Travel time: Year-round
Corfu, the "Emerald Isle" of the Ionian Sea, possesses a Mediterranean climate that differs significantly from the starker, drier islands of the Aegean. Its northern position and proximity to the mountains of Epirus result in a landscape characterized by lush olive groves and dense vegetation, fueled by some of the highest rainfall levels in Greece.
Corfu follows a distinct Mediterranean cycle: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Unlike many Greek islands, Corfu is notoriously verdant because it receives over 1,000 mm of rain annually. Most of this precipitation occurs in short, intense bursts during the winter months, while the summer remains almost entirely rain-free.
Summer is a season of reliable heat and endless sun. Daytime highs consistently reach 31°C to 33°C (88°F–91°F), with heatwaves occasionally pushing the mercury toward 40°C (104°F). The humidity can feel higher here than in the Cyclades because Corfu is sheltered from the dry, cooling Meltemi winds that sweep the Aegean. Instead, the island relies on the Maistro (a northwestern sea breeze) that typically rises in the afternoon to provide relief.
September is often considered the "golden month," as the sea remains at its warmest—around 24°C (75°F)—while the air temperature drops to a comfortable 25°C (77°F). However, November marks the transition into the rainy season, bringing the highest monthly rainfall and more frequent thunderstorms. The air begins to feel crisper, but the landscape stays remarkably green.
Winter is mild but damp. Temperatures usually range between 10°C and 15°C (50°F–59°F). While snow is extremely rare at sea level, it is not uncommon to see the peak of Mount Pantokrator dusted in white. This is the season of the Sirocco, a warm, moist wind from the south that can bring "red rain" (dust from the Sahara) and high humidity.
Spring is a period of rapid blooming. By April, temperatures rise to 19°C (66°F), and by May, they reach 23°C (73°F). Rainfall tapers off significantly, and the island is covered in wildflowers and orchids. The sea remains cool, often not reaching swimmable temperatures until late May.
Corfu's geography creates distinct local variations:
Locals have lived in harmony with the island's high humidity for centuries. Architectural features like the tall, narrow Venetian-style houses with shutters are designed to promote vertical airflow and block the midday sun. In the winter, the community shifts focus to the olive harvest, taking advantage of the rain-saturated soil that supports the unique Lianolia olive trees. You will notice that life in Corfu peaks in the early evening; once the afternoon sea breeze sets in and the sun begins to dip, the island "breathes" again, and locals emerge for the evening volta (stroll).