Best Time to Visit Naxos

Naxos has it all. It combines the sea with mountains, tranquility with liveliness, and tradition with modernity. No matter what season you decide to visit the island, you will be rewarded with one-of-a-kind memories. You can have a quick dip into how Naxos looks throughout the year below.

Jump to: Summer • Spring & Easter • Autumn • Winter

In brief, June and September are definitely the best months to visit Naxos! They offer warm days and you avoid the crowds of the full season.
The best hotels are open, fully functional and offering the best possible rates, as well as all restaurants.

Sahara beach (Mikri Vigla) in August

Naxos is a predominantly summer destination for many reasons.
The summer season starts in June and continues well into mid-September, with the peak season being from mid-July to early September.
The greatest advantage of visiting Naxos during the summer is the warm and sunny Mediterranean weather, with temperatures reaching 30°C or more.

Around ten daily ferry crossings connect Naxos to Athens and other renowned islands throughout the high season. Those include Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and more.

All the hotels, apartments, rooms, restaurants, and other local facilities are bustling with life, and many cultural events and festivals take place.
The least busy summer month is June, which is probably the best time to visit the island since it has life but is not overcrowded yet.

As far as the peak season is concerned, keep in mind that hotel prices reach their highest point and availability is limited due to the increased demand.
If you plan to visit during that time of the year, booking your hotel as early as 3 or 4 months in advance is required to find lodging suitable for your needs.

For travelers into kitesurfing and windsurfing, the best time to practice your skills is from mid-July until the end of August, when the summer wind known as Meltemi is strong all over the Aegean Sea. To enjoy it to the fullest, plan your trip for a minimum of 7 days.

Skado village in May

The Orthodox Easter week, usually in April or May, is one of the most lively periods to visit Naxos and other islands, as well as the Greek countryside.
On the occurrence of the Easter celebrations, many religious feasts take place and this is a great time to get to know the local customs and traditions.
Each village in Naxos has its way to celebrate with unique traditions and locally prepared dishes that are one of a kind.

Another plus is the excellent spring weather at around 20°C, making that time of the year ideal for long hikes on the Naxian mainland.
Your days spent in Naxos will be sunny, and the Cycladic nature will have just bloomed.
Although going to the beach is not recommended as the waters will not be warm enough yet, it is possible to go for a swim if you can tolerate lower temperatures.

It is worth mentioning that prices are much lower than in the summer season, but numerous hotels and restaurants will be open and prepared to welcome you.

Sahara beach in Autumn

September and October are quite popular among guests who want to skip the peak season.
With the weather hot and the sea waters warm, the early autumn months feel like late summer in Naxos.
Most of the hotels are open until the end of October and the room prices drop significantly, while the island's beaches become way less crowded as soon as the summer is over.
Visiting Naxos in September or October is recommended, especially for those who want to experience the Cycladic landscape in its most tranquil state, without skipping the beach due to the weather.
It is also the best period for hiking.

Although the island is not considered a winter destination, the winter months include mild temperatures (from 7 to 15°C) and barely any rainy days.
Ferry connections to Athens may be held daily, but most hotels shut down, even though a minority of accommodation facilities are still available in winter
Several restaurants and taverns remain open, especially the ones most visited by locals.
The number of tourists who pick Naxos as a winter destination is relatively small but tends to increase during the carnival season when many folklore traditions take place and revive the island.