Last updated: January 18, 2025
West Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by the Koppen-Geiger classifications of Csa and Csb. This region showcases a distinct thermal range, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of -12°C (10°F), while summer peaks can soar to a scorching 41°C (107°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around 17°C (63°F), highlighting the region's moderate climate influenced by its geographical position. Such climatic conditions not only shape the local ecology but also play a significant role in agricultural practices and tourism activities throughout the year.
West Greece exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, transitioning from the cold winter months to the warmth of summer. January and February are characterized by low temperatures, with January recording a minimum of -12°C (10°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), gradually warming through March's -5°C (23°F) minimum. As spring approaches, temperatures rise significantly; April sees averages reach 14°C (58°F), peaking at a maximum of 31°C (88°F). By late spring and early summer, particularly in July and August, the region experiences its highest temperatures, soaring to a maximum of 41°C (105°F) and consistently averaging around 26°C (79°F) to 27°C (81°F). The onset of autumn sees a gradual cooling, with September averaging 23°C (74°F) and October, a minimum of 2°C (37°F), leading into the cooler winter months. Overall, the climate of West Greece showcases a vibrant seasonal cycle, with distinct contrasts between the chilly winters and the hot, dry summers.
Sardinia, Monastiraki, and Archaia Olympia, all located in West Greece, experience a range of temperatures throughout the year. Sardinia sees temperatures dip to -8°C (18°F) in January and peak at 39°C (102°F) in August, as detailed here. In Monastiraki, the climate varies from a low of -3°C (27°F) in January to a high of 37°C (98°F) in July, more information can be found here. Meanwhile, Archaia Olympia has winter lows of -7°C (19°F) in January and scorching summer highs reaching 41°C (105°F) in August, with additional data available here.
West Greece experiences a notable variation in precipitation throughout the year, predominantly influenced by seasonal changes. The region sees its highest rainfall in the winter months, with January and November each receiving 161 mm (6.3 in), and December peaking at 217 mm (8.6 in). These months also correspond to an increased number of rainy days, with January witnessing precipitation on approximately 12 days. As spring approaches, rainfall begins to decline, dropping to 53 mm (2.1 in) in April and further to 36 mm (1.4 in) in May, coinciding with fewer rainy days.
Entering the summer months, West Greece faces a significant reduction in precipitation, particularly in July and August, where rainfall plummets to 21 mm (0.8 in) and 14 mm (0.5 in), respectively, with just a couple of rainy days. This dry period is followed by a slight uptick in September, receiving 54 mm (2.1 in), before returning to a more substantial rainfall in October at 92 mm (3.6 in). Overall, the climate in West Greece reflects a distinct seasonal pattern: wet winters and dry summers, influencing both the local environment and agricultural activities.
In West Greece, the sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal trend, beginning with a modest number of hours during the winter months. January typically records around 204 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 259 hours in February and further to 328 hours in March. As spring unfolds, sunshine hours continue to rise, peaking at 344 hours in April and reaching 397 hours by May, marking a significant transition into the sunnier days of summer. This gradual accumulation of sunlight sets the stage for the vibrant landscapes characteristic of the region during this time.
The summer months experience the highest levels of sunshine, with July standing out as the sunniest month at 421 hours. August retains considerable light as well, recording 394 hours, but begins a slight decline as the season transitions into autumn. In September, the sunshine duration decreases to 346 hours, followed by a steady reduction as the year progresses, culminating in November's 261 hours and December's 245 hours. Overall, this trend underscores West Greece's appeal as a destination for those seeking sunny days, particularly in the summer months, while also highlighting the region's remarkable seasonal transformations.
The UV Index (UVI) in West Greece demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. In the winter months, the UVI remains relatively low, starting at 3 in January and stabilizing at 3 in December, with a slight increase to 4 in November. As spring arrives, the UVI escalates, moving from 5 in February to 7 in March, indicating stronger sunlight as the days lengthen. April experiences a notable jump to 9, and May reaches its peak at 10, signaling the onset of summertime and the need for sun protection.
The summer months present the highest UVI readings, with June hitting 11, marking it as the most intense month for UV exposure. July and August maintain high levels at 10, suggesting a consistent risk for sunburn during these peak vacation months. As autumn approaches, the index gradually decreases, with September recording a UVI of 9, and October dropping to 7. This decline continues into the winter months, where the UVI returns to its initial levels. Understanding these variations is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure can be at its most dangerous.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in West Greece reveals a remarkable seasonal variation, beginning with shorter days during the winter months and gradually extending towards summer. In January and December, the region enjoys about 9 hours of daylight, while February offers a modest increase to 10 hours. As spring approaches, the amount of available sunlight grows more appreciably, reaching 11 hours in March and extending to 13 hours in April, providing a refreshing transition as nature awakens from its winter slumber.
