Weather in Paros in December
December is early winter in Paros: cool and often wet. Average highs reach 15°C / 60°F, with lows of around 11°C / 52°F. Rain falls on around 9 days, with about 82 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Sea temperatures average around 17°C / 63°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. Paros sits in the heart of the Cyclades, and its steady summer winds make it one of Greece's top windsurfing spots. Daylight lasts about 9½ hours, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Short days and changeable skies are part of the appeal, with fewer visitors and a more local feel. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Paros in December
At around 17°C / 63°F, the sea in Paros is too cold for most people to swim in December. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Beaches such as Kolymbithres and Golden Beach are lovely for a walk, even when the water is too cold to swim. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. A wetsuit makes a big difference if you want to get in.
Crowds & Prices in Paros in December
You'll have Paros largely to yourself in December. Rates for rooms and car hire drop to their yearly lows. 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. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Paros in December
In December, ferries between Piraeus and Rafina and Paros run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. The island also has an airport with flights from Athens. The main town stays open all year, but beach resorts close and many hotels shut for the winter. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December.
Festivals & Holidays in Paros 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 Paros, 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 Paros?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. In numbers: highs of about 15°C / 60°F, lows of 11°C / 52°F and rain on around 9 days in a typical December. In December, Paros is ideal for exploring Naoussa, 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 Paros in December?
Through December, sunset in Paros moves from around 5:05 pm to around 5:10 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 waterfront in Parikia faces west and is a lovely place to watch it.
Does it get stormy in Paros 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 Naoussa in December?
Yes. You can explore Naoussa 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. A little Venetian fortress guards its fishing harbor.
Do I need a car on Paros 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 Paros?
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.
Paros Weather by Month
