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The great destinations month by month: the daytime high, the sea, the rain, the crowds and what is happening.
Last checked October 2026.
Covers Lisbon, Sintra, and Cascais and Estoril on the coast; figures are for Lisbon, with the sea at Cascais. May to June and September to October are ideal: warm, bright days for the city and the palaces of Sintra, without the heat and crowds of July and August. The Atlantic stays cool, at 19–20°C (66–68°F) even in high summer. Lisbon is a year-round city, and winter is mild.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| February | 62°F / 17°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| March | 66°F / 19°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 69°F / 21°C | 62°F / 17°C | 8 days | Busy | — |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 6 days | Busy | ARCOlisboa contemporary art fair |
| June | 79°F / 26°C | 66°F / 19°C | 2 days | Busy | Festival de Sintra in the palaces of Sintra and Queluz |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 67°F / 19°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 68°F / 20°C | 1 day | Peak | Warmest sea of the year, into October |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 68°F / 20°C | 9 days | Busy | — |
| November | 65°F / 18°C | 65°F / 18°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 60°F / 16°C | 62°F / 17°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
Climate source: Lisbon, Climate: Instituto Geofísico 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Cascais (SeaTemperatu.re).
Covers Comporta and the Alentejo coast south to Melides; figures are for Sines, the nearest long-term station, about 50 km south, with the sea at Setúbal, across the bay from the Tróia peninsula. June and September are ideal: long, dry days on the wide, empty beaches, without the August peak. The Atlantic here stays cool, at 19–21°C (67–69°F) from June to October.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 60°F / 16°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 64°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 62°F / 17°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 75°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| July | 77°F / 25°C | 67°F / 19°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 76°F / 24°C | 69°F / 21°C | 3 days | Busy | Warmest sea of the year; rice harvest in the paddies begins |
| October | 71°F / 22°C | 68°F / 20°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 64°F / 18°C | 65°F / 18°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 60°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Sines, Climate: Sines 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Setúbal (SeaTemperatu.re).
Covers Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura on the central coast; figures are for Faro, with the sea at Quarteira, next to Vilamoura. May to June and September to October are ideal: hot, dry days and a sea at 19–22°C (66–71°F), without the peak of July and August. Spring and autumn are the great golf seasons, and winter stays mild and sunny.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F / 16°C | 62°F / 17°C | 6 days | Quiet | Almond blossom (January into February) |
| February | 63°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 5 days | Quiet | Almond blossom |
| March | 66°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 days | Moderate | Spring golf season |
| April | 69°F / 21°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Moderate | Spring golf season |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | <1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 85°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 85°F / 29°C | 72°F / 22°C | <1 day | Peak | Warmest sea of the year |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| October | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 6 days | Moderate | Autumn golf season |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 days | Quiet | Autumn golf season |
| December | 63°F / 17°C | 64°F / 18°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Faro, Climate: Faro Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Quarteira (SeaTemperatu.re).
Figures are for Porto; the Douro Valley, about 1 hour 15 minutes inland, is much hotter in summer and colder in winter. May to June and September are ideal: the city at its best and, in September, the grape harvest in the Douro's terraced vineyards. The Atlantic off Porto is cool all year, at 14–18°C (57–65°F).
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 58°F / 14°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 59°F / 15°C | 57°F / 14°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 63°F / 17°C | 58°F / 14°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 62°F / 17°C | 9 days | Busy | — |
| June | 73°F / 23°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| July | 76°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 3 days | Peak | — |
| August | 77°F / 25°C | 64°F / 18°C | 3 days | Peak | — |
| September | 74°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 6 days | Busy | Grape harvest in the Douro Valley |
| October | 69°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 11 days | Moderate | Autumn colour in the Douro vineyards |
| November | 62°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Porto, Climate: Porto Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Porto (SeaTemperatu.re).
Figures are for Funchal. Madeira is mild all year, with day highs of 20–27°C (68–80°F): April to June and September to October are ideal for the gardens and the island's walks, and the sea is warmest from August to October. The days around New Year, with the fireworks over Funchal's bay, are the island's busiest.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F / 20°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| February | 68°F / 20°C | 65°F / 18°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| March | 69°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 70°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 67°F / 19°C | 3 days | Busy | — |
| June | 75°F / 24°C | 69°F / 21°C | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| July | 78°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | <1 day | Busy | — |
| August | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 3 days | Busy | Grape harvest; warmest sea of the year |
| October | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 73°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 70°F / 21°C | 68°F / 20°C | 9 days | Peak | New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal's bay |
Climate source: Funchal, Climate: Funchal Observatory 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Funchal (SeaTemperatu.re).
