If you’re planning a half-term or autumn escape, you might be wondering: what is the weather like in Rhodes in October?

We visited Rhodes during the second half of October in 2024 for a family holiday and were pleasantly surprised by how warm, sunny, and enjoyable it still was, especially compared to the cooler, greyer weather that was settling in back home in the UK!

We also returned to Rhodes in October 2025, and had slightly different weather, but still mainly good, which I’ll also share at the end of this article.

In this post, I’ll share exactly what the weather was like for us, what we wore, and the activities we enjoyed — plus a few practical tips if you’re considering a holiday to Rhodes in October.

Is Rhodes Hot in October?

While it’s not as hot as the peak summer months, Rhodes in October still feels like summer — especially if you’re used to British weather! During our trip in 2024, daytime temperatures ranged from 24°C to 26°C, and most days were clear, sunny, and warm enough for sunbathing and swimming.

We wore shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and light tops every day. There were a few evenings when it felt a little cooler, especially if there was a breeze, so we were glad to have packed a jumper or hoodie for when the sun went down. But we never needed coats or rain gear in 2024 – it was dry and calm throughout our trip.

The only time we felt cold was on a short stop at Butterfly Valley, which, as the name suggests, is a valley in the mountains. Being mainly a shaded walk, higher up and further inland, made it feel much cooler than the coastal areas.  A light hoodie or cardigan was sufficient to stay warm. 

If you’re wondering, can you sunbathe in Rhodes in October, then, providing you get lots of sunshine like we did, then absolutely. We were able to sunbathe every day, as well as walk about in summer clothes, catching some vitamin D and getting a lovely tanned glow.

But what about when we returned in October 2025? The weather forecast was a little different, and while we were very lucky in October in Rhodes the previous year with nonstop sunshine forecast and only a whisp of a cloud, 2025 was slightly different…

We were forecast a mix of sun and cloud, rain, and we even experienced a thunderstorm with torrential rain for a couple of hours – luckily while we were at our villa, so we enjoyed watching it from a covered outdoor seating area (and from inside once it was directly overhead!).

Here’s a look at the weather we were forecast in Rhodes in October our second year running:

However, even though we had some cloud, a thunderstorm and a touch of rain on this holiday, there were still plenty of warm, sunny days too. The day of the thunderstorm, for example, we were swimming in the pool and sunbathing in the heat in the morning.

On cloudy days, the sun still broke through every now and then, and best of all, it was always really warm, no matter what the weather, which makes a huge difference. Cloudy days were perfect for sightseeing at places like Lindos Acropolis, 7 Springs and Rhodes Old Town. Whereas the sunny days were perfect for hanging out at the villa pool where we were staying at Zen Luxury Club Villas in Kolymbia, or taking a boat ride and swimming in the sea.

Even though the weather wasn’t as favourable for our second year that we went to Rhodes consecutively, we still had an amazing holiday and lots of warm sunshine in between the clouds and any rain. Any rain was also short-lived – the longest being a two-hour thunderstorm one afternoon, and the rest just some short sprinkles! We hadn’t taken coats, and still, luckily, didn’t need them! I think we might pack a lightweight rain mac, just in case, if we return again!

Typically, the weather forecast looked amazing for the last week of October in 2025, once we returned home:

Can You Swim in Rhodes in October?

Yes! The sea was lovely and warm, much warmer than we expected for late October. We swam at several beaches, and we were all in and out of the water daily.

We also stayed at the Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel in Kolymbia in 2024, which has an excellent selection of swimming pools, including a water park. Many of the pools were unheated, but we didn’t mind — they were refreshing in the best way on a sunny day! 

In fact, the pools were colder than the sea! We all loved the pools, the water park slides and splash zones, and the kids didn’t seem to feel the chill at all once they were in.

So, if you’re wondering whether to pack swimwear, definitely do and try out the sea!

You can read our full review of the Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel here.

What to Wear in Rhodes in October

Packing for Rhodes in October is quite straightforward. Here’s what we took and used:

• Lightweight clothing: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses
  
• Swimwear (you’ll use it daily!)
  
• Sun hats and sunglasses
  
• A jumper or hoodie for the evenings (or for me, I tended to wear a dress with a cardigan, and that was sufficient)
  
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  
• Suncream (the UV is still high and your skin may not be used to the sun in late October, especially if travelling from northern Europe – I recommend using a natural sunscreen which is reef safe to prevent toxicity to both your skin and the ocean life)

We didn’t need any raincoats or long trousers during the day, and most evenings were mild enough to sit outside comfortably with a light extra layer.

The sun does go down earlier in October, so that makes it feel cooler in the evenings, but not by much. The sun had set by around 6.30pm during our October visits to Rhodes.

Things to Do in Rhodes in October

October is a brilliant time to explore the island. The weather is warm enough to enjoy the beach, but cool enough for exploring ancient sites, walking trails such as hikes up Tsambika Mountain or Seven Springs (Epta Piges), and harbour towns without overheating.

Here are some more of the activities we enjoyed on our October trips:

• Chalki Island & Butterfly Valley Excursion – A full-day boat trip booked through TUI, perfect for families wanting to see more of the Dodecanese islands.
  → Read our Chalki and Butterfly Valley review
  
• Hippo Submarine Cruise in Lindos with Navarone Bay swim – A fun boat tour where the kids loved spotting fish from the glass-bottom section, followed by a swim in a stunning bay.
  → Read about the Hippo Submarine Cruise here
  

• Sunset walk to Kolymbia Flag Hill via the harbour – A peaceful early evening walk to a viewpoint with panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  → See our Kolymbia Harbour sunset walk guide
  
• Exploring local beaches – We spent time at both sandy and pebbly beaches, paddling, swimming, and collecting shells. The beaches were quiet, and there was always space to sit.
  → See my views on Tsambika Beach, St Paul’s Bay, Navarone Bay and Kolymbia Beach
  
• Exploring Lindos village and the Acropolis
  A gentle wander through whitewashed streets, followed by a walk up to the Acropolis for wide views across Lindos and the coastline. Best enjoyed without rushing.
  → See our guide to wandering the streets of Lindos and visiting the Lindos Acropolis

The great thing about visiting in October is that everywhere feels more relaxed. There are fewer crowds, prices are a bit lower, and you don’t have to queue for attractions or wake up early to grab a sun lounger.

Does Rhodes Feel Busy in October?

Not at all — in fact, it felt just right. There were other families and couples enjoying the late-season sun, but nowhere felt crowded. Most of the tourist shops and restaurants were still open, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. It’s a lovely time to chat with locals and enjoy a more authentic side of the island, especially in the smaller towns and coastal areas. We stayed in Kolymbia and it was not too busy at all.

Final Thoughts: Is October a Good Time to Visit Rhodes?

If you’re looking for warm sunshine, sea, and fewer crowds, then October is a fantastic time to visit Rhodes. We had such a great time and would definitely return at the same time of year. The weather was warm, the sea was swimmable, and the island had a relaxed, end-of-season charm that made it feel peaceful and special.

For families tied to school holidays, the October half term is a great opportunity to enjoy a bit of Greek sunshine before winter sets in back home, and at a much cheaper price point than the summer!

Next, why not see what Cyprus is like in April?