The weather in Samothraki. When to go?

There's no single answer to the question "When to go to Samothraki?". It depends very much on your preferences: how would you like the weather to be, how few or many people would you like to bump into or what experiences would you like to have?

The climate in Samothraki is Mediterranean, with hot summers and rainy (or even snowy) winters. There are some variations between the different microclimates on the island, due to their position and the influence of Mount Saos. At times, it could be rainy and windy in the north, while in the south, at Pachia Ammos, it could be sunny. You can check the weather in Samothraki on Meteo.gr, Accuweather or Weather.com.

Every season makes for a different vacation. Generally, the best months to go to Samothraki are May, June, July, August and September.

Spring in Samothraki

The spring is beautiful because of the peaceful atmosphere and the vivid colors.

In March and April, the temperature is not very high (somewhere between 13-18 C during the day), it's likely to rain and there are no tourists on the island (except when Orthodox Easter is in one of these months).

In May, especially in the second part, temperatures may exceed 20 C during the day, the island is green and blooming and a few tourists start to crop up.

Usually, only a few taverns and cafes are open.

This time of the year is good for exploration, for hiking to the vathres and waterfalls (where you're not likely to come across many people), but also for relaxation and authentic experiences.

Summer in Samothraki

Locals say that the beginning of June is when Samothraki is at its most beautiful. Temperatures keep on rising, but you may still need to bring a hoodie for the cold evenings. The weather is ideal for hiking. The sea is not properly warm, but it's still enjoyable.

Lots of taverns open in the second half of June (or after the Pentecost when, for three days, the island fills up with tourists). Some open as late as the beginning of July.

The end of June is when the hydrangeas bloom in Samothraki, a sight to behold.

In July and August, temperatures exceed 30 C (higher some days) and the sea is warm. Often, especially in August, meltemi, a powerful wind specific to the Aegean Sea, blows in short, powerful gusts.

The season in Samothraki is very short. It begins sometime between the 10 and 20 July and starts to wind down after the 25th of August.

The period between 8 and 20 August is the most active, with most tourists being Greek. The popular paths to the vathres are crowded, and there are daily boat tours around the island. At the tavernas, you often have to wait for a table to become available, while the ferry to and from Samothraki is full every day. All the shops and locales are open and many events take place. The bars and cafes in Chora are open well into the night and on Therma Beach there are often concerts.

Autumn in Samothraki

Once September starts, most tourists start leaving for home. The island empties and things get more chill. The prices get smaller, the sun stops burning so bright, but the sea is still warm (with temperatures still above 20 C). The landscape changes its colors gradually and once again, the time is right to explore the mountains.

Up until the 15th of September a lot of stores, bars and cafes close for the year and by the end of the month so do most of the hotels and guesthouses.

In October, there are still plenty of sunny days, but rain becomes more likely. November is chilly with even more risk of rain.

Winter in Samothraki

Few tourists venture to Samothraki during winter. They are the superfans, those who want to experience all its colors and facets. The locals will look at them curious and amused, but also with admiration. Therma is deserted and accommodation is scarce.

Not all the locals choose to spend the winter on the island. A lot of them move to Alexandroupoli, where life is easier. The ones who choose to stay are considered the real Samothracians.

Winters bring wind and rain, but also a few nice days when the sky is clear and the colors are really special. It snows almost every year and, once every few years, the snow can even get a few meters tall for brief periods, stranding people inside their homes. On some days, the ferry is canceled due to bad weather and thus, the island is isolated for days at a time.