When To Go · Destination Guide

Kefalonia

Ionian wrecks, blue caverns, turtle harbors, and mountain days in one Greek island trip

Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources

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When to go

Best time to visit Kefalonia

Kefalonia is best planned as a late spring through autumn island.

Best overall window

Late May to October, with September to early October the easiest balance

Warm sea, softer crowds, good dive and snorkel access, and comfortable land touring; late October can bring more showers.

Outside that window

Locallife and hiking months rather than reliable divetrip months, with wetter weather, rougher seas, and fewer tourism services.

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs	Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs	Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs	Overall - Apr: Good	Overall - May: Good	Overall - Jun: Best	Overall - Jul: Best	Overall - Aug: Best	Overall - Sep: Best	Overall - Oct: Best	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Tradeoffs

Regional timing around Kefalonia

These regional shifts apply only to the selected scope.

Area

Best months

Why it changes

Fiskardo, Agia Efimia, Sami, Poros, and Skala

Late May to October

This is the most useful wateractivity planning corridor because many dive, snorkel, and boat routes run from the north, east, and southeast coasts.

Main caution: Peak holiday weeks feel busier and book faster.

Myrtos, Petani, Alaties, and west-facing beaches

June to September in settled weather

The west side is visually spectacular but more exposed.

Main caution: Crossings and exposed sites can feel rougher in this stretch.

Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Loggerhead Turtle Nesting
Best for Snorkel, Topside
May to Aug
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wildlife Sense surveys Kefalonia beaches from midMay to early August for nesting loggerheads.
Loggerhead Turtle Hatching
Best for Snorkel, Topside
Jul to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Hatching surveys run from late July to October.
Argostoli Harbor Turtle Watching
Best for Snorkel, Topside
Apr to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Adult and subadult turtles forage around Argostoli and Koutavos Lagoon, especially near the fishing harbor.
Mediterranean Monk Seal Chance
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Topside
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Monk seals are rare and sensitive.
Robola and Summer Village Festivals
Best for Topside
Jul to Aug
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Summer brings village events, food, music, and Robola wine culture around Omala and the island's mountain villages.

Always true for this destination

This destination stays workable through the full year.
Surface chop can add a little more texture on exposed entries.
Same-day route swaps become more likely when weather builds.

Seasonal cautions

Jul to Aug: Peak beach, ferry, and accommodation demand, with the hottest afternoons.
Nov to Mar: Wet winter weather and reduced water-activity schedules make local flexibility essential.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.