The climate of Rhodes
Rhodes enjoys a Csa climate classification, a Mediterranean type with hot summers, under the Köppen climate classification system. Geographically nestled within the Aegean Sea and being the largest of
Greece's Dodecanese islands, Rhodes experiences a climate that dovetails with its warm summers and mild winters.
Throughout the year, the temperatures in Rhodes retain a comfortable range, from an average low of 12.6°C (54.7°F) in cooler months to a peak high of 29.2°C (84.6°F) in the midst of summer. Variations in the weather parameters do exist but generally align with a typical Mediterranean climate. Relative humidity remains fairly consistent and averages between 66% and 70%.
An interesting feature of Rhodes's climate is its rain pattern. The area experiences maximum rainfall of 80mm (3.15") in
December and as little as 1mm (0.04") in
August. The driest period extends from
June to August, with nearly negligible rainfall, while the wettest month is December.
Winter months can be windy, with wind speeds reaching 22.1km/h (13.7mph) in
January and
February. The windiest time of the year runs from
May to
July, with gusting winds reaching a peak of 31.4km/h (19.5mph) in summer months.
The best time to visit Rhodes
For those wishing to indulge in the delight of
Rhodes’s beaches, the best time to visit is from
June to
September. During this period, sea temperatures gradually increase from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to a peak of 27.3°C (81.1°F) in
August and daylight hours range from 14.1 hours in
May to 14.6 hours in June. These conditions blend with sunshine duration ranging from 11.6 hours in May to 12.1 hours in
July to create an enticing summer retreat.
The worst time to visit Rhodes
Those averse to cooler weather and rainfall might want to avoid
Rhodes from
November to
February. Although temperatures do not go very low with an average of 12.6°C (54.7°F) in
January, these months experience the highest rainfall, reaching a peak of 80mm (3.15") in
December. Additionally, the number of rainfall days is highest during this period, reaching 15.2 days in January.
Spring weather in Rhodes
Spring introduces a mild climate to
Rhodes from
March to
May, with temperatures ascending from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F) and rainfall decreases substantially from 35mm (1.38") to 10mm (0.39"). It's worth noting that daylight hours expand greatly during this period, increasing from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May.
Summer weather in Rhodes
Summer brings heat to
Rhodes from
June to
August. Temperatures peak at 29.2°C (84.6°F) in August and remain over 25°C (77°F) throughout. Sunshine hits its zenith during these months with up to 14.6 hours of daylight in June and 12 hours of sunshine in
July. The minimal rain during this period, averaging only 3mm (0.12") in July, makes it ideal for sun seekers.
Autumn weather in Rhodes
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a gradual cooling of the temperatures with averages edging downward from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 20°C (68°F). Days shorten from 12.4 daylight hours in September to 10.2 hours in November. Rainfall starts to pick up in November, reaching a substantial 57mm (2.24").
Winter weather in Rhodes
Winter ushers in chilly weather from
December to
February with temperatures averaging between 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). Rainfall peaks in December at 80mm (3.15") and the number of rainy days increases to 15.2 in
January. Despite the increased rainfall, the relative humidity remains consistent, with an average of 68% in December. During this period, the number of daylight hours diminishes from 9.7 hours in December to 10 hours in February.
Weather in January
The weather in
January indicates the beginning of the year in
Rhodes - the winter season is in full swing. The average low temperature drops to 12.6°C (54.7°F), which noticeably cools the evenings. A unique characteristic that makes January noticeable is the comparatively high rainfall, as the high precipitation levels amount to 75mm (2.95").
Weather in January »Weather in February
In respect of the weather,
February displays not much difference compared to
January. The average high temperature slightly rises to 15.2°C (59.4°F) but the evenings still stay cold. It should be noted that there is a decrease in rainfall to 61mm (2.4").
Weather in February »Weather in March
Mild spring weather starts to manifest in
March. Interestingly, the average low temperature climbs up to 13.8°C (56.8°F), hinting at the arrival of warmer days. There is a significant reduction in rainfall, falling down to 35mm (1.38"), marking the end of the wet season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The warms days of
April announce the arrival of the actual spring. The average high temperature soars to 18.6°C (65.5°F), enabling outdoor activities. The month records a further decrease in rainfall, dropping to an average of 26mm (1.02").
Weather in April »Weather in May
The month of
May brings a tangible change in the weather as the average high temperature jumps to 21.9°C (71.4°F). Specifically in May,
Rhodes experiences the most notable drop in rainfall, with precipitation levels reducing to mere 10mm (0.39") on average, leaving the surroundings dry.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June welcomes the peak of the summer season. The average low temperature increases to 22.4°C (72.3°F), with hot days and warm nights to be expected. Remarkably in June,
Rhodes experiences a minimum rainfall of 4mm (0.16"). The warm water and prolonged sunshine make it the ideal time for beach goers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the ongoing trends of the summer season. Impressively, the average high temperature reaches up to 28.3°C (82.9°F). Also noteworthy are the weather conditions in July, which receive the least amount of rainfall with just 3mm (0.12") falling.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August is nearly identical to that of
July. However, the average low temperature slightly rises to 25.6°C (78.1°F) and the rainfall remains almost negligible at 1mm (0.04"). Notably, the sea waters reach the highest temperature, perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses slight changes in weather conditions. The high temperature takes a little dip to 26.8°C (80.2°F), marking the onset of the fall season. However, even though it no longer stays at its peak, the sea temperature remains high in September, making it an ideal time for water activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The month of
October in
Rhodes brings noticeable changes in weather. The average high temperature drops to 23.5°C (74.3°F), providing slightly cooler days. A shift in weather trend is observed as rainfall increases up to 31mm (1.22") on average, announcing the arrival of autumn.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in a more profound winter atmosphere. The average low temperature in
Rhodes decreases further to 17.8°C (64°F). An important feature of November weather is the increase in rainfall, reaching to a level of 57mm (2.24").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December displays a full-fledged winter season. The city experiences a drop in the average high temperature to 16.3°C (61.3°F). December exhibits the highest rainfall, with the average rainfall reaching up to 80mm (3.15"), making it the wettest month.
Weather in December » [Resources]