Skopelos is the capital of the group of islands known collectively as the Sporades: i.e. Skiathos, Alonissos, Skopelos and Skyros, which lie to the east of Volos in the North Aegean Sea, belonging to the province of Magnisia. Approximately 35 kilometres in length, and covering 96 square kilometres, Skopelos lies on the same latitude as Paxos, Majorca, Ibiza and the Azores.
It is very mountainous, the tallest peak being Mount Delphi at a height of 680 metres. The coastline totals over 60 kilometres and is varied, with many inlets.
Skopelos enjoys a fair amount of rain over the year, which helps to maintain its extensive forests. The winter months of December, January and February are when most of this rainfall comes, and some years there is even snow. Amongst the damp, or cold days, there are some warmer periods; in January, there is usually a two week period of pleasant sunny days known as 'Alkyonides'.
From March onwards, the days start to become milder, and wildflowers bloom in abundance. Summer weather starts in May or June, with hot sunny days, warm seas, and evenings.
The hottest month of the year is usually July. August enjoys frequent cooling 'Meltemia' - Northerly winds which start to blow in the evenings and calm down after lunchtime the following day.
In September and October, the evenings start to cool down, and there might be a few showers or cloudy days. November can be varied, with a mix of autumnal/wintry weather.