May to June and September to early October are ideal: hot, dry days, a sea warm enough to swim and calmer beaches than July and August. Winter stays mild and sunny, good for golf and long lunches.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F / 17°C | 61°F / 16°C | 5 days | Quiet | Golf season in full swing |
| February | 64°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 68°F / 20°C | 60°F / 16°C | 5 days | Moderate | Holy Week processions in Málaga (March or April) |
| April | 71°F / 22°C | 62°F / 17°C | 4 days | Moderate | Holy Week processions in Málaga (March or April) |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 65°F / 18°C | 3 days | Moderate | Beach clubs open for the season |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 70°F / 21°C | <1 day | Busy | Starlite opens (through August) |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 0 days | Peak | Starlite |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 74°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | Starlite; Sotogrande International Polo Tournament (Sotogrande, 50 km west) |
| September | 83°F / 28°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| October | 76°F / 24°C | 69°F / 21°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 68°F / 20°C | 65°F / 18°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 64°F / 18°C | 62°F / 17°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Málaga, Climate: Málaga Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
May, June and late September to October are ideal: warm days for walking the city, a sea fit for swimming from June, and less heat and fewer crowds than July and August. Barcelona is a year-round city, so winter is mild and never truly empty.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 55°F / 13°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| February | 58°F / 14°C | 55°F / 13°C | 3 days | Moderate | — |
| March | 62°F / 17°C | 55°F / 13°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Busy | Sant Jordi, the day of books and roses |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 3 days | Busy | Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix (even years) |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 2 days | Peak | Festival Castell de Peralada (Costa Brava, about 2 hours north) |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 4 days | Peak | — |
| September | 79°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | 6 days | Busy | La Mercè, the city's festival |
| October | 72°F / 22°C | 70°F / 21°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| November | 64°F / 18°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 58°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 4 days | Moderate | Christmas markets |
Climate source: Barcelona, Climate: Barcelona Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Barcelona weather by month (weather2travel.com).
June and September are ideal: warm sea, reliable sun and room to breathe in the coves and harbours, with superyacht racing off Palma in June. July and August are the hottest and fullest months.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F / 16°C | 58°F / 14°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 60°F / 16°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Quiet | Almond blossom across the island |
| March | 64°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 61°F / 16°C | 5 days | Moderate | Yacht season opens |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 2 days | Busy | Superyacht Cup Palma |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | 77°F / 25°C | <1 day | Peak | Copa del Rey MAPFRE (Palma; late July or early August) |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | Copa del Rey MAPFRE (Palma; late July or early August) |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 days | Busy | Grape harvest |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 62°F / 17°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Palma de Mallorca, Climate: Puerto de Palma 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: the island is fully open, the sea is warm and the villas and beach clubs are calmer than in July and August. For the quiet, rural Ibiza, come in May or October.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F / 16°C | 59°F / 15°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 61°F / 16°C | 58°F / 14°C | 4 days | Quiet | Almond blossom |
| March | 64°F / 18°C | 58°F / 14°C | 4 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 61°F / 16°C | 4 days | Quiet | — |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 days | Moderate | Club season opening parties (May into June) |
| June | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 1 day | Busy | Club season opening parties |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | 77°F / 25°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| September | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 6 days | Moderate | Club season closing parties |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 62°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Ibiza, Climate: Eivissa Airport (Wikipedia).
May, June and September to October are ideal: warm, settled days for the Upper Rock, St Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, and a sea warm enough to swim from June. In spring and autumn, great flights of migrating birds of prey cross the Strait over the Rock. In summer the Levante, the humid east wind, can wrap the Rock in its own cloud; winter is mild.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F / 16°C | 61°F / 16°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 62°F / 17°C | 60°F / 16°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 65°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Moderate | Spring migration of birds of prey across the Strait begins |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 62°F / 17°C | 7 days | Moderate | Spring migration across the Strait |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | Autumn migration across the Strait begins |
| September | 79°F / 26°C | 71°F / 22°C | 3 days | Busy | Autumn migration of birds of prey across the Strait |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 69°F / 21°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 66°F / 19°C | 65°F / 18°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 63°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Climate of Gibraltar: Gibraltar International Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: the yachts, beach clubs and villas are all in full swing, without the August crush, and September brings Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Most of the town's hotels and beach clubs close from late autumn to spring.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Moderate | Hotels and beach clubs reopen |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 4 days | Moderate | Les Bravades, the town's historic festival |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 3 days | Busy | Global Champions Tour; Loro Piana Giraglia starts here |
| July | 84°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | Polo Saint-Tropez (Gassin) |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| September | 78°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | 5 days | Busy | Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (into October) |
| October | 71°F / 22°C | 68°F / 20°C | 7 days | Moderate | Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez ends; season winds down |
| November | 63°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 58°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Hyères, Climate: Hyères 1991–2020 (Wikipedia), the nearest full station, about 40 km west. Sea source: Saint-Tropez weather by month (weather2travel.com).
