Skiathos weather by month

When to go to Skiathos

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: July, August. December is the wettest month (110 mm, about 12 rainy days) and June the driest (13 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 26.3°C and coolest in February at 13.7°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Skiathos Island National Airport (JSI, 2 km from Skiáthos) takes roughly 3 h 36 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Athens.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Skiathos between 1991 and 2020 reached 33.0°C on 27 June 2007; the coldest fell to 0.4°C on 13 February 2004. In August one day in ten tops 28.2°C and about 1% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 6.0°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was October 1994 with 346 mm, against a October average of 74 mm.

January to May: cool starts, then a gradual warm-up

January and February both average 12°C by day and 10°C at night, so pack layers rather than treating this as a winter beach break. Rain is frequent enough to keep outdoor plans flexible, and the sea feels cold. March brings only a small rise to 13°C, though rain becomes less frequent and sunshine increases. April is more comfortable for spending time outside at 15°C, but its equally cool sea makes swimming a bracing choice. May is the clearer step towards summer: days average 19°C, with 9 hours of sunshine and fewer wet days. It suits travellers who prefer mild weather, although the 18°C sea may still be too cool for lingering swims.

June to August: the strongest choice for swimming

June marks the shift to summer, with daytime averages of 24°C and a sea temperature of 23°C. It is a good fit if you want swimming weather without choosing the hottest month. July rises to 26°C and has the most sunshine, averaging 13 hours a day. August is warmer again at 27°C, with the sea reaching 26°C, making it the strongest choice for warm-water swimming. All these months average just 2 rain days, so rain is less likely to shape your plans. The catch is sustained warmth: evenings stay warm too, particularly in August. Pack light clothing and sun protection, and favour shade or a break from activity around midday.

September to December: warm water gives way to wetter weather

September keeps much of summer's warmth, with both daytime air and sea averaging 24°C, but its 5 rain days mean allowing more flexibility. October is a reasonable compromise for mild days and a sea that retains warmth: air averages 20°C and water 21°C. With less sunshine and more rain, it is less dependable for a beach-focused holiday. November cools to 16°C by day, while the 18°C sea makes swimming a matter of personal tolerance rather than an obvious draw. December feels distinctly cooler at 13°C and has 12 rain days. For these later months, bring layers and a waterproof, and choose plans you can adjust when the weather turns.