Kalymnos, one of the Dodecanese islands of Greece, sits in the south-eastern Aegean Sea and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Kalymnos receives long dry summers with high temperatures, and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
Summer in Kalymnos, from June till September, sees high temperatures, brilliant, uninterrupted sunshine and almost no rain. In the peak months of June and August, day time temperatures usually lounge around 31°C. In June and September it is only marginally cooler, seeing around 28°C. Night times throughout the period hover near the 20°C mark which keeps restaurant and caf© doors open well into the night, though it may also keep you up at night. The northern meltemi winds blow in to the rescue of those flagging in the heat, growing stronger throughout the season, reaching their strongest point in September. Sailors and windsurfers are also able to take advantage of this reliable wind. The sun shines for around fourteen hours a day, keeping everyone happy.
Spring, from March till May, and autumn, in October and
November, are considered by many as the best time to visit Kalymnos and the
other Greek islands, especially in the months closest to summer. Late May and
early October still see temperatures in the mid 20s, while the evenings cool
off to around 16°C and provide some relief from the heat of the days. Eleven
hours of sunshine are still guaranteed, and the crowds of tourists are usually
reduced. In springtime temperatures increase from 16°C in March to 24°C in May,
and in autumn even in November daytime temperatures are still up at 19°C. The
islandâs craggy rocks attract many climbers and these cooler temperatures are
better suited to the vigorous sport. Many will find this heat more to their
liking, though March is too cool for a beach holiday. Rainfall levels are
increased but only marginally and the sea is certainly warm inough to swim in.
Winter lasts from December to February. Rainfall increases to more noticeable levels; the wettest months are December and January which see around thirteen days with rain each. The sun only comes out for five or six hours a day and it is generally quite wet, often overcast and very unpredictable. Some may like to visit at this time of year without the crowds, and while some days afford clear skies and sunshine, they will have to put up with weather similar to an English autumn. The temperature is usually around 14°C with large fluctuations depending on the sun. Night times usually only drop to around 8°C, but again this can occasionally drop much lower. Mountain peaks usually see snow and ice.
Kalymnosâ situation in the Aegean Sea can be thanked for its climate. This puts it in the path of the meltemi winds in the summer, and the sea moderates the temperature of Kalymnos throughout the year. Kalymnosâ fascinating topography, with its mountains, caves, coves and springs, attract outdoor enthusiasts wanting to climb or explore. The dry climate means there is little plant growth on the island apart from two fertile valleys, famous for their citrus fruits. Kalymnos also has a coral reef which once provided the islands main source of income: sponge fishing. This part of Kalymnosâ culture has been integrated into the tourist industry and is still very much in evidence.