June and September are ideal: warm sea, open beach clubs and the big yacht shows of September, without the peak of July and August. May is glamorous but book far ahead: the Film Festival fills every suite on the coast.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 55°F / 13°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Peak | Cannes Film Festival; amfAR Gala (Cap d'Antibes) |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 68°F / 20°C | 4 days | Busy | Global Champions Tour (Cannes); Monaco Grand Prix (an hour east) |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 2 days | Peak | Jazz à Juan (Juan-les-Pins, Antibes) |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 3 days | Peak | — |
| September | 78°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | 5 days | Busy | Cannes Yachting Festival; Régates Royales; Monaco Yacht Show (an hour east) |
| October | 70°F / 21°C | 68°F / 20°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 63°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 58°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Cannes, Climate: Cannes 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Cannes weather by month (weather2travel.com).
Late May to June and September are ideal: the sea is warm, the days are long and the coast is calmer than in July and August. October still has a 19°C (67°F) sea, but brings more rain.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F / 13°C | 56°F / 13°C | 6 days | Quiet | Rallye Monte-Carlo, next door in Monaco and the French Alps |
| February | 56°F / 13°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| March | 60°F / 16°C | 56°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 63°F / 17°C | 58°F / 14°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 70°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 days | Busy | Cannes Film Festival; amfAR Gala Cannes, Cap d'Antibes |
| June | 77°F / 25°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 days | Busy | Monaco Grand Prix, next door; Global Champions Tour, Cannes |
| July | 82°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 2 days | Peak | Jazz à Juan, Juan-les-Pins; high summer on the Riviera |
| August | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 2 days | Peak | High summer; warmest sea of the year |
| September | 77°F / 25°C | 72°F / 22°C | 5 days | Busy | Cannes Yachting Festival; Régates Royales, Cannes; Monaco Yacht Show, next door |
| October | 70°F / 21°C | 67°F / 19°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 63°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 57°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Nice, Climate: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
Covers Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio in the south and Calvi in the north-west; figures are for Bonifacio. June and September are ideal: a warm sea, the hotels and beach restaurants open, and the coves and harbours far calmer than in July and August. Most of the island's best hotels close from late October to April.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F / 13°C | 57°F / 14°C | 8 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| February | 55°F / 13°C | 57°F / 14°C | 7 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| March | 58°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 7 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| April | 62°F / 17°C | 59°F / 15°C | 7 days | Quiet | Hotels begin to reopen |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 76°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 2 days | Busy | Loro Piana Giraglia rounds the Giraglia rock off Cap Corse, in the north |
| July | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 2 days | Peak | Warmest sea of the year |
| September | 77°F / 25°C | 75°F / 24°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| October | 70°F / 21°C | 70°F / 21°C | 7 days | Moderate | Season ends; most hotels close |
| November | 63°F / 17°C | 65°F / 18°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 57°F / 14°C | 60°F / 16°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Bonifacio, Climate: Cape Pertusato 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Porto-Vecchio (SeaTemperatu.re).
June and September are the best months: warm sea, long days, and the two great moments of the year, the Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. Late May is lovely too, and spring brings the tennis.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F / 13°C | 56°F / 13°C | 6 days | Moderate | Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival; Rallye Monte-Carlo |
| February | 55°F / 13°C | 56°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 59°F / 15°C | 56°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | Bal de la Rose |
| April | 62°F / 17°C | 58°F / 14°C | 7 days | Moderate | Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters; Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (even years) |
| May | 69°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 6 days | Busy | Top Marques Monaco; Monaco E-Prix |
| June | 75°F / 24°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 days | Peak | Monaco Grand Prix; Monte-Carlo Television Festival |
| July | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 2 days | Peak | Monte-Carlo Summer Festival; Monaco Red Cross Gala |
| August | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 3 days | Peak | High summer; warmest sea of the year |
| September | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 5 days | Busy | Monaco Yacht Show; Monaco Classic Week (odd years) |
| October | 69°F / 21°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 62°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 7 days | Quiet | Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival; Monaco National Day |
| December | 57°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Monaco, Climate: 1981–2010 (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: the sea is warm (23°C, 74°F), the harbour is lively but not packed, and the hills are pleasant for walking. July and August are hottest and busiest. Day highs and rain are from the Genoa station, about 30 km west.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F / 12°C | 57°F / 14°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 55°F / 13°C | 56°F / 13°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 59°F / 15°C | 57°F / 14°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 64°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Moderate | Feast of San Giorgio, Portofino's patron saint |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| June | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| July | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 3 days | Peak | High summer; yachts fill the bay |
| August | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 4 days | Peak | High summer; warmest sea of the year |
| September | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| October | 69°F / 21°C | 69°F / 21°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 61°F / 16°C | 65°F / 18°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 56°F / 13°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Genoa, Climate: 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Portofino (SeaTemperatu.re).
