September might be the smartest month to land on Mykonos. The meltemi winds that pummel the Cyclades through July and August have typically eased by early September, and the Aegean calms enough that the 30-minute ferry to Delos runs without the cancellations that frustrate peak-summer visitors. Daytime temperatures sit around 26°C (79°F) and drop to 22°C (72°F) after dark, with humidity around 65%. The sea still holds its summer warmth at roughly 24-25°C (75-77°F), which is warmer than it was in June.
The first two weeks of September still feel like high season in Chora. Beach clubs at Psarou and Paradise run their full lineups, Matoyianni Street stays packed after 21:00, and hotel rates hover within 10-15% of their August peaks. The shift starts around September 10-15, when the Athenian summer-holiday crowd has gone home and the island's rhythm loosens. By the final week, you'll notice shorter hours at some Ano Mera tavernas and fewer boats at the Old Port, but the core infrastructure is still running.
The trade-off is small and mostly cosmetic. Rainfall averages a negligible 4mm for the entire month, spread across maybe 1 brief shower if it appears at all. Evenings on the waterfront at Mikri Venetia might need a light layer when the breeze picks up, but you're still eating outdoors at 22°C. For the island's warmest sea temperatures, around 24-25°C (75-77°F), without the August price premium or the meltemi ferry cancellations, September delivers both.
Why visit in September
- Sea temperatures peak near 24-25°C (75-77°F) in September, warmer than June's 22°C, making it the best swimming month on Mykonos
- The meltemi winds that batter the Cyclades in July and August have usually subsided by early September, so ferry cancellations to Delos and Tinos drop sharply and north-coast beaches like Agios Sostis become reliably swimmable
- Crowds thin by 30-40% after the first week, and by late September you can walk through Chora's lanes and photograph Panagia Paraportiani without a crowd of 50 people in your frame
- Hotels and villa rentals drop 20-30% from August peaks by mid-September, with some waterfront properties in Ornos and Platis Gialos offering last-minute discounts in the final week
- September's 26°C (79°F) highs are comfortable enough for a full day exploring the Delos ruins or hiking the trail from Ano Mera to Fokos beach without the heat exhaustion risk of a 35°C July afternoon
Worth knowing
- Early September (1st through 10th) is still effectively peak season for pricing and crowds, especially around Labor Day weekend when American and northern European visitors fill the island
- Some smaller tavernas and shops in Ano Mera and along the road to Kalafatis begin closing for the season or cutting to 4-5 days a week after September 20
- The late-night party energy at venues like Paradise and Super Paradise beach clubs drops a notch from July-August levels, particularly after mid-September when opening hours shorten
- KTEL bus frequency to remote beaches like Elia and Kalafatis drops after roughly September 15, making a rental scooter or car more necessary in the second half of the month
Best for
Think twice if
September on Mykonos tends to feel like summer without the edge. Highs average 26.3°C (79°F) and lows settle around 22.3°C (72°F), a noticeable step down from July and August's 29°C peaks. The meltemi has usually downshifted from its July-August intensity by early September, though you might still catch a gusty day or two in the first week. Humidity sits around 65%, moderate by Aegean island standards. Rain is essentially a non-factor at 4mm for the entire month, typically concentrated in a single brief shower if it appears at all. Evenings on the waterfront can feel cool when the breeze kicks up off the Aegean, dropping perceived temperature a few degrees below the 22°C reading.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 12 | 56 |
| Feb | 14 | 11 | 38 |
| Mar | 16 | 12 | 36 |
| Apr | 19 | 14 | 36 |
| May | 22 | 17 | 16 |
| Jun | 27 | 22 | 5 |
| Jul | 29 | 24 | 5 |
| Aug | 29 | 24 | 3 |
| Sep | 26 | 22 | 4 |
| Oct | 22 | 19 | 24 |
| Nov | 20 | 16 | 51 |
| Dec | 16 | 13 | 64 |
Best things to do in September
Day trip to Delos archaeological site
cultureThe UNESCO-listed birthplace of Apollo and Artemis sits 30 minutes by ferry from Mykonos's Old Port. The ruins cover roughly 1.3 square kilometers, including the Terrace of the Lions, the House of Dionysus mosaics, and the ancient theatre. There is almost no shade on the site, and the small museum provides the only indoor refuge.
