See Also
• Where to reside in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Restaurants in Santorini
• Best Activities in Santorini
• The webpage for some popular winery tours on Santorini island.
• Best Boat Tours in Santorini
• Top Beaches in Santorini
When to go to Santorini?
My preferred time to visit Santorini falls during the shoulder seasons in late April through early June and September until early November.
During these months, conditions tend to be warm and bright, with fewer crowds than July and August`s peak summer period. Water temperatures are also comfortable for swimming, especially between late May and early October.
During the transitional seasons, I find the climate perfect for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor pursuits. Lodging prices decrease somewhat (from summer) and accommodations are more widely available. The renowned sunsets in Santorini are spectacular year-round, but they are particularly stunning during the transitional seasons when the skies tend to be clearer.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider visiting Santorini during the off-season, from late November to March. While some hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities may be closed or have reduced hours during this time, you’ll experience a quieter and more genuine side of the island.
Bear in mind that the peak summer months of July and August can be very hot and crowded, with higher prices and limited accommodations available. However, if your primary focus is on swimming, beaches, and nightlife, then early June to late September is the optimal time to visit. For initial visitors, honeymooners, and families, weather is often the most significant factor, and the sunny months of summer offer exactly what they’re looking for.
Santorini January Weather:
Cold, rainy, minimal sun
125 sunshine hours
Santorini February Weather:
Chilly, damp, occasional sun
150 sunshine hours
Santorini March Weather:
Mild, rainy, some sun
200 sunshine hours
Santorini April Weather:
Warmer, some rain, sunny
260 sunshine hours
Santorini May Weather:
Warm, little rain, sunny
300 sunshine hours
Santorini June Weather:
Hot, almost no rain, sunny
335 sunshine hours
Santorini July Weather:
Very hot, dry, sunny
375 sunshine hours
Santorini August Weather:
Very hot, dry, sunny
355 sunshine hours
Santorini September Weather:
Hot, little rain, sunny
290 sunshine hours
Santorini October Weather:
Warm, occasional rain, sunny
235 sunshine hours
Santorini November Weather:
Cooler, some rain, some sun
170 sunshine hours
Santorini December Weather:
Cold, rainy, minimal sun
125 sunshine hours
Santorini Weather by Month
The prime beach weather on Santorini spans from June through September. July and August are the busiest months when accommodations fill up and restaurants get crowded. For those more focused on sightseeing, hiking, and magnificent views, March, April, May, October, and November make for excellent times to visit.
- Santorini in January (10% Crowded): Moist, frigid, and gusty (by Santorini norms). January carries the wettest weather and some of the coldest temperatures. The island remains tranquil with few tourists but locals continue daily routines at an affable tempo. Numerous dining spots and accommodations close though it`s always possible to find somewhere opened in Oia and Fira. The beach communities fully shut down. (Average Max Temperature: 14°C. Average Rainfall: 42mm.)
- Santorini in February (10% Crowded): Much like January. February is Santorini’s coldest month. There is a little less rain than December and January (Average Max Temperature: 14°C. Average Rainfall: 35mm.)
- Santorini in March (40% Crowded): Noticeable changes occur in March compared to the prior three months. There is less precipitation, more sunlight, and warmer temperatures. This could be a nice time for hikers and sightseers to visit though visitors should prepare for potential rain and cool evenings. Most accommodations and eateries reopen by late March. (Average Maximum Temperature: 16°C. Average Rainfall: 32mm.)
- The month of April in Santorini provides good conditions for hiking, sightseeing tours of local wineries, and the possibility of beach days later in the month during warmer years. Average maximum temperature is 19°C and average rainfall is 12mm.
- Santorini in May (60% Crowded): There is a major difference between early May (when overcast days with cool temperatures can still be frequent) and late May (when days are consistently warm and sunny). May represents the month when the seaside towns remove their covers and commence operations for the year. (Average Maximum Temperature: 22°C. Average Rainfall: 7mm.)
- Santorini in June (80% Crowded): June is a hot sunny month and the beginning of beach season when tourists arrive in large numbers. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C. Average Rainfall: 0.3mm.)
- Weather Conditions on Santorini in July (95% Crowded): Hot and bright. Along with August July sees the highest numbers of visitors to Santorini. Book accommodation at minimum 3 months prior for visits in July – 6 months ahead for luxury resorts. (Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C. Average Rainfall: 0.9mm.)
- Santorini in August (Completely Crowded): Hot and sunny with occasional powerful winds (called the Meltemi) that can cancel ferries and catamarans. Reserve rooms at minimum 3 months in advance for August visits – 6 months in advance for luxury hotels. (Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C. Average Rainfall: 0.4mm.)
- Santorini in September (85% Crowded): Warm and sunny yet easing somewhat from August. Weather resembles June but coastal waters are warmer having gained heat across summer. Winds have diminished. September offers Santorini`s best timing. Accommodations remain quite busy and may require planning months in advance. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C. Average Rainfall: 6mm.)
- Santorini in October (65% Crowded): October is much akin to May but the weather is shifting in the opposite direction. There is often a vast difference between early October (when days can be hot and bright) and late October – when you can have some cool cloudy days and visits to the shore seem a distant memory. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Rainfall: 18mm.)
- Santorini in November (50% Crowded): The cool and cloudy days of winter come in November. Early November can still get hot days when a trip to the shore could be possible. Most luxury hotels are closed by late November. Oia and Fira stay moderately busy until the final cruise ship of the season makes its visit (usually in late November). (Average Max Temperature: 18°C. Average Rainfall: 44mm.)
- Santorini in December (20% Crowded): Prepare for cool, cloudy, and rainy conditions, though there are often stretches of clear skies and sunny days. Fira is the hub of most activity during the winter as most other towns are shut down. Oia will have several hotels and at least a few eateries and markets open. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average Rainfall: 46mm.)
