Rhodes is one of the sunniest islands in Greece, and it can be visited in every month of the year, but the island changes character from season to season. The best time depends on what you want to do. Beach and boat days belong to the warm months, hiking and sightseeing are at their best in spring and autumn, and the medieval Old Town is a good winter destination because its main attractions are open all year. This guide explains what to expect in each season so that you can plan your trip with the right expectations.
Summer: June to August
This is the peak season, with long, hot, sunny days, warm sea and the full range of services. Boat trips, including the high-speed boat to Symi and swimming cruises, run at their fullest, beach bars and resorts are open and the Valley of the Butterflies is at its most atmospheric, since the butterflies gather there from about June to September. The Palace of the Grand Master and most other sites run long daily hours. The trade-offs are heat and crowds. Midday temperatures can be high, especially on exposed sites such as Ancient Kameiros and the Lindos acropolis, and the Old Town fills with day visitors and cruise passengers. In July and August the meltemi, a strong dry northerly wind, often blows across the Aegean, which cools the air but can make the sea choppy on the west coast and occasionally disrupts boat trips. Book accommodation and popular tickets early, start sightseeing at opening time and save the middle of the day for swimming.
Spring: April and May
Many visitors consider spring the best time. The island is green and covered in wildflowers, the air is warm but not hot and the crowds are lighter. Sightseeing and walking are at their best, and sites like Kameiros, Filerimos hill and the Seven Springs are especially lovely. The Valley of the Butterflies opens on 1 May, although the butterflies themselves arrive later. Boat services and beach facilities start to open as the season builds, and the sea is still cool for swimming, so it is better for walking and culture than for beaches. Easter is a special time in Greece, with processions and a lively atmosphere, but accommodation fills up and some places close on the main holiday days.
Autumn: September and October
Autumn is the other golden season. The sea retains the heat of summer, so swimming is excellent, while the air is gentler and the crowds thin. It is a good time for the Symi trip, Lindos and the bays. By late October, services begin to wind down, and the first rainy days appear.
Winter: November to March
Winter is quiet, mild and often sunny, though days are short and showers can be heavy. The Old Town, the Street of the Knights, Mandraki harbour, Monte Smith, Lindos and the castles are all open or accessible, and you can enjoy them almost alone. The Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum run winter hours from 1 November to 31 March, roughly from half past eight to half past three, and they close on Tuesdays, so plan your museum visits for the morning. The Valley of the Butterflies is closed from November to April. Many boat excursions and beach services pause for the season, and some resort hotels close, including the seasonal outdoor pools, such as the one at Rodos Park, which closes each year from 20 November to 29 June. In return you get lower prices, uncrowded lanes and a chance to see the town as locals do. Pack a rain jacket and shoes with grip for the wet cobbles.
Choosing your month
For swimming and boat trips, go in June or September. For walking, castles and ancient sites, choose April, May or October. For culture, quiet streets and value, November to March works well, as long as you plan around the shorter hours and the Tuesday closures. If you must travel in the middle of summer, schedule outdoor sights for the early morning and late afternoon, and use the middle of the day for the Palace, the museum or the sea.
Practical tips
Check opening hours for the exact dates of your trip, since seasonal changes happen on fixed dates, and ask your hotel which of its facilities are open. A good compromise for many travellers is the shoulder season, when you can combine warm weather, open sites and calmer streets. Whenever you come, the Old Town, the harbour and the views from Monte Smith are at their best in the soft light of morning and evening.
