Best time to visit Balos at a glance
The municipality of Kissamos names April, May, June, September and October as the best months and advises an early start. Boats to the lagoon run daily from April to October, so the summer months and the shoulder months all work for a boat trip. Winters are wetter, and the boat season is over.
June is a little cooler than July and August, and September is drier than October. That is a climate comparison, not a promise of calm wind, empty beaches or warm water. Weather and crowds can still change your day.
Weather by month
Monthly averages for Suda near Chania, from the Hellenic national weather service via the World Weather Information Service (updated February 2026). They are not measurements at the lagoon.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.4 °C | 7.7 °C | 137.2 mm |
| February | 14.7 °C | 7.6 °C | 107.7 mm |
| March | 16.4 °C | 8.6 °C | 83.1 mm |
| April | 19.9 °C | 11.1 °C | 32.5 mm |
| May | 24.5 °C | 14.7 °C | 13.4 mm |
| June | 28.8 °C | 18.6 °C | 4.3 mm |
| July | 30.4 °C | 20.7 °C | 1.1 mm |
| August | 30.1 °C | 20.7 °C | 1.1 mm |
| September | 27.3 °C | 18.4 °C | 16.1 mm |
| October | 23.3 °C | 15.3 °C | 72.6 mm |
| November | 19.5 °C | 12.1 °C | 73.1 mm |
| December | 16.2 °C | 9.4 °C | 100.3 mm |
The high and low are averages of the daily maximum and minimum. Rainfall is the mean total for the month. They do not show extremes, and they say nothing about the temperature of the sea.
Balos tours by boat and road
Boat trips, transfers and day trips to Balos and Gramvousa, with live prices and availability for your dates.
Season by season
What each part of the year means for a Balos day.
April to June
Spring and early summer sit inside the recommended months. Highs rise from 19.9 °C in April to 28.8 °C in June, and rainfall drops from 32.5 mm to 4.3 mm. The boat ticket for Balos and Gramvousa is €40 for adults until 14 July.
July and August
These are the hottest months, with highs above 30 °C and almost no rain. The boat ticket rises to €45 from 15 July to 15 September. The walk back up from the lagoon is harder in the heat, so carry water. The municipality has discussed the heavy concentration of visitors with the day-boat operators.
September and October
The recommended autumn months. September is warm and fairly dry at 27.3 °C and 16.1 mm. October is cooler at 23.3 °C and wetter at 72.6 mm. The boat fare returns to €40 from 16 September, and boats run until the end of October.
November to March
These months are the coolest and wettest, with rainfall of 73 to 137 mm in each of them. The daily boat season runs from April to October, so plan around that. If you visit outside the season, check what is operating before you count on Balos.
Wind, closures and crowds
Three things the monthly table does not show.
Wind
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wetter winters and hot, dry summers. The northern summer winds known as the Etesians are felt mainly in the Aegean. That does not tell you the wind on a particular day at Balos. The boat operator's terms allow changes or cancellations in unfavourable weather, with a refund of the ticket price for a cancelled trip.
Trail closures
In late August 2026 the municipality announced a temporary ban on the trails to and from Balos because of strong wind and high fire risk. Closures of this kind are short-term. Check the current situation before you plan to walk down.
Crowds and limits
A press report in August 2026 described a proposal to limit access to 1,200 people per 3 hours. It is a proposal, not a rule. On 16 September 2026 the municipality announced talks with day-boat operators about the concentration of visitors. Going early helps, as the municipality advises.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Best time to visit Balos: frequently asked questions
Which month is best for Balos?
The municipality recommends April, May, June, September and October. Of these, June is cooler than July and August, and September is drier than October. No month is guaranteed to be calm or quiet.
Can I visit Balos in winter?
The daily boat season runs from April to October. In winter the weather is cooler and wetter, with 73 to 137 mm of rain in every month from November to March. Check what is operating before you plan a winter visit.
Is July or August too hot?
Average highs are about 30 °C near Chania, and the walk back up from the lagoon is harder in that heat. Take water and sturdy shoes. Go early, as the municipality advises.
When is the boat cheapest?
In 2026 one operator charges €40 for adults from April to 14 July and from 16 September to 31 October, and €45 from 15 July to 15 September. Balos only is €36 and €40.
How warm is the sea?
The figures on this page are air temperatures and do not show the temperature of the water. Do not read them as sea temperatures.