Things to Do in Zakynthos (Zante) in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Zakynthos (Zante)
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak swimming season - Ionian Sea temperatures reach 25°C (77°F), warmest of the year for comfortable all-day swimming
- Consistent meltemi winds (15-25 knots) provide natural cooling and create perfect conditions for water sports
- Extended daylight hours - sunset at 8:15 PM gives you 14+ hours of beach and activity time daily
- Wine harvest season begins - local wineries offer grape-picking experiences and fresh must tastings unavailable other months
Considerations
- Highest accommodation prices - expect 40-60% premiums over shoulder season rates, with minimum 7-night stays common
- Peak crowds at Navagio Beach and Blue Caves - morning boat tours fill by 9 AM, afternoon slots often oversold
- Intense midday heat 12-4 PM makes hiking Xigia Sulphur Beach trail (2.5 km/1.6 miles) nearly unbearable without shade
Best Activities in August
Navagio Beach Boat Tours
August's calm Ionian waters and minimal rainfall make this the most reliable month for reaching the shipwreck beach. Morning departures (8-9 AM) avoid afternoon crowds and provide optimal photography lighting. Sea conditions are most stable, with wave heights typically under 0.5 m (1.6 ft).
Scuba Diving Around Marathonisi Island
August offers peak visibility (25-30 m/82-98 ft) in Zakynthos waters and the calmest sea conditions for novice divers. Water temperature at 25°C (77°F) requires only 3mm wetsuits. Turtle nesting season means increased marine activity, though direct turtle encounters are regulated.
Sunset Wine Tours in Macherado Village
August harvest season allows participation in grape picking and immediate wine pressing experiences unavailable other months. Village wineries produce Verdea and Robola varieties. Evening tours (5-8 PM) avoid peak heat while catching golden hour views over the western coastline.
Sea Kayaking Along Gerakas Beach
Protected National Marine Park waters remain calm in August mornings before wind picks up. Paddle along 800 m (0.5 mile) of golden sand beach while observing turtle nesting sites from regulated distance. Early morning tours (7-10 AM) avoid both crowds and heat.
Traditional Village Festivals in Mountain Communities
August features multiple panigiri (village festivals) celebrating local saints' days. Volimes, Anafonitria, and Loucha villages host authentic celebrations with live folk music, traditional dancing, and local specialties like mandolato nougat and avgotaracho (cured fish roe).
Blue Caves Swimming and Cliff Jumping
August's warm water temperatures and stable weather create ideal conditions for swimming inside the caves and supervised cliff jumping at nearby Skinari Cape. Water depth reaches 8-10 m (26-33 ft) with visibility perfect for underwater photography of blue light phenomena.
August Events & Festivals
Feast of the Assumption of Virgin Mary
Island-wide celebration on August 15th with the most elaborate festivities at Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery. Features traditional processions, live folk music performances, and communal feasts with local specialties. Churches across the island hold special evening services with candlelit processions.
Agia Marina Festival
Village celebration in Agia Marina featuring traditional Greek dancing, local wine tastings, and authentic Zakynthian cuisine. Local musicians perform kantades (traditional serenades) unique to the Ionian islands. Includes children's activities and craft demonstrations.