Hi Tal, My favorite time of the year to visit Kalymnos is late October into November. This year we are returning for our third (my fourth) visit at this time of year. The days are cooler which makes climbing in the sun ideal. So many of the most popular sectors are too hot during much of the day at other times of the year even in the fall and the crowds can be intimidating. November is quieter and the conditions are perfect. However, by mid November the storms seem to arrive and can be quite wild with high winds and hail but don’t last more than a day. In November you may need warmer climbing clothes, a belay jacket (puffy) and maybe a wool hat (if you’re bald like me). My partner has remained in Kalymnos through December and has climbed throughout that period though he said it was colder and windier. The wind is a frequent companion in November too. Check the guide book for sectors that are sheltered from the wind. A sunny and calm day in November can’t be beat. Last year we even got in a couple beach days and a swim.

Many of the grocery stores and some restaurants have begun to remain open later into the year now that more climbers are visiting at this time. All in all, however, the village is closed up and quite deserted by late November. Really a pleasant change from the traffic and noise of early fall.

Perhaps we’ll meet there. Steve and Sonya