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Corfu is the northernmost and greenest of the Ionian Islands, a 593 km² island off Greece’s northwest coast that receives about 1,200 mm of rain a year, twice the average of the Aegean islands. That rainfall keeps the olive groves and cypress hills green through summer, while the coast offers warm Ionian swimming from June to October and a UNESCO-listed Venetian old town. July and August average 31°C (88°F), and the sea peaks at 25°C (77°F) in August.
Welcome to Corfu
Corfu Town sits on a peninsula at the island’s east edge, built up over four centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule that left it with two fortresses, arcaded Liston promenade, and a web of narrow lanes now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The west coast is where the scenery is, with Paleokastritsa’s six bays and Glyfada’s long sand beach, while the east coast north and south of town holds the main family resorts. A single road runs the island’s 64 km length, so no destination is more than about an hour from Corfu Town.
Weather at a Glance
Corfu has a humid subtropical Mediterranean climate, cooler and wetter than the Cyclades. Winters are mild and rainy, with highs of 14-16°C (57-61°F) and up to 200 mm of rain in November. Springs warm quickly, from 19°C (66°F) in April to 24°C (75°F) in May. Summers are hot and dry, with July and August averaging 31°C (88°F) and just 10-15 mm of rain. Autumn stays warm through September, 27°C (81°F) with a 24°C (75°F) sea, before the rain returns in October.
Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March-May): wildflowers and Orthodox Easter, highs climbing from 16°C to 24°C (61-75°F)
- Summer (June-August): hot, dry, and busy, highs of 28-31°C (82-88°F), sea up to 25°C (77°F)
- Autumn (September-November): warm sea into September, then rain returns, 200 mm in November
- Winter (December-February): mild and wet, highs of 14-15°C (57-59°F), town stays open
Corfu Travel Guides
These seven guides cover everything from monthly climate data to where to sleep and what to see. Start with the weather breakdown, then use the others to plan your trip.
- Corfu Weather by Month – temperatures, rainfall, and sea temperature for every month
- Best Time to Visit Corfu – the best months for weather, prices, and avoiding crowds
- Things to Do in Corfu – the old town, beaches, fortresses, and monasteries
- Corfu Events and Festivals – Easter, carnival, the Varkarola, and saint’s days
- Corfu Neighborhoods – where each area sits and who it suits
- Where to Stay in Corfu – areas and hotels for every budget
- Corfu Travel Tips and FAQ – airport, buses, money, and safety
Quick Facts
- Best beach months: June and September, with sea temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F)
- Warmest month: August, averaging 31°C (88°F) with a 25°C (77°F) sea
- Coolest month: January, averaging 14°C (57°F) by day
- Wettest month: November, at 200 mm of rain
- Airport: Corfu International Airport (CFU), 3 km from town
- Currency: euro; language: Greek, with English widely spoken in resorts
Location and Getting Around
Corfu lies about 75 km from the Greek mainland port of Igoumenitsa, with ferries crossing in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the vessel. The island is 64 km long and up to 32 km wide, so a car rental gives you the freedom to reach west-coast beaches that buses serve only lightly. KTEL buses radiate from San Rocco Square in Corfu Town to the main resorts for about €1.50-3 a ride.
Where to Stay in Corfu
Corfu Town suits sightseers and off-season trips; Paleokastritsa is the scenic west-coast choice; Dassia and Ipsos are the family beach strip; Kavos is the southern party resort.
Suggested Hotels in Corfu
Corfu Palace Hotel
The five-star Corfu Palace sits at the edge of the old town on Leoforos Dimokratias, with a spa, pool, and tennis court, 500 m from the Spianada. Best for couples who want a full-service luxury stay in town. Check rates and availability
Bella Venezia
Bella Venezia is a restored 19th-century mansion in the old town with a courtyard garden, rated around 9.3 by recent guests. Best for couples who want a boutique, characterful mid-range stay. Check rates and availability
Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel
Siorra Vittoria is a neo-classical mansion a block from the Liston with parquet floors and breakfast included. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a central, historic room. Check rates and availability