Weather in Milos in December
Expect cool, one of the wettest times of year weather in Milos in December, early winter. Average highs reach 15°C / 58°F, with lows of around 10°C / 50°F. Expect rain on around 10 days and about 125 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. The sea averages about 17°C / 63°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. Milos is a volcanic island, and its coves of white, red and ochre rock face in different directions, so some are always sheltered. 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. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Milos in December
At around 17°C / 63°F, the sea in Milos is too cold for most people to swim in December. For warm-water swimming, aim for July, August and September, when the sea is at its best. Beaches like Sarakiniko, Firiplaka and Tsigrado 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. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Milos in December
Tourism in Milos slows right down 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. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Milos in December
Ferries to Milos from Piraeus and Rafina run all year, but less often in December, and rough seas can cancel sailings. The island also has an airport with flights from Athens. The resort side of the island shuts down, with most hotels and beach tavernas closed until spring. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December.
Festivals & Holidays in Milos 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 Milos, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. 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 Milos?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. In numbers: highs of about 15°C / 58°F, lows of 10°C / 50°F and rain on around 10 days in a typical December. In December, Milos is ideal for exploring Sarakiniko, 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 Milos in December?
Through December, sunset in Milos 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. The Kastro above Plaka is the island's favorite viewpoint.
Does it get stormy in Milos 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 Sarakiniko in December?
Yes. Sarakiniko is accessible all year, and it's quiet in December. Check the weather before you go, as rain and wind can make paths slippery and exposed spots cold. Its white volcanic rock formations look like a moonscape.
Do I need a car on Milos in December?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in December, and some routes stop completely, so a hire car is the easiest way to explore. Rental rates are low off-season, but fewer agencies are open, so book ahead.
Is December or January better for visiting Milos?
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.
Milos Weather by Month
