What's the weather like in Kefalonia in December
December is one of the coldest months of the year, along with January, on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia, with low temperatures, high winds, a lot of rain and only a few hours of sunshine.
Temperature
Averaging 13°C, the temperatures tend to reach no higher than this but fall to a very cool 7°C at times. Temperatures tend to drop a couple of degrees as December progresses. The hottest on record for this month is an astonishing 45°C in the middle of the month, while the record night-time low is a tiny 2°C, so you'll definitely need to bring your jacket if you're heading out for dinner or drinks.
Rainfall
December is also very wet on this Ionian Island, with an average monthly rainfall of 115mm expected over 12 days. On any given day in December there's around a 34% to 41% chance it will rain, and most commonly it will be a light rain shower, with a smaller chance of a thunderstorm. Skies are partly cloudy, increasing throughout the month.
Wind
Winds are generally calm to moderate breezes.
Sunshine Hours
There are only six hours of average daily sunshine in the month of December.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is only around 17°C. This, combined with high winds, cool temperatures and a strong chance of rain, mean you would not be advised to try and swim in the sea.
If you do travel to Kefalonia in December, it would be essential to bring warmer clothing such as jackets and a waterproof mac due to the likelihood of rain. T-shirts and beachwear would definitely not be appropriate.
Please make sure to check the local weather report before planning any activities in Kefalonia in the month of December.
Kefalonia Hotels for December
Dafnoudi Hotel
The Dafnoudi Hotel in the village of Antipata, next to Fiskardo, is in a beautiful and peaceful location, where you can relax in the flower gardens or enjoy a swim in the pool. Sip a drink at the pool bar, which serves fresh fruit, snacks, wine and cocktails. In the garden, there is seating space offering views to the sea and Kefalonian landscape. The property has a range of apartments and studios, each with their own private entrance and large balconies looking over the garden, the forest and the Ionian Sea.
The studios can accommodate up to two people and the apartments are for up to four guests. All studios and apartments have fully-equipped kitchens, a fridge, oven, kettle and coffee making facilities. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the air conditioned rooms, which have a telephone, TV/radio, DVD player, safety deposit box, baby cot, hairdryer and a bathroom with a shower. The apartments are surrounded by attractive cypress trees and bougainvillea. There's an onsite swimming pool, children's pool and barbecue, as well as free parking for guests.
Tourist Hotel
Located on the seafront of Argostoli, Tourist Hotel boasts views over the sea and the pebbled beach where the Caretta Caretta sea turtles return every year to nest. It is also conveniently located to enjoy all the amenities and entertainment in the capital. The property's bright and airy rooms are fitted with modern furnishings and are both air conditioned and soundproofed. Each twin, double or triple room comes with a fridge, free Wi-Fi access, a TV and a bathroom complete with a hairdryer. 24-hour room service is available. The onsite sea view café serves a daily buffet breakfast made with local ingredients, including honey, homemade jams and cheese. If it's raining, guests can relax in the hotel's TV lounge or make use of the computer room.
Bars and Restaurants
Pikiona
Pikiona is a café bar restaurant on the charming beachfront of Skala. Surrounded by a picturesque garden covered in pine trees, it enjoys views over the sea. The restaurant's bar serves cold drinks and snacks. The café boasts a swimming pool, surrounded by tables, where you can relax during the day. Pikiona offers carefully prepared traditional Greek dishes and delicious desserts made with local ingredients. It also has a wide selection of wines to accompany your meal. It's an ideal venue for special events and occasions, including anniversaries and wedding ceremonies.
Sto Psito
Sto Psito is located on the Fanari road in Lassi, a popular spot in close to Argostoli. This restaurant has a terrace offering lovely views over the sea while you eat. Its beautiful garden has a small iron bridge leading over a gently lit pool to a platform where you can dine accompanied by music an especially wonderful experience in the evening. The extensive menu here includes delicious appetisers, traditional Greek dishes, a variety of seafood and grilled meats and fish. As well as friendly service and reasonable prices, you can expect a great selection of local wines.
Things to do in Kefalonia in December
Lighthouse of Saint Theodore
The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore was built in 1828 by the British Governor Charles Napier, who ruled the island at the time. It is located two miles outside of Argostoli. This small round building is eight metres tall with 20 white Doric column, locally known as Fanari. The beautiful lighthouse is one of the trademarks of Kefalonia. It was rebuilt in 1960 following the devastating earthquake of 1953 by local architect Takis Pavlatos, who stayed faithful to its original architectural design. This working lighthouse offers visitors a truly romantic view at night and can be viewed from afar.
Skala
Skala is a village which has become one of the island's best loved resorts. It boasts a long family friendly beach of fine shingle and sand that gently shelves into the sea, with isolated coves to explore. Visitors can spend a pleasant afternoon exploring Skala's fine selection of shops and tavernas on its small high street and wander along the other winding streets. The current village was built in 1956 and replaces the old village, which was destroyed during the earthquake in 1953. The original village was located on a hill, as defence from raiders and pirates, and the name 'Skala' originates from the Greek word for stairs. This name was ascribed because when it was on the hill, its houses seemed to ascend as though they were a set of stairs.