Santorini weather

Santorini is a Greek island in the southern Aegean Sea and is known for its exquisite sunsets, romantic settings, unique beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Throw in some beautiful weather and tourist friendly villages and you have a part of the world that makes for a glorious holiday. The only thing to decide is which month to travel.

Weather during January

Although January is the coldest month of the year, Santorini still has a lot to offer. You’ll get 7 hours of sunshine per day at 14°c averages. Compare this to the drab weather in the UK and it becomes a tempting prospect.

With 10 days of rain over the month and 16° waters there won’t be much chance of a beach day, but you can enjoy discovering the island – do this in Fira - the capital of Santorini. Here you can visit the Prehistoric and Archaeological Museums. You’ll find some authentic Greek restaurants here too.

Winds will only get up to a fresh breeze so grab your waterproof jacket and enjoy exploring the outdoors as well as historical venues.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during January

Weather during February

February is similar to January in climate, with the hours of sun per day remaining at 7, with averages of 14°c. Lows of 10° means you’ll need cardigans or jumpers, especially for the evenings.

The numbers of days of rain you could see over the month decreases by 1 and the sea will still be too cold to swim in.

If you want to spend most of your time outdoors come rain or shine, then why not try a cycling tour? You can either hire a bike and go it alone or invest in a guide to show you all the best sights.

Preferring to stay indoors, particularly on a rainy day, head to the Mnemossyne Gallery to see and purchase locally made jewellery and artwork.

Hotels and eateries are open for business and travelling in February will result in great prices and a relaxed atmosphere. 

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during February

Weather during March

The temperature will rise a fraction in March and by the end of the month it will start to feel warmer. You’ll get highs of 16°c, and although there may be lows of 11°, the sun will now shine for 9 hours of the day giving you ample opportunity to explore Santorini.

The sea will remain at 16° so if you enjoy swimming, think about accommodation with a heated or indoor pool. You could see some rain if you visit in March because 7 days are forecast throughout the month. These should only be showers, so nothing to scupper your plans. Similarly with the wind, which will present as a fresh breeze.

If you want to head to the beach for an hour or 2 (you probably won’t want to spend the whole day there just yet), then head to Kambia Beach. It is easily accessible, offers white cliff scenery and lighthouse views. Take note that you may want to wear beach shoes as it’s mainly made up of pebbles.

It is recommended you visit Pyrgos Town while you’re in Santorini – considered a hidden gem of the island and steeped in history and ancient streets where you’ll discover charming shops and restaurants, as well as the Venetian castle of Pyrgos.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during March

Weather during April

Spring has arrived and with it you get a rise in temperature. The average jumps to 17°c, with highs of 18°. Lows can drop to 13° so you’ll still need to bring a jacket. From now on though things improve. Rain decreases to only 4 days over the entire month and the sea begins to warm up at 17°.

April is a popular month to travel, even more so when the Easter holidays begin, and families take their first trip of the year. More restaurants and accommodation open up and facilities will become widely available as they prepare for the peak season.

Going to the beach will be more pleasant, especially now the sun is present for 11 hours of the day and the winds are light. Grab your gear and head to Monolithos Beach on the east coast where you’ll be greeted with fine black sand and clear waters. Close to the airport, you’ll see some great views of the planes coming in to land (full of people about to begin their holiday!). Along with gentle waves, sun loungers to hire, and useful facilities, this beach is ideal to spend a few hours on.

If discovering the island is on your agenda, then why not visit Oia – a village famous for its natural beauty, scenic views from the cliff, intriguing alleyways, and beautiful sunsets. You’ll get lost in the enchantment this village possesses and it is perfect to visit Oia in April as it will be less busy than summer months where you’ll get tourists gathering to watch one of the most serene sunsets on the island.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during April

Weather during May

May brings the climate we’ve been waiting for and from now on temperatures will be in the 20’s. The chance of rain is low – 3 days over the month to be exact, and with low temperatures of 17°c you should only need a light jacket for the evenings, leaving your waterproofs at home!

It’s the ideal time to hit the beach, with the sun shining for 12 hours per day. Kamari Beach is one of the most popular, and for good reason – it is easily accessible, you can hire sun loungers, walk along the 5km of black sand, snorkel in the clear waters, or stroll down the promenade. With numerous facilities and local amenities, you could easily spend the day here.

