Best Time to Visit Zakynthos: A Month-by-Month Guide

The honest answer is that Zakynthos in summer is beautiful but crowded, and Zakynthos in winter is peaceful but half-closed. The interesting question is where within that spectrum you want to land — and what you’re willing to trade in each direction.

Climate Overview

Zakynthos has a classic Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The island receives around 2,900 hours of sunshine annually. Summer temperatures average 28-32°C with peaks occasionally reaching 38-40°C. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 8-10°C and snow is essentially unknown at sea level.

The prevailing summer wind is the Meltemi, which blows from the northwest and can create rough conditions on the western coast (including Navagio cliff viewpoints and the west coast boat trips). The eastern and southern coasts are generally calmer.

Rainfall is minimal from June through September (typically a few millimetres total over the three months). The rainy season runs November through March.

Month by Month

January — Off Season

Weather: Mild, overcast, rainy. 10-14°C. Sea temperature: 15-16°C (cold for swimming). Crowds: Minimal. Most tourist infrastructure is closed. What’s open: Zakynthos Town functions normally (shops, restaurants, pharmacies). Some resort hotels close entirely. For whom: Nobody visits Zakynthos for a beach holiday in January. The island is quiet and authentic, and for those interested in rural Greek life, the olive harvest (November-January) is genuine and accessible. But the beach is not the point.

February — Still Winter

Weather: Similar to January. Some stormy periods; some beautiful calm days. 10-15°C. Sea temperature: 15-16°C. What’s open: Limited. Zakynthos Town operational. Most resort areas quiet. For whom: Those who want to walk the island’s interior without heat or crowds. The almond trees bloom in late February — spectacular along the mountain roads.

March — First Signs of Spring

Weather: Variable. Sunny days increasing. 12-17°C. Rain possible. Sea temperature: 15-16°C. What’s open: Some accommodation begins opening. Fewer tourist businesses operating. Turtle season: Not yet — turtles arrive in June. For whom: Hikers and naturalists. The island’s wildflowers are extraordinary in March-April — orchids, asphodels, anemones, poppies in the olive groves. Birdwatching (spring migration starts). The salt flats at Alykes may have flamingos.

April — Spring Shoulder Season

Weather: Generally pleasant. 16-20°C. Some rain possible but decreasing. Sea temperature: 16-17°C — cold for swimming, possible for the very determined. What’s open: Most accommodation open. Tourist services beginning. Easter week can be extremely busy with Greek domestic tourism (Greek Easter date varies — check calendar). For whom: Anyone who wants spring wildflowers, empty beaches, and pleasant temperatures for walking and sightseeing. The island is genuinely beautiful in April and far cheaper than summer. The sea is still cold.

Greek Easter Note: If your visit coincides with Greek Orthodox Easter (which differs from Western Easter), you’ll experience one of the most atmospheric traditional celebrations in Greece. The Epitaphios procession on Good Friday evening is extraordinary. Book accommodation well ahead — this period sees significant domestic Greek tourism.

May — The Best Kept Secret

Weather: Warm and sunny. 20-25°C. Very little rain. Sea temperature: 18-21°C — swimmable for most people. What’s open: Virtually everything open. Beaches operational. Fewer crowds than June-August. Prices: 20-40% below peak season. Turtle season: Turtles beginning to arrive in the bay (rare sightings possible from boats). For whom: May might be the best month of all. The sea is warm enough for most swimmers, the air temperature is pleasant without being oppressive, wildflowers are still visible in some areas, and the crowds are manageable. Navagio is spectacular in May light. Very strongly recommended.

June — Peak Season Begins

Weather: Hot and sunny. 25-30°C. Essentially no rain. Sea temperature: 21-23°C — warm and excellent. What’s open: Everything. Full summer operation. Crowds: Building significantly from mid-June onward. Navagio viewpoint can be extremely crowded by late June. Turtle nesting: Begins. Nesting beaches operating under NMPZ rules. For whom: Families and those wanting the full summer experience. The sea is genuinely warm from June 15 onwards. Early June (first two weeks) offers peak-season facilities with slightly lower crowds. Strongly recommended for first-time visitors.

