Trying to answer “When should I go to Kos” for your next getaway?
You are in the right place- I am obsessed with Kos and I will not stop recommending it to anyone and everyone!
Kos is one of the most popular Greek Islands, and for good reason. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and Mediterranean atmosphere, Kos is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
But when is the best time to visit this idyllic island?
To help you have the best trip, I created this guide about the best time to plan a getaway here.
So no matter what you want out of your trip, I am sure this guide will find the perfect time for you to book your holiday.
So let’s go and find the best time to visit for you!
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The best time to visit Kos overview
For most people, Kos is best between late May and early October.
During this period, the weather is reliably warm and sunny, making it ideal for spending lazy days on the beach. To make the most of this time of year, it’s a good idea to rent a car here!
However, Kos can be quite crowded during these months, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you may want to visit later in the season.
My favourite time of year to go to Kos is September because flights and accommodation are cheaper, there are fewer tourists there but you still have warm weather.
October and November are still pleasant months to visit Kos, but you’ll find fewer tourists and more space on the beaches.
If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds altogether, you may want to consider visiting Kos in the spring or early autumn.
The weather is still lovely during these months, but you’ll have the island almost to yourself.
So whether you’re looking for a party atmosphere or a quiet getaway, Kos has something to offer everyone – just be sure to plan your trip for the time of year that best suits your needs.
🏖️ Best time to go to Kos for Relaxing: September
☀️ Best time of year in Kos for sunbathing: August
🥾 The best time of year for walking: May
👪 The best time of year to visit Kos with Family: July
What is the best month to go to Kos?
Like any destination, it is down to personal preference.
I love going to Kos in September because the weather is still great, but I find it cheaper to get there.
However, if I want to hike and do a lot of sites, I find it a lot easier in May because the weather is pleasant but a lot cooler.
Most people want to visit Greece when the weather is guaranteed to be hot and dry. Even though it’s not always guaranteed, the best time to book your trip will be June-September.
How many days should I spend in Kos?
Kos is the perfect place to relax and have some fun. There are so many hotels and wonderful places to stay around the Island to make your stay even better!
But how many days should you spend here?
Ideally, you should try to spend at least a week in Kos.
This will give you plenty of time to explore the island, relax on the beach and experience the best of Kos’ nightlife.
If you’re short on time, or if you’re visiting during the off-season, then three or four days may be sufficient. Hiring a car and doing a road trip will help you make the most of the Island in a short amount of time.
But during peak season (July and August), Kos can get very crowded, so it’s best to plan for a longer stay.
Of course, Kos is just one of many gorgeous Greek islands. So if you have the time, why not explore some of the others?
The Cyclades are home to some of the most popular islands in Greece, including Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos.
Or for something completely different, try one of the lesser-known Dodecanese islands like Kalymnos or Leros.
Whichever island you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable Greek island experience.
👉 It is also really easy to Island hop from Kos and you can visit some stunning places that are impossible to reach without a boat.
What is the weather like in Kos month by month?
It’s always a good idea to have a general idea of what weather to expect on any trip.
Not only does it make planning what to wear easier, but you will also know how you can spend your time there.
To help you out, Here’s a general overview of the typical weather in Kos, Greece, month by month:
January to March:
Winter months with mild temperatures. Average daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). It can be wet, and occasional rainfall may occur.
April to June:
Springtime with increasing temperatures. Average daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It becomes progressively drier as summer approaches.
July to August:
Peak summer months with hot and dry weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). These are the warmest and driest months.
September to October:
Late summer and early autumn. Temperatures start to decrease, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). There may be some rainfall, but it is generally less compared to spring.
The weather is still warm so you can enjoy the waters here too!
November to December:
Fall season with cooler temperatures. Average daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Rainfall may increase compared to the summer months.
FAQs about the best time to plan a visit to Kos
I always notice that the same questions come up again and again when talking about the best time to have a holiday in Kos.
So to help you answer these, I have rounded up the most frequently asked questions and answers in one place:
Can you sunbathe in Kos in April?
The weather during April in Kos is usually around 20°C. It isn’t the warmest time of year to visit most Greek Islands, but is one of the cheapest and quietest.
Even though the sea might be cool during April, there will be nothing stopping you from spending a few hours sunbathing.
Is Kos hot in May?
The weather in Kos in May is usually warm and sunny.
Kos and the rest of Greece have a Mediterranean climate, so the weather is usually warm and dry during May.
With the average temperatures on the Island hitting 24˚C (75˚F), this is great weather for sunbathing and exploring the sites of Kos.
Is Kos busy in September?
I would say September is my favourite time to book a getaway to Kos and Greece in general.
The weather is still warm but you will find flights and hotels are a lot cheaper. You can also use the ferry to reach Kos from certain places and tickets at this time of year are always great value!
There will also be fewer crowds around the Island so visiting the tourist sites and getting a spot on the beach will be a lot easier. Just be aware that when you are exploring Kos has no Uber so book transport in advance.
Is Kos windy in October?
The temperatures tend to drop in October and the days become milder. And even though the wind does pick up lightly compared to the summer months, you will not find it really windy.
Kos Island is one of the more breezy Islands so there is usually a constant warm breeze no matter when you visit.
If you want to avoid windy conditions in Kos, avoid visiting in January. And don’t stay in Kefalos Bay. It is located at the southwest tip of Kos and is the windiest place on the Island.
Should I go to Kos or Rhodes?
I would say Kos is the better destination for beaches, historical sites and family holidays.
However, Rhodes equally has great places to visit but I don’t find it as relaxing and doesn’t have the Island vibe Kos has.
Both Islands are also easy to get around but you should be aware that Rhodes has Uber whereas Kos doesn’t at the moment.
Is Crete or Kos better?
Both Islands are amazing destinations and I do recommend both!
I love Crete for hiking as the Island is filled full of epic walking trails. There are also some stunning beaches to visit like the one in Paleochora.
It is also generally warmer in Crete.
However, for swimming, snorkelling and sightseeing I think Kos is the better option.
Can you swim in the sea in Kos in May?
The waters in Greece, including Kos, are safe to swim in all year round, even during May!
However, because the temperatures are not at their peak the sea will feel a lot cooler and not feel as warm as the summer months.
Final thoughts on the best time to visit Kos
Kos is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. It’s a popular tourist destination, and many people visit Kos each year to experience its stunning beaches and clear blue waters.
I also love how easy it is to reach any part of the Island, any time of year from the Airport!
While there is no wrong time to go to Kos, the best time to enjoy all that the island has to offer is from May to September.
During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring Kos’s stunning beaches and enjoying outdoor activities.
No matter when you book your holiday to Kos, you are guaranteed a true taste of Greece!
To help you make the most of your trip to Kos, here are more related posts:
✔️What Should I Know Before Renting A Car In Greece?
✔️ The Ultimate Guide To Driving In Greece
✔️ Can You Drink The Water In Greece?
✔️ The Best EasyJet Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
