Weather in Skyros in October
October is autumn in Skyros: pleasantly warm and fairly changeable. Average highs reach 22°C / 71°F, with lows of around 16°C / 60°F. In the water, expect around 21°C / 70°F, comfortable for swimming. There are typically 4 rainy days, with around 17 mm of rain in total. The summer winds ease, and the light turns soft and golden. Skyros is split in two, with a green, pine-covered north and a barren, rocky south. Daylight lasts about 11 hours. Pack layers: T-shirts for the day and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. Mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on. The light is softer than in summer, which makes it a lovely time for photos and walks. It's pleasant to be outside from morning to evening, with sun protection at midday.
Swimming in Skyros in October
Swimming is excellent in Skyros in October, with the sea averaging around 21°C / 69°F. For warm-water swimming, aim for July, August and September, when the sea is at its best. Some beach bars and sunbed services are open, but not all, so bring your own shade. Quieter coves around the coast are often just as beautiful as the famous beaches. No wetsuit needed.
Crowds & Prices in Skyros in October
October is a shoulder month in Skyros, busy enough to feel lively but well below the summer peak. You'll find better deals on rooms and car hire than in July and August. Staying slightly outside the main town usually means better value and more space. Early mornings and late afternoons are the quietest times at popular sights. Booking a few weeks ahead is usually enough.
What's Open in Skyros in October
Ferry services between Kymi on Evia and Skyros are being cut back in October. The island also has an airport with flights from Athens. Most places stay open into early October, then start closing as the month goes on. Museums and sites are open on extended summer hours. Opening hours are long, with many tavernas serving until late. Boat trips and excursions run regularly, weather permitting.
Festivals & Holidays in Skyros in October
October brings the start of the olive harvest in many areas, and in some regions, the first tsipouro or raki of the season. 28 October, Ochi Day, is a national holiday with parades marking Greece's refusal to surrender in 1940. In Skyros, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. As the season quietens, local life takes over again, with markets and harvest gatherings.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Skyros?
Yes, October is an excellent choice for Skyros. Expect highs of around 22°C / 71°F, lows near 16°C / 60°F and rain on around 4 days. You get warm water and summer weather with fewer people and better prices than in high season. It's ideal for beach days, swimming and exploring its hilltop Chora. If you want the absolute peak of summer life, July and August are busier, but most travelers will prefer October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Skyros in October?
In early October, the sun sets in Skyros at around 7:05 pm, and around 6:45 pm by mid-month. Clocks go back an hour on the last Sunday of October, so by the end of the month sunset is around 5:25 pm. All times are Greek local time. Evenings cool quickly after sunset, so bring a layer.
Does it rain in Skyros in October?
It can. October is when the first proper autumn rains arrive, usually as short showers or the occasional thunderstorm between warm, sunny days. Early October often feels like a gentle extension of summer, while the end of the month is noticeably cooler and more changeable. Bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Can I visit Chora on Skyros in October?
Yes, and October is a lovely time to do it. Chora on Skyros is lively without the peak-season crowds, and it's comfortable to walk around during the day. It climbs a rock topped by a castle and monastery.
Do I need a car on Skyros in October?
It's the easiest way to get around. Skyros is spread out, and buses in October are less frequent than in summer, so a car lets you explore villages and beaches at your own pace.
Is October or November better for visiting Skyros?
October, clearly. The start of the month often still feels like late summer, with a warm sea and open tavernas. By November the season is over on most islands: many businesses have closed, ferries run less often and the weather is more unsettled.
Skyros Weather by Month
