Corfu Climate

Corfu has a mild Mediterranean climate with wet winters, sunny summers, long sunshine hours and lush landscapes. Best visit May–September.

Corfu has a very different climate from much of Greece, shaped by its position in the Ionian Sea and its exposure to moist Atlantic-influenced air masses. It’s one of the greenest Greek islands, and its climate is the main reason for that.

Unlike the arid, sun-baked landscapes of the Cyclades, Corfu experiences a humid Mediterranean climate with relatively high rainfall, mild winters, warm summers, and a noticeable seasonal contrast in vegetation.

Rainfall and humidity

Corfu is one of the wettest areas in Greece. Annual rainfall typically ranges from about 110 cm to over 130 cm (43-51 inches), depending on the exact location and elevation. This is significantly higher than most other Greek islands, especially those in the Aegean Sea.

The rain is heavily concentrated in the cooler half of the year, particularly from October through March. November, December, and January are usually the wettest months, often receiving frequent and sometimes intense rain events driven by Atlantic low-pressure systems moving into the Mediterranean.

Winter rainfall can be persistent rather than sporadic, meaning several days of overcast skies and rain are common. However, these conditions are also what sustain Corfu’s dense vegetation, olive groves, and cypress forests. By contrast, the summer months—June through August—are typically very dry, with rainfall becoming rare and often negligible for weeks at a time.

Humidity levels are generally higher than on most Aegean islands, especially in summer. While this contributes to the lush landscape, it can also make hot days feel warmer than the thermometer suggests.

Sunshine hours

Despite its reputation for rain, Corfu still enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine annually, averaging around 2,200 to 2,400 hours per year. This is lower than sunnier parts of Greece such as Crete or Rhodes, which can exceed 3,000 hours annually, but still high by European standards.

Summer is the sunniest season, with June, July, and August often delivering 11–13 hours of sunshine per day. Skies are typically clear or mostly clear, with long daylight hours enhancing the island’s appeal for beach tourism.

In spring and autumn, sunshine remains strong but more variable, with a mix of bright days and occasional cloud cover or showers. Winter sees a significant reduction, with December and January often averaging only 3–5 hours of sunshine per day due to increased cloud cover and rainfall.

Temperature patterns

Corfu’s temperatures are moderate compared with mainland Greece and southern islands. Summers are warm but rarely extreme, with average daytime highs around 30°C in July and August. Heatwaves can occur but are usually less intense than in inland Greece due to the moderating influence of the sea. Nights remain relatively comfortable, often dropping to around 20–23°C.

Winters are mild, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 10°C and 15°C. Frost is rare at sea level, although higher inland areas may occasionally experience colder conditions. Snow is extremely uncommon on the coast but can appear briefly on the island’s highest peaks during cold snaps.

Comparison with other Greek islands

Compared to the broader Greek island groupings, Corfu stands out as one of the most climatically distinct. The Cyclades (including islands such as Mykonos and Santorini) are much drier, windier, and sunnier, with annual rainfall often less than half of Corfu’s. These islands experience the strong Meltemi summer winds, which help moderate heat but also contribute to a harsher, more arid environment.

Crete, Greece’s largest island, has a more varied climate but is generally warmer, sunnier, and drier than Corfu, especially in the south. Eastern Aegean islands like Rhodes and Kos also enjoy more sunshine and lower rainfall totals, making them more reliably dry for summer holidays.

In contrast, Corfu belongs to the Ionian Islands group, which is influenced by western weather systems. This results in higher rainfall, higher humidity, and greener landscapes. While the Aegean islands often appear rocky and sun-bleached, Corfu feels more like a temperate Mediterranean garden, with dense vegetation and abundant water sources.

Best time to visit
See our page on the Best Time to Visit Corfu

Corfu Climate Summary

Corfu’s climate is defined by mild winters, warm dry summers, high rainfall in the cooler months, and relatively moderate sunshine compared to Greece’s drier islands. Its weather creates one of the most fertile and green island environments in the Mediterranean.

While it may not offer the extreme sun reliability of the Cyclades or Crete, it provides a more temperate, lush, and varied climate that shapes its distinctive character and seasonal appeal.