Weather in Skopelos in December
December in Skopelos means early-winter conditions: cool and one of the wettest times of year. Temperatures typically peak at around 13°C / 56°F in the afternoon and fall to about 8°C / 47°F at night. Expect rain on around 10 days and about 121 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. Sea temperatures average around 16°C / 61°F, too cold for most people to swim. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. Skopelos is one of the greenest islands in Greece, covered in pine forests, orchards and olive groves. 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. Plan outdoor time around the middle of the day, when it's at its warmest.
Swimming in Skopelos in December
Swimming isn't really on the cards in Skopelos in December, with the water at around 16°C / 60°F. For warm-water swimming, aim for July and August, when the sea is at its best. Beaches such as Kastani and Milia are lovely for a walk, even when the water is too cold to swim. 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 Skopelos in December
You'll have Skopelos largely to yourself in December. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. 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. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Skopelos in December
Ferry links from Volos and Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos continue through December, though with fewer sailings than in summer. The resort side of the island shuts down, with most hotels and beach tavernas closed until spring. 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 Skopelos 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. Locals in Skopelos 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 Skopelos?
December is worth it for Skopelos if you're interested in culture, food and walking rather than beaches. Expect highs of around 13°C / 56°F, lows near 8°C / 47°F and rain on around 10 days. 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 Skopelos in December?
Sunset in Skopelos is at around 5:05 pm at the start of December, around 5:05 pm in mid-December and around 5:10 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Skopelos 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 the Mamma Mia! chapel in December?
Yes. The Mamma Mia! chapel 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. Agios Ioannis sto Kastri sits on a rock reached by a steep stairway.
Do I need a car on Skopelos 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 Skopelos?
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.
Skopelos Weather by Month
