Santorini
Greece · Europe
The best time to visit Santorini is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 11°C (52°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 12 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Santorini – What you should know
Santorini is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world — and the climate plays its part. The Cycladic island benefits from one of the most stable summer climates in Europe: from June to September it barely rains, the sun shines 11–13 hours a day, and the famous white buildings gleam against a deep-blue sky.
Santorini's trademark is the Meltemi: this powerful northerly wind sweeps across the island regularly in summer, providing welcome relief on hot days — but it can also complicate or cancel boat excursions. It is particularly strong in July and August, when it builds in strength throughout the day.
For calmer conditions and fewer tourists, May or September is recommended: the weather is almost as beautiful as in high summer, prices are lower, and the sunsets over Oia can be enjoyed without the crowds. October is still warm enough for excursions, though swimming becomes a little cooler.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 15° (59°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 16° (61°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)24 (75) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)35 (95) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)31 (88) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 11° (52°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)17 (63) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h | 6h | 8h | 9h | 10h | 12h | 12h | 11h | 10h | 8h | 6h | 5h |
🌊Water Temp | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 20° (68°) | 23° (73°) | 25° (77°) | 26° (79°) | 25° (77°) | 23° (73°) | 21° (70°) | 19° (66°) |
🌧Rain Days | 8d68mm (2.7") | 6d49mm (1.9") | 3d25mm (1.0") | 1d10mm (0.4") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 1d12mm (0.5") | 4d31mm (1.2") | 7d58mm (2.3") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
May offers great weather in Santorini with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Santorini
December – March
Santorini almost deserted: Oia is a film set without a crew, the white churches shine under a blue sky with no selfie stick in the foreground. Many hotels close in winter — find one that's open and you get the real experience.
April – June
Spring and early summer: the Oia sunset draws 20 spectators instead of 2,000, and the volcanic pebble beaches of Kamari and Perissa warm up. The best time for the hiking trail between Fira and Oia.
July – August
Absolute peak season: the Oia sunset gathers hundreds, cruise ships anchor in the caldera, every lane in Fira is buzzing. If the energy appeals, enjoy the spectacle — if you want photos without the crowds, get up at 6 am.
September – November
The golden off-season: the sea is at its warmest of the year, the cruise season winds down and the atmosphere in the caldera bars becomes more intimate. For many Santorini connoisseurs, October is simply the best month.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Santorini?
- The best time to visit Santorini is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Santorini?
- In summer, daytime highs in Santorini average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 11°C (52°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Santorini get?
- Santorini has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 3 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Santorini?
- Water temperature in Santorini ranges from 17°C (63°F) (February) to 26°C (79°F) (August). During the best travel months (June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AprMayOct