If you want to do something different, there are a variety of options. Take a blanket and some supplies, and enjoy a movie at an open-air cinema, capture the view from above with an Akrotiri helicopter tour, or marvel at the sights while on a volcano boat tour.

Santorini will get busier as schools close for the summer holidays, so if you prefer it a little quieter take your trip in May for some beautiful weather without the crowds.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during May

Weather during June

It’s almost peak season and the temperatures continue to rise for the summer. June brings 24°c averages and highs of 27° so you should only need to pack light clothing. With lows of 21° you’ll still feel comfortable in short sleeves, even when the sun goes down.

The sea should now be warm enough at 22° to enjoy a proper swim, and at Perissa Beach you’ll be able to do that, amongst other things. Located in the southwest you’ll notice the black volcanic sand and clear waters. If you’re lucky enough to have your hotel on the beach front, you’ll get lovely views. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent on this 7km stretch, giving you the choice of relaxing, sunbathing, or even trying your hand at a few water sports.

Making the most of the outdoors while the sun is shining opens up so many possibilities. Travel to the capital, Fira Town, and enjoy the sun shining on the traditional houses, offering picturesque views and a charming atmosphere. Combine that with boutiques, sumptuous food, and nightlife to give you a whole day (and night) of exploration and entertainment. 

You should still get a good deal on accommodation in June before the price hike ahead of the school holidays and main season.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during June

Weather during July

With a whopping 14 hours of sun per day, highs of 29°c and a sea temperature of 24°, you can understand why July is one of the busiest months. Rain is pretty much non existent and will only happen over 1 day of the entire month. You’ll get a fresh breeze which will be welcome in the heat, and the sea is an inviting 24° so you’ll be able to cool off if it does get a little too much.

All complexes, facilities, and venues will be fully open now and beaches will really start to fill up. One of the most visited beaches that you must venture to is Red Beach – just bear in mind that you may want to start your day a little earlier to get your spot on the sand. Following a historical volcanic eruption, the island was left with volcanic soil and rock which has a red-brown colour – hence the name Red Beach. The natural beauty and unique formation are what brings tourists here. There are ample photo opportunities in between relaxing on the sand. You can swim in the sea and water sports are also popular here.

If you want to make a whole day here or prefer to wander around while the rest of your holiday party top up their tan, you can head to the archaeological site of Akrotiri which is near the beach. Discover some of the artifacts within the ruins while seeking a little shade too. You can also admire the Akrotiri Lighthouse – one of the oldest in Greece and a stunning monument that is best visited at sunset where you will appreciate the surroundings as the light bounces off the rocks and water.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during July

Weather during August

Very similar to July, August sees temperatures reaching the late 20’s. With no chance of rain, 13 hours of sunshine and a sea temperature of 25°c, coinciding with school holidays, it’s no wonder August is extremely busy.

The beaches are thriving and if you don’t mind the crowds then visit Perivolos Beach located in the southeast of Santorini. It is the longest black beach on the island with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire. You’ll find plenty of facilities for all you need to spend a day at the beach. There are beach bars with music throughout the afternoon and the sands come alive during the evening when DJ’s kick off the beach parties. 

There is nothing wrong with preferring a quieter holiday, but if your commitments only allow you to travel during peak season then find a place that is a bit more relaxed, such as Eros – a small pebbly and more secluded beach that is accessible via a dirt path (take note that you’ll need a car for this one). If you crave a tranquil getaway with some beautiful weather, this is the spot for you.

Similarly, if you whole trip is based around a relaxed atmosphere (even in the height of summer) or you’re on a holiday full of romance, we’d suggest visiting, or even staying at Imerovigli – a beautiful village that offers breathtaking views, charming houses and alleys, along with sunsets and hidden gems to really set the mood.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during August

Weather during September

The sun continues to shine during September with average temperatures of 25°c, and eventually dropping to around 22° by the end of the month. This is still warm enough to enjoy a holiday on the island and with the sea at 24° you can take a trip to the beach – if you’re looking for a peaceful day you could try Koloumbos Beach in the northeast. With its impressive cliffs you'll enjoy the view as you relax on the sand. At one end it is a lot quieter meaning this part is popular with nudists. At the other end, you’ll find the facilities and sun loungers to hire which will entice a few more tourists.

