Rhodes combines a medieval walled city, a string of good beaches along its west and east coasts, and one of the most photographed acropolis views in Greece at Lindos. It has the longest sunshine season of the major Greek islands, which makes the shoulder months here more reliably warm than comparable periods elsewhere in the Aegean.
Best Months at a Glance
| Period | Temperatures | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–Jun | 20–28°C | Low–moderate | Mid-range |
| Jul–Aug | 28–35°C | Very high | High |
| Sep–Oct | 21–27°C | Low–moderate | Mid-range to low |
| Nov–Mar | 13–18°C | Low | Low |
May, June and September consistently offer the best overall experience.
Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October
May is when the island comes into its own after the quiet winter months. Temperatures are warm - typically 20–25°C - and the sea is approaching swimming temperature (around 20–22°C by late May). Rhodes Town’s medieval Old Town, enclosed by walls built by the Knights of St John in the 14th and 15th centuries, is easy to explore in the morning before the day’s first tour coaches arrive.
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) - a wooded valley inland from Paradisi where Jersey tiger moths gather from June through September - is accessible from May onwards. Moth numbers peak from June through September; a visit in early June gives both the greenery of spring and the beginning of the moth season. Entry costs approximately €5 as of 2025.
June is an excellent month. Beach weather is fully reliable, sea temperatures have risen to 23–24°C, and Rhodes Town’s restaurants and bars are operating on full seasonal menus. The island fills noticeably from late June, so early June is preferable if crowds are a concern.
September matches June for quality. The summer crowds have thinned, the sea remains warm (25–26°C through most of September), and the Old Town regains some of its atmosphere as the day-tripper coaches reduce. Boat trips to the nearby island of Symi - 50 minutes by fast catamaran - run on full schedules through September and into October.
October is transitional but often pleasant in Rhodes specifically, because of the island’s southerly position and its above-average sunshine hours. Many businesses remain open through October; the shift to off-season closures accelerates in November.
Lindos and Old Town tours run comfortably in these months; see Rhodes tours for options. Our where to stay in Rhodes guide compares the main areas, and you can check Rhodes hotel availability for your dates.
Peak Season: July–August
July and August bring guaranteed sunshine and full beach infrastructure, alongside significant heat and visitor numbers. Rhodes Town, particularly the Street of the Knights and the Grand Master’s Palace, becomes congested with organised tour groups from cruise ships and package hotels.
Lindos is the critical planning point in summer. The village sits below its clifftop acropolis on Rhodes’ east coast, and the climb - steep, cobbled, with minimal shade - is genuinely difficult in temperatures above 30°C. Arriving at the site before 9am is not just a suggestion but a practical requirement in July and August. The acropolis itself offers sweeping views over the circular bay of St Paul and the coastline north to Rhodes Town; it is one of the finest views in Greece and worth the early start.
Boat excursions from Rhodes Town marina to Symi, Lindos Bay and other coastal destinations run daily through summer. Book at least a day ahead in peak season; popular full-day trips sell out.
Heat and package-holiday demand peak together, so book Rhodes tours and Rhodes hotels early; see where to stay in Rhodes for the best areas.
Off-Season: November–March
Rhodes is one of the better Greek islands for winter visits, largely because Rhodes Town functions as a proper city year-round. The Jewish Quarter, the Ottoman-era Suleiman Mosque, and the walled lanes of the Old Town are all accessible and atmospheric in winter light. The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, is open year-round.
Temperatures of 13–18°C make winter walking comfortable. Rain falls more regularly than in summer but rarely as sustained downpours. The beach resorts along the west coast (Faliraki, Ixia, Kremasti) are largely closed, but Rhodes Town itself has enough restaurants, cafes and cultural sites to sustain a short break.
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12–15°C | Very low | Cheapest, Old Town accessible |
| Feb | 12–15°C | Very low | Mild, quiet |
| Mar | 13–17°C | Low | Weather improving |
| Apr | 16–21°C | Low | Good season start, Valley opening |
| May | 19–25°C | Low | Excellent overall |
| Jun | 23–28°C | Moderate | Strong month, go early June for fewer crowds |
| Jul | 27–33°C | Very high | Peak; Lindos before 9am essential |
| Aug | 27–35°C | Very high | Hottest and most crowded |
| Sep | 23–28°C | Moderate | Sea warm, crowds easing |
| Oct | 18–23°C | Low–moderate | Good value, most businesses open |
| Nov | 13–19°C | Low | Closures starting in beach resorts |
| Dec | 13–16°C | Very low | Quiet, Old Town atmospheric |
Plan Your Trip
Book Lindos accommodation or day-trip transport separately from Rhodes Town - Lindos village has very limited parking, and most visitors arrive by coach or taxi. For any July or August visit, arriving at the Lindos Acropolis before 9am is essential; the site opens at 8am. The Valley of the Butterflies is most accessible by hired car or local bus from Rhodes Town; confirm opening hours for the current season before visiting. Symi boat trips book out quickly in peak season - reserve at the harbour kiosk the evening before departure.