Climate and Weather in the Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese islands in Greece offer some of the sunniest and most stable weather in the Mediterranean. With long, dry summers, mild winters, and warm seas, the region offers perfect conditions for travelers and sailors alike. Whether you’re planning a gulet cruise, a beach holiday, or island-hopping adventures, understanding the climate and weather in the Dodecanese will help you pick the best time to visit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Dodecanese has a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
  • The Meltemi wind is strongest from July–September, impacting sailing and beaches.
  • Best months for calm cruising are May, late September, and October.
  • Summer temperatures reach up to 35°C with warm seas around 24°C.
  • Rainfall is rare in July and August, making the islands ideal for yacht holidays.
Dodecanese islands climate

Meltemi wind:

It is the wind that blows from NorthWest-West. It starts slowly in June, gets the full power in July until September and slows down again in October. It may not blow every day, but it may 5-6 days in a row.

So the truth is, if you really can’t stand the wind the best time for cruising with your Gulet would be in May and late September or October.

But if you do decide to sail with your boat during the perfect months of the year be aware that wind direction is western and it is the only direction not protected by the coast.

The truth is the wind is a mixed blessing.

It reduces humidity but plays a big role in ferry traffic.

Get ready that the wind may send everything away on the beach. From beach towels and umbrellas.

Beaches on the north side of the Dodecanese islands tend to be affected more by Meltemi than the other side.

Since the Dodecanese islands are close to each other, with numerous bays, they offer safe shelter and the most beautiful landscape,

Isn’t this perfect compose for an ideal cruising destination and relaxed holidays with your Yacht or what?

Pserimos Island
Lipsi Island Greece

The temperature of air and sea

Average temperatures in May are about 18 to 22 degrees, slowly raising up in June up to 27 and in the peak of the summer 35 or more degrees Celsius.

After September starts to go down again to 27 and October 22 degrees Celsius.

The sea temperatures are in May around 19 degrees Celsius, June 22, July and August around 24 and retain all the way until the end of September

The best part of Greece is that the possibilities of rain are very small. In July and
August is almost zero. Perfect for your Yacht cruising, isn’t it

Start planning your Dodecanese islands gulet cruise

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