Late April to May and late September to October are best: mild days, fewer people than summer, and the Biennale is open. February belongs to Carnival; July and August are hot, humid and crowded.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F / 8°C | 50°F / 10°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 49°F / 9°C | 48°F / 9°C | 5 days | Busy | Venice Carnival; Il Ballo del Doge |
| March | 56°F / 13°C | 50°F / 10°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 63°F / 17°C | 56°F / 13°C | 8 days | Busy | — |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 8 days | Busy | Venice Biennale opens (Art in even years, Architecture in odd years) |
| June | 79°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 9 days | Peak | — |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 6 days | Peak | Festa del Redentore fireworks |
| August | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 6 days | Peak | — |
| September | 75°F / 24°C | 75°F / 24°C | 6 days | Busy | Venice Film Festival, the Lido; Regata Storica |
| October | 65°F / 18°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| November | 55°F / 13°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 days | Moderate | Festa della Madonna della Salute |
| December | 47°F / 8°C | 56°F / 13°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
Climate and sea source: Venice, Climate: 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
April to May and late September to October are best: warm, bright days without the heat of July and August, when highs reach 32°C (89°F). The sea at Ostia, Rome's nearest beach, is warmest from July to September.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F / 12°C | 58°F / 14°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| February | 55°F / 13°C | 57°F / 14°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| March | 60°F / 16°C | 58°F / 14°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 7 days | Peak | Easter at the Vatican (some years in March) |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Peak | Internazionali BNL d'Italia; Piazza di Siena |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 3 days | Peak | Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Rome's patron saints |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 77°F / 25°C | 2 days | Busy | Ferragosto; many Romans leave the city |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 6 days | Peak | — |
| October | 72°F / 22°C | 71°F / 22°C | 7 days | Peak | — |
| November | 62°F / 17°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 55°F / 13°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 days | Busy | Christmas at St Peter's |
Climate source: Rome, Climate: Rome Ciampino Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Lido Di Ostia (SeaTemperatu.re).
June and September are ideal: the sea is warm (23–24°C, 73–75°F), the hotels and beach clubs are open, and the coast is far calmer than in July and August. September also brings the great maxi-yacht racing at Porto Cervo.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 58°F / 14°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 58°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 57°F / 14°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 days | Quiet | The season begins; the first hotels reopen |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 3 days | Busy | — |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 1 day | Peak | High summer; superyachts fill Porto Cervo |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 3 days | Peak | Ferragosto; warmest sea of the year |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 5 days | Busy | Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo; Rolex Swan Cup, Porto Cervo (even years) |
| October | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 5 days | Quiet | The season ends; most hotels close |
| November | 64°F / 18°C | 67°F / 19°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Olbia, Climate: 1981–2010 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Olbia (SeaTemperatu.re).
Late May, June and September are ideal: hot dry days, a sea warm enough for swimming and fewer crowds than July and August. Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F / 13°C | 58°F / 14°C | 12 days | Quiet | Many hotels closed for the season |
| February | 58°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 11 days | Quiet | Many hotels closed for the season |
| March | 63°F / 17°C | 58°F / 14°C | 11 days | Quiet | Hotels begin to reopen |
| April | 69°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 10 days | Moderate | Season opens |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 4 days | Peak | Ravello Festival |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 5 days | Peak | — |
| September | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 71°F / 22°C | 9 days | Moderate | Season winds down |
| November | 66°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 13 days | Quiet | Many hotels close |
| December | 59°F / 15°C | 62°F / 17°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Salerno, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Naples, Climate (Wikipedia).
June and September are best: warm sea for swimming off the rocks and boats, and the island is calmer than in July and August, when day-trippers crowd the Piazzetta. Most hotels close from November to March.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F / 13°C | 58°F / 14°C | 9 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 57°F / 14°C | 9 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| March | 62°F / 17°C | 58°F / 14°C | 9 days | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 60°F / 16°C | 9 days | Moderate | Season opens |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 3 days | Busy | — |
| July | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 4 days | Peak | — |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 9 days | Moderate | Season winds down |
| November | 65°F / 18°C | 67°F / 19°C | 10 days | Quiet | Most hotels close |
| December | 58°F / 14°C | 62°F / 17°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Naples, Climate (Wikipedia).