September's calmer meltemi means far fewer ferry cancellations than July or August. The 26°C highs make the 3-4 hour shadeless walk through the ruins manageable, unlike the 35°C+ July visits that risk heat exhaustion.Booking tipBuy ferry tickets at least a day in advance, especially in the first half of September. Morning departures (9:00 or 10:00) from the Old Port are the most popular. The site closes at 15:00, and the last return ferry usually departs around 15:30.
Swimming at north-coast beaches
beachAgios Sostis, Fokos, and Merchia are Mykonos's wild, undeveloped beaches along the northern coastline. No sunbed operators, no music, no beach bars. The water is clear, the sand at Agios Sostis is fine and golden, and Fokos has a single taverna above the shore. These feel like a completely different island from the organized south-coast beaches.
In July and August, the meltemi makes these north-facing beaches rough and often dangerous for swimming, with waves and strong currents. By September, the wind drops and these beaches become reliably calm. This opens up half the island's coastline that peak-summer visitors rarely experience.Booking tipNo booking needed. Bring your own water, towel, and shade. Fokos has one taverna for lunch. Agios Sostis has nothing. Access is by rental vehicle or a 25-30 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
Sunset at Mikri Venetia (Little Venice)
sightseeingThe row of 18th-century houses built directly over the water on Chora's western edge is the most photographed spot on Mykonos. In September you can sit at one of the waterfront bars, feel the sea spray on your ankles, and watch the sun drop behind the Kato Mili windmills to the south.
In July and August, getting a waterfront table at Little Venice requires arriving 60-90 minutes before sunset. By mid-September, you can walk up 20-30 minutes ahead and find a seat. The sunset angle in September also shifts slightly south, placing it more directly behind the windmills.Booking tipNo reservations at most Little Venice bars. Arrive 20-30 minutes before sunset in mid-to-late September. Early September may still need 45 minutes of lead time.
Sailing or catamaran trip around Mykonos and Rhenia
adventureHalf-day and full-day sailing trips circle the island's coastline, stopping at isolated coves and the uninhabited island of Rhenia (Rinia), which lies between Mykonos and Delos. Rhenia's beaches are only accessible by boat. Swimming off the stern in deep Aegean blue water, with Delos visible a few hundred meters away, is a particular kind of quiet.
September's reduced meltemi means smoother sailing conditions and fewer trip cancellations. The sea state in September allows access to coves along the exposed northern coast that are too rough in peak summer. Water visibility tends to be excellent after months without significant rainfall.Booking tipBook at least 3-4 days ahead for weekend departures. Smaller group catamaran trips (10-12 people) fill faster than the larger boat excursions. Most depart from the Old Port or Ornos beach.
Walking the Ano Mera to Fokos coastal path
hikingA roughly 5km (3.1 mile) trail leads from the village of Ano Mera northeast to Fokos beach, crossing low scrubland and dry stone walls with views over the northern Aegean. The path is not well marked but follows old farming tracks. Allow 75-90 minutes one way.
At 26°C versus July's 29-30°C, the exposed trail is comfortable in the morning hours. The light in September is softer and warmer than the harsh midday glare of peak summer, which matters on a path with zero shade. The reward at the end is Fokos beach, now calm enough to swim thanks to the reduced meltemi.Booking tipNo booking required. Start early (before 10:00) to avoid the midday heat on the return. Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person. The taverna at Fokos beach is open through at least mid-September for lunch on the return.
Exploring Chora's back lanes and Kastro quarter
cultureAway from Matoyianni Street, the main shopping lane, Chora's residential back lanes wind through whitewashed houses, past chapels the size of garden sheds, and through the old Kastro (castle) quarter in the northwest corner of town. Panagia Paraportiani, the 15th-century church made of five merged chapels, sits at the edge of Kastro near the waterfront.
In peak summer, Chora's narrow lanes are genuinely difficult to walk through. Shoulder-to-shoulder foot traffic turns a 10-minute walk from the Old Port to Little Venice into a 25-minute shuffle. By mid-September, the lanes open up enough to actually see the architecture and duck into the small galleries and churches that the crowd obscures in August.Snorkeling at Elia and Kalafatis beaches
beachElia, Mykonos's longest beach at roughly 900 meters, has rocky outcrops at its eastern end where small fish, octopus, and sea urchins cluster. Kalafatis, further east, has a rockier seabed suited to longer snorkeling sessions. Neither requires a boat or guide. The water in September typically offers 15-20 meter (50-65 foot) visibility.
