Best Time to Visit Rhodes

Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Rhodes, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands, is a jewel in the Mediterranean with year-round mild weather. Historical sites, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming villages, it's no surprise that this island is a beloved destination for travellers worldwide.

But when is the absolute best time to visit Rhodes? Let's explore the island's climate month by month, including weather, special events, and hotel prices!

Lindos-acropolis-rhodes-pixabay-2435362_1280.jpgThe Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes

Best Time to Visit Rhodes Month-by-Month

Starting with January, Rhodes, like the rest of Greece, is in its winter season. The average temperature is around 56°F (13°C) with an average rainfall of 5.9 inches (150 millimeters). They don't usually experience snowfall.

Hotel prices generally are at their lowest, appealing to budget-conscious travelers. For history enthusiasts, a winter visit can be more comfortable exploring ancient sites like the Acropolis of Lindos without large crowds or intense heat.

In February, temperatures slightly increase to an average of 57°F (14°C). The rainfall is around 4.7 inches (120 millimeters). February is similar to January in terms of pricing and low tourist numbers, with the added benefit of experiencing the Apokries, an engaging pre-lent carnival with traditional music and dancing adding color to the island's streets.

March sees the arrival of spring, with temperatures hovering at an average of 60°F (16°C), and rainfall decreases to 3.5 inches (90 millimeters). The Independence Day celebrations on March 25th offer an impressive parade showcasing historical Greek costumes and military units. Hotel prices remain quite affordable.

April brings more warmth, having an average temperature of 66°F (19°C), and rainfall drops further to 1.6 inches (40 millimeters). Easter celebrations in Rhodes are quite a spectacle, with processions, traditional meals, and fireworks. Hotels start increasing their prices, anticipating the summer tourists. Read about the time we spent Easter on Rhodes.

Also read our page on Easter on Symi if you want to pop over to the neighbouring island for the celebrations.

In May, the temperature averages 73°F (23°C) with only 0.7 inches (18 millimeters) average rainfall, marking the start of the dry season. The Medieval Rose Festival during this month is worth attending, bringing back the medieval times with knight tournaments and street theatre. It’s a great time to be staying in the Old Town of Rhodes. Prices for hotels start to rise, though, due to the increase in visitor numbers.

Rhodes-Medieval-Rose-Festival.gifRhodes Medieval Rose Festival

June ushers in summer with an average temperature of 81°F (27°C) and average rainfall of 0.4 inches (10 millimeters). The Rhodes Marathon in mid-June attracts athletes and sports enthusiasts from all corners of the world, creating a unique atmosphere. Hotel prices further increase, marking the start of the high tourist season.

July is peak summer with daytime temperatures soaring to around 86°F (30°C). It's virtually rain-free, with an average rainfall of 0.2 inches (5 millimeters). There are various beachside festivities during this month, with hotel prices being the highest. It's recommended to book well in advance if you're planning your trip during this time.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

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August continues the heat trend with an average temperature of 86°F (30°C) and minimal rainfall at 0.2 inches (5 millimeters). In early August, locals celebrate Dekapentavgoustos, The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with religious processions and feasts. Accommodation costs remain high due to popular demand.

September welcomes the onset of autumn. The temperature drops slightly to 81°F (27°C), and the rainfall starts increasing, reaching up to 0.6 inches (16 millimeters). In August/September the Rhodes International Theater Festival is a treat to experience with artistic performances from around the world. The hotel rates start declining after the summer rush.

In October, temperatures cool down to 74°F (23°C) on average, and rainfall increases to 2.7 inches (70 millimeters). The festival of Panormitis, dedicated to the island’s patron Saint Michael, takes place in late October on neighbouring Symi, a short ferry ride away. Hotel prices continue to reduce, proving to be an attractive time for budget travellers.

rhodes-town-pixabay.jpgRhodes Town

November sees a further drop in temperature to an average of 65°F (18°C), and the rainfall is at its peak with 5.3 inches (135 millimeters). This is a quieter month with fewer events, but the serene landscapes and reduced hotel prices can attract those who enjoy off-peak travel.

December marks the beginning of winter, the temperatures decreasing to an average of 59°F (15°C) and a rainfall of 4.5 inches (115 millimeters). The festive mood is unforgettable, with Christmas and New Year celebrations. Hotel prices remain at their low end, making it a considerable time to enjoy a Mediterranean winter.

Read our review of the Best Guidebook to Rhodes

Best Time to Visit Rhodes Summary

In conclusion, the best time to visit Rhodes in Greece ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you long for the warm sunshine and lively beach scene, then the summer months are a perfect choice.

However, if you're looking to explore the rich history and culture at a more leisurely pace and lower budget, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), or even winter may be your best bet.

Other Rhodes pages

  • Rhodes Town museums include an archaeological museum, Byzantine museum, a museum of decorative arts, and exceptional collections of modern Greek art.

    Rhodes Town Museums

    Rhodes Town museums include an archaeological museum, Byzantine museum, a museum of decorative arts, and exceptional collections of modern Greek art.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends its choice of where to eat in Southern Rhodes, including restaurants and tavernas in Lindos, Gennadi, Pefki and Monolithos.

    Where to Eat in Southern Rhodes

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends its choice of where to eat in Southern Rhodes, including restaurants and tavernas in Lindos, Gennadi, Pefki and Monolithos.

  • During Easter on Rhodes Greece Travel Secrets publisher Mike Gerrard travels from Lindos to Kattavia to visit a monastery and spend Easter with a Greek family.