May, June and September to early October are ideal: warm sea, long dry days and fewer people than in July and August. June brings film premieres in the ancient Greek theatre.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F / 15°C | 59°F / 15°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 59°F / 15°C | 57°F / 14°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 62°F / 17°C | 57°F / 14°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 59°F / 15°C | 7 days | Moderate | Season opens |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 72°F / 22°C | 3 days | Busy | Taormina Film Festival |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| September | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 68°F / 20°C | 66°F / 19°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 61°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Messina, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Taormina weather by month (weather2travel.com).
May, June and late September to October are best: warm sea, almost no rain and fewer people than in high summer. Malta's mild winters make it a good choice out of season too.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F / 16°C | 60°F / 16°C | 10 days | Quiet | Valletta Baroque Festival |
| February | 60°F / 16°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 63°F / 17°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 61°F / 16°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | 70°F / 21°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 89°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 days | Peak | — |
| August | 90°F / 32°C | 78°F / 26°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| October | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 7 days | Busy | Rolex Middle Sea Race |
| November | 69°F / 21°C | 69°F / 21°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 63°F / 17°C | 63°F / 17°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Valletta, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Climate of Malta (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: warm days, a sea warm enough to swim and a quieter town than in July and August. The northern Adriatic is cool from November to April.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F / 9°C | 51°F / 11°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 51°F / 11°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 58°F / 14°C | 50°F / 10°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 56°F / 13°C | 13 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 14 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 81°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 13 days | Busy | — |
| July | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 12 days | Peak | — |
| August | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 11 days | Peak | — |
| September | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 12 days | Busy | — |
| October | 67°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 13 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 58°F / 14°C | 61°F / 16°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 51°F / 11°C | 56°F / 13°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Rain here comes from a source that counts rainy days more loosely, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate source: Portorož, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Piran (SeaTemperatu.re).
Late May to June and September are ideal: the sea is already warm, the days are long, and the harbours are calmer than in the July and August peak.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 51°F / 11°C | 54°F / 12°C | 11 days | Quiet | Many Hvar hotels closed |
| February | 53°F / 12°C | 53°F / 12°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 58°F / 14°C | 53°F / 12°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 10 days | Moderate | Season begins on Hvar |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 days | Busy | Feast of St. Domnius, Split's patron saint |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 70°F / 21°C | 8 days | Busy | Hvar lavender in bloom |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 5 days | Peak | Split Summer Festival opens (through mid-August) |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 5 days | Peak | Split Summer Festival ends |
| September | 78°F / 26°C | 71°F / 22°C | 8 days | Busy | Grape harvest |
| October | 69°F / 21°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 days | Moderate | Season winds down |
| November | 60°F / 16°C | 62°F / 17°C | 12 days | Quiet | Olive harvest |
| December | 53°F / 12°C | 57°F / 14°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Rain here counts every day with measurable rain, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate and sea source: Split, Climate (Wikipedia).
May, early June and late September to October are best: warm sea and pleasant days, without the July and August crowds on the walls and in the Old Town.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F / 12°C | 57°F / 14°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 55°F / 13°C | 58°F / 14°C | 11 days | Quiet | Feast of St Blaise, the city's patron |
| March | 58°F / 14°C | 58°F / 14°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 62°F / 17°C | 60°F / 16°C | 12 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 9 days | Busy | — |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 days | Peak | — |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 5 days | Peak | Dubrovnik Summer Festival |
| August | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 5 days | Peak | — |
| September | 77°F / 25°C | 76°F / 24°C | 7 days | Peak | — |
| October | 70°F / 21°C | 69°F / 21°C | 11 days | Busy | — |
| November | 62°F / 17°C | 65°F / 18°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 56°F / 13°C | 60°F / 16°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Rain here counts every day with measurable rain, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate and sea source: Dubrovnik, Climate (Wikipedia).
May, June and September are best for walking Mostar's Ottoman old town and the Old Bridge over the Neretva, without the 32°C+ (90°F+) heat of July and August. Mostar is inland, a culture destination often visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik, about 2 hours 30 minutes by car with the border crossing.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F / 9°C | n/a, inland | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 53°F / 12°C | n/a, inland | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 60°F / 16°C | n/a, inland | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | n/a, inland | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | n/a, inland | 9 days | Busy | — |
| June | 86°F / 30°C | n/a, inland | 7 days | Busy | — |
| July | 91°F / 33°C | n/a, inland | 5 days | Peak | Traditional diving from the Old Bridge |
| August | 92°F / 33°C | n/a, inland | 5 days | Peak | Sarajevo Film Festival (Sarajevo, about 2 hours 30 minutes north) |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | n/a, inland | 7 days | Busy | Grape harvest in Herzegovina |
| October | 71°F / 22°C | n/a, inland | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 59°F / 15°C | n/a, inland | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 50°F / 10°C | n/a, inland | 11 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Mostar, Climate (Wikipedia).
