Weather in Karpathos in December
December is early winter in Karpathos: mild and one of the wettest times of year. Average highs reach 17°C / 62°F, with lows of around 12°C / 54°F. Expect rain on around 11 days and about 152 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. Sea temperatures average around 18°C / 64°F, refreshing for some, but too cool for most. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. Karpathos is long and mountainous, and it's one of the windiest islands in the Aegean, which makes it a favorite with windsurfers. You get about 10 hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Pack layers, including a warm sweater for the evenings and a light waterproof jacket. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Karpathos in December
The sea around Karpathos averages about 18°C / 65°F in December, refreshing rather than warm. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Try Apella and Kyra Panagia for clear water. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. Smaller beaches often have no shade, so bring your own. A short wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.
Crowds & Prices in Karpathos in December
December is one of the quietest months in Karpathos, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. Rates for rooms and car hire drop to their yearly lows. 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. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Karpathos in December
Ferry links from Piraeus and Rhodes to Karpathos continue through December, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Direct international flights run mainly from spring to autumn, while flights from Athens operate all year. The main town stays open all year, but beach resorts close and many hotels shut for the winter. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December.
Festivals & Holidays in Karpathos in December
On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is honored in harbors across Greece, and decorated boats appear alongside Christmas trees. Christmas is celebrated with church services, carols sung door to door by children and festive sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes. Locals in Karpathos mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. Outside these dates, it's a good time to experience ordinary Greek life, from the weekly market to the evening stroll.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Karpathos?
It depends on what you want. In December, Karpathos 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 17°C / 62°F, lows near 12°C / 54°F and rain on around 11 days. It's fine for a quiet break or visiting Olympos village. For a proper beach holiday, go in June, September, October or November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Karpathos in December?
Sunset in Karpathos is at around 5:00 pm at the start of December, around 5:00 pm in mid-December and around 5:05 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Karpathos 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.
Can I visit Olympos village in December?
Yes. You can explore Olympos village any time of year. In December it's quiet, with few visitors, and some tourist shops and cafés close for the season, but it feels authentic and peaceful. Many older women there still wear traditional dress.
Do I need a car on Karpathos in December?
Yes, if you want to see more than Pigadia. Bus services are limited in December, and a car makes it easy to reach villages, beaches and viewpoints. Rental rates are among the lowest of the year, but fewer agencies are open.
Is December or January better for visiting Karpathos?
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.
Karpathos Weather by Month
