Month guide · Santorini · Greece
Santorini in January
What January is really like in Santorini: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Edal Anton Lefterov, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
January is a month many travellers avoid. Expect average highs of 14°C (57°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 9.9 hours of daylight. Cool, windy and rainy at times; most hotels and restaurants in Oia and on the beaches are closed, while Fira keeps some open.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 14°C (57°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 9.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 16°C (61°F)
- Crowds
- Very quiet
- Hotel prices
- Lowest
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in Santorini: days average 14°C (57°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with December (16°C (61°F)), January is cooler; by February highs stay near 14°C (57°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:29
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:26
- Daylight
- About 9.9 hours
- Sea
- 16°C (61°F)
Winter (December–February). Cool, wet and windy with dramatic caldera views but most hotels, restaurants and boat trips closed.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 1 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 1 for hotel prices (highest in June). That makes January one of the better-value months to book.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Santorini, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Akrotiri
Akrotiri archaeological site
Hire a guide at the entrance or read up first; the site makes much more sense with context. Combine it with Red Beach and the lighthouse.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
Museum · Fira
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
This museum in Fira displays the finest finds from Akrotiri, including colourful wall paintings, painted pottery and a small gold ibex figurine.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Rainy day
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Viewpoint · Oia
Oia village and sunset
Arrive an hour before sunset for a spot by the castle, or watch from a windmill viewpoint further along the cliff; leaving afterwards takes time, so plan your bus or taxi.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Free
Nature · Imerovigli
Fira to Oia caldera hike
The path along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia is about 10 km, passing through Firostefani and Imerovigli before turning into a rough trail with climbs over the headlands.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
- Free
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 14°C, lows near 9°C and 10 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Santorini?
A month many travellers avoid. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Santorini in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Santorini?
It is a month many travellers avoid. Cool, windy and rainy at times; most hotels and restaurants in Oia and on the beaches are closed, while Fira keeps some open.
+How warm is Santorini in January?
Average highs are around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Santorini in January?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.