Weather in Symi in December
December is early winter in Symi: mild and one of the wettest times of year. Expect highs of about 17°C / 62°F and overnight lows near 12°C / 54°F. The sea averages about 19°C / 66°F, refreshing for some, but too cool for most. Expect rain on around 11 days and about 152 mm over the month, often in heavy bursts with dry spells between them. Symi is a small, rocky island tucked close to the Turkish coast, and its harbor can feel very hot on still days. Winter here is shaped by the wind: storms sweep through regularly, often followed by calm, bright days. You get about 10 hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Symi in December
Swimming in Symi in December is possible but bracing, with the sea at around 19°C / 67°F. Save swimming plans for August and September, when the water is much warmer. Many of the best coves, such as Agios Georgios Dysalona, are reached by boat from the harbor. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. A short wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.
Crowds & Prices in Symi in December
Tourism in Symi slows right down 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. Last-minute bookings are rarely a problem.
What's Open in Symi in December
In December, ferries between Rhodes and Symi run on a reduced winter timetable, and storms sometimes cause cancellations. Most hotels, restaurants and bars close for the winter, and only a few places stay open for locals. 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 Symi 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 Symi, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. 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 Symi?
December is a maybe for Symi. 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 17°C / 62°F, lows near 12°C / 54°F and rain on around 11 days. 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 Symi in December?
Sunset in Symi is at around 4:55 pm at the start of December, around 4:55 pm in mid-December and around 5:00 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 Symi 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 Symi harbor in December?
Yes. You can explore Symi harbor 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. Its neoclassical houses climb the hillsides around the water.
Do I need a car on Symi 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 Symi?
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.
Symi Weather by Month
