Corfu is 'open for business' from Easter until October, though many resorts hotels only work from May to September inclusive. For lower room rates, better taverna service and moderate weather, late May to late June, and the last two-thirds of September, are the best times. During July and August everything is fully functioning, and the sea thoroughly warmed up, but you'll contend with crowds and either intense heat or the maïstros, the infamous north-westerly wind which buffets beaches all afternoon.

May is the earliest time that most visitors arrive.

May offers deserted beaches and quiet tavernas, flowers in abundanceand a fresh looking Corfu - after a winter of recuperation. Paths maybe a little overgrown - making walking the coastal paths a littledifficult. Weather wise, expect daytime temperatures of lower 70'sF.Evenings can occasionally be cool so bring a jacket, especially if youare planning to travel on the boat taxis at night. Also, allow for onerainy day per week.

Early June offers Corfu at its best. Beaches and Tavernas filling up but not crowded. Beautiful warm days with temperatures reaching high 70's - not too hot. Warm evenings enabling a good night's sleep. As June progresses, it gets busier and hotter. The weather is now settled and temperatures are in the 80's with warm evenings. Beaches are now quite busy, especially weekends with locals. The Tavernas are now buzzing.

July is possibly the hottest and busiest month for Corfu. The first two weeks see daytime temperatures of low to mid 90's F. Evenings are warm. Without air conditioning it may be difficult to sleep. Glorious sunny days give way to busy beaches and packed Tavernas. The sea is warm and settled. During the evening the cicadas chirp.
As the summer progresses, daytime temperatures creep into the mid to high 90's and evening temperatures not much less! Occasionally the daytime temperature will reach the 100's - not for the faint hearted! High humidity may make it feel even hotter! The sea is like bath water. During the end of July, you will notice that the tavernas are full with long tables. Gone are the couples who frequent the quiet Tavernas during May and September. Now that the schools are closed, whole families holiday together, often dining out with friends. Evenings are warm and humid. Without air conditioning it may be difficult to sleep. Glorious sunny days give way to packed beaches and even busier Tavernas.

Early fall brings daytime temperatures down to the 80's. Evenings are still warm, but occasionally a sweater will be required late at night. The days are hot. The beach still busy, but lacking the children and large parties that dominate during August. The sea is warm. As autumn progresses, temperatures fall to the mid 70's. Beaches are quieter and the tavernas more sedate! Evenings become cooler and a sweater will definitely be needed for the hardier who wish to eat outside. The early evenings are crisp and offer clear views across the sea.

Only for those who like natural beauty and enjoy a mixture of less extreme weather conditions. Of course it rains in winter as in any European country and the days are cooler and when winter really strikes it becomes cold. Corfu has even been known to see snow albeit only for a few hours and the occasional frost!! If you plan to visit during any of the winter months accommodation must be chosen carefully and heating is essential. However the days can really be enjoyed, as when the sun does shine it can be really warm and walking those hills a real pleasure. The air is clear, the views spectacular and those beaches are all yours!!

The island does have regular rainfall, with the probability of a few showers even in July and August, but this does have its advantages. Corfu is a green and fertile island, with a wider variety of produce available, a good wine-making industry, attractive scenery and none of the water shortage problems experienced by some of the Aegean islands towards the end of their bone-dry summers.

The driest month is July, with just a few isolated showers likely, but there will be fairly regular rainfall from November through March. In October or November there will be a short period of thunderstorms, as the warmer weather finally breaks and gives way to winter.