Mykonos in April: Weather, Crowds and What to Do

April is Mykonos waking up after winter. The days are mild and bright, the nights still call for a jacket, and the island is quiet, with enough open in Mykonos Town for a good dinner and an evening drink. It suits travelers who come to walk, take in the views and linger at the table, because the beach-club season has yet to begin.

What is the weather like in Mykonos in April?

Afternoons are made for hiking and sightseeing, and the sun feels warmer than the thermometer suggests. Evenings turn cool once the sun goes down, so plan on a jacket for the walk to dinner. Toward the end of the month, a few warm days can make sunbathing feel possible.

The sea stays chilly. It suits a long walk along the sand and perhaps a quick splash, though the sea is still cool in April and swimming season comes later. In April the shoreline is best enjoyed from the coastal trails.

Showers come now and then, stay light and pass quickly, so they rarely spoil a day outdoors. Mykonos is nicknamed "The Island of the Winds" for the very strong winds that usually blow there, so a light jacket is a good idea on the coast.

How does April compare with March and May?

March is usually cooler and wetter, and businesses are only starting to reopen. Almost half of the restaurants and hotels are open by the end of that month.

May feels like a different island. By mid-month the hotels and restaurants are open, beach clubs are starting to open and visitors begin arriving in real numbers. Days are warmer and drier, with a sea that is slow to warm. For proper swimming weather, the season runs from June through October.

Is April a good time to visit Mykonos?

Yes, if you like calm. The countryside is at its greenest, spring blossoms add color to the scenery, and hotels are much cheaper than in summer. Food, drink and transport prices barely change with the season, so the savings come from your room.

The trade-off is closed doors. Shops and restaurants reopen as the month goes on, and about 75% of tourist businesses are running by the close of April, so expect more shutters in the first weeks. Stay in Mykonos Town, where you will find more buzz and more open bars.

Nightlife is low-key. A few bars in Mykonos Town have something going on, and Guapaloca opens in April but stays quiet.

Orthodox Easter often falls in April and brings religious processions, candlelit vigils and feasts. Easter week is busier than the rest of the month, though still quiet by summer standards, and it is a culturally rich time to be on the island.

What is there to do in Mykonos in April?

Start on foot in Mykonos Town. Little Venice glows at twilight, and spring sunsets there come with thin crowds. Up on a hill by the sea, 16 historic grain windmills make one of the island's well-known photo spots. At the edge of town, beside the old castle ruins, the whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani church is built from five joined chapels. The interior is sometimes closed, but the whitewashed outside is very photogenic.

Take a day trip to nearby Delos, then rent a car and explore the countryside while it is green. Greek law requires visitors to carry a valid U.S. driver's license and an international driving permit, even if the rental company does not ask to see the permit. Drive with care: Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union, and talking or texting on a phone while driving is illegal. Thieves break into rental cars for passports, valuables and luggage, so keep them with you.

For dinner, pick a place in Mykonos Town and confirm it is open for your dates before you plan an evening around it.

What should you pack for Mykonos in April?

• A light jacket for evenings and a thin waterproof layer for showers
• A hat and sunscreen, since the sun is stronger than it feels
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for trails and old town lanes
• A reusable water bottle
• Layers you can peel off by afternoon

Can you take a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini in April?

Usually, yes. Direct Mykonos-Santorini ferries typically start in early April, and this early in the season the boat is often a smaller SeaJet that can give a bumpy ride. Daily ferries from Athens run year-round, and sailings to Mykonos increase from April on. Check timetables for your exact dates before you commit to island hopping. Flights out of Mykonos often leave late and security lines are slow, so avoid booking a ferry that arrives just a couple of hours before your flight.

What do Americans need to enter Greece?

U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of 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 previously 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.

Once in Greece, carry your passport or another photo ID at all times. Petty crime is common in popular tourist spots, so keep valuables close in busy lanes. Transportation strikes can interrupt taxis, seaports and airports, so check for disruptions before each travel day.