Planning a trip to Greece and looking to find out the best time to visit Santorini? This post will break down the different factors and considerations to find the best time of year for your trip. With Santorini being one of the most popular destinations and best places to visit in the Greek Islands, choosing the perfect time will depend on your personal preference and several factors unique to Santorini Island.
One of Greece’s most popular islands for tourists, Santorini is a small island in the Aegean Sea formed through geologic activity and is part of the top of a volcanic crater. It is most famous for its cliffside towns that line the caldera, offering a panoramic sea view from white-domed cave homes, with blue churches mixed into the scenery, making for iconic post-card perfect scenery.
The most popular reasons to visit the island are to take in the stunning view of the cliffside villages and enjoy its warm weather and beach towns, making for an excellent stop while island hopping through Greece. However, when determining the best time for your visit to Santorini, it’s essential to take note of the best things the island is known for, breathtaking views and beaches, as there are different periods that these can be enjoyed.
Essential Considerations to Find the Best Time for Your Trip
To determine the best time to travel to Santorini for your travel plans, you first need to determine your priorities. There are pros and cons to traveling to Santorini for each month of the year, and understanding what the essential priorities of your trip are will help you decide which time of the year is best for your travel plan.
Key Factors To Determine Your Perfect Trip Time
Weather: Santorini’s weather ranges from hot, dry, and sunny in the summer to cool with occasional rain in the winter. Further below is a breakdown of what weather to expect by season or month.
Crowds: With the warm and sunny summer weather comes the masses; those looking for perfect weather will find large crowds, while those looking for fewer crowds can still find sunny days to see the breathtaking views in the winter.
Prices: The summer peak season sees the highest prices, while you can find incredible values in the winter’s low season.
Beaches and Swimming: There are only a limited number of months when the island’s waters are comfortable for swimming, so if water activities are a priority, that will dictate the time you should book your trip.
Business Closures: The winter sees a lot of business closures across the island; while there will still be plenty on offer, the selection of restaurants and activities will be more limited compared to the May to October months.
Below are a few key questions to consider when determining your priorities for your trip to Santorini
Are beach days and water activities essential for your trip?
The period of the year when swimming at the beaches or off boat trips around Santorini is relatively limited, with late June to early October being when the water is comfortable for swimming. This fact makes it the most popular time to visit Santorini, increasing crowds and prices.
While the beaches in Santorini offer a relaxing activity to complement exploring its old towns, they are not necessarily the best in the world or even in Greece. So if your trip to Santorini is to enjoy the cliffside towns that make it a unique destination, and you are ok deprioritizing the beach aspect of the visit, you can find better prices and a more enjoyable atmosphere with fewer crowds in the shoulder or low seasons.
Is budget a top consideration?
There is no denying that Santorini can be an expensive destination. With no large or high-rise hotels on the island and a high-season demand that far exceeds the supply for hotels, rental cars, and restaurant reservations, you will naturally see high rates for the top hotels and rentals during the high and shoulder seasons.
If you are dreaming of taking in the breathtaking views of Santorini but looking to do it in a more budget-friendly way, consider traveling during April or November for mild weather or from December to March for the true offseason. Hotel rates will also drop to 25-50% of the high season rates during these months.
While rates will be cheaper, the sea temperature will make swimming uncomfortable. The coldest winter months also see plenty of closures of seasonal businesses, with Fira and Oia still offering enough restaurants and shops that cater to year-round visitors. However, much of the rest of the island is mainly closed down. Due to fewer visitors, direct flights and ferry schedules will also be reduced, though prices will also drop for flights and ferries.
This time can be peaceful and relaxing with limited crowds to watch sunsets at Oia, though there is a higher likelihood of rainy days or cloud cover.
Do you want a peaceful vacation with fewer crowds?
The winter months are the best time to enjoy Santorini with limited crowds. From December to early March, the island will see few tourists, offering a much more relaxed vibe for those who want to enjoy the island in relative peace.
What is the best time to visit Santorini? The Quick Answer!
