The best time to visit Rhodes

In short

The best time to visit Rhodes is late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and into October), when the weather is warm and settled, the sea is swimmable, and the crowds are thinner than at the height of summer. July and August are peak season: hot, lively and busy, with the medieval Old Town and beaches at their most crowded. Winter is quiet and mild but wetter, with many seasonal businesses closed.

Best months MayJuneSeptember

Beautiful view of the historic fortress in Rhodes, Greece, with vibrant cityscape and waterfront.

Season by season

When to go, and what to expect

Spring (Mar–May)

Weather: Mild and increasingly warm, with wildflowers and generally sunny days; the sea warms up towards late spring.

Crowds: Quiet early on, building through May but still well below summer levels.

Ideal for exploring the Old Town, walking and sightseeing in comfort; May is a real sweet spot.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Weather: Hot and dry with reliable sunshine; often tempered by the meltemi wind.

Crowds: Peak season — the Old Town, beaches and resorts are at their busiest.

Best for beach holidays and nightlife if you don't mind heat and crowds; book well ahead.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Weather: Warm and settled in September, gradually cooling with more rain by November; the sea stays swimmable well into autumn.

Crowds: Thinning after August, pleasantly calm by October.

Excellent value for warm-weather travel with fewer people; September is a top pick.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Weather: Cool, mild by Northern European standards, but the wettest and cloudiest part of the year.

Crowds: Very quiet; many resorts, restaurants and seasonal hotels close.

For a low-key city break in the Old Town rather than a beach trip; expect limited services.

Worth planning around

Notable events

Spring (usually April, date varies): Orthodox Easter
Late spring / early summer: Medieval Rose Festival (Old Town)
Summer: Rhodes International Music Festival
15 August: Feast of the Assumption (Dekapentavgoustos)

Discover the historic Street of Knights in Rhodes, showcasing medieval architecture.

Good to know

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Rhodes for good weather without the crowds?

Aim for May, June or September. You get warm, settled weather and a swimmable sea, but noticeably fewer visitors than in July and August.

Is Rhodes worth visiting in winter?

It can be, for a quiet break focused on the medieval Old Town, but it's the wettest season and many beach resorts, restaurants and hotels close, so it's not a beach destination in winter.

When is the sea warm enough for swimming?

The sea is generally comfortable for swimming from around June through October, with the water often staying warm well into the autumn.

Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Rhodes area guide →

An independent guide to Rhodes — honest, verified, no invented data.