Mykonos in January: Weather, Crowds and What to Do

January suits travelers who want a quiet, windy, wintry Mykonos with the island nearly to themselves. Walkers, photographers and anyone happy with empty lanes and wide sea views will love it. Beach lovers and party people may want to look elsewhere, since the big summer party scene is absent in winter and the sea is quite cool. December and February feel much the same, mild and changeable with plenty of rainy days.

What is the weather like in Mykonos in January?

Days are cool with spells of sun, and a light jacket usually does the job. January is the island's coolest and wettest month.

Evenings drop several degrees, and the breeze sharpens the chill. Mykonos is nicknamed The Island of the Winds, so expect wind most days. The sea is too cold for most people to swim.

Many winters bring the Halcyon Days, a short run of clear, sunny weather that usually falls in January. The timing shifts from year to year, so treat them as a bonus.

How does January compare with December and February?

December has nearly as many rainy days as January, and its daylight is short. January is the coolest and wettest of the trio. February keeps the chill but brings fewer rainy days, about 8.8 on average compared with 10.8 in January, which leaves more room for exploring.

Is January a good time to visit Mykonos?

Yes, if you want peace. July and August are famously packed, and by January the crowds are long gone. You can wander Mykonos Town, Little Venice, the old churches and the windmills without jostling anyone. Locals have time to chat, and guides, food tours and cooking classes are easy to book at the last minute.

The trade-off is that many hotels, gourmet restaurants and beach clubs close for the season, and a lot of shops are shut or being renovated for the summer. The hotels that stay open are mostly in the main town, with villas and rentals filling the gap. Sailing tours usually stop for the winter, and the archaeological site on Delos may be closed to visitors, so check ahead before you build a boat trip into your plans.

Accommodation is where you save. Villas and hotel rooms can cost a fraction of their summer rates, and in many cases the high-season price is double the low-season one. Car rentals are cheaper too, by a smaller margin. Tour prices and ferry fares stay the same all year.

Getting there takes a little more planning. Fewer ferry companies run fewer routes in winter, and rough seas can disrupt crossings. Flights from Athens typically cost a bit less than in summer. Book early either way, and check the timetable before you go.

What should you pack for Mykonos in January?

Think layers, and think wind. Pack:

• A windproof jacket and a few warm layers you can peel off at midday
• A compact umbrella or rain shell
• Sturdy shoes for cobblestones and hilly trails
• A hat and sunscreen, since the sun can surprise you
• A reusable water bottle
• A good camera

What is there to do in Mykonos in January?

Start in Mykonos Town, a maze of narrow cobblestone lanes lined with whitewashed houses and churches. Stop at a café, then stay out late. Some bars and clubs stay open all winter, and Greek bands play live at restaurants, cafés and bars, usually on Sundays and sometimes on Thursdays too.

Epiphany on January 6 is celebrated locally. Along the coast in many Greek towns, a priest tosses a cross into the water and young men leap in to fetch it. The New Year festivities also linger into mid-January.

The beaches are lovely for a walk, and you may well have one to yourself. Hikers can follow the trail from Mykonos Town to Ano Mera, through olive groves and rugged country, keeping an eye out for wild goats, hares and birds. Having a car makes it easy to reach spots like Ano Mera, Ornos and Agios Sostis, and to add a stop at a winery or a cheese farm. Mykonos has a reputation for its crisp white wines.

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. Your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure date, and you should be ready to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket or other evidence of departure if asked. Greece is generally safe, though petty crime is common in tourist areas, and transport strikes can disrupt ports and airports. If you plan to rent a car, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and an international driver's permit, since Greek law requires both even when the rental company does not ask to see the permit.