As mentioned above, the best time to visit depends on your interests and priorities. However, if you want the best of everything, like iconic views, sunny weather, and beach days, combined with better hotel rates and slightly smaller crowds, late September and early October will be your best bet.
Late September and early October see the peak crowds reduce a little; this helps to provide small reductions in the hotel rates and rental car prices, making for a slightly more affordable time to visit. In addition, the super-hot temperatures become more tolerable, providing arguably the best weather and the sea temperatures are still comfortable for swimming and beach days.
This period seems to hit the sweet spot for all of the key points that most Santorini visitors consider when looking into planning a trip to the Cycladic island in Greece.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel Times
Incoming tourists and prices vary throughout the year in Santorini, similar to most seasonal destinations where the weather plays a central role in attracting visitors. With the summer months being the most popular time to visit, the high season lasts for the hottest months, with the late spring and early autumn times making up shoulder seasons that can still attract visitors. Conversely, the winter months from December to March see far fewer tourists due to the cooler temperatures and closed beaches.
High Season – Late June to Early September
Late June to early September makes up the peak tourist season for Santorini, with hot weather and the clearest skies coinciding with the summer holiday season for many countries. As a result, hordes of tourists crowd the towns of Fira and Oia, hotel room rates are high, and a limited rental car supply leads to higher travel costs.
With these months being the warmest time of the year, it is also peak beach season, with sea temperatures rising during the summer months. The warm temperatures make these months the best time to visit the various beach towns, get in the water, and take boat trips for swimming and snorkeling in the caldera.
The high-season months are the peak travel time to visit Santorini for the combination of sunny days, high temperatures, and warm waters. However, with the excellent weather conditions comes higher prices, crowded tourist areas, more expensive flights, and harder-to-find restaurant reservations, making for a less budget-friendly and less peaceful trip.
Shoulder Season – April to Mid-June & Late September to Early November
The two shoulder seasons in Santorini last from April to mid-June and Late September to early November. These are typically the best months for pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and great deals. However, the island is by no means empty, and prices aren’t at their lowest point; though there will be only a little bit of rain, the skies will generally be clear, and crowds are much more tolerable.
Travelers prioritizing their beach time should consider the September to early October period, as the water temperatures in those months remain comfortable for swimming, with April to early June still having slightly cooler temperatures.
Low Season – December to March
The low season starts in late November and lasts through March, with temperatures falling, rain becoming more frequent, and the annual migration of seasonal workers on Santorini returning to their homes starting in December. As a result, the island is much quieter over this period, and the beach areas feel like ghost towns. However, the cliffside towns of Oia and Fira still see visitors taking advantage of the affordable rates and limited crowds.
Those looking to explore a quieter Santorini on a budget will find there is still plenty to do during the winter months, and while the reliable sunny days of the summer are long gone, there are still plenty of clear days during the winter.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for the Best Weather
The best weather in Santorini is in the months when swimming is comfortable, and visitors can take advantage of the beaches on offer. With July and August being the hottest months, September sees a slight cooling in the temperatures, with sea temperatures remaining quite pleasant. This factor makes September the best time to visit as the air temperature cools faster than the sea, making for more pleasant weather and comfortable swimming conditions.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Budget Travelers
The winter months of December to March see the island become quiet, with incredible values available at hotels and for rental cars. Rental car rates can be as low as 20% of the peak period, and hotel rates will be around 25-50% of the peak season, offering an excellent value for the same iconic views and a chance to extend your time on the island within budget.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Nightlife
Every great nightlife scene requires plenty of people to party together; the peak travel periods of July and August see the largest crowds on the island and the biggest parties at the beach clubs in Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari the clubs in Fira.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Hiking and Activities
The best time for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring the history and towns of the island is in the shoulder season months of May and October. While there will still be warm enough weather and mostly clear skies, the mid-day heat won’t drain you of energy, allowing for long days outside enjoying the scenery.
Santorini Weather by the Seasons
Santorini weather can be categorized into the typical four seasons of the year. The caveat is that Spring and Autumn are shorter transitory seasons between the cooler and wetter winter months and hot and dry summer.
