Weather in Mykonos in January
January in Mykonos means midwinter conditions: cool and often wet. Daytime highs average around 14°C / 58°F, and nights drop to about 10°C / 50°F. Rain falls on around 9 days, with about 79 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. In the water, expect around 16°C / 61°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. Mykonos is small, low and famously windy, which is why its landmark windmills stand on the ridge above town. You get about 10 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. 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 Mykonos in January
Swimming isn't really on the cards in Mykonos in January, with the water at around 16°C / 61°F. For warm-water swimming, aim for July, August and September, when the sea is at its best. Beaches like Psarou, Platis Gialos and Ornos 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 Mykonos in January
Tourism in Mykonos slows right down in January. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. 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. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Mykonos in January
Ferry links from Piraeus and Rafina to Mykonos continue through January, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Direct international flights run mainly from spring to autumn, while flights from Athens operate all year. 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 1 January. The beach clubs and most of the nightlife shut down completely.
Festivals & Holidays in Mykonos in January
New Year's Day is a public holiday, celebrated with family meals and vasilopita, a cake with a lucky coin baked inside. On 6 January, Epiphany, priests bless the waters, and young swimmers dive in to retrieve a cross thrown into the sea. In Mykonos, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Otherwise, life follows its normal rhythm, with Sunday lunches and busy cafés rather than big events.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Mykonos?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. Expect highs of around 14°C / 58°F, lows near 10°C / 50°F and rain on around 9 days. In January, Mykonos is ideal for exploring Little Venice, 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 Mykonos in January?
Sunset in Mykonos is at around 5:10 pm at the start of January, around 5:25 pm in mid-January and around 5:40 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. Little Venice and the windmills above it are the classic places to watch it.
Is the sea rough in Mykonos in January?
It can be. January is one of the stormiest months in the Aegean, and strong northerly or southerly winds regularly whip up rough seas. On the worst days, ferries and small boats are delayed or cancelled, so leave a spare day before any flight home. Calm, sunny spells between storms are common too.
Can I visit Delos in January?
Probably not. Boat trips to Delos mostly run from late spring to autumn, so in January there are few or no regular departures, and rough seas can stop small boats anyway. If it's a must, ask locally about a private boat on a calm day. Boats leave from Mykonos Old Port, and the site itself has almost no shade.
Do I need a car on Mykonos in January?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in January, 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 January or February better for visiting Mykonos?
There's little between them. Both are the heart of the off-season, with cool, changeable weather and a quiet, local feel. February brings slightly longer days, the first almond blossom and often the start of carnival season, while January has Epiphany on 6 January. Choose by your dates, and keep ferry plans flexible.
Mykonos Weather by Month
