What July is like
July is hot and almost rainless, and it is when the meltemi sets in: a dry north wind that can blow at 5–7 Beaufort for several days at a time. It keeps the heat bearable but sends waves onto the north-facing beaches and can cancel boat tours and small ferries. On meltemi days the south coast is calm, so check the wind before picking a beach.
Swimming and beaches
The sea averages 26°C in July. Warm: easy, long swims. With the north wind blowing on about 14 days, check the forecast each morning: on windy days head for the south coast, and save the north for calm ones.
Sheltered when the wind is from the north
Best on calm days
What to pack
Swimwear, a hat that stays on in wind, SPF 50 and a light layer for windy evenings.