Kos Holidays 2021 / 2022

Weather and climate in Kos

Temperature: Average of 30°C in July and August.

Best time to visit: Come for the hottest sunshine between June and September.

Sitting in the Aegean Sea, this beautiful island enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. August is the warmest month, with temperatures peaking in the high 20s and rarely dipping below 21°C. You can expect around 14 hours of sunshine a day and only three rainy days during the whole month. If you’d prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for sightseeing, October and November see the temperatures hovering between the high teens and the low 20s. From December to February you’ll catch the occasional shower, with temperatures averaging at around 10°C.

Kos is best for...

Clubbers: Kardamena is the place to go for those who want to kick their heels up by night and sleep it off by day. For the best watering holes, head to the appropriately-named ‘Bar Street’, where you’ll find a seemingly endless array of themed bars and kicking clubs. The vibe is a very friendly one, with older partygoers made to feel as welcome as the younger crowd that come for the drinks, music and fun.

Couples: Kos Town is quieter than you might expect at night, and offers plenty of scope for couples to enjoy a quiet meal or watch the sun slip over the horizon, with a cocktail in hand. By day, the town is an atmospheric labyrinth of whitewashed streets, where you’ll find quaint and quirky shops and see some fine examples of ancient architecture. Eleftherias Square bustles with locals, enjoying al fresco coffees and lunchtime wine.

Families: For young historians and mini myth-hunters, Kos is a treasure trove. Explore the Asklepion, one of the oldest hospitals on the planet, visit the Archaeological Museum, or step back in time at the Castle of the Knights. If you’ve got the kids with you and want some splashtastic fun in the sun, the island has two waterparks: Aquatica and Lido. If you’re travelling with younger children, Lido is the more appropriate of the two.

Fast facts for Kos

Language: The official language spoken on the island is Greek. While most of the locals speak good English, a well-placed “sas parakaloúme” and “efcharistó” will go a long way.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your British Sterling for Euros, before zipping off on your holidays to Kos.

Local time: The island is two hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Kos International Airport. Transfers to Kefalos take 30 minutes, to Kardamena it's around 35 minutes, while to Psalidi it's roughly 45 minutes.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Kos takes about four hours.

Tourist Information: Further Kos tourist information can be found at https://www.kosinfo.gr/

Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Kos, Greece.

Holiday destinations related to Kos:

Kefalos

Kardamena

Psalidi

Getting around Kos

By bus: There are two important bus services to be aware of. The DEAS bus service is a great way to travel in and around Kos Town, while the KTEL buses will take you virtually anywhere on the island.

By bicycle: Unlike most of the other Dodecanese Islands, Kos is remarkably flat, making it perfect for cycling. You’ll find cycle-hire outlets in virtually every town, leaving you free to soak up the scenery from your saddle.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful, reliable and cost-effective. Book online, by phone, or flag one down from the roadside in larger towns.

Events in Kos

Mastichari Wine Festival: Every year in early August, the little village of Mastichari, in the northwest of the island, holds a wine festival. A more traditional affair than wine buffs may be used to in the UK, the festival features strictly locally-made wine plus Greek dancing for entertainment.

Hippocratia Festival: The biggest event on the island, the Hippocratia Festival takes place throughout the summer, between July and September. The celebrations are held in honour of Hippocrates and showcase a variety of art exhibitions, performances and concerts, highlighting Greece’s long and fascinating history.