Weather in Skiathos in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Skiathos and ranks 107th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Greece it is 35th of 44 (Greece in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Skiathos is 4.4°C warmer by day and 7.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Skiathos peaks at 11.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 14.6°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.6°C; one night in ten drops to 6.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 18.3°C (2010-01-01) and the coldest night 0.8°C (2017-01-07).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 98 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2019 with 221 mm, the driest 2007 with 18 mm. Humidity averages 71%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 14.1°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.5°C to 14.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.3°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:44 and sets about 17:26 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 58%.

Is January a good time to visit Skiathos?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Skiathos on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Milder days, but keep your winter layers

The daytime average makes walking outdoors more appealing than sitting still in beachwear. Pack layers, long trousers and a warm outer layer that you can adjust as conditions change. The warmer days can reach 14.6°C or more, but that is still light-jacket weather rather than reliable warmth for sunbathing. Evenings average 9.6°C, while the coldest nights can fall to 6°C or below, so do not judge your packing by the daytime figure alone. January works best if you are happy being outside in cool conditions and keeping your plans flexible; it is a poor fit if warmth is the main reason for going.

Plan around rain and a cold sea

With about 11 rainy days, waterproof clothing and shoes that cope with wet ground are more useful than extra swimwear. That does not mean every day is a washout, but outdoor plans need room to move when rain arrives. There are about 4 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight, so use brighter spells for time outside rather than assuming clear skies will last. The sea averages 14.1°C and stays cold across the stated year-to-year range. For most travellers, this is a month to enjoy being beside the water rather than in it. Choose January only if swimming and long, sunny afternoons are optional.