Sea temperatures at their annual peak of 24-25°C (75-77°F) make extended time in the water comfortable without a wetsuit. The calmer seas improve underwater visibility. Both beaches are sheltered on the southern coast, so even a residual meltemi gust in early September rarely disturbs the water here.Booking tipKTEL buses serve Elia and Kalafatis on the summer schedule through approximately September 15. After that date, a rental vehicle or taxi is more reliable.
Visiting Panagia Tourliani monastery in Ano Mera
cultureThis 16th-century monastery sits at the center of Ano Mera, Mykonos's second settlement, about 7km (4.3 miles) inland from Chora. The marble bell tower, Florentine-school iconostasis, and collection of Byzantine-era ecclesiastical embroidery distinguish it from the island's many smaller chapels. The adjacent village square has a couple of traditional tavernas.
The Genisis tis Theotokou celebration on September 8 brings a special liturgy and local gathering at the monastery. Even outside the feast day, September's lighter tourist traffic means you can visit the interior courtyard and museum space without a tour-bus crowd, which is common in July and August.Booking tipFree admission. Modest dress required (covered shoulders and knees). Open mornings, typically 9:00-13:00. Combine with lunch at one of the tavernas on Ano Mera's central square.
What to eat in September
In season: fruit
Figs (syka)
September is peak fig season across the Cyclades. Both green and dark-skinned varieties ripen on Mykonos in September, and you'll find them raw on breakfast plates, baked into tarts, or paired with local kopanisti cheese as a meze. The sweetness at this stage of ripeness is noticeably different from the imported figs you'd get in northern Europe.
Table grapes (stafyli)
The Cycladic grape harvest runs through September. Local varieties appear at markets in Chora and the small shops along the Ano Mera road. The Assyrtiko grape, better known as the base for Santorini's wines, also grows across Mykonos and reaches harvest in September.
On menus now
Louza
Wind-dried pork fillet rubbed with pepper and clove, a Mykonian specialty you won't find on most other Greek islands. Sliced thin and served alongside kopanisti, it is closer in spirit to Italian bresaola than anything else in the Greek meze canon. The supermarkets near the Ornos road stock it at a fraction of what the port-facing tourist shops charge.
Kakavia
A fisherman's stew traditional across the Cyclades. The broth is built from whatever the day's catch brings in, typically scorpionfish, red mullet, or sea bream, cooked with olive oil, lemon, onion, and potato. September's calmer seas mean more consistent small-boat fishing, so the variety in the pot tends to be better than in windier months.
In markets
Kopanisti
Mykonos's own PDO cheese, a soft, sharp, peppery spread made from sheep and goat milk and aged through a slow fermentation. It appears on nearly every meze plate on the island. September pairs it well with fresh figs. The flavor has a kick that catches first-timers off guard.
Regular events in September
Genisis tis Theotokou (Birth of the Virgin Mary)Free
A national religious holiday in Greece. On Mykonos, the celebration centers on Panagia Tourliani monastery in Ano Mera, with a special liturgy, procession, and local gathering in the village square. Smaller services take place at chapels across the island. Many Greek families from Athens visit Mykonos specifically for this feast.
September 8Ipsosis tou Timiou Stavrou (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)Free
Another national religious holiday. Services are held at churches across Mykonos, with the most notable at Chora's main cathedral. The day is a public holiday in Greece, so banks and some government offices close. Restaurants and tourist services operate as normal.
September 14European Heritage Days (Evropaikes Imeres Politistikis Klironomias)Free
Part of the EU-wide heritage program, this weekend offers free or reduced admission to participating archaeological sites and museums across Greece, including the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos in Chora. The specific participating sites vary by year, but the Mykonos museum and the Delos site have both participated in past editions.
Last full weekend of September (typically September 27-28)Best places this September
Delos archaeological site
archaeological siteThe sacred island 2 nautical miles southwest of Mykonos. In September the calmer seas make the ferry crossing more reliable, and the milder temperatures (26°C versus 35°C in July) transform what can be an endurance test into a comfortable 3-4 hour exploration. The Terrace of the Lions, the Theatre Quarter mosaics, and the museum are the highlights. No overnight stays are permitted on Delos.
Panagia Paraportiani
churchThe famous whitewashed asymmetric church in Chora's Kastro quarter, actually five chapels merged over centuries into one structure. In September, the morning light between 7:00 and 9:00 hits the western facade without the summer-peak crowd of photographers. The church sits at the edge of the Kastro neighborhood, a 2-minute walk from Little Venice.
