Weather in Lesvos in December
In Lesvos, December brings early-winter weather that is cool and one of the wettest times of year. Average highs reach 14°C / 56°F, with lows of around 8°C / 47°F. In the water, expect around 17°C / 63°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Expect rain on around 11 days and about 143 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. Lesvos is Greece's third-largest island, with pine-covered hills in the east and a dry, rocky landscape in the west. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. You get about 9½ hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Pack a warm jacket, layers and a waterproof, plus shoes that can handle wet paths. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Lesvos in December
The sea around Lesvos averages about 17°C / 62°F in December, which is cold for swimming, though a few hardy locals still take a dip. Save swimming plans for June, July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Beaches like Skala Eresou are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. A wetsuit makes a big difference if you want to get in.
Crowds & Prices in Lesvos in December
You'll have Lesvos largely to yourself 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. 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. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Lesvos in December
Ferries to Lesvos from Piraeus run all year, but less often in December, and rough seas can cancel sailings. The island also has an airport with flights from Athens. Life goes on in the main town, but most resort hotels and beach tavernas close until spring. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December.
Festivals & Holidays in Lesvos 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 Lesvos, 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 December a Good Time to Visit Lesvos?
December is worth it for Lesvos if you're interested in culture, food and walking rather than beaches. In numbers: highs of about 14°C / 56°F, lows of 8°C / 47°F and rain on around 11 days in a typical December. It's quiet, prices are low and the main town still has plenty going on, but the sea is cold and many resort businesses are closed. For beach weather, come in June, September or October instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Lesvos in December?
Through December, sunset in Lesvos moves from around 4:50 pm to around 5:00 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 4:50 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Lesvos 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 Molyvos in December?
Yes. You can explore Molyvos any time of year. In December it's quiet, with few visitors, and some tourist shops and cafés close for the season, but it feels authentic and peaceful. Its castle overlooks the harbor and stone houses.
Do I need a car on Lesvos in December?
Yes, if you want to see more than Mytilene. 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 Lesvos?
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.
Lesvos Weather by Month
