Sidari is a beach resort on Corfuâs north coast with a Mediterranean climate typified by hot summers and mild winters. Corfu Island (Kerkyra) is the northernmost of the Greek Islands, making its climate slightly cooler than those in more southerly locations â" this is not negative; temperatures are still very high but are more bearable. Winters are also wetter than in other areas of Greece, hence a greener landscape than is to be found elsewhere.
SUMMER: June â" September
Summers see endless sunshine, clear skies and almost no rain. The average high temperature is around 28°C at the beginning and end of the season, getting to a peak of 31°C in July and August. Luckily, the hottest months are also the windiest months as the sought after meltemi wind blows from the northwest. This brings a refreshing breeze to the shore and powers many sails as they hop between the islands. The heat can be oppressive away from the beach, and even on the beach when the wind fails. Across the island locals tend to observe a brief siesta after lunch time, though in Sidari most establishments are geared towards tourism and generally remain open. Low humidity helps to keep the heat in check, and you can always take a dip in the sea, which gets up to an average temperature of 24°C in August. If travelling inland you must be sure to carry water and sun cream with you; dehydration, sunstroke, heatstroke and sunburn easily set in.
September does see some rain but not enough to discourage travelling to Sidari. June and September are preferable to the peak summer months in terms of heat and crowding.
AUTUMN â" October & November
Autumn is changeable and wet though temperatures remain pleasant for much of the season. The average high temperature falls to a pleasant 23°C in October and a reasonable 19°C in November, while night time lows are chilly at 13°C in October and 10°C in November. Sea temperatures remain swimmable, only dropping below 20°C in November, averaging around 18°C for that month. If visiting in autumn it is best to stick to the early weeks of October as rainfall steadily increases throughout the season, sunshine levels diminish and night time temperatures become very cool.
WINTER: December - March
Winters in Sidari are wet but mild. Rainfall is at its highest in late autumn and early winter when the monthly average is around 180mm. After December, rainfall decreases a little but January and February still see more than 130mm of rainfall each. The average high temperature falls to around 14°C with average lows at their lowest in January at 5°C. When the wind blows it can feel much cooler and the general gloom of wet and grey weather is not ideal for a holiday. Clear days can see temperatures creeping high into the teens but this is not to be relied upon. The sun stays out for an average of four hours per day throughout the season.
The plus side of wintertime is, of course, the lack of crowds. However, Corfu has such a seasonal economy that it basically shuts down for the winter. Transport to the island is hard to come by and most hotels close for the season. Sidari is a real tourist town so it is virtually deserted in winter.
SPRING: April & May
In spring the cool temperatures and rain clouds quickly give way to summer weather. Early on in April Sidari once more enjoys temperatures in the 20s and lows start to stick to double figures. Rainfall quickly decreases from almost 100mm in March to just over 30mm in May. The sun stays out for longer and longer, leaping from four to seven hours per day in April and nine hours per day in May. The sea remains too cold for swimming until late May, which is when the tourists start to trickle in.
OTHER INFO
Sidari is a relaxed resort offering fun and sun rather than culture and history. In the summer it is swamped with young Brits, fresh from their A levels, in search of
cheap, tepid ouzo and beachside fumblings at dawn. That the resort is also a draw
to families demonstrates its rather tamer - and so cleaner, safer and cheaper -
character in comparison to clubbing meccas like Agia Napa and Ibiza.
There are prettier resorts on Corfu,
Paleokastritsa for one, but Sidari has the nightlife. The âfamedâ Canal dâAmour, a natural
rock archway just offshore, is no reason to visit Sidari but the beaches are
pleasant. The
resort is best for families and groups of young teens in need of daily suntanning and nightly
celebrations. You will find endless bars with unbelievable drinks deals,
premiership football on the telly, fish and chips, henna tattooists and more
souvenir ashtrays than you
could ever carry home. The resort is not very "authentic", though some good Greek cuisine is available if you make the effort.