The summer months bring the longest days of the year, with daylight peaking at 14 hours in both June and July, while August slightly decreases to 13 hours as summer begins to taper off. As autumn settles in, daylight gradually diminishes, falling to 12 hours in September and 11 hours in October. This trend continues into the late fall, with November returning to 10 hours of daylight. The cyclical pattern underscores the importance of seasonal changes in West Greece, influencing lifestyle, outdoor activities, and agricultural practices throughout the year.
Angelokastro, Greece, experiences a mild and varied climate throughout the year. Winters are relatively cool, with January temperatures ranging from -1°C to 20°C (31°F to 69°F), and significant precipitation, reaching up to 289 mm (11.4 in) in December. In contrast, summers are warm and dry, with July and August seeing temperatures from 19°C to 35°C (67°F to 95°F) and minimal rainfall, as low as 13 mm (0.5 in) in August. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 421 hours in July, facilitating outdoor activities and tourism, especially in the warmer months. For more detailed information on the climate in Angelokastro, visit the Angelokastro climate.
Archaia Olympia, Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the hot season, temperatures reach up to 41°C (105°F) in August, while winter months like January can see lows of -7°C (19°F). Rainfall is concentrated in the cooler months, peaking at 178 mm (7.0 in) in December, with drier conditions and less than 21 mm (0.8 in) occurring in August. Sunshine is abundant, with July offering the most daylight at 421 hours, ensuring long, bright summer days. For more detailed information, visit the Archaia Olympia climate.
Kalavryta, Greece experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. In winter months, temperatures can drop to as low as -10°C (14°F) in January, while summer peaks in August can reach up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is highest in December, with 150 mm (5.9 in) of rainfall, and driest in August, with just 18 mm (0.7 in). The region receives ample sunshine throughout the year, with July boasting the most at 421 hours. For more details, visit the Kalavryta climate.
Katakolo, Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The warmest month is typically August, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) and highs up to 37°C (99°F), while January is the coolest, averaging 11°C (52°F) and with lows around 0°C (33°F). Rainfall peaks in November at 152 mm (6.0 in), making late autumn the wettest season, in contrast to the dry summer months, particularly July and August, which see minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from May to August, with July offering the most sunlight at 420 hours. For more detailed climate data, visit the Katakolo climate page.
Monastiraki, Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The temperature ranges from an average low of -3°C (27°F) in January to a peak of 37°C (98°F) in July, with moderate conditions in between. Rainfall is most abundant from November to January, peaking at 272 mm (10.7 in) in December, while the summer months, particularly July and August, tend to be the driest periods. Sunshine is plentiful throughout the year, ranging from 206 hours in January to a maximum of 424 hours in July, highlighting the region's sunny disposition. For more detailed information on the climate in Monastiraki, visit the Monastiraki climate page.
Mytikas, Greece, experiences a pronounced Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in August, with summer highs peaking at 37°C (98°F) in July. The region sees substantial rainfall from November to February, with December receiving the most at 272 mm (10.7 in), while the driest months are July and August. Despite the rain, the area still enjoys ample sunshine, especially from May to August, when sunshine exceeds 400 hours monthly. For more detailed information on the climate, you can visit the Mytikas climate page.
Nafpaktos, Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Winter months, from December to February, see average temperatures around 6-9°C (44-48°F) and high precipitation, especially in December, which receives 212 mm (8.4 in) of rain. Summers, particularly July and August, are notably warm, with average temperatures soaring to 25°C (77-78°F) and maximums reaching up to 38°C (101°F), coupled with minimal rainfall. The region enjoys a generous amount of sunshine, peaking in July with 421 hours, ensuring abundant sunny days throughout the year. For more details, visit the Nafpaktos climate page.
Patra, Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures range from an average low of -4°C (26°F) in January to a maximum of 38°C (101°F) in August, with the warmest months being July and August where average temperatures reach up to 27°C (80°F). The city sees most of its rainfall during the winter months, with December receiving up to 178 mm (7.0 in) of precipitation, while the dry season spans the summer months, particularly in July and August with just 23 mm (0.9 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain respectively. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to September, peaking in July with 421 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, you can visit the Patra climate page.
The climate in Sardinia, Greece, features a Mediterranean pattern with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures range from average lows of -8°C (18°F) in January to highs of 39°C (102°F) in August. Precipitation is highest in the winter months, peaking at 257 mm (10.1 in) in December, while summer months like July and August see significantly less rainfall, averaging about 27 mm (1.1 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are plentiful, with the longest days in the summer months, reaching up to 422 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit the Sardinia climate page.
In conclusion, the climate of West Greece presents a dynamic interplay of temperature, rainfall, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours throughout the year. With its Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters, this region offers a unique environment that supports diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices. The significant fluctuation in sunshine hours and UV index underscores the importance of sun safety, particularly during the peak summer months when both can reach extreme levels. Additionally, the seasonal variations in daylight duration enrich the local lifestyle, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities during the extended summer days. Overall, understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both residents and visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and environmental nuances of West Greece.