Best time to visit · Santorini · Greece
The best time to visit Santorini
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: NASA, Public domain
Quick answer
The best months for Santorini are May, June, September and October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable from late May and boat trips run fully. July and August are the busiest, windiest and most expensive months. From November to March many hotels and restaurants close, and January and February are best avoided unless you want an empty island with few services.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 29°C (84°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 14°C (57°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~10 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- December–March
Seasons
Santorini has a dry Mediterranean climate with almost no summer rain, strong sunshine and frequent wind. The northerly meltemi blows hard in July and August, while winter is mild but grey and wet.
March–May
Spring
Wildflowers, mild sunshine and few visitors; services restart through April, and the sea is still cool.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry and windy, with every beach and boat running; caldera villages and sunsets are very crowded and prices peak.
September–November
Autumn
Warm sea, grape harvest and gradually falling prices; closures begin from late October.
December–February
Winter
Cool, wet and windy with dramatic caldera views but most hotels, restaurants and boat trips closed.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 9°C | 10 | 16°C | 9.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 14°C | 9°C | 8 | 15°C | 10.8 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 16°C | 10°C | 7 | 15°C | 11.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| April | 19°C | 12°C | 4 | 16°C | 13.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| May | 23°C | 16°C | 2 | 19°C | 14.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 27°C | 20°C | 1 | 22°C | 14.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 0 | 24°C | 14.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 29°C | 22°C | 0 | 25°C | 13.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 26°C | 20°C | 1 | 24°C | 12.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| October | 23°C | 17°C | 4 | 22°C | 11.2 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 19°C | 13°C | 6 | 19°C | 10.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 16°C | 11°C | 9 | 17°C | 9.7 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Independence Day parades (25 March) |
| April | Greek Orthodox Easter — candle-lit processions; Pyrgos is lit with lamps on Good Friday (date varies, usually April or early May) |
| August | Feast of the Dormition — church festivals across the island (15 August) |
| October | Ohi Day parades — national holiday (28 October) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in December–March, and the sights are quietest in December–March. Many visitors avoid January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Santorini?
The best months for Santorini are May, June, September and October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable from late May and boat trips run fully. July and August are the busiest, windiest and most expensive months. From November to March many hotels and restaurants close, and January and February are best avoided unless you want an empty island with few services.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Santorini?
Usually in December–March. Cool, windy and rainy at times; most hotels and restaurants in Oia and on the beaches are closed, while Fira keeps some open.
+What is the rainiest month in Santorini?
January, with about 10 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Santorini get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F).