Today's weather for Zante, Greece4th Jul 2009 02:00

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Weather Overview for Zante

Zante, also know as Zakynthos, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers that get more than their fair share of sunshine and mild, rainy winters. It shares its climate with the other Ionian Islands such as Lefkada and Kerkyra (Corfu). There is a great deal of regional variation in weather conditions due to the island’s varied topography. The island is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. It is the southernmost of the Ionian Islands, sitting off the west coast of mainland Greece.

Summer, from June till September, could easily be said to last from May till October as temperatures above 20°C are seen throughout the period. It is hot, dry and sunny. The average high temperature is at 28°C in June and September, reaching a peak of 31°C in July and August. The peak months might be a bit too hot for some, especially at night when temperatures stay up around 20°C. The entire season is treated to almost endless sunshine; July is the sunniest month with thirteen hours of sunshine per day. Clouds are rare and rain is minimal.

In Zante Town the sea heats up to a gorgeous 26°C in August, but in the northwest of the island the waters lapping the picture perfect Navagio Beach remains very cold. This is due to topography of Zante; in the east gently-sloping beaches allow shallow waters to heat up, while in the northwest cliffs plunge down into the sea. Navagio Beach is isolated by these sheer facades and only accessible by boat. Zante, as with all of western Greece, is a recipient of northwest winds that build up to a peak in the afternoon before retreating to leave the island calm at night.

Autumn, in October and November, is warm but rainy. October receives an average high of 23°C, dropping to 19°C in November – still warm. The sea is also pleasant enough for swimming. However, rainfall quickly increases, falling in short storms every few days, and sunshine reduces. Night times are cool, getting cold by the end of the season.

Winter, from December till February, is mild and wet. The average high temperature falls to 16°C in December and gets to its lowest in January and February at 14°C. Night times are very cool, around 8°C, but rarely get down to freezing. December is the wettest month, receiving 170 mm of rain, after which rainfall starts to lessen.

Spring, from March till May, sees Zante bursting to life as the rain-fed plants are treated to long hours of sunshine and increasing warmth. Rainfall recedes quickly; May is in fact very dry. The average high temperature gets up to 16°C in March, 19°C in April and 23°C in May. May is a great time to visit Zante as the brilliant weather is more enjoyable without the heavy crowds of the summer season. However, night times remain cool and the sea takes a little bravery to enter, even at the end of the season.

The low mountains and northwest regions of Zante receive slightly more rain than the southeast due to the direction of the prevailing winds. Southeast beaches are relatively sheltered and often a few degrees hotter. Greece’s islands and coastal regions benefit year round from the moderating effects of the Mediterranean Sea, avoiding real extremes of temperature.

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