What's the weather like in Kefalonia?
Standing solo off the west coast of Greece, Kefalonia is the largest of the seven islands adorning the Ionian Sea.
Boasting a glorious Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons, each offers visitors a different experience of the same unique island. With green, fir-capped mountains, sand drenched coves and charming sea front towns such as Sami brought to fame in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, the natural beauty of this Greek offering shines through come rain or shine.
Spring
As winter turns to spring, the whole island lights up with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of wildflowers sweeping across the rolling hills and stunning coastline.
Slightly cooler than autumn, you can expect much less rain than previous months with a scattering of April showers and between eight to 12 hours of sunshine a day. If you’re interesting in hiking or biking the numerous nature trails, this is the best time of year to go as although things are warming up, it’s not too hot.
Average temperatures range between 12°C and 18°C rising steadily over the course of the season to highs of 22°C and while it might still be a little cool to enjoy dinner al fresco, by May, the sea is warm enough to swim in with water temperatures averaging around 19°C.
Summer
By June, Kefalonia is getting back into full swing with many locals returning from a winter on the mainland and sun-worshippers from across the world arriving to the island in search of an idyllic break.
With up to 14 hours of brilliant sunshine every day and little to no rain from June through to August, beach days are at their best with plenty of watersports on offer and cosy tavernas serving refreshing drinks and snacks while you catch some rays.
The start of the season sees temperatures of around 23°C climbing to an average of around 29°C at its peak. Evenings are a balmy 18°C making sunset strolls along the coast and outdoor dining delightful and there’ll be no excuse to dip your toes in one of the island’s Blue Flag beaches, with water temperatures hitting highs of 26°C in August.
Autumn
As most of the holidaying families head back home to prepare for the start of the school year, the Kefalonian sun still has something to shine about throughout September and the first half of October. Temperatures still hit the 26°C mark and the Ionian Sea is still forthcoming, but you’ll enjoy less crowds and slightly better prices as resorts begin to round up for the winter break.
From mid-October through to November as the days begin to shorten, average sunshine dips to around seven hours a day and as the skies become more overcast, temperatures drop to around 17°C and there’s an increased chance of rain.
Winter
The mild, wet winters in Kefalonia are what keeps this gorgeous island so rich and green throughout the year and from December through to February you can expect regular, heavy downpours.
With temperatures ranging from between 9°C and 13°C it might be too cold for sunbathing, but wrap up warm and you can enjoy spectacular walks along the coastline in complete tranquillity.
Out of the peak tourist season, visitors will need to fly to Athens and take an internal flight to the island, but once there you’ll have complete peace with no crowds and only a few locals. Although most of the main resorts close for the winter, you’ll find a selection of authentic tavernas and restaurants serving up age-old family favourites.