Weather in Pserimos in December
Expect cool, one of the wettest times of year weather in Pserimos in December, early winter. Temperatures typically peak at around 15°C / 59°F in the afternoon and fall to about 9°C / 48°F at night. Expect rain on around 10 days and about 139 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. The sea averages about 19°C / 66°F, bracing, and too cool for many swimmers. Pserimos is a tiny island between Kos and Kalymnos, with a sandy main beach and almost no shade. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. Days bring around 9½ hours of daylight, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Pserimos in December
The sea around Pserimos averages about 19°C / 66°F in December, refreshing rather than warm. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. Quieter coves around the coast are often just as beautiful as the famous beaches. If you feel the cold, a wetsuit top makes a difference.
Crowds & Prices in Pserimos in December
You'll have Pserimos largely to yourself in December. Rooms are cheap, but only a handful stay open. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. Book ahead anyway, as the few places that stay open are small.
What's Open in Pserimos in December
In December, ferries between Kalymnos and Pserimos run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. Very little stays open: expect one or two tavernas and a few rooms at most. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. It's worth calling ahead to restaurants, as off-season hours can be irregular.
Festivals & Holidays in Pserimos 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. Locals in Pserimos mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. 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 Pserimos?
December is a maybe for Pserimos. It's quiet and relaxed, with mild spells that are nice for walking, but the sea is cooling, the weather is less reliable and many seasonal businesses have closed. Expect highs of around 15°C / 59°F and lows near 9°C / 48°F. It suits travelers who want peace and local life. If you're after sun and swimming, June, September, October or November would suit you much better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Pserimos in December?
Through December, sunset in Pserimos moves from around 4:55 pm to around 5:05 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 4:55 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Pserimos 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 take a day trip to Pserimos in December?
It's harder. The summer excursion boats from Kos and Kalymnos don't run in December, and the island is served only by occasional local boats, so check the schedule carefully and be ready to stay overnight.
Do I need a car on Pserimos in December?
No. Pserimos is small enough to explore on foot, and the distances between the harbor, village and beaches are short. In December, seasonal minibuses and beach boats usually don't run, so be ready to walk and bring sturdy shoes.
Is December or January better for visiting Pserimos?
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.
Pserimos Weather by Month