June and September are best: warm water in the bay and long days, with fewer cruise ships and crowds in Kotor's old town than in July and August.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F / 13°C | 58°F / 14°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 58°F / 14°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 58°F / 14°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 12 days | Moderate | Cruise season begins |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 10 days | Busy | — |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 8 days | Busy | — |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 6 days | Peak | KotorArt opens (through mid-August) |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 78°F / 26°C | 6 days | Peak | KotorArt ends |
| September | 80°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 8 days | Busy | — |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 70°F / 21°C | 10 days | Moderate | Cruise season winds down |
| November | 64°F / 18°C | 65°F / 18°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 57°F / 14°C | 61°F / 16°C | 15 days | Quiet | — |
Rain here counts every day with measurable rain, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate source: Herceg Novi, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Kotor (SeaTemperatu.re).
June and September are best: warm sea and almost no rain, with the beaches far quieter than in the July and August peak.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F / 13°C | 59°F / 15°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 59°F / 15°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 60°F / 16°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 9 days | Moderate | Season begins |
| June | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 3 days | Peak | — |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | 3 days | Peak | — |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 10 days | Moderate | Season winds down; olive harvest begins |
| November | 65°F / 18°C | 66°F / 19°C | 17 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 58°F / 14°C | 62°F / 17°C | 17 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Vlorë, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Vlore (SeaTemperatu.re).
Late May to June and September to early October are ideal: warm sea, dry days and none of the 32°C (90°F) heat of July and August.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | 60°F / 16°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 57°F / 14°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Busy | Beach clubs open |
| June | 85°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | 4 days | Busy | Athens Epidaurus Festival opens (through August); Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, in the Saronic Gulf |
| July | 90°F / 32°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| August | 90°F / 32°C | 80°F / 27°C | 2 days | Peak | Athens Epidaurus Festival ends |
| September | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| October | 74°F / 23°C | 73°F / 23°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 66°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 11 days | Quiet | Athens Marathon, the Authentic |
| December | 59°F / 15°C | 62°F / 17°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Elliniko, Climate: coastal Athens (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Glyfada (SeaTemperatu.re).
Covers Costa Navarino in Messinia and Porto Heli, home of Amanzoe, in the Argolid. Late May to June and September to October are ideal: a warm sea, dry days and none of the 31°C (88°F) heat of July and August. Temperatures are for Kalamata, about 45 minutes from Costa Navarino.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F / 15°C | 62°F / 17°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 62°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 63°F / 17°C | 10 days | Quiet | Season opens |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 3 days | Busy | Athens Epidaurus Festival opens at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, about an hour from Porto Heli (through August); Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, off Porto Heli |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | — |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | Athens Epidaurus Festival ends |
| September | 83°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| October | 76°F / 24°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 days | Moderate | Season winds down |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 69°F / 21°C | 13 days | Quiet | Olive harvest in Messinia |
| December | 61°F / 16°C | 65°F / 18°C | 16 days | Quiet | — |
Rain here comes from a source that counts rainy days more loosely, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate source: Kalamata, Climate: Kalamata Airport 1971–2010 (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Kalamata (SeaTemperatu.re).
June and September are best: the island is fully open, the sea is warm and the meltemi wind is gentler than in July and August, when crowds and prices also peak.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F / 14°C | 61°F / 16°C | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| February | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 61°F / 16°C | Quiet | Most hotels closed |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 62°F / 17°C | Quiet | First hotels reopen |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | Moderate | Hotels and beach clubs reopen |
| June | 79°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | Busy | — |
| July | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | Peak | Meltemi wind season |
| August | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | Peak | Meltemi wind season |
| September | 78°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | Busy | — |
| October | 72°F / 22°C | 71°F / 22°C | Moderate | Season ends; hotels begin to close |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 66°F / 19°C | Quiet | — |
| December | 61°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | Quiet | — |
Rainy days are not published for Mykonos; rainfall is very low from May to September.
Climate source: Mykonos, Climate: National Observatory of Athens data (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Mykonos (SeaTemperatu.re).
Late May to June and September are ideal: a warming sea, hot dry days and fewer people than July and August. October is still warm and much quieter.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F / 14°C | 61°F / 16°C | 11 days | Quiet | Off season; many hotels closed |
| February | 59°F / 15°C | 61°F / 16°C | 10 days | Quiet | Off season; many hotels closed |
| March | 61°F / 16°C | 61°F / 16°C | 8 days | Quiet | Hotels begin reopening late in the month |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 5 days | Moderate | Season opens |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 3 days | Busy | — |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 72°F / 22°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | 73°F / 23°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| October | 73°F / 23°C | 72°F / 22°C | 4 days | Moderate | Season winds down |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 66°F / 19°C | 8 days | Quiet | Many hotels close |
| December | 60°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | 12 days | Quiet | Off season; many hotels closed |
Climate source: Santorini, Climate: National Observatory of Athens data (Wikipedia). Sea and rain source: Santorini weather by month (weather2travel.com).
