What's the weather like in Kefalonia in September
Temperature
September on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia is still extremely warm, although slightly cooler than previous months. It is also slightly quieter. The average temperature is 22°C, reaching a high of 26°C and a low of 16°C in the evenings. This means that light clothing such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals are still appropriate and can be worn from the daytime right through into the evening.
Temperatures on this Greek island fall rapidly, by 3°C or 4°C, during September, so it's best to arrive early in the month. The hottest temperature on record for September is a baking 32°C, while the lowest is 15°C, though it's unlikely to get this cold.
Humidity
September can feel extra warm as humidity is through the roof and the summer trade winds have eased off. Kefalonia visitors at this time of year can expect just a calm or moderate breeze. Cloud cover increases through the month, but skies are still mostly clear.
Sunshine Hours
There are ten hours of average daily sunshine but there is much more rain than in the previous months of July and August, with an average monthly rainfall of 30mm over five days. The likelihood of rain occurring is one in four days, increasing as the month progresses. Thunderstorms and light rain showers are most common at this time of year.
The average sea temperature is still high at around 25°C, so you can swim and take part in different water sports.
Kefalonia Hotels in September
La Cite Hotel
The La Cite Hotel in Lixouri offers affordable accommodation with contemporarily designed rooms with views over the Ionian Sea and the Paliki peninsula. Enjoy refreshments and music at the hotel's café bar, located near the gently lit local and tropical flowers of the garden, and the swimming pool with its complimentary umbrellas and sunbeds. There are single, double and triple air conditioned rooms available. All are light and airy and come with a TV, telephone, refrigerator, kettle, automatic shutters and a furnished balcony. The bathrooms are equipped with a shower and hair dryer.
Studios Paradise
Studios Paradise in the southwest coastal village of Svoronata is another well priced option. Located in a countryside setting just 500 metres from Ammes beach, this family owned property offers four bed apartments as well as double and triple rooms. Guests will enjoy a peaceful and homely atmosphere in this ecologically conscious resort, which employs environmentally friendly practices and natural cleaning products. They organise walking and cycling tours so guests can get involved with events including beach cleaning, recycling of materials and protection of sea turtles.
All of the air conditioned rooms and apartments have a garden view, a pool view or a view out to the sea. They each come with a veranda or balcony, a bathroom, a safe box, TV, hairdryer and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator. Breakfast is served daily, with fresh local ingredients, and can be served on your balcony, in the garden or by the pool. There is free Wi-Fi access and private parking for guests, as well as a lending library and board games, including backgammon, chess and playing cards to keep you entertained.
Kefalonia Beaches in September
Potamaki Beach
If you're a wildlife lover, head to Potamaki Beach for the chance to see endangered turtles in their natural habitat. Located along the coast from Skala, this attractive beach has been declared a conservation area as it is a safe haven for rare loggerhead turtles. As these turtles are most active after the sun sets, you can join a night-time organised turtle watch and observe these wonderful creatures in action without threatening their survival.
Petani Beach
Petani Beach consists of typically Greek blue waters, a mixture of sand and pebbles and some facilities such as a shower, toilets and some car parking space. This beach is relatively quiet compared to the more facilitated beaches, so is perfect for a relaxing beach day. The waves here can sometimes be rather large, so take care if taking young children to this beach.
Lepada Beach
Lepeda Beach is one of the island's most impressive looking beaches, with its unusual red and orange waters. Stretching for 100 metres south of Lixouri, its red sand is dotted with rock formations in bizarre shapes, creating a unique landscape. From here you can enjoy stunning views across to the gulf of Argostoli, the Saint Theodori lighthouse and Mount Aenos. The facilities here include sunbeds, umbrellas and a snack bar, while there are plenty of restaurants in nearby Lixouri. Close to the beach is an attractive monastery, the Agia Paraskevi cave and a church carved into the rocks.
Restaurants and Bars
Apostolis Taverna
Apostolis Taverna in Skala is fabulous and highly reccomended for their simple yet delicious Greek food. The mixed grill, oven cooked lamb and fish dishes are superb, and the baklava dessert served with ice cream is an absolute must!
Nefeli-Anait
Nefeli-Anait restaurant is situated on the seafront of Assos, meaning you can enjoy freshly prepared Greek food with a gorgeous view of the bay. Locally caught seafood is a must here, particularly the sea bass and sardines, typically served with a vibrant Greek salad.
Stavento Beach Bar
Located at the beachfront in Argostoli, Stavento Beach Bar is a great place to sit and relax with a drink and admire the spectacular view out to sea. At night, the atmosphere livens up with cool music and even cooler drinks, which are served in iced glasses. Popular with both tourists and locals, this bar is known for its attentive service and cosy setting in which to enjoy the sunset.
Zebra
For an unusual night out, head to Zebra bar in Skala. Decorated with wooden furniture, the brightly lit bar often hosts live music upstairs. Downstairs, you can party safari-style with their wild zebra mascot!
Things to do in Kefalonia in September
St. George's Castle
St. George's Castle in Livatho Valley is known to be over 1600 years old. This castle served as a fortress during Roman times, when the island was subjected to constant attacks by raiders and pirates. Its elevated position means it was an essential part of Kefalonia's defence strategy. It takes its name from the Church of St George, which also stood on the site, but has since been destroyed.
Katavothres
The Katavothres Sea Mills are a famously unusual geological feature of the island. Located along the Fanari road, around two miles from Argostoli, they are right on the sea edge. Sadly the original mills have gone and all that's left is a café and a fake wheel. However, it's worth a visit to learn more about this phenomenon, in which sea water enters sink holes, creating a flow strong enough to turn a water wheel, which in the past was used to power the mills. The water would then find its way two weeks later to the underground Melissani Lake and then flow back out to sea. The water apparently defies gravity on its return journey, having been diluted by rain water and therefore becoming less dense than the salty sea water.