What's the weather like in Kefalonia in January?
January falls during the winter season in the Greek island of Kefalonia and it is usually the coldest month of the year. However as it is much quieter at this time of year, the accommodation is much cheaper than during the peak summer months.
Temperature
The average temperature on this Ionian Island during January is a fresh 9°C, only reaching an average high of around 12°C in the daytime and dropping as low as 5°C overnight. Temperatures tend to fall a degree in the second half of the month. If you're planning to visit the island at this time of year, be aware that conditions can become freezing, as the lowest recorded January temperature is 0°C. However the highest recorded temperature is a pleasant 18°C. Warm clothing would be appropriate at all times of day and it's best to bring a coat for the chilly evenings.
Rainfall and Sunshine Hours
A waterproof coat or mac would be a wise precaution as it is very likely you will experience rain, though it's less than you'll encounter in November or December. The average monthly rainfall is 80mm over 12 days, with a likelihood of around 40% of days, with most rain occurring at the beginning of the month.
Thunderstorms are most likely, followed by light to moderate rain. As you might imagine, the skies are usually partly cloudy throughout January. Typical wind speeds are calm to moderate breezes, picking up as the month progresses. The number of sunshine hours this month equals December as the lowest in the year, with an average of just six hours a day.
Sea Temperature
The sea temperature drops a degree from December to an average of 16°C, so it is unlikely that you will want to go swimming unless you are very hardy. The sea won't start to heat up again until May.
With the cool temperatures and unpredictable weather, it would be best to check the local weather report before your visit in January, to make sure you've packed suitable clothing.
Hotels in Kefalonia in January
Boulevard Aetos Suites
Meaning 'Eagle' in Greek, the Boulevard Aetos Suites in Aghia Efimia are modern self-catering apartments, just a 30 metre walk from the seafront, down the old village path or by road. They enjoy beautiful views across the valley, the bay and over the sea towards Ithaca and Sami. The affordable, air conditioned one bedroom and studio apartments boast an open-plan kitchenette with mini-oven and fridge, a TV, a luxurious bathroom with bath and shower and a wide terrace or balcony. You can choose from full view or partial view properties, but all offer lovely vistas.
The Aetos Suites are south facing for all-day sunshine. They vary in their layout and furnishings but all are stylish and contemporary. If you want to splash out, the spacious top floor penthouse offers a vast bedroom, living room with widescreen TV, dining area, bathroom and open kitchen with full cooking facilities. Long windows along the whole floor let the light flood in and show off the panoramic views, even while you're sitting and relaxing. There's also a balcony so you can take in the view al fresco. The penthouse is ideal for couples and families, as two additional single beds can be set up in the living room area.
Villa Kiparissi
Villa Kiparissi is a minimalist and charming contemporary villa in Trapezaki, which offers impressive views over the rolling countryside landscape, Trapezaki bay and across the Ionian Sea beyond, towards Zakynthos. It can sleep up to four people in its two bedrooms and it also boasts two bathrooms for the ultimate in convenience. Set on the lower slopes of Mount Aenos, the delightful residential area of Trapezaki is close to the well-known resort of Lourdas. Guests can choose from three attractive beaches around a mile away Lourdas, Kanali and Trapezaki, as well as nearby shops, supermarkets and tavernas for delicious Greek cuisine. Villa Kiparissi, meaning 'Pine' in Greek, is located in a tranquil countryside area, which you can enjoy from the property's sun terrace.
You can also take a dip in the spectacular infinity-edged swimming pool with a Jacuzzi area or tuck into food cooked on the purpose built barbecue in the al fresco dining area. Inside, there's a pleasingly designed lounge, dining and kitchen area, with tiled floors and plenty of glass doors and windows to let the light flood in. The lounge area has a TV, music system and free WiFi access, while the kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge/freezer. The property also has a washing machine. The two well-appointed bedrooms, a double and a twin, both have en suite bathrooms. Situated on the first floor, they afford wonderful sea views from their balconies.
Bars and Restaurants
Katavothres Rest Area
The Katavothres Rest Area in Argostoli is one of the island's best known restaurants and nightclubs through word of mouth, despite being in a secluded location. It looks over the sea canal separating Argostoli from the Lixouri peninsula, affording wonderful sunset views while you eat your dinner. With modern and comfortable décor, you can sip a skilfully made cocktail while you admire the vista and enjoy the breezes. The restaurant's international team of chefs that can whip up a high quality dish of your choice of you can savour one of their signature Greek dishes with a modern twist. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you as they have dedicated pastry chefs. After dinner, why not dance off your meal in the venue's nightclub, a sophisticated and stylish affair with a large dance floor, which can be booked for parties and special events.
To Perasma
Located in a quiet seafront spot in Aghia Efimia, the To Perasma tavern overlooks the St. Efimia harbour and enjoys a beautiful view of Sami port. You will be greeted with a warm welcome by the restaurant's owners Angelos, Bob and their mother, and the food is both delicious and affordable. The restaurant serves a variety of traditional home-made Greek and international dishes, washed down with a wine menu to suit all budgets. There's a daily special dish, often featuring organic meat farmed from the family's herds of sheep and goats on the mountains above the town.
Things to do in Kefalonia in January
Focas-Cosmetatos Museum
The Focas-Cosmetatos Museum in Argostoli showcases furniture dating from the start of the 20th century, as well as portraits and paintings. Lithographs include traditional Ionian costumes as well as collections by Joseph Cartwright, Edward Lear and Henry Cook. There is a notable exhibition of coins and banknotes in circulation on the Ionian Islands during their long history. The coins include samples of the Athenian and Corinthian drachma, the Roman solidus, the Byzantine hyperpyron, the Venetian ducat and the Austrian thaler. Meanwhile the banknotes are mainly Greek, from banknotes issued by the Ionian Bank to the Ionian drachmas produced during the Italian occupation.
Iakovatios Library and Museum
If you're visiting Lixouri, it's well worth a stop at the attractive Iakovatios Library and Museum. Noted for its architecture and collections, it houses 20,000 books in 14 rooms with wood-panelled ceilings. Some of the books are hundreds of years old, collected from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, including a 1556 Venice edition of The Complete Works of Plato. The library's most valuable book is The Complete Works of Hippocrates, published in 1595. The museum has a collection of documents belonging to the Iakovatios family, as well as antique furniture, portraits, religious icons and more. The building is also surrounded by a beautiful garden.