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Rhodes (or Rodos) is the fourth largest Greek Island, just 6 miles away from the Turkish coast. Part of the Dodecanese Islands, it is undoubtedly one of the best tourist destinations in Greece. With the island’s rich history, there are quite a few historical monuments and architectural marvels for you to visit. The Medieval Old Town of the City and the Acropolis of Lindos are both a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site lists and you can’t leave them off your list.
Now, if you think that the island is just about history and architecture and is no fun for people who aren’t interested in the same, you are mistaken. Rhodes has some beautiful natural attractions as well, with lovely beaches, isles, forest trails and so on. Add to them adventure sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and underwater diving and you have yourself a destination that has something for everyone, no matter when you visit.
Various cities in the island host multiple festivals and events around the year to celebrate their rich culture, history and art forms. Apart from older festivals, you also get to experience a few modern ones related to film, music, and even sound and light shows. If you want to experience Greek culture in all its glory, then you can plan your trip around some of these festivals (we’ve covered them in detail below).
Rhodes has a temperate climate with extremely pleasant weather throughout the year. Sometimes, the summers can get a bit hot but the heat does not reach a point where you would want to spend all your time indoors. This season receives the least amount of rain - almost none - while the winter sees quite a bit of rainfall. Due to its location, Rhodes receives 3,000 + hours of sunlight, making it perfect for travelling.
Considering the fact that there is so much to do here, you must be eager to pack your bags and just leave for this picturesque island. To answer your question about the best time to visit Rhodes, let us look into a season-wise breakdown of all you need to know.
Peak Season: June-July-August
Off Season: December-February
Shoulder Season: March-May and September-November
| Travel Seasons | Min/ Max Temperature | Weather |
| Spring | 16-24°C | Pleasantly warm with occasional rain |
| Summer | 20-32°C | Warm with no rain |
| Autumn | 12-26°C | Pleasant and rainy |
| Winter | 8- 15°C | Pleasantly cold with occasional rain |
Temperature: The temperature during spring in Rhodes varies between 16°C and 24°C.
Weather: Spring in Rhodes has temperatures ranging between 16°C and 24°C with almost all the days in the season experiencing pleasant weather. It does rain occasionally but the level of precipitation gradually drops as the days pass.
Significant Events: The International Folk Festival is held in the last week of April and the first week of May. This is the first international festival to be hosted in the island, thanks to the municipality of Rhodes. The focus is on understanding different cultures through folk dances, songs and plays. Anthestitia is a parade that takes place on the last Sunday of May, and you can witness locals performing in colourful costumes and flowery floats as well.
Why you should visit now: The spring season can be considered the second best season of the year to visit because of the pleasant climate. You get to experience a little bit of rain, the number of sunny hours goes up to 9-10 hours a day and the water is pleasant enough for you to dive in without hesitation. This also makes it the perfect time to go for treks or hikes and explore the natural beauty of the city.
Things to know before the visit: Since it is the shoulder season of the year, you can get your tickets at a lower price than usual. It can get quite rainy during the month of March and April - but not enough to hamper your plans. Make sure you improve your fitness before travelling so that you can indulge in outdoor activities like trekking, swimming, hiking and so on.
Tip: Since it rains during this season (especially during the early part of the season) you must definitely carry an umbrella with you while exploring different cities.
Temperature: The temperature during summer in Rhodes ranges between 20°C and 32°C.
Weather: Summer in Rhodes is hot but still pleasant for you to enjoy your time outdoors. The maximum temperature reaches just over 30°C but can even go as high as 38°C at some places on the island. The months of July and August see absolutely no rain whatsoever.
Significant Events: The Folklore Festival starts during this season and goes on till October. Here, you can experience multiple facets of Greek culture. If you visit the village of Kremasti, you can take part in a multiple-day local festival. The monastery of the Prophet Ilah in the Salako village hosts a feast and thousands of locals come to join hands as a community and enjoy the splendid meal.
Why you should visit now: Due to the perfectly dry weather conditions, summer proves to be the best time to not just indulge in sightseeing but also in water sports and adventures. Clear skies provide you with the perfect opportunity to indulge in sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and so on. It is also a great time to book a multi-day cruise that takes you around all the major towns from shore to shore. Additionally, it is the best time to indulge in sun-bathing, with many beaches known just for that. Just lie down, relax and have the time of your life!
Things to know before the trip: It is the peak season and you need to book your flight tickets and accommodation well in time to avoid huge surges in pricing later on. It can get quite hot during August and you may want to explore slightly shaded areas like nature parks with their abundant green cover.
Tips: Look for arranging your accommodation near the beaches as you might want to spend most of your time out in the sun. Use a high-SPF sun-block to avoid over-exposure to the sun. Wear summery clothes and slippers for comfort and do not forget a pair of shades and a hat.
Temperature: The temperature in Autumn hovers somewhere between 12°C and 26°C.
Weather: Autumn in Rhodes offers pleasant weather that leans towards the colder end of the thermometer. The maximum temperature rarely goes above 25°C while the lowest temperature seen this time of the year is around 12°C.
Significant events: On October 28, the entire country of Greece, along with Rhodes, celebrates Ochi Day with people coming out on the streets to celebrate. You can try local food from various stalls there. You can also enjoy various Folklore Festivals in September and October before they end for the year.
Why you should visit now: Autumn falls under the shoulder season, which means that most tickets and tariffs are likely to be priced at rates that are lower than usual. This makes it ideal for budget-friendly travellers that don’t want to miss out on any of the experiences that Rhodes offers.
Things to know before the visit: The amount of precipitation increases this time of the year and that can make the temperature feel colder than actual.
Tips: Since you can experience unexpected rain during this time of the year, it is advisable to carry your umbrella and raincoat. Carry sturdy shoes with good grip if you are planning to trek as trails can get really slippery due to the rain.
Temperature: The temperature stays in the range of 8°C and 15°C in the winter season.
Weather: Winter in Rhodes is not as cold as other parts of Europe or even as cold as the rest of the islands in Greece. The temperature does not drop below 8°C. However, it is the wettest season of the year with frequent rains every now and then.
Significant events: The only big festival or event during this time of the year is Christmas. Due to the cold air being pleasant during this time of the year, locals spend quite a bit of time out in the open and not just indoors. This spells great news for travellers that want to interact with locals and have fun at bars or restaurants.
Why you should visit now: If you love tranquillity and exploring new places, then winter is the best time for you to visit Rhodes. It is the perfect time to visit all the historical places, museums and other attractions in the cities as there isn’t a single street that feels crowded at this time. Furthermore, since it is the official low season of the year, you can get the best prices for your ticket fare and accommodation bookings.
Things to know before the visit: It can get unexpectedly chilly during the months of January and February, especially near the coast, because of the cold breezes flowing in from the sea. Therefore, do carry at least one layer of woollens when you visit the island this time of the year.
Tips: You must carry a raincoat or at least an umbrella at all times to avoid getting wet, as one cannot predict the rain here during winter season. You need not stress about booking your hotel rooms in advance during this season, as almost all the hotels would be available at lower rates.
Now that you know how amazing the island of Rhodes is, we are sure that you’ll be excited to pack your bags and just leave for a vacation. Check out the various packages that Thomas Cook offers across all seasons of the year.
