Rhodes Weather Guide: A Year-Round Climate Overview

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate characterized by long, sun-drenched summers and mild, wet winters. Positioned in the southeastern Aegean near the coast of Turkey, it boasts one of longest holiday seasons in Greece, with over 300 days of sunshine annually.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summer (June to Mid-September)

Summers are hot, dry, and exceptionally sunny. Temperatures regularly reach 29°C to 35°C (84°F to 95°F), though heatwaves can push the mercury above 40°C (104°F). Rain is almost non-existent during this period. The air is often arid, but a distinct "muggy" feel can emerge in August due to the surrounding warm seas.

Autumn (Mid-September to November)

Many consider autumn the "golden season." The sea remains warm—often around 24°C (75°F)—long after the intense heat of summer fades. Temperatures gradually transition from 27°C (81°F) in September to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) by November. While July and August are dry, the first significant rains usually arrive in late October or November, often as intense but short-lived thunderstorms.

Winter (December to mid-March)

Winters are mild but represent the island’s wettest period. Daytime highs hover around 15°C to 17°C (59°F to 63°F). While it rarely freezes at sea level, the humidity and wind can make the air feel sharper than the thermometer suggests. December is typically the rainiest month, though sunny intervals are frequent between storms.

Spring (Mid-March to May)

Spring is a period of rapid warming. The island becomes lush and green as wildflowers bloom. Temperatures rise from 17°C (63°F) in March to 24°C (75°F) by late May. Rainfall decreases significantly as the season progresses, and the sea begins its slow climb back to swimmable temperatures.

The Meltemi Winds and Local Phenomena

The most defining weather phenomenon in Rhodes is the Meltemi. These are strong, dry northerly winds that blow from May to September, peaking in July and August.

• The Relief Factor: Unlike the more turbulent winds in the central Cyclades, the Meltemi in Rhodes is typically more moderate, providing a welcome natural cooling effect that makes the high summer heat manageable.
• Coastal Variation: The wind creates a distinct atmospheric divide. The west coast (facing the Aegean) is windier and often has choppier seas, making it a hub for windsurfers. The east coast (facing Turkey) is sheltered by the island’s mountainous spine, resulting in calmer, hotter, and more humid conditions.

Regional Microclimates

Rhodes' topography creates notable internal variations:

• The Interior Mountains: Mount Attavyros, reaching 1,215 meters, can experience significantly lower temperatures. While snow is rare at the coast, it is a common sight on the peaks during January and February.
• Lindos Heat Trap: The village of Lindos is famously one of the hottest spots in Greece. Its unique geography—a rock-enclosed bay with little wind penetration—often keeps it several degrees warmer than Rhodes Town.

Historical Context and Local Experience

Locals adapt to the summer heat through the traditional siesta—retreating indoors during the peak UV hours of 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM when the sun is at its most punishing. Historically, the island's architecture featured thick stone walls and narrow shaded alleys to naturally regulate temperature. In winter, locals prepare for the "South Winds" (Scirocco), which can occasionally bring red Saharan dust and unseasonably warm, humid air from Africa, turning the sky a dramatic orange hue.