Figures are for Heraklion. Late May to June and September to mid-October are ideal: the sea is warm, the days are long and dry, and the island is calmer than in July and August.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F / 15°C | 63°F / 17°C | 14 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 60°F / 16°C | 62°F / 17°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 62°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 68°F / 20°C | 63°F / 17°C | 6 days | Moderate | Season opens |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 87°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 74°F / 23°C | 7 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 68°F / 20°C | 69°F / 21°C | 9 days | Quiet | Olive harvest begins |
| December | 62°F / 17°C | 65°F / 18°C | 13 days | Quiet | Olive harvest |
Climate and sea source: Heraklion, Climate: Heraklion Airport 1991–2020 (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: the sea is already warm (24–27°C, 76–80°F) without the full heat and crowds of July and August, when it is at its warmest. Late May and early October suit those who prefer it cooler and quieter.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60°F / 16°C | 65°F / 18°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 61°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 65°F / 18°C | 62°F / 17°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 71°F / 22°C | 65°F / 18°C | 5 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 3 days | Moderate | Yacht season opens |
| June | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| July | 95°F / 35°C | 80°F / 27°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 96°F / 36°C | 81°F / 27°C | 1 day | Peak | — |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| October | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 70°F / 21°C | 72°F / 22°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 63°F / 17°C | 68°F / 20°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Bodrum, Climate: NOAA 1991–2020, sea from seatemperature.org (Wikipedia).
April to June and September to October are ideal: mild, bright days for the city and the Bosphorus, without the summer heat. The sea is swimmable only from June to September.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F / 9°C | 47°F / 8°C | 17 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 49°F / 9°C | 46°F / 8°C | 15 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 54°F / 12°C | 47°F / 8°C | 13 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 61°F / 16°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 days | Busy | Tulip season |
| May | 70°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Busy | — |
| June | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 7 days | Busy | Istanbul Music Festival |
| July | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 5 days | Peak | — |
| August | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 days | Peak | — |
| September | 76°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 8 days | Busy | Istanbul Biennial (odd years) |
| October | 68°F / 20°C | 65°F / 18°C | 12 days | Busy | — |
| November | 59°F / 15°C | 57°F / 14°C | 14 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 51°F / 11°C | 51°F / 11°C | 18 days | Moderate | — |
Rain here counts every day with measurable rain, so the figures run higher than at most destinations.
Climate and sea source: Climate of Istanbul: Kireçburnu on the Bosphorus, sea from Weather Atlas (Wikipedia).
Figures are for Limassol. May to June and late September to October are ideal: a warm sea and sunshine without the fierce midsummer heat. Cyprus stays mild enough for the beach well into November.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F / 18°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 64°F / 18°C | 63°F / 17°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 68°F / 20°C | 63°F / 17°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 73°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 3 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | 1 day | Busy | — |
| June | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | <1 day | Busy | — |
| July | 92°F / 33°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0 days | Peak | — |
| August | 92°F / 33°C | 82°F / 28°C | 0 days | Peak | — |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 81°F / 27°C | <1 day | Busy | Pafos Aphrodite Festival (Paphos) |
| October | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| November | 74°F / 23°C | 72°F / 22°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 66°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Limassol, Climate (Wikipedia).
May to June and September to October are ideal: beach weather and a warm sea without the humid peak of July and August.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F / 18°C | 66°F / 19°C | 15 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 64°F / 18°C | 64°F / 18°C | 13 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 67°F / 19°C | 64°F / 18°C | 10 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 4 days | Busy | — |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 70°F / 21°C | 2 days | Busy | — |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 0 days | Busy | Tel Aviv Pride |
| July | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0 days | Peak | Israel Festival (Jerusalem) |
| August | 86°F / 30°C | 84°F / 29°C | 0 days | Peak | — |
| September | 85°F / 29°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 days | Busy | — |
| October | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 6 days | Busy | — |
| November | 74°F / 23°C | 74°F / 23°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| December | 67°F / 19°C | 69°F / 21°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Tel Aviv, Climate (Wikipedia).
Late May to June and late September to October are ideal: hot, dry days and a sea at 23–26°C (73–79°F), without the July and August rush, when much of Cairo moves to the North Coast for the summer.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F / 18°C | 64°F / 18°C | 8 days | Quiet | Winter storm season, rough seas |
| February | 66°F / 19°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 70°F / 21°C | 63°F / 17°C | 3 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 75°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | <1 day | Busy | North Coast summer season opens |
| July | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | <1 day | Peak | North Coast summer season at its height |
| August | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | <1 day | Peak | North Coast summer season at its height |
| September | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | <1 day | Busy | Warmest sea of the year |
| October | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| November | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 4 days | Quiet | Cairo International Film Festival (in Cairo, about 3 hours away) |
| December | 68°F / 20°C | 68°F / 20°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
Climate and sea source: Alexandria, Climate (Wikipedia).
