Kalamata enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and mild wet winters. This climate makes it perfect for the growing olives and the region is famous for its olive oil and Kalamata olives. The town sits on the southern coast of Greece in the prefecture of Messenia.
Summer, from May till October, is hot and sunny. The average high temperature rises from 24°C in May to a peak of 31°C in July and August. It then cools off again, reaching 25°C in October. In the peak months the average low temperature sits at 18°C and it can stay up in the low 20s. Generally, low humidity helps to keep conditions comfortable and allows for a refreshing drop in temperature at night. At the beginning and end of the season night times can in fact be a little chilly. Sitting in the middle of a curved bay, Kalamata is largely protected from the west prevailing winds. But they do tend to curl in to the bay, blowing a cooling breeze to the town from the south. The mountains behind the town protect it from the northeast meltemi which blows through the summer all over Greece. The meltemi is a favourite with sailors and its absence from the bay means Kalamata is not often visited by cruising yachts.
July is the sunniest month with twelve hours of sunshine per day. The beginning of the season is incredibly sunny though after September there is the odd overcast day. Rainfall is very low up until October. Only very few showers can be expected from May till September; a droughts sometimes occur between June and August. When this exceptionally dry weather prevails there is a risk of forest fires. October sees a few very heavy storms which usually clear away the clouds for the sun. The sea temperature peaks in August at 25°C.
Winter, from November till April, is very mild but rather rainy. The average high temperature at the beginning and end of the season is very pleasant at 20°C, but from December till March it is a little cooler. January is the coldest month with an average high of 15°C and an average low of 6°C. Throughout the season night times can be cold and day time temperatures are often made to feel much lower by wind and rain. During the winter the prevailing wind is from the southeast. This is a rain-bearing wind that often blows at gale force and on meeting the mountains behind Kalamata is buffeted back causing violent gusts. Rainfall increases to a peak in December but even after the peak rainfall levels remain high until March. Combined with the strong winds great storms are churned up. April sees moderate rainfall.
Despite all of the rain Kalamata still sees plenty of sun during the winter months. December is the greyest month with a reasonable four hours of sunshine per day. This speaks of the weatherâs changeable character; it can be cold and rain for days then the sun can come out and push the temperature into the high teens. The sea is coolest in February and March at 16°C.