and summer weather with fewer people and better prices than in high season. It's ideal for beach days, swimming and following in Odysseus's footsteps. If you want the absolute peak of summer life, July and August are busier, but most travelers will prefer October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Ithaca in October?
In early October, the sun sets in Ithaca at around 7:20 pm, and around 7:00 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. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Does it rain in Ithaca 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.
Is October a good time for walking on Ithaca?
Yes, it's one of the best times. October brings softer light, cooler air and quieter paths, which make for excellent walking. Carry water and a light layer, as the weather can change. Paths lead to places linked with Homer's Odyssey.
Do I need a car on Ithaca in October?
It's the easiest way to get around. Ithaca 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 Ithaca?
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.
Ithaca Weather by Month