June and September are ideal: a sea at 22–25°C (72–77°F) and almost no rain, without the 34°C (93–94°F) heat of July and August.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F / 17°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 62°F / 17°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 66°F / 19°C | 59°F / 15°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| April | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 66°F / 19°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 88°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 2 days | Busy | Jasmine season begins |
| July | 93°F / 34°C | 77°F / 25°C | <1 day | Peak | — |
| August | 94°F / 34°C | 78°F / 26°C | 2 days | Peak | Jasmine season |
| September | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 days | Busy | — |
| October | 80°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 71°F / 22°C | 69°F / 21°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 64°F / 18°C | 63°F / 17°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Tunis, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Tunis (SeaTemperatu.re).
May to June and September to October are ideal: warm, mostly dry days in the 25–30°C (77–86°F) range and a sea at 18–24°C (65–76°F), with little foreign tourism at any time of year. Algiers, the capital, is our only destination in Algeria.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F / 17°C | 60°F / 16°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 64°F / 18°C | 59°F / 15°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 68°F / 20°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 71°F / 22°C | 62°F / 17°C | 6 days | Quiet | — |
| May | 77°F / 25°C | 65°F / 18°C | 4 days | Quiet | — |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| July | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | <1 day | Busy | Beach season, mostly domestic |
| August | 91°F / 33°C | 78°F / 26°C | 1 day | Busy | Beach season, mostly domestic |
| September | 86°F / 30°C | 76°F / 24°C | 4 days | Moderate | — |
| October | 80°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 5 days | Quiet | — |
| November | 70°F / 21°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 65°F / 18°C | 62°F / 17°C | 8 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Algiers, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Algiers water temperature by month (Climate-Data.org).
June and September are ideal: dry, sunny days of 25–27°C (77–81°F) and a sea at 22–23°C (71–73°F), without the July and August surge, when Moroccans living in Europe come home through the port.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F / 16°C | 63°F / 17°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| February | 62°F / 17°C | 62°F / 17°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| March | 64°F / 18°C | 61°F / 16°C | 10 days | Quiet | — |
| April | 67°F / 19°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 days | Moderate | — |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 6 days | Moderate | — |
| June | 77°F / 25°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 days | Busy | Summer homecoming crossings begin |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | <1 day | Peak | Summer homecoming at its height |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | <1 day | Peak | Summer homecoming at its height; warmest sea |
| September | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 3 days | Busy | — |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | 71°F / 22°C | 8 days | Moderate | — |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | 67°F / 19°C | 11 days | Quiet | — |
| December | 63°F / 17°C | 64°F / 18°C | 12 days | Quiet | — |
Climate source: Tangier, Climate (Wikipedia). Sea source: Best Time To Swim In Tangier (SeaTemperatu.re).
March to April and October to November are ideal: warm, mostly dry days of 23–28°C (74–83°F), well clear of summer highs near 38°C (100°F). Marrakech lies inland, one of Morocco's imperial cities, a short flight from the Mediterranean coast.
| Month | Day high | Sea | Rain | Crowds | Happening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F / 19°C | n/a, inland | 3 days | Moderate | Snow on the High Atlas |
| February | 69°F / 21°C | n/a, inland | 4 days | Busy | Snow on the High Atlas |
| March | 75°F / 24°C | n/a, inland | 5 days | Peak | — |
| April | 78°F / 26°C | n/a, inland | 3 days | Peak | — |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | n/a, inland | 2 days | Busy | — |
| June | 93°F / 34°C | n/a, inland | <1 day | Moderate | — |
| July | 100°F / 38°C | n/a, inland | <1 day | Quiet | Hottest month |
| August | 99°F / 37°C | n/a, inland | <1 day | Moderate | — |
| September | 91°F / 33°C | n/a, inland | 1 day | Moderate | — |
| October | 83°F / 28°C | n/a, inland | 2 days | Busy | — |
| November | 74°F / 23°C | n/a, inland | 4 days | Busy | Marrakech International Film Festival |
| December | 68°F / 20°C | n/a, inland | 4 days | Peak | Christmas and New Year high season |
Climate source: Marrakesh, Climate (Wikipedia).
The Mediterranean Season Letter
Four letters a year, one for each season: the Mediterranean from spring to autumn, and Beyond the Mediterranean, into the Alps, in winter. The one best hotel to book, and the events worth crossing a sea for.
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