Climate Overview
The climate in Karpathos is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 307mm of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 74mm of rainfall. Karpathos is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, September. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 13°C.
Temperature
Karpathos sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 13°C to 26°C. The warmest month is August, when average highs reach 26°C and the mean temperature sits around 26°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 13°C and an average of 14°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 1°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between November and December, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Karpathos is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 307mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 26mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 74mm of rainfall. December and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 0mm. That's 74mm less than January, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Karpathos is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 7km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is August, averaging 9km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 6km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Karpathos, which began on June 21, 2026. Karpathos is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in August at around 26°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 13°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 15 to 20°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 62mm over the season and a monthly average of 21mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 6km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 22 to 26°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 2mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 19 to 25°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 53mm over the season and a monthly average of 18mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 13 to 17°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 190mm for the season, averaging 63mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Karpathos is during March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 23mm per month. By contrast, August can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 26°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 13°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Karpathos based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.