July — High Summer

Weather: Hot. 28-33°C. Dry. Meltemi wind can make the west coast rough. Sea temperature: 23-25°C — perfect. Crowds: Peak. Navagio is extraordinary but heaving with boats. Resort beaches crowded by 10 AM. Prices: Peak. Turtle season: Full nesting activity. Licensed night tours operating on Gerakas. For whom: Those who don’t mind crowds and want the full Mediterranean summer experience. Book everything in advance. Early starts (7-9 AM) beat the worst of the crowd problem. Sunset and evening Zakynthos is genuinely magical.

August — The Busiest Month

Weather: Peak heat. 30-35°C possible. Dry. Some afternoons can feel oppressive. Sea temperature: 25-26°C — at its warmest. Crowds: Maximum. Prices maximum. Accommodation minimum availability. Turtle season: Continued nesting, hatching begins in August. The best month for hatchling emergence. For whom: Those who have no choice in dates, or those who genuinely love the high-energy summer atmosphere. The water is the best it will be all year. For turtle hatchlings, August-early September is the peak time. Come with all accommodation pre-booked and adjust expectations for crowds at iconic sites.

Practical note: Some locals describe August on Zakynthos as “too much.” The island’s infrastructure (roads, parking, beach space) is strained. That said, the sea is extraordinary and if you’re there for water sports, swimming, and beach life, it delivers.

September — The Insider’s Month

Weather: Warm, still sunny. 25-30°C early in month, tapering to 20-25°C by late September. Occasional first autumn storms possible in the final week. Sea temperature: 25-26°C — peak warmth. The sea is warmer in September than June. Crowds: Dropping significantly after the first week. By mid-September, most package tourists have departed. Prices: Falling. 15-25% below August by mid-month. Turtle season: Hatching in full swing — the best month for hatchling observations on managed beaches. For whom: Anyone with flexibility. September is arguably the finest month on Zakynthos. The sea is warm, the light has turned golden-amber (phenomenal for photography), the crowds are manageable, and the island relaxes into something closer to its authentic self. Restaurants have time for you; beaches have space. Highly recommended.

October — Autumn Beauty

Weather: Variable. 18-24°C early in month, cooling to 15-18°C by late October. First autumn rains arriving. Sea temperature: 22-23°C early October — still swimmable. Dropping to 19-20°C by end of month. What’s open: Closures beginning — some restaurants and hotels shut from October 15 or November 1. Check before booking. Crowds: Low. The island is quiet. For whom: Those who want the island without the tourist infrastructure. October offers beautiful light, gentle temperatures, and genuine quiet. If you’re happy with the uncertainty of what will be open, and you prioritise atmosphere over guaranteed services, October is excellent.

November — Transitional

Weather: Cooler. 14-18°C. Rain increasing. Some beautiful clear days. Sea temperature: 19-21°C — still mild for dipping. What’s open: Zakynthos Town and a handful of year-round businesses. Most resort infrastructure closed. For whom: Travellers passing through, long-stay visitors exploring the island’s off-season character, those interested in the olive harvest.

December — Winter Begins

Weather: 12-15°C. Mild by northern European standards, but overcast and wet periods. The Christmas period in Zakynthos Town has its own quiet charm — the town decorates well. What’s open: Limited tourist services. Zakynthos Town maintains normal urban function. For whom: Not a beach holiday. Those interested in seeing a working Greek island town without any performance for tourists.

Summary Table

The bottom line: For most visitors, May or September represent the best balance of weather, sea temperature, manageable crowds, and fair prices. July-August delivers the full Greek summer experience at the cost of crowds and prices. Spring (April-May) is for those who prioritise wildflowers, quiet, and authenticity over warm swimming water.