Your Ultimate Ios planning guide
As a small island in the heart of the Cyclades, high season in Ios Greece begins around the middle of May and ends towards the middle of September. If you’re wondering what month is best to visit Ios, this will depend on what you’re after:
- There’s nice weather but way less crowds in May
- fresh faces and opening parties in June
- absolute chaos in July and August
- and then things get a bit quieter again in September.
Month of May – Beat the crowds
As an island that is centred around the summer season, May in Ios is when everyone starts to come out of winter hibernation.
A handful of bars, shops and restaurants begin to open at the end of April and around May 15 is when the island hits its straps again for the summer.
From mid-May onwards the majority of bars, shops and restaurants are open, but without all the crazy summer crowds.
Weather in May
The average temperature in May is 23°C and the water is around 18.8°C.
What’s on in May
By the end of May the majority of bars, restaurants and shops will be open. Far Out Beach Club however generally holds its opening party at the start of June (in 2023 this was June 9).
So if seeing a big DJ play in Ios is on your bucket list consider coming in June, July or August.
Month of June – Chaos begins
Once June 1st hits in Ios, it’s full steam ahead for the season.
As mentioned, in 2023 Far Out Beach Club’s opening party was June 9, but you can still hang out before this at Far Out Village pool next door.
The crowds in June can be on the younger side with Irish school-leavers parties at the end of the month.
My favourite part of June is that all the business owners and workers are feeling fresh and excited for the season, so the vibes are always high.
Weather in June
The average temperature in June is 28°C and the water temperature is around 22.5°C.
What’s on in June
The days of the week are non-existent in Ios, so all the bars are open every night. The only exception is Harmony Mexican Bar & Restaurant which closes on a Monday.
In 2024, Friday June 21 will be Swedish Midsummer which is the biggest party on the island every year.
Look out for more information about Swedish Midsummer in 2024, if you’re on the island, you’re in for a TREAT.
Month of July – Peak madness
Visiting Ios in July is not for the faint-hearted. July is peak tourist season, with throngs of crowds visiting from all over the world.
If you want the craziest parties with packed-out bars and clubs every night, plan your trip in July. Just be aware that the tiny streets can be CROWDED at night time.
And you will likely need to book into restaurants if you want to sit down for dinner or do any activities like boat tours and water sports.
Weather in July
The average temperature in July is 30° and the water is around 24.8°C.
What’s on in July
July is peak season for events in Ios. Far Out Beach Club hosts big DJ’s every couple of days like Will Sparks, Fedde Le Grand and Vini Vici.
The beach club itself will be open every day even when there’s no event on, so you can still drink by the pool if you want.
July 26 is Ios Australia Day – It’s a slightly smaller version of Swedish Midsummer but still follows the same drinking all-day format. So if you head out to celebrate you’ll meet a few Aussies.
Month of August – Party season continues
Peak party season continues straight into August, the only difference is generally the crowds.
August tends to draw in a few more families, Greeks and Italians, but the party doesn’t stop.
For the past 2 years, Peggy Gou has performed at Far Out Beach Club in August, and she is by far the most famous DJ to play on the island. If you’re booking your trip in August 2024 you might have a good chance of catching her again.
By the end of August the crowds slowly begin to disperse. It can be a great time to visit if you want to party but have slightly less madness walking through the streets of Chora or getting tables and bookings.
Weather in August
The average temperature in August is 29°C and the water is around 25.4°C.
What’s on in August
As mentioned, August has been graced with a performance from Peggy Gou for the past 2 years. Other than this, Far Out Beach Club is still pumping out famous DJ’s every couple of days.
Some of these also match the August crowds with more Greek and Italian DJs performing. All the bars, restaurants and shops are still open every day and night throughout August.
Month of September – Chaos wind down
Once September rolls around in Ios it feels like a breath of fresh air. Many of the workers and business owners say September is their favourite month because the chaos of July and August is finally over.
If you want to party in September though don’t worry! When the restaurants, bars and shops close is generally up to the owner’s discretion, with some shutting down from mid-September.
There is still heaps to see and do on the island until around mid-October when most of the island goes back into hibernation for the winter.
Weather in September
The average temperature in September is 26°C and the water is around 23.9°C.
What’s on in September
If you want to catch a famous DJ at Far Out Beach Club you will be out of luck by mid-September. Up until then, however, all other bars tend to be open every night though so you can still party.
From mid-September onwards, the trickle of venues closing begins.
Ios in Winter – October to April
As an island with just over 2000 local residents, from October to April Ios transforms from madness to serene.
The locals however love it as they can finally rest and relax after another crazy summer. I’ve heard the only things open during winter are the post office, the supermarket, Cafe Nero and Bulldog (the Greek Bar) on a Saturday night.
You could still visit if you wanted a quiet, relaxing getaway – but don’t expect any of the summer craziness!