When is the Best Time to Visit Mykonos?

Mykonos is a beautiful island in the Cyclades, which is a premier destination for villa-style living. A villa in Mykonos gives you privacy, luxury, and the freedom to do what you want when you want.

Mykonos offers sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and fantastic beach parties and nightlife. Having said this, there are also family-friendly beaches as well as quieter areas in the north of the island.

So, when is the best time to visit Mykonos? Well, it all depends on what you are looking for. This Mykonos travel guide will take you through the year and tell you what to expect each season.

Why Choose a Villa Holiday on the Island of Mykonos?

Mykonos villa holidays have advantages over hotels in that many have private pools. You won't have any problems securing a sunbed or swimming in a crowded swimming pool. You will have secluded terraces to enjoy the sunset in peace, space to spread out, and home-away-from-home comforts such as a fully-equipped kitchen. This is useful if you have fussy kids who won't eat in a taverna. You also have the option of a private chef who will cook anything you want and will cater to allergies.

Mykonos luxury villas often provide better value than a hotel, especially if you are in a large group or have a big family. You would have to book multiple hotel rooms, while a Mykonos villa has a set price, regardless of how many people are staying.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mykonos?

The tourist season on the island of Mykonos starts around the time of Greek Orthodox Easter, which is usually sometime in April, occasionally the beginning of May. It finishes at the end of October. The peak season is from late June until the middle of September.

Spring (April – Early June)

Many people enjoy going to Mykonos in the spring before the party crowds arrive to enjoy the long, hot days of summer. Although Mykonos is well known for its beach parties and nightlife, the shoulder seasons are much quieter. However, the island is beautiful enough to visit at these times of the year.

Spring is popular for those seeking holiday villas in Mykonos because the island isn't crowded, including the beaches. Restaurant and bar staff are relaxed because they aren't burned out after a long summer serving food and drinks until the early hours of the morning. Villa properties are offered at a lower price than in the summer, and car hire is cheaper. If you are staying in a holiday villa in Mykonos, you will need to rent a car as most villas are off the beaten track. There are buses and water taxis between beaches, but otherwise, you would have to take taxis and this could work out expensive.

A downside of this time of year is that the sea is chilly until early June. However, the weather is usually warm and sunny, so you can still sunbathe. Of course, if you are staying in a Mykonos villa with a private pool, you have the option of swimming as the pool will be warmer than the sea.

Summer (Mid-June – Early September)

If you want to take advantage of what Mykonos is best known for, that is, beach parties and nightlife, head to the island in the summer. You will be able to party the day and night away.

The first beach parties with world-renowned DJs start in the middle of June, and they go on until the middle of September. Bars and clubs also start to get wild in the middle of June.

August is the busiest month in Mykonos, partly because the Greeks go on holiday from 1st to 20th August, and the island is a popular place for the young and trendy Greeks.

Accommodation is at its most expensive in July and August, and car hire goes up as well. However, prices of food and drinks stay relatively the same as in the shoulder seasons.

July and August are the hottest months of the year. The average temperature ranges from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) but it can get hotter. The sea temperature is now higher and is great for swimming, even in September, because the water has had a chance to warm up all summer.

Autumn (Mid-September – End of October)

Mid-September and October are great months to visit Mykonos. The crowds have died down, and the beach parties have come to an end. However, there is some nightlife in Mykonos Town until the end of October.

The weather is still very warm in the autumn, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F), though you can get some rainy days in October. The sea remains warm enough to swim in, and the island adopts a more laid-back vibe. Prices of accommodation and car hire will have gone down from the summer highs.

Winter (November – March)

The resorts close down for the winter, but there is still some life in Mykonos Town. However, it is not the same as on the larger islands of Crete and Rhodes, where there is plenty to do in the major towns during the winter. If you do come to Mykonos in the winter, expect to have a quiet time with long walks and leisurely meals in cosy tavernas. The temperature isn't cold, usually ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 16°C (60°F), but there can be a lot of rain, particularly in January and February.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Mykonos Villa Stay

• Book Early. Villas get booked up quickly, particularly the larger ones, as they are good value for large groups and families. We suggest booking a year in advance for the summer season, 6 to 10 months for the shoulder seasons.
• Villa Amenities to Look For. Check that the villa has air conditioning, as you will need it in the summer. It doubles as heating if you are there in the off-season. The villa must have an EOT certificate, which confirms that it has met the required health and safety rules for legal rental.
• Local Markets vs Supermarkets. If you can, shop at local markets rather than supermarkets. They are called laiki, and as well as fresh, seasonal, fruit and vegetables, you can also usually find cheese, honey, olive oil, and raki. It is generally cheaper in the local markets than in the supermarkets, and you will be supporting the local farmers.
• Concierge Services. Check that the villa has a concierge or host. They are worth their weight in gold. They will tell you about the villa and advise you on the best places to visit, where to eat, and about car hire. They will even make reservations for you.

Ready to Find Your Dream Mykonos Villa?

Mykonos villas are perfect for groups of friends, families, and even honeymooners. They give you the freedom to do what you want when you want, privacy, and a luxurious environment. You will have a magical time, so why not browse the Bnbstay collection of Mykonos villas and find the perfect property for your stay? For more on planning your trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Mykonos.

FAQ

How do I get to Mykonos? From April until October, there are direct flights from the UK and other major European cities to Mykonos. In the winter, you have to change planes in Athens. You can also get a ferry from Piraeus, the nearest port to Athens Airport.

Can I get a ferry from Mykonos to nearby islands? Yes, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Ios are just a short ferry ride away. However, they only sail during the tourist season. You can also have a day trip to the nearby uninhabited island of Delos, which has a famous archaeological site to visit.

Do I need to hire a car? It is advisable, as most villas are off the beaten track.

Is a hotel or villa the best option for a holiday in Mykonos? A villa gives you privacy, space and home-from-home amenities. You even have the opportunity of hiring a private chef. A villa can also work out cheaper, as you are not paying for multiple rooms as you would in a hotel. Villas are a set price, not per person.

What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Mykonos? Rental prices vary according to the location, the size of the villa, and the time of year. The average cost is £500 per night, with peak season prices being over £900 per night. One of the most expensive areas is Kalafatis, and prices here can be well over £1,000 per night. Mykonos Town is generally cheaper.

Are you having trouble deciding what time of year to visit Mykonos? Read this travel guide, which will tell you what to expect in each season. If you are still unsure, talk to our team. They will answer any questions you have and help you come to a final decision. Browse our Mykonos villas to start planning.