Kefalonia weather

Kefalonia weather averages and climate information

Data from Andravida weather station

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
13.8	14.5	16.7	20.1	24.7	28.7	31.0	31.9	28.0	23.9	19.4	15.2	22.3

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
77	75	75	73	70	68	66	66	69	74	77	78	72

Average rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
126	88	65	35	21	7	9	7	52	100	158	148	817

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
4	5	6	8	10	12	12	11	9	7	5	4	8

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
4.5	5.2	5.1	4.6	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.3	4.0	3.7	4.1	4.3	4.4

When is the best time to go to Kefalonia?

Those looking for heat and sunshine should visit during the summer with average temperatures exceeding 31 Celsius in July and August and average rainfall less than 10mm for June, July and August. The sandy beaches provide some respite from the high temperatures with gentle sea breezes.

For those looking for something a little less hot, a good time to visit is in late spring or autumn. Temperatures are still well into the twenties and average sunshine exceeds at least 7 hours per day making it ideal for exploring the historic sites or venturing into the mountains.

During the winter many of the hotels and resorts are closed and direct flights from the UK are less likely.

Spring

Spring in Kefalonia can start wet and breezy with March having the second most windiest month of the year and an average of 65mm of rain. However, it soon transitions with May seeing just 21mm of rain and an average daily high of 24.7 Celsius making it ideal for exploring the islands, without the heat being too much.

Summer

Summer is the hottest, driest and sunniest season with average temperatures reaching an impressive peak of 31.9 Celsius in August. Sunshine averages between 11 and 12 hours per day and rainfall is rare with any rain tending to evaporate before it reaches the surface. The air over Kefalonia is relatively dry so it is rarely muggy, but the beaches and coastal towns are offer some comfort from the extreme heat with gentle sea breezes.

Autumn

September remains an extension of summer with temperatures still expected to reach an average of 28.0 Celsius, although rainfall becomes more likely. Rainfall becomes drastically more as the season wears on going from an average of 52mm in September to 158mm by November, which is also the wettest month of the year.

Winter

Winters in Kefalonia are mild and wet with temperatures still averaging around 13-15 Celsius by day. However, it is not out of the question for snow to fall across some of the islands highest mountain peaks. The islands becomes much quieter at this time of year as flights from European cities are usually stopped until spring.

Kefalonia tourist information

Argostoli

The islands capital is Argostoli, a town built around a hill with a city-like feel. It boasts various types of entertainment from an array of shops to keep you busy for hours, cafes to sit and relax as well as multiple bars, restaurants and nearby beaches. The town was completely ruined by the Great Kefalonia earthquake in 1953, but there are still some signs of the old Venetian architecture in the old town of Krani and some of the pedestrianised streets. Here you may even encounter the local philharmonic orchestra playing traditional Ionian Islands songs. Or, if you fancy some history then visit the Korgialeneios Library with its rare collection of book and manuscripts that operates as a folk art museum.

Lixouri

If you’re looking for a little less hustle and bustle, but still maintain the history then why not visit the westernmost peninsula of Paliki, where you’ll find the second largest town of Lixouri. The town was rebuilt following the earthquake taking into account the traditional architecture. Despite its size, it is a peaceful place where you can enjoy coffee, pastries and local cuisine. Alternatively you can visit the Kipoura Monastery where you can enjoy some of islands best sunsets.

Cave Lake of Melissani

One of the most visited tourist attractions on the island is the Cave Lake of Melissani, discovered in 1951. The site is very accessible and is considered a wonder of nature, partly because the roof of the cave is open allowing the light to reflect off the crystal blue water.

Assos and surrounding beaches

In the north of the island is the small and picturesque settlement of Assos, built alongside cliffs, pine trees and cypresses. It is sparsely built but has traditional colours making for an impressive landscape. There are also various beaches and coves in this part of the islands which are well worth a visit for something more tranquil.

Ainos Mountains

The mountain range in Kefalonia is called Ainos and forms the only national park found on a Greek Island. The fir trees grow natively here and their black needles give the dark colour to the mountainside. The mountains are ideal for walking or hiking trips with various paths of different difficulties. You may even be lucky enough to spot a wild horse.

Food and drink

Kefalonia produces yellow cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, honey and local meats. It is also home to many delicious recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Some famous ones include a fish pie, filled with salted cod and a garlic sauce, strapatsada (scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes) and for those with a sweet tooth may like mandoles (almonds assorted with sugar) or pastokydono (a dessert made with quince puree). The local wine is a dry white and goes well with many of the traditional dishes.