Weather in Skyros in December
Expect cool, one of the wettest times of year weather in Skyros in December, early winter. Daytime highs average around 13°C / 56°F, and nights drop to about 8°C / 47°F. The sea averages about 16°C / 61°F, too cold for most people to swim. Expect rain on around 10 days and about 121 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. Skyros is split in two, with a green, pine-covered north and a barren, rocky south. 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. 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 Skyros in December
Swimming isn't really on the cards in Skyros in December, with the water at around 16°C / 61°F. Save swimming plans for July, August and September, when the water is much warmer. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you do want to try, pick a calm, sunny day and a sheltered spot. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Skyros in December
Tourism in Skyros slows right down 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. 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. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Skyros in December
In December, ferries between Kymi on Evia and Skyros 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 Skyros 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 Skyros, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. 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 Skyros?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. In numbers: highs of about 13°C / 56°F, lows of 8°C / 47°F and rain on around 10 days in a typical December. In December, Skyros is ideal for exploring its hilltop Chora, 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 Skyros in December?
In early December, the sun sets in Skyros at around 5:00 pm. By mid-month it's around 5:00 pm, and by the end of December around 5:10 pm. All times are Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it get stormy in Skyros 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 Chora on Skyros in December?
Yes. You can explore Chora on Skyros 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. It climbs a rock topped by a castle and monastery.
Do I need a car on Skyros in December?
Yes, if you want to see more than Chora. Bus services are limited in December, and a car makes it easy to reach villages, beaches and viewpoints. Rental rates are among the lowest of the year, but fewer agencies are open.
Is December or January better for visiting Skyros?
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.
Skyros Weather by Month