    Easter on Rhodes

    During Easter on Rhodes Greece Travel Secrets publisher Mike Gerrard travels from Lindos to Kattavia to visit a monastery and spend Easter with a Greek family.

  • This Southern Rhodes drive starts and ends in Lindos and takes in Gennadi, Kattavia, Monolithos and the chance to stop at several good beaches.

    Southern Rhodes Drive

    This Southern Rhodes drive starts and ends in Lindos and takes in Gennadi, Kattavia, Monolithos and the chance to stop at several good beaches.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Northern Rhodes with hotels and apartments in Faliraki and elsewhere from 5-star luxury to family-friendly.

    Where to Stay in Northern Rhodes

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Northern Rhodes with hotels and apartments in Faliraki and elsewhere from 5-star luxury to family-friendly.

  • Greece Travel Secrets’ guide to places to see in Southern Rhodes include Gennadi, Glystra, Pefkoi, Kiotari, Lardos, Moni Thari, Lindos, Kattavia and Prasonisi.

    Places to See in Southern Rhodes

    Greece Travel Secrets’ guide to places to see in Southern Rhodes include Gennadi, Glystra, Pefkoi, Kiotari, Lardos, Moni Thari, Lindos, Kattavia and Prasonisi.

  • Several mosques in Rhodes Town offer a reminder of Ottoman Rhodes, along with a delightful Muslim cemetery.

    Ottoman Rhodes

    Several mosques in Rhodes Town offer a reminder of Ottoman Rhodes, along with a delightful Muslim cemetery.

  • Mandraki Harbour is the main harbour of Rhodes Town for travellers and from here you can catch ferries to Piraeus, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, and to Turkey.

    Mandraki Harbour

    Mandraki Harbour is the main harbour of Rhodes Town for travellers and from here you can catch ferries to Piraeus, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, and to Turkey.

  • The Greece Travel Secrets guide to Rhodes food and drink including the Greek words for meze, meat dishes, and fish dishes, and a guide to the best Rhodes wine.

    Rhodes Food and Drink

    The Greece Travel Secrets guide to Rhodes food and drink including the Greek words for meze, meat dishes, and fish dishes, and a guide to the best Rhodes wine.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Rhodes Town with fine-dining restaurants and inexpensive tavernas in the Old Town and the New Town.

    Where to Eat in Rhodes Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Rhodes Town with fine-dining restaurants and inexpensive tavernas in the Old Town and the New Town.

  • This walk through the Old Town of Rhodes takes you through this World Heritage Site and along the main streets and past the city walls, palaces and mosques.

    A Walk in the Old Town of Rhodes

    This walk through the Old Town of Rhodes takes you through this World Heritage Site and along the main streets and past the city walls, palaces and mosques.

  • Travel advice, information on Rhodes in the Dodecanese, with ferries from Piraeus for Athens, Symi, Crete, Kos, Patmos, Santorini, and flights from Europe

    Rhodes

    Travel advice, information on Rhodes in the Dodecanese, with ferries from Piraeus for Athens, Symi, Crete, Kos, Patmos, Santorini, and flights from Europe

  • The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the Old Jewish Quarter, which you’ll see if you visit the Old Town of Rhodes.

    Rhodes Town Old Jewish Quarter

    The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the Old Jewish Quarter, which you’ll see if you visit the Old Town of Rhodes.

  • If you’re wondering what to do on Rhodes then our suggested highlights include Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, Kameiros, and a visit to Symi.

    What to Do on Rhodes

    If you’re wondering what to do on Rhodes then our suggested highlights include Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, Kameiros, and a visit to Symi.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Northern Rhodes, including fish restaurants and roadside tavernas in Faliraki, Ixia, Kamiros and Charaki.

    Where to Eat in Northern Rhodes

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Northern Rhodes, including fish restaurants and roadside tavernas in Faliraki, Ixia, Kamiros and Charaki.

  • Rhodes festivals and events include those celebrated throughout Greece like Easter and Greek Independence Day, and others that are unique to the island.

    Rhodes Festivals and Events

    Rhodes festivals and events include those celebrated throughout Greece like Easter and Greek Independence Day, and others that are unique to the island.

  • Lindos is one of the main attractions on the Greek island of Rhodes, with its Acropolis, other ancient sites, beaches and historic captain’s houses.

    Lindos

    Lindos is one of the main attractions on the Greek island of Rhodes, with its Acropolis, other ancient sites, beaches and historic captain’s houses.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Rhodes Town, including boutique and historic hotels in the Old Town and modern hotels in the New Town.

    Where to Stay in Rhodes Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Rhodes Town, including boutique and historic hotels in the Old Town and modern hotels in the New Town.

  • Greece Travel Secrets' choice of the best beaches on Rhodes, an island known for its beautiful sandy beaches.

    Best Beaches on Rhodes

    Greece Travel Secrets' choice of the best beaches on Rhodes, an island known for its beautiful sandy beaches.

  • Rhodes weather is hot in summer and mild in winter, so read Greece Travel Secrets’ advice on the best time to visit Rhodes and why you should consider Lindos.

    Rhodes Weather

    Rhodes weather is hot in summer and mild in winter, so read Greece Travel Secrets’ advice on the best time to visit Rhodes and why you should consider Lindos.

  • The best Rhodes guidebook is undoubtedly the A-Z Travel Guide to Rhodes, including Symi, with a new revised and updated edition for 2022.

    Best Rhodes Guidebook

    The best Rhodes guidebook is undoubtedly the A-Z Travel Guide to Rhodes, including Symi, with a new revised and updated edition for 2022.

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