Kastro, ChoraAgios Sostis beach
beachAn undeveloped sandy beach on the northern coast, about 8km from Chora. No sunbeds, no music, no facilities beyond a single taverna up the hill (Kiki's, which typically has a wait but is worth the line for grilled meat and fish). September's reduced meltemi finally makes the water here calm enough for comfortable swimming after months of summer wind.
Northern coastKato Mili windmills
landmarkThe row of 16th-century windmills perched on the low ridge between Chora and Little Venice. In September, the sunset angle places the sun almost directly behind the windmills when viewed from Little Venice, creating the silhouette shot that defines Mykonos postcards. The area around the windmills is freely accessible.
ChoraAno Mera village and Panagia Tourliani
villageMykonos's second settlement, 7km inland from Chora. Centered on a quiet square with a few traditional tavernas, it feels detached from the coastal tourist intensity. Panagia Tourliani monastery anchors the square with its marble bell tower and 16th-century iconostasis. September 8 brings the Genisis tis Theotokou feast day celebrations here.
Ano MeraArchaeological Museum of Mykonos
museumA small but focused museum in Chora near the Old Port, housing pottery and funerary sculptures from the Rinia purification pit (material cleared from Delos graves in the 5th century BC). The collection contextualizes a Delos day trip. September's reduced crowds mean you might have entire rooms to yourself, which rarely happens in July.
ChoraFokos beach
beachA pebbly, wild beach on the northeast coast, reachable by a dirt road or the walking trail from Ano Mera. One taverna sits above the beach. In July and August, the meltemi makes Fokos a dramatic but rough place to swim. September calms the water and reveals a secluded cove that feels far from the organized south-coast beaches. The drive from Chora takes about 20 minutes.
Northern coast
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Insider tips
By mid-September, the north-coast beaches (Agios Sostis, Fokos, Merchia) become reliably swimmable as the meltemi dies down. These beaches are rough and dangerous in July and August, which is why most summer visitors never bother with them. September opens up the quieter half of the island's coastline, and the difference in atmosphere from the organized south-coast beaches is stark.
The supermarkets along the road from Chora toward Ornos stock local Mykonian kopanisti cheese and louza cured pork at roughly half the price of the tourist-facing shops near the Old Port and along the waterfront. The products are identical. Same producers, same packaging.
If you're visiting in the last 10 days of September, call ahead to confirm taverna hours before driving to Ano Mera or the remote east-coast beaches. Smaller restaurants start cutting to 4-5 days a week or closing entirely by September 20-25. The places in Chora and Ornos remain fully operational through the month.
Book the earliest morning ferry to Delos, typically departing at 9:00 or 10:00 from the Old Port. The archaeological site has almost zero shade, and even September's 26°C feels intense after 2-3 hours of direct sun on exposed marble. An early start means you finish the site by early afternoon and catch one of the midday return ferries before fatigue sets in.
The bus from Chora to Platis Gialos stops right at the water taxi dock. From there, small boats run between Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, and Agrari beaches through at least mid-September. The water taxi is faster and more scenic than the bus for beach-hopping along the south coast, and costs 5-10 EUR per hop.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming early September is shoulder season and not booking accommodation. The first two weeks of September on Mykonos are still effectively high season, with hotel occupancy above 80% and waterfront properties in Chora and Ornos nearly sold out. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead for anything with a sea view.
- Only visiting the organized south-coast beaches (Psarou, Paradise, Super Paradise, Platis Gialos). September's calmer winds make the wild north-coast beaches genuinely accessible for the first time since May. Agios Sostis, Fokos, and Merchia have no sunbeds, no music, and no entrance fees. Skipping them means missing the part of Mykonos that feels least like a resort.
- Skipping Delos because it looks like a field of broken columns in photos. The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most significant archaeological complexes in the Mediterranean, and September's moderate 26°C temperatures make the 3-4 hour walking tour comfortable rather than the survival exercise it becomes in July's 35°C heat. The Terrace of the Lions and the House of Dionysus mosaics alone are worth the ferry ticket.
- Relying entirely on the KTEL bus network after September 15. Bus frequency to remote beaches like Elia, Kalafatis, and Fokos drops from the summer schedule around that date. Rent a scooter, ATV, or small car for the second half of September. Rental agencies in Chora remain open all month and prices drop from peak-season rates.
