Weather in Kastellorizo in January
January is the heart of winter in Kastellorizo: cool and one of the wettest times of year. Temperatures typically peak at around 15°C / 59°F in the afternoon and fall to about 11°C / 51°F at night. In the water, expect around 18°C / 64°F, refreshing for some, but too cool for most. Rain falls on around 11 days, with about 186 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Kastellorizo lies far to the east, just off the Turkish coast, which makes it one of the warmest places in Greece. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. Days bring around 10 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. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Kastellorizo in January
The sea around Kastellorizo averages about 18°C / 64°F in January, 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 January
Tourism in Kastellorizo slows right down in January. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. Book ahead anyway, as the few places that stay open are small.
What's Open in Kastellorizo in January
Ferry links from Rhodes to Kastellorizo continue through January, 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 1 January. Boat trips to the Blue Cave are rare out of season.
Festivals & Holidays in Kastellorizo in January
New Year's Day is a public holiday, celebrated with family meals and vasilopita, a cake with a lucky coin baked inside. On 6 January, Epiphany, priests bless the waters, and young swimmers dive in to retrieve a cross thrown into the sea. In Kastellorizo, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Kastellorizo?
January is a maybe for Kastellorizo. It's quiet and relaxed, with mild spells that are nice for walking, but the sea is cooling, the weather is less reliable and many seasonal businesses have closed. Expect highs of around 15°C / 59°F, lows near 11°C / 51°F and rain on around 11 days. It suits travelers who want peace and local life. If you're after sun and swimming, June, September, October or November would suit you much better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Kastellorizo in January?
In early January, the sun sets in Kastellorizo at around 4:55 pm. By mid-month it's around 5:10 pm, and by the end of January around 5:25 pm. All times are Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Is the sea rough in Kastellorizo in January?
It can be. January is one of the stormiest months in the Aegean, and strong northerly or southerly winds regularly whip up rough seas. On the worst days, ferries and small boats are delayed or cancelled, so leave a spare day before any flight home. Calm, sunny spells between storms are common too.
Can I visit the Blue Cave on Kastellorizo in January?
Probably not. Boat trips to the Blue Cave on Kastellorizo mostly run from late spring to autumn, so in January 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 January?
No. Kastellorizo is small enough to explore on foot, and the distances between the harbor, village and beaches are short. In January, seasonal minibuses and beach boats usually don't run, so be ready to walk and bring sturdy shoes.
Is January or February better for visiting Kastellorizo?
There's little between them. Both are the heart of the off-season, with cool, changeable weather and a quiet, local feel. February brings slightly longer days, the first almond blossom and often the start of carnival season, while January has Epiphany on 6 January. Choose by your dates, and keep ferry plans flexible.
Kastellorizo Weather by Month
