Weather in Kos in October
In Kos, October brings autumn weather that is warm and mostly dry. Average highs reach 25°C / 77°F, with lows of around 20°C / 67°F. Expect just 2 rainy days in a typical October. The sea averages about 23°C / 73°F, pleasant for a swim. The summer winds ease, and the light turns soft and golden. Kos is long and fairly flat, with sandy beaches along its coasts and a mountain ridge running along the south of the island. Daylight lasts about 11 hours. Summer clothes are fine by day, with a light layer for the evenings and plenty of sunscreen. The light is softer than in summer, which makes it a lovely time for photos and walks. Mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Kos in October
Swimming is excellent in Kos in October, with the sea averaging around 23°C / 73°F. The water is cooling after the warmest months of July, August and September, but it's still pleasant. Paradise Beach and Tigaki are local favorites. Some beach bars and sunbed services are open, but not all, so bring your own shade. You won't need a wetsuit.
Crowds & Prices in Kos in October
October is a shoulder month in Kos, busy enough to feel lively but well below the summer peak. Prices are noticeably lower than in high summer, and there's more choice of rooms. Staying slightly outside the main town usually means better value and more space. Weekdays are calmer than weekends at the most popular spots. You can often book at short notice, except around holidays.
What's Open in Kos in October
Ferry services between Piraeus and Kos are being cut back in October. The airport has direct flights from across Europe in the season, as well as flights from Athens. Most places stay open into early October, then start closing as the month goes on. Museums and sites are open on extended summer hours. Boat trips and excursions run regularly, weather permitting.
Festivals & Holidays in Kos in October
28 October, Ochi Day, is a national holiday with parades marking Greece's refusal to surrender in 1940. October brings the start of the olive harvest in many areas, and in some regions, the first tsipouro or raki of the season. In Kos, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. It's a good time to see traditions that have nothing to do with tourism, from harvests to name days.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Kos?
October is one of the best months to visit Kos. Expect highs of around 25°C / 77°F, lows near 20°C / 67°F and rain on around 2 days. The sea is warm, the weather is reliable and the summer crowds are thinner, so beaches and villages feel relaxed. It suits almost everyone, from couples to families outside school holidays. The only caveat is that a few seasonal businesses may be closed at the very start or end of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Kos in October?
In early October, the sun sets in Kos at around 6:55 pm, and around 6:35 pm by mid-month. Clocks go back an hour on the last Sunday of October, so by the end of the month sunset is around 5:15 pm. All times are Greek local time. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Does it rain in Kos in October?
It can. October is when the first proper autumn rains arrive, usually as short showers or the occasional thunderstorm between warm, sunny days. Early October often feels like a gentle extension of summer, while the end of the month is noticeably cooler and more changeable. Bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Can I visit Kos Town in October?
Yes, and October is a lovely time to do it. Kos Town is lively without the peak-season crowds, and it's comfortable to walk around during the day. The ancient agora and the Castle of the Knights sit right in the center.
Do I need a car on Kos in October?
It helps. Bus timetables are lighter in October than in summer, so a car or scooter makes it easier to reach villages and beaches beyond Kos Town.
Is October or November better for visiting Kos?
October, clearly. The start of the month often still feels like late summer, with a warm sea and open tavernas. By November the season is over on most islands: many businesses have closed, ferries run less often and the weather is more unsettled.
Kos Weather by Month
