Is October a good month to sail in Greece? October is one of the most beautiful times to sail in Greece, but it also requires careful planning. The summer crowds are gone, the seas are still warm, the ports are calmer – but the weather is also more variable, and not every region is ideal for every level of experience. This guide will help you decide where, what route and what experience level to sail in Greece in October, and what to look out for in terms of weather, distances and sea exposure.

• Is October a good month to sail in Greece? – the weather
• The best sailing destinations in Greece in October
• How to get to these regions
• Sailing in Greece in October: itineraries

Is October a good month to sail in Greece? – the weather

In the regions we recommend, the temperature is warmer, and the sunny period is longer than in the northern regions. The average daily temperature ranges between 20°C and 25°C. Although you can still enjoy the warm days, the evenings can be cooler, so packing a light jacket is recommended. October offers plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Compared to summer, however, there is a higher chance of rain, especially towards the end of the month. The sea is still pleasantly warm for swimming, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 23°C. Compared to the summer months, the sea and wind are often calmer, which makes sailing more comfortable.

What are the sailing conditions in Greece in October? The Meltemi typically weakens by the end of September, but stronger northerly winds may still occur in early October. Fronts and wind shifts are more common in autumn; often south-southwesterly directions dominate, but vary by region. A distinctly southerly wind, the sirocco, can also occur in autumn; usually moderate, but can occasionally strengthen – always check the latest forecast before setting off.

The best sailing destinations in Greece in October

October in Greece marks the transition from the hot summer months to the milder autumn. Although the weather is usually pleasant, be prepared for more varied conditions. The following regions are the best choices in October:

The Saronic Gulf

The Saronic Gulf, located south of Athens, is a popular choice among sailors due to its proximity to the capital and the diversity of islands. This region is ideal for those who want to combine sailing with cultural exploration. Spetses and Hydra are car-free islands. Its picturesque harbor and surrounding waters offer a unique and peaceful sailing experience.

The Cyclades

While the Cyclades are famous for their summer charm, October offers a quieter but equally enchanting experience. Islands like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Amorgos are less crowded so you can really appreciate their beauty. In addition to the popular islands, you will find the islands of Folegandros, Amorgos, Sikinos, and Kythnos, which have traditional villages and untouched beauty.

The Ionian Islands

For a more secluded and relaxed sailing vacation the Ionian Islands are the perfect choice. Corfu, Lefkada and Kefalonia offer stunning landscapes, charming villages and opportunities to explore. On Kefalonia, Paxos, Lefkada, and Ithaca, many hidden bays and caves can only be discovered at sea.

The Dodecanese

For those looking for a longer sailing adventure, the Dodecanese Islands offer plenty of options. Rhodes, Kos and Simi are just some of the gems waiting to be discovered. Since this is the southernmost region of Greece, the warm weather lasts the longest, the prices are lower. Southern bases (e.g. Rhodes/Aris) also operate in October, but the fleet is smaller and good boats sell out quickly, so it is worth booking by mid-summer. Often already in July, the selection of the best yachts is limited. Rent a boat in Greece and let the island’s hidden coves and crystal clear waters enchant you – without stress, at your own pace.

How to get to these regions

In October, there are no longer direct flights from all major European cities to all 4 regions, but you will usually find a flight with a transfer in Athens.

Sailing in Greece in October: itineraries

A Saronic-gulf sailing itinerary

This route is a stable choice in October, with little wind, sheltered waters, short daily distances, many ports – a good learning ground. Recommended level: Beginner–intermediate–advanced (with skipper for beginners). Open sea sections: no.

Day 1. Athens – Glyfada (4 nm), Day 2. Glyfada – Salamis – Aegina (25 nm), Day 3. Salamis – Aegina – Hydra (Ermioni) (21 nm), Day 4. Hydra (Ermioni) – Dokos (15 nm), Day 5. Dokos – Poros (12 nm), Day 6. Poros – Epidaurus (23 nm), Day 7. Epidaurus – Athens (30 nm)

More Saronic-gulf sailing itineraries, boat rental Saronic

A Cyclades sailing itinerary

Less crowds in October, but variable winds, so experience is required – longer crossings, exposed sea sections. </Recommended level: Intermediate, advanced. Open sea sections: yes.

