Weather in Kastellorizo in December
Expect mild, one of the wettest times of year weather in Kastellorizo in December, early winter. Temperatures typically peak at around 17°C / 62°F in the afternoon and fall to about 12°C / 54°F at night. Expect rain on around 11 days and about 152 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. In the water, expect around 20°C / 68°F, bracing, and too cool for many swimmers. Kastellorizo lies far to the east, just off the Turkish coast, which makes it one of the warmest places in Greece. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. You get about 10 hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Kastellorizo in December
The sea around Kastellorizo averages about 20°C / 67°F in December, refreshing rather than warm. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. There are no sandy beaches, so people swim straight off the harbor rocks and ladders into deep, clear water. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. A short wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.
Crowds & Prices in Kastellorizo in December
Tourism in Kastellorizo slows right down in December. It's the cheapest time to visit, with the best deals on accommodation. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. Check that your accommodation is open before you travel, as many places close for winter.
What's Open in Kastellorizo in December
Ferry links from Rhodes to Kastellorizo continue through December, though with fewer sailings than in summer. The island also has an airport with flights from Athens. Only a handful of rooms and one or two tavernas stay open, and some days almost nothing is. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. Boat trips to the Blue Cave are rare out of season.
Festivals & Holidays in Kastellorizo 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 Kastellorizo, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Otherwise, life follows its normal rhythm, with Sunday lunches and busy cafés rather than big events.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Kastellorizo?
It depends on what you want. In December, Kastellorizo 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 the Blue Cave. For a proper beach holiday, go in June, September, October or November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Kastellorizo in December?
In early December, the sun sets in Kastellorizo at around 4:50 pm. By mid-month it's around 4:50 pm, and by the end of December around 4:55 pm. All times are Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Kastellorizo 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 the Blue Cave on Kastellorizo in December?
Probably not. Boat trips to the Blue Cave on Kastellorizo mostly run from late spring to autumn, so in December there are few or no regular departures, and rough seas can stop small boats anyway. If it's a must, ask locally about a private boat on a calm day. Its low entrance can only be passed in a small boat when the sea is calm.
Do I need a car on Kastellorizo in December?
No. Kastellorizo 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 Kastellorizo?
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.
Kastellorizo Weather by Month
