Weather in Kimolos in December
Expect cool, one of the wettest times of year weather in Kimolos in December, early winter. Expect highs of about 15°C / 58°F and overnight lows near 10°C / 50°F. In the water, expect around 17°C / 63°F, too cold for most people to swim. Rain falls on around 10 days, with about 125 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Kimolos is a small, quiet island next to Milos, with volcanic rock formations along its coast. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. You get about 9½ hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Weather can change quickly at this time of year, so check the forecast before a long day out. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Kimolos in December
Swimming isn't really on the cards in Kimolos in December, with the water at around 17°C / 63°F. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Beaches such as Prassa are lovely for a walk, even when the water is too cold to swim. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Kimolos in December
Tourism in Kimolos slows right down in December. 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. 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 Kimolos in December
In December, ferries between Piraeus and Rafina and Kimolos run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. 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. Cash is useful, as smaller places may not take cards.
Festivals & Holidays in Kimolos 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. Locals in Kimolos 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 Kimolos?
December is only worth it if you want total peace. Expect highs of around 15°C / 58°F and lows near 10°C / 50°F. Kimolos is at its quietest, with most rooms and tavernas closed, fewer ferries and changeable weather. It suits travelers who want to experience island life at its most local and don't mind simple comforts. For almost everyone else, June, September or October would be a far better time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Kimolos in December?
Through December, sunset in Kimolos moves from around 5:05 pm to around 5:15 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 5:05 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Kimolos 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 December a good time for walking on Kimolos?
Yes, on dry days. Walking in December can be very rewarding, with clear air and empty paths, but days are short, trails can be muddy after rain and the wind can be strong on exposed ground. Start early, carry a warm layer and check the forecast. Look out for Skiadi, a giant mushroom-shaped rock formation.
Do I need a car on Kimolos in December?
No. Kimolos 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 Kimolos?
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.
Kimolos Weather by Month
