Lefkada is one of Greeceâs western islands, located within the Ionian group of islands. Lefkada (or Lefkas as it is also known) is connected to the mainland by a 50-metre drawbridge- built in the 1980s to replace the outdated chain-operated ferry that was originally introduced by the Emperor Augustus. The capital city of the island shares the same name as the island itself and its situated on the Northern Coast, in very close proximity to mainland Greece. Containing various seaside resorts, the island boasts a fairly typical Mediterranean climate consistent with the typical climate traits of long, hot, dry summers and mild winters.
The largest and most popular resort towns on the island are Visiliki and Nidri which lie 20km north-south of each other. Due to the thermal winds that cross the island, the climate in Lefkada is slightly different to the other Ionian Islands. While temperature wise the region does contain the traits of a Mediterranean climate, it does experience a significant amount more wind than neighbouring islands. It is this wind that is one of the most salient features of Lefkadaâs and is one feature that attracts many people to the island to take part in wind and kite surfing activities.
SUMMER
Summer temperatures on in the island begin in May and continue through until October. The days are filled with brilliant sunshine, dry conditions and calmer seas than in the winter time. Average temperature in May sits at about 18 ºC which they return to come October. July and August see Lefkada at its hottest â" daily temperatures averaging 24 ºC and 25 ºC. During this time it is not unusual for the mercury to rise about 30 ºC and continue through the mid 30âs. June sees an average maximum of 26 ºC and an average minimum of 18 ºC. July and August see average highs of 28 ºC and 29 ºC respectively before cooling down to 25 ºC come September.
Like many of the Greek Islands, the days are cooled by the seasonal winds. These are particularly prominent in Lefkada and the island tends to be particularly windy at times. In one of the islands southern most popular resorts, Vasiliki, you will find your self in a windsurfing paradise. Boasting Europeâs largest and best equipped windsurfing centres, the resorts location in between two mountains make for a unique wind system which is ideal for various wind power sports. In Vasiliki these famous cross shore breezes can range from a strong breeze up to a gale force wind, so it is best to be wary of this.
The sea temperature stays agreeable most of the year. May sees average temperatures of 18 ºC before reaching a bath like high of 25 ºC by the peak of summer in August. This is useful as the climate is particularly humid, because Lefkada is an island, this accounts for the year round high humidity.
WINTER
Winter in Lefkada sees average temperatures of 9 ºC to 10 ºC. The mountains, obviously, see cooler temperatures than the coastal towns and humidity remains high throughout the season (and most of the year as well). December through until March has a tendency to be fairly wet and windy, it can be a popular time for (daring) winder surfers to visit as the winds can be extreme. The strong offshore winds can be accredited to the interaction of the prevailing winds and the local sea breeze.
January and February are the coldest months, each seeing average maximums of 12 ºC and average minimums of 6 ºC. Within these months it is not uncommon however to experience highs of low 20's which can be very pleasant. Lefkada experiences most of its rain throughout the winter months, and as an island experiences higher average precipitation than other Greek Islands. The island is abundant in striking green vegetation and this can be attributed to the winter rains.