Mykonos in September: Weather, Crowds and What to Do

Few months suit a Mykonos trip as well as September does. Days are warm, the sea still holds its summer heat, and the island keeps humming while August's crowds and traffic ease off. The month opens at full summer pace and eases week by week, and a few seasonal businesses start to wind down toward the end.

Is September a good time to visit Mykonos?

Yes.

Early September still behaves like high season. Beach clubs are packed, nightlife is strong, hotels are expensive, and popular restaurants want reservations. The big DJ parties at the beach clubs run until about mid-month. Mid-September brings the best balance, with excellent weather, nearly everything open, and crowds and prices beginning to ease. Late September is quieter and much better value. Most major hotels and restaurants keep serving through the month, though some beach clubs and seasonal businesses start winding down near the end.

Come early in the month for the liveliest party scene, or later for quieter beaches and softer hotel rates.

What is the weather like in Mykonos in September?

September stays summery, especially through the first three weeks. The sea is comfortable for swimming all month, and the heat is gentle enough for long strolls through the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town. Rain is rare in September, with fewer than one rainy day in an average month, so a washed-out week is unlikely.

Wind is the thing to plan around. Mykonos is nicknamed "The Island of the Winds," and the Meltemi, while weaker than in August, still blows on plenty of September days. Strong gusts can still disrupt ferries and small-boat trips and churn up exposed beaches. Save Ftelia, Panormos and Agios Sostis for calm days.

How does September compare with August and October?

July and August are extremely crowded, and August also brings bigger parties, higher prices and heavier traffic. September keeps the warm swimming, good nightlife and most restaurants, with fewer people and less traffic. Unless peak party season is the whole point of your trip, choose September.

September suits a dependable beach vacation, while October suits those who want lower prices and a much calmer island.

What is there to do in Mykonos in September?

Spend several days at the beach, since September may be the island's best beach month. Ornos and Platis Gialos work well for almost any beach day, and Psarou and Paraga are the places for polished beach clubs and sunbed service.

Give at least one evening to Mykonos Town, which stays lively all month even as the beach resorts calm down. Little Venice, the windmills, the shops, cocktail bars and late dinners fill a night easily. Mykonos is also among the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for gay travelers, with a lively gay nightlife.

Take a day trip to Delos. The ancient site is exposed and almost without shade, so September's milder weather is a big improvement over midsummer.

Go beach hopping by boat. All of these depend on the weather, and departures can thin out later in the month.

What should you book before arriving?

Book hotels early if you're going in the first half of September; late in the month brings more availability and better rates. Reserve popular restaurants and sunset tables too, though casual places get easier after mid-month.

Travelers should arrange airport and port transfers ahead of time, particularly if they arrive late, stay outside Town or carry a lot of luggage. Once your island-hopping plans are settled, book your ferries, and look at sailing days before reserving hotels on more than one island. Popular boat tours are often worth booking in advance, and it is usually wise to avoid planning your only boat trip for your last day, since strong wind can cancel sailings. In the final week of September, confirm directly that any beach club, boat trip or seasonal restaurant you care about is still running.

How do you get to Mykonos and around the island in September?

Ferries from Athens leave from Piraeus and Rafina. Rafina is closer to Athens Airport, and Piraeus is handier if you are starting from central Athens. September works well for island hopping, with ferry links to Santorini, Paros and Naxos, though some inter-island routes are seasonal and skip certain days.

Ferries on Mykonos dock at the New Port in Tourlos, a different spot from the Old Port in Town. Arrange a ride ahead if you're carrying luggage, because taxis run short when several boats or flights arrive together. Buses cover the main beaches. A rental car is unnecessary if you stay in Town, Ornos or Platis Gialos and stick to nearby beaches; rent one to explore remote beaches and quieter corners of the island. Greek law requires your U.S. driver's license plus an international driving permit, even if the rental company doesn't ask for the permit.

Before an international flight out of Athens, spend your last night on the mainland. Connecting a ferry to the flight on the same day is too risky.

What should you pack for Mykonos in September?

• Swimwear, shorts, t-shirts and sandals
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, since the UV can feel strong even when the air seems mild
• A light sweater or windproof layer for breezy evenings and ferry decks
• Comfortable shoes for Mykonos Town and Delos
• Motion-sickness medicine if rough crossings bother you
• Something nice for dinners and nights out in Town

What do Americans need to enter Greece?

U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure date, and a passport that has been reported lost or stolen will not get you in. Be ready to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket or other evidence of departure if asked.

Greece is generally safe, but petty crime is common in popular tourist spots, and transport strikes can interrupt taxis, seaports and airports. Carry your passport or another photo ID with you, and avoid leaving valuables in a parked rental car, since thieves break into them.