Practical tips for September
Ferry schedules from Mykonos to neighboring Cycladic islands (Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Syros) still run frequently through mid-September, though some routes drop to 1-2 departures per day by the last week. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets operate the Piraeus-Mykonos route on near-daily schedules all month. The KTEL bus network connects Chora to the main south-coast beaches (Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia, Kalafatis) on a summer timetable through roughly September 15, after which frequency drops noticeably. Rent a vehicle for late September if you want flexibility beyond the Chora-Ornos-Platis Gialos corridor. Most car and ATV rental shops in Chora stay open through the month and drop their rates by 15-20% from August. Water taxis between south-coast beaches run through at least mid-September. Dress codes at upscale restaurants in Chora and along Matoyianni Street remain enforced all month. ATMs in Chora can run low on cash during the first weekend of September, when the final wave of summer visitors overlaps with departing August tourists. Carry a backup card or withdraw midweek. Pharmacies in Chora follow summer hours (typically until 22:00) through at least mid-September, then revert to standard hours. The Mykonos health center in Chora handles minor emergencies year-round, but for anything serious the protocol is a helicopter or fast ferry to Syros hospital, about 45 minutes away.
FAQ
Is September a good time to visit Mykonos?
September is one of the two best months to visit Mykonos, alongside June. Daytime temperatures average 26°C (79°F) with negligible rainfall (4mm for the entire month). The sea is at its warmest, around 24-25°C (75-77°F), warmer than June. The meltemi winds that dominate July and August have typically calmed, which means fewer ferry cancellations, calmer north-coast beaches, and more pleasant outdoor dining. Crowds thin by 30-40% after the first week compared to August, and hotel prices drop 20-30% by mid-month. The only real downsides are that some smaller businesses begin closing in the last week, and the late-night party scene is a step below its July-August peak.
What is the weather like in Mykonos in September?
September on Mykonos averages 26.3°C (79°F) for daytime highs and 22.3°C (72°F) for nighttime lows. Humidity sits around 65%. Rainfall is negligible at 4mm for the entire month, spread across maybe 1 brief shower. The meltemi winds that define Cycladic summers have usually eased by September, though occasional gusty days still occur in the first week. The sea temperature is at its annual peak, around 24-25°C (75-77°F). UV index remains high at 7-8 through the first three weeks, so sunscreen is still essential. Evenings are comfortable for outdoor dining, though a light layer helps when the sea breeze picks up.
Is Mykonos crowded in September?
The first week of September is still busy, particularly with southern and northern European visitors extending their summer holidays. The island feels noticeably different by September 10-15 as the Athenian summer-holiday crowd departs. By the final week of September, Chora's lanes are walkable without the shoulder-to-shoulder traffic of August, you can photograph Panagia Paraportiani without a crowd, and getting a waterfront table at Little Venice requires 20 minutes of lead time rather than 60-90. The south-coast beach clubs still operate but with less frenetic energy. In short, early September is still high season, mid-September is comfortably busy, and late September approaches genuine shoulder-season calm.
Can you still swim in the sea in Mykonos in September?
September is arguably the best month for swimming on Mykonos. Sea temperatures reach their annual peak of 24-25°C (75-77°F), warmer than June and considerably warmer than May or October. You can spend extended time in the water without a wetsuit. The reduced meltemi also means north-coast beaches like Agios Sostis, Fokos, and Merchia become reliably calm for swimming for the first time since spring, opening up the wilder, undeveloped side of the island. South-coast beaches (Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, Elia) remain sheltered and swimmable regardless.
Are beach clubs and nightlife still open on Mykonos in September?
Yes, through at least mid-September. The major beach clubs at Psarou, Paradise, and Super Paradise run their full daytime programs and most evening events through roughly September 15-20. Some scale back to weekend-only operations in the final week. Nightlife venues in Chora and along the waterfront remain open all month, though the intensity drops from July-August levels. Clubs like Cavo Paradiso typically close for the season in late September or early October, depending on the year. If nightlife is a primary draw, aim for the first two weeks of September rather than the last.
Things to Do in Mykonos in September
Free cancellation Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport
Day trip — 5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Catamaran Day & Sunset Cruises with meals Drinks and transportation
Day trip — 5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Mykonos Small Group Tour for Cruise Passengers — Port Pickup
Day trip — 4 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Local Tour with Cruise/Hotel Pick-Up(Small Group or Private)
Day trip — 3.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Mykonos Shore Excursion with Pickup from Cruise Ship Terminal
Day trip — 4 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small-Group Half-Day Tour in Mykonos
Day trip — 4.5 hours, free cancellation.
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