Weather in Kea in December
December is early winter in Kea: cool and fairly changeable. Average highs reach 15°C / 59°F, with lows of around 9°C / 47°F. Sea temperatures average around 17°C / 63°F, too cold for most people to swim. Rain falls on around 6 days, adding up to about 64 mm over the month. Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, and its hills are greener than most, dotted with oak trees. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. Daylight lasts about 9½ hours, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Short days and changeable skies are part of the appeal, with fewer visitors and a more local feel. Sunny spells between the rain can be beautiful, with clear air and long views. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Kea in December
The sea around Kea averages about 17°C / 62°F in December, which is cold for swimming, though a few hardy locals still take a dip. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. A wetsuit makes a big difference if you want to get in.
Crowds & Prices in Kea in December
December is one of the quietest months in Kea, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. Weekends are busier than weekdays, as it's a popular escape from Athens. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Kea in December
Ferries to Kea from Lavrio run all year, but less often in December, and rough seas can cancel sailings. Most hotels, restaurants and bars close for the winter, and only a few places stay open for locals. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. Cash is useful, as smaller places may not take cards.
Festivals & Holidays in Kea 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. In Kea, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Kea?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. In numbers: highs of about 15°C / 59°F, lows of 9°C / 47°F and rain on around 6 days in a typical December. In December, Kea is ideal for a quick getaway from Athens, museums and long lunches, with few other visitors around. Don't come for swimming or nightlife, though. For sun and sea with fewer crowds than summer, choose June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Kea in December?
Sunset in Kea is at around 5:05 pm at the start of December, around 5:05 pm in mid-December and around 5:15 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 Kea 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.
Is Kea a good weekend trip from Athens in December?
Yes, if you want peace and quiet. Ferries from Lavrio run all year, and the island's walking trails and stone villages are lovely in December, but many hotels and tavernas close for the winter. Book somewhere that's open and check ferry times, as bad weather can cancel sailings.
Do I need a car on Kea in December?
Yes, if you want to see more than the port. 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 Kea?
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.
Kea Weather by Month
