What's the Weather Like in Zante in December?
The holiday season in Zante, Greece is a joyous and festive time. Greek Christmas traditions are colourful and merry; the city squares are decorated as are the churches. Despite the oncoming winter, the Mediterranean climate remains mild and pleasant. Swimming may be daunting and days can be rainy but the island's charm remains inviting.
Temperature
The December weather on Zante is still quite comfortable, certainly more so than the harsh winters of northern Europe, England, or the upper states of American and the provinces of Canada. The average temperature is 13ºC (55ºF) with an average high of 16ºC (61F) and a low of 10ºC (50ºF), which can be quite cool, and the evenings downright chilly.
The highest recorded temperature on December 1st was 20.5ºC (69ºF) in 2010 and the lowest was 6.6ºC ( 44ºF) in 2001. The dew point, a better measure of comfort per person, feels on average, like 8.5ºC (47ºF) and slightly decreases throughout the month and the relative humidity remains steady at approximately 75%.
Average Sunshine Hours
The sunshine hours are now down to four in anticipation of the winter solstice. The winds may actually see a slight increase to about 5 mph creating a cooling sea breeze on the beaches. The winds pick up throughout the month as the average maximum speeds increases to 10 mph.
Rain and Average Sea Temperature
Rainfall has increased to 12 days, quite a rainy season, with an accumulation 7 inches, with often cloudy and damp days. The sea temperature is approaching 17ºC (63ºF), quite chilly for swimming, yet the hearty still will.
A December visitor to Zante, Greece will experience the holiday season as the Greeks do: a rich, celebratory, gleeful time of traditions and faith. Travellers will enjoy a Christmas unlike any other. The decorations, the lights, the food, and the spirit, will be remembered for a lifetime.
Zante Hotels in December
The modern, yet traditional, stone-built San Antonio Villas, with rooms that open to the patio, is located by an olive tree grove in Pantokratoras Village in Laganas. Each unit has a fireplace, a satellite television and DVD player plus a PC with internet connection. There is a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dining table, and a bathroom with shower. Restaurants, tavernas, and a supermarket are located nearby. There are barbecue facilities on the terrace and free parking is available.
Zante Beach for December
The secluded beach of Marathia, near Keri, is located on the southern coast, about 16 miles from Zakynthos Town. It is secluded with no tourist facilities. The beach is is made of pebbles with a rocky landscape tucked beneath hills of lush vegetation, including a grove of pine trees, near a plantation. It is a distance from town so it remains somewhat undiscovered although there is an upscale hotel just off the beach.
Psarou beach is about six miles up the coast from Tsilivi where the sandy beaches of Bouka, Tragaki, Amboula and Amoudi are all close together. The beach is located in an unusually quiet area where the water is shallow and safe for children. There are a few nearby tavernas serving traditional Greek meals and local fresh fish.
Bars and Restaurants
Zepos Restaurant with a scenic view in Kalamaki, boasts large portions and special sauces. Try the tender Greek lamb dishes, the swordfish, Saganaki Prawns, rib-eye steak, and omelet with Greek olives. There is a non-smoking area and a place for children to play. Stray cats have been known to weave among the tables hoping for a morsel.
Dennis Taverna, on the main road in Lithakia, is open every day throughout the year. All menu items are home-cooked to order. Start with the large, mixed appetizer plate or Saganaki, then move onto the moussaka or the giant chicken souvlaki, pasta, or honey and sesame chicken.
On the Kipi main road of Agiou Athanasiou near Zakynthos Town (Kipi means "garden") is Malanos Taverna. For more than thirty years, this second generation restaurant has served traditional food, from seafood to meat to Greek Salad, in a charming atmosphere with great musicians. Malanos is known for their casseroles and vegetarian options such as stuffed tomatoes.
Things to do in Zante in December
Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos in Solomos square is the largest and most comprehensive museum on the island. Opened in 1960, it houses Byzantine icons carved in wood and original frescoes from the 15th, 16th and 17th century. Additional space is dedicated to 18th century paintings of oils on canvas by the famous Greek artists Doxaras, Koutouzis and Kantouni. The museum also displays pictures and plastic reproductions of the city before it was virtually demolished in the earthquake of 1953. It's open every day except Monday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Take an island tour and view the landscape and sites from the comforts of a coach. You will picked up from your resort and spend the day sightseeing and visiting off the beaten track locations, giving you an authentic feel for island life.
