Mykonos in February: Weather, Crowds and What to Do

February in Mykonos is quiet, cool and windy. It's a month for people who want the whitewashed lanes to themselves and can happily skip a beach day. It suits walkers, photographers, food lovers and anyone watching a budget.

What is the weather like in Mykonos in February?

February is mild by European winter standards, and the sun comes out on plenty of days. Afternoons are pleasant for a long walk in a sweater and light jacket. After dark the air cools and the breeze picks up, so the walk back from dinner calls for real layers.

Mykonos is nicknamed "The Island of the Winds," and February lives up to the name. Wind can make an afternoon feel colder than the numbers suggest. Showers tend to be brief, but they come often enough that you should pack for rain.

The sea is too cold for most people to swim. The beaches are still lovely to walk, and you may have them to yourself.

How does February compare with January and March?

January is the coolest and wettest of the three months, with the shortest days. February is nearly as cool, with a little more daylight and slightly less rain. March is a touch warmer, rain falls on fewer days, and the days are noticeably longer.

March is the better bet for slightly warmer, drier and longer days. February is a lovely time to come if you want a quiet island at off-season prices.

Is February a good time to visit Mykonos?

Yes, if you want peace. Mykonos is packed with visitors in July and August. In February you can wander Mykonos Town, Little Venice, the old churches and the windmills without thousands of other tourists. In winter they have time to chat, and you see a side of Mykonos that summer visitors miss.

The trade-off is that much of the island is closed. Many hotels, gourmet restaurants and beach clubs close for the season, and a good number of shops are shut or being renovated ahead of the next summer. Sailing tours usually don't run.

Prices are the reward. Villas and hotel rooms cost far less than in high season, and the high-season rate is often double, especially for mid-range and upscale villas. Car rentals are a little cheaper too, and a local rental company may negotiate. Entrance fees at museums and archaeological sites across Greece are reduced in the off-season, and some days are free. Tours and organized activities cost the same all year.

What is there to do in Mykonos in February?

Start with a slow walk through Mykonos Town. The narrow streets, small galleries and hilltop windmills are calm in February, and Little Venice is easy to enjoy without the summer crowds. At the edge of town, next to the old castle ruins, stands Panagia Paraportiani, a whitewashed complex of five joined churches. It is a famous Greek Orthodox church and a popular sight in Mykonos town. Its asymmetrical shape makes it a lovely sight to see up close.

Save the museums for a rainy day, and check that they're open before you go. The Archaeological Museum holds finds from Mykonos and from Rineia, the islet where ancient Delos buried its dead in Classical and Hellenistic times. Lena's House Folk Museum preserves a traditional Mykonian home with its furnishings. The Aegean Maritime Museum covers the long history of sailing these waters.

Food is a highlight of a winter trip. Cooking classes and food tours rarely fill up, so you can book at short notice and may even end up with a private session. Tavernas and cafes are affordable, and you'll eat alongside the locals. A car or a licensed guide is easy to arrange at the last minute. A hired car or guide can take you out to villages and resorts such as Ano Mera, Ornos and Agios Sostis, or to a local winery or a cheese-making farm.

Outdoors, the rugged landscape is good for hiking and coastal walks, and you may catch the first spring blooms along the trails. Children love the island's friendly cats and its famous pelican.

Carnival festivities usually arrive in the later part of February or around the start of March, and you may see children and adults in colorful costumes. Expect costumes, music and dancing. Tsiknopempti, the "meat-eating Thursday" before Lent, comes in the same stretch, and tavernas fill with big groups eating and drinking.

What should you pack for Mykonos in February?

Layers are the whole strategy. Bring a sweater, a windproof jacket, a light rain layer or umbrella, and a warm layer for cool, breezy evenings. Comfortable walking shoes will handle the cobblestone lanes and coastal trails. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen too, for the sunny stretches.

What do Americans need to enter Greece?

U.S. citizens can 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. A passport that has been reported lost or stolen will not be accepted, even if you have since found it. Officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket or other evidence of departure.

What should you know before going to Mykonos in February?

Ferry fares stay the same through the year, but winter brings fewer companies, fewer routes and fewer fast boats. There are also fewer flights. Book both early and check the timetables before you go. Rough weather can disrupt ferries, and transport strikes can affect seaports and airports, so build some slack into your plans.

If you rent a car, Greek law requires a valid U.S. driver's license, and insurance companies may require an international driver’s permit. Thieves are known to break into rental cars, so it is wise to take your passport and valuables with you.

Greece is generally safe, but petty crime is common in popular tourist spots. Carry your passport or another photo ID at all times.

Before you book, confirm that your hotel or villa is open for your dates. Most of the hotels that stay open are in Chora, the main town, and family-friendly options are mostly villas and apartment rentals. Check a restaurant's hours before you head out for dinner.