Day 1. Paros – Kamares (Sifnos island) 54.85 km (34.08 nm), Day 2. Kamares – Livadi (Serifos island) 22.85 km (14.20 nm), Day 3. Livadi – Merihas (Kithnos island) 45.85 km (28.49 nm), Day 4. Merihas – Ermoupoli (Siros island)69.19 km (43.00 nm), Day 5. Ermoupoli – Tinos (Tinos island) 22.15 km (13.76 nm), Day 6.Tinos – Agios Stefanos(Mykonos)17.17 km (10.67 nm), Day 7. Mykonos – Stefano beach – Paros 55.48 km (34.47 nm)
More Cyclades sailing itineraries, boat rental Cyclades islands

An Ionian sailing itinerary

The route is ideal for calm sailing in October. Protected coastal sailing, with many anchorages. Recommended level: Beginner, intermediate Open sea sections: no.

Day 1. Corfu Town – Kassiopi (20 km / 11 nm), Day 2. Kassiopi – Avlaki (10 km / 5.5 nm), Day 3. Avlaki – Agios Stefanos (12 km / 6.5 nm), Day 4. Agios Stefanos – Paleokastritsa (15 km / 8 nm), Day 5. Paleokastritsa – Liapades (5 km / 3 nm), Day 6. Liapades – Barbati (59,5 km / 37 nm), Day 7. Barbati – Corfu Town (20 km / 11 nm)

More Ionian sailing itineraries, Ionian yacht charter

A Dodecanese sailing itinerary

Warmer climate in October, but experienced crew recommended. Long daily distances, with fewer Plan B ports due to longer, more open crossings. Recommended level: Advanced. Open sea sections: yes.

Day 1. Rhodes – Ano Symi 45.66 km (28.37 nm), Day 2. Ano Symi – Mandraki 72.02 km (44.75 nm), Day 3. Mandraki – Livadia (Tilos Island)36.33 km (22.57 nm) , Day 4. Livadia – Chalki (Chalki island) 34.47 km (21.42 nm) Day 5. Chalki – Lindos 83.93 km (52.15 nm), Day 6. Lindos – Antony Quinn Beach 28.24 km (17.55 nm) Day 7. Antony Quinn Beach – Faliraki – Rhodes 17.14 km (10.65 nm).

More Dodecanese sailing itineraries, yacht charter Dodecanese

How to choose?

Greece offers itineraries for all levels – if you choose consciously. The good decision in October is not “where”, but “with what experience and for what purpose” you set off.

• If this is your first time chartering or you want a relaxed experience: choose the Saronic Gulf or the Ionian Islands – sheltered waters, short stages, predictable conditions.
• If you already have experience and want fewer tourists: the Cyclades in October are special, but only with conscious route and weather monitoring.
• If you also undertake longer sea crossings: the Dodecanese offers a warm climate and a real maritime challenge – for advanced sailors.

Sailing in Greece in October FAQ

• Is sailing in Greece in October a good idea? Yes: there are fewer crowds, the water is still pleasant (typically 21–23°C), and the pace is more comfortable in many regions, but fronts and wind shifts are more frequent, so more conscious planning is required.
• Which regions are the safest for beginners in October? The Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Islands are generally the most beginner-friendly: more sheltered waters, shorter stages, more shelters and harbors.
• Does the Meltemi completely disappear in October? No. It typically weakens by the end of September, but stronger northerly winds can still occur in early October, especially in the Cyclades region.
• Are the Cyclades a good choice in October? Maybe if you have experience (or are going with a skipper): there are fewer crowds, but more open crossings and wind changes require more flexibility and better weather monitoring.
• Why is the Dodecanese recommended in October? It is located further south, so the pleasant warm weather often lasts longer; however, there may be longer distances and more exposed sections, so it is more suitable for advanced sailors.
• How far in advance do you need to book a boat in October? It is worth planning ahead for popular bases and better boats, because the smaller fleet and the “good boats” sell out quickly – especially in the southern regions.
• What should I pay attention to when planning an October itinerary? Have a plan B (closer ports), don’t plan too long daily stages, leave early, and expect that you will sometimes have to spend a day “waiting”.
• Where is the easiest place to start in October? For the Saronic Gulf, Athens is the most obvious. Other regions (Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese) can often be reached with a transfer in Athens or seasonal flights, but schedules may vary.
• What is a realistic daily distance in October? For beginners to intermediate levels, 10–25 nm is typically comfortable. Days of 30–45+ nm require more discipline and a stable forecast.

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