If you enjoy music, it is possible to attend the International Music Festival which takes place in the capital over 2 weeks this month. You’ll soak up the atmosphere as you listen to music from all over the world.

You may want to make the most of the sun while it’s still at its best and if you like keeping active you could take a guided hike up Nea Kameni volcano. You’ll reach the craters and black lava, as well as get to view some incredible views.

As the month goes on, it will quieten further and prices should also fall.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during September

Weather during October

The island is less busy now, so it’s the ideal time to visit if you enjoy the sun without the crowds. Temperatures will drop a little, but at 21°c it is still pleasant enough to explore Santorini on foot or by hiring a bicycle.

The sea is warm enough at 21° to go swimming or partake in water sports – scuba diving is especially good thanks to the unique formations of the seabed.

In keeping with your quieter getaway, we’d recommend taking a trip to White Beach – while you won’t get any white sand (it’s made up of black pebbles and grey sand), the wild surroundings and natural landscape of the white cliffs will make up for it. Being a small beach, you only get a handful of sun loungers and if you want to spend the day, make sure you take your own provisions. The waters are crystal clear and beautiful to swim in or relax and watch the boats and yachts sailing by.

With rain over 4 days of the month and daily fresh winds, you’ll be glad to know that October offers some lovely weather as the seasons continue to change.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during October

Weather during November

While the sea temperature remains in the early 20’s, the rest of the climate decreases as Santorini prepares to enter the winter months – but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a holiday here and compared to the UK weather in November, we’d jump at the chance of a bit of sun at this time of year.

The average temperature sits at 17°c and you can expect highs of 19°. With lows dropping to 14° you’ll probably want to pack some clothing for those chilly times.

The possibility of rain elevates to 8 days over the month and if you do experience a cloudy day, or just don’t fancy the beach, why not head to the cinema in Kamari and while you’re in the town, enjoy some retail therapy in the many shops or stop for a spot of lunch at one of the vibrant restaurants.

Of course, most people do love to experience the beach while on holiday, so visit Vlychada Beach in the south which is covered with dark grey sand. The sea is clear and just about warm enough to enjoy at 20°, but what you’ll surely notice are the rock formations that are unique and interesting – a focal point as you relax in the November sunshine.

You shouldn’t get more than a moderate breeze during your stay and as long as you prepare for the cooler nights and possible rainy days, you’ll have a great break at this time of year.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during November

Weather during December

Winter has arrived in Santorini but that doesn’t mean snow or icy roads. In fact, you get 6 hours of sun with highs of 15°c. The temperature could drop to 11° and you may experience some rain because it’s forecast over 11 days of the month. You’ll also feel some moderate winds – none of this should put you off visiting in December though, it’s a truly magical time.

You won’t want to spend the whole day at the beach but if you grab your jacket and don the appropriate footwear, you can still take a stroll on any of the beautiful beaches. The sun will go down a lot sooner too so time it right and you’ll enjoy the sunset in one of the most romantic winter settings.

With the height of summer over, visiting in December will not only let you take some memorable photos without tourists walking in your shot, but you’ll also get the opportunity to enjoy some authentic traditions of the island as well as interacting with the locals now they have more time.

It may be worth hiring your own transport as some public services may be limited, not only that but it is a fantastic way to discover the island.

If you don’t mind the cooler climate and are open to your plans changing if the weather does, then book a holiday in December for a better deal on accommodation, a more laid-back atmosphere, connecting with the locals, and experiencing a different kind of winter.

See our full analysis of the Santorini weather during December

Santorini is a pleasure at any time of the year. If your goal is to leave with a tan, then visit in the peak season for uninterrupted days of sun. Be prepared to pay a lot more for flights and accommodation, as well as enduring the crowds.

The quieter months and low season would best suit those that enjoy the slower paced holiday or for anyone on a budget. 

Whichever month you choose, just be prepared for a memorable experience that may leave you wanting more!