The best time to visit Corfu
May, June and September, then Holy Saturday with the botides at 11 a.m. and opening hours that change on 1 November.
- Best time
- May, June and September
- The Achilleion
- 1 Apr–31 Oct: 8–20
- The Old Fortress
- Apr–Oct about 8–20
The best months for Corfu are May, June and September, while July–August is busy. The palaces and museums change their opening hours on 1 November, and Easter brings one hour worth planning for. Month by month is in the table, and below it is what those months mean for a plan.
The year, month by month
If you only pick one month — September. Temperature is the mean over the whole day (not the daily high), and a rainy day has at least 1 mm of rain; averages for 2021–2024.
The coves are full at midday
In July and August Paleokastritsa is at its busiest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the car park fills early. If you are after swimming, leave in the morning on the green bus or come back in the late afternoon, and give the middle of the day to the town. The water at Paleokastritsa is cooler than at other beaches, because springs feed it. It cools you even in the worst heat.
Opening hours change on 1 November
The Achilleion is open every day, until 8 p.m. from April to October and until 4 p.m. from November to March. The Old Fortress keeps shorter hours in winter than in summer, while Mon Repos is the same in both seasons, 8.30 to 3.30, and closed on Tuesdays. If you come in winter, plan the palaces before noon. The walk through town comes after them.
Easter and the botides
On the Saturday before Orthodox Easter, at 11 a.m., residents throw large clay pots, the botides, from windows and balconies around the Spianada and the Liston. By one account the custom comes from the Venetian habit of throwing out old things at New Year. The date moves with Orthodox Easter, so check it before booking a room.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
What are the best months for Corfu?
May, June and September. In July and August the coves are full, especially Paleokastritsa between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
When are the botides on Corfu?
On the Saturday before Orthodox Easter, at 11 a.m., around the Spianada and the Liston. The date changes from year to year.
Is the Achilleion open in winter?
Yes, every day, until 4 p.m. from November to March and until 8 p.m. in summer.
Ready for Corfu?
Where to next
Getting around Corfu
→Bus 15 from the airport to San Rocco Square, two zones of city transport and the green bus from the KTEL…
Zagori · 80 km
→Stone villages and a gorge that holds a Guinness record
How well does Corfu suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
Front row for the next trip
Leave your email and we'll let you know when a new destination or story goes up.