Summer Weather – Mid-May to September
Summer in Santorini starts from mid-May and lasts until early October. Summer weather is characterized by clear skies, little rain, and warm to hot temperatures. The average temperature ranges between 70-80 F, with daytime highs in July and August topping out around 85-90 F.
Rainfall is nearly non-existent, with typically only five days of total rain over this period and total accumulations of around 1.5 inches.
Sea temperatures become comfortable for swimming around mid-June and remain comfortable through mid-October.
Autumn Weather – Early October to Late November
Santorini experiences a brief autumn period from mid-October to the end of November. This period sees the average temperatures range from 60-70 F, providing very comfortable weather for exploring the island and staying outside on sunny days.
There will be more cloudy days, and the winter rains will begin, though the rainfall is still limited to only a handful of days over this period, with average November rainfall totaling less than 3 inches.
Sea temperatures will drop to a point where it is no longer comfortable to swim for most.
Winter Weather – December to March
Winter in Santorini is a quiet period where the island seems to fall asleep. Temperatures cool down and range from 50-60 F through the four months. The skies are more often cloudy, though there are still plenty of the clear sunny days that the island is famous for.
The sea temperatures are far too cool for swimming, and the beach towns seem as though they are entirely deserted, with seasonal workers all leaving the island by the start of December.
Spring Weather – April to Mid-May
Santorini in the Spring is a pleasant time of the year, with tourists starting to return and temperatures climbing over the period, averaging 55-70 F. The rainfall drops considerably, and days are mostly clear, with an average of only four days of rain in April alone.
Sea temperatures begin to warm, though they remain too cool to get comfortable in the water.
Santorini by the Month
Below is a breakdown of what to expect in Santorini every month, from weather to prices to crowds.
January in Santorini
Santorini in January is quiet, much of the island’s businesses are closed, with Fira and Oia having some but not all hotels, restaurants, and shops open. The weather is cool, though there are still sunny days that make for comfortable sightseeing and exploring. Still, the weather is less predictable, and beach days are impossible.
Weather: Cool, yet still with some sunny days
Prices: Lowest
Crowds: Limited tourists
Sea Temperatures: Too cold to swim
February in Santorini
Similar to January, Santorini in February is quiet. Much of the island’s businesses are closed, with Fira and Oia having some but not all hotels, restaurants, and shops open. The weather is cool, though there are still sunny days that make for comfortable sightseeing and exploring. Still, the weather is less predictable, and beach days are impossible.
Weather: Cool, yet still with some sunny days
Prices: Lowest
Crowds: Limited Tourists
Sea Temperatures: Too cold to swim
March in Santorini
The final month of the winter season, March remains quiet. Much of the island’s businesses are closed, with Fira and Oia having some but not all hotels, restaurants, and shops open. The weather is cool, though there are still sunny days that make for comfortable sightseeing and exploring. Still, the weather is less predictable, and beach days are impossible.
Weather: Cool, yet still with some sunny days
Prices: Lowest
Crowds: Limited Tourists
Sea Temperatures: Cool
April in Santorini
From April, the island starts to come to life again, with Greek Easter being the kickoff of a return to the island for seasonal workers; many arrive during Easter week to prepare for the tourist season. Late April sees the temperatures rise, and a limited number of rainy days brings back good weather and clearer skies.
Weather: Cool in early April, warming by late April.
Prices: Low to ModerateÂ
Crowds: Some tourists, yet not crowded
Sea Temperatures: Still cool
May in Santorini
A transition point in terms of weather for the island, temperatures rise throughout the month, taking the island from late spring to early summer, and overall being a very comfortable time to visit. As a result, tourist arrivals start to pick up, though there are still plenty of deals to be found for hotels, and the tourist sites do not feel overwhelming compared to the summer peak periods.
The only downside of May is that the sea temperatures have not yet reached a comfortable point for swimming, though overall, May is a good month to visit to see the unique aspects of the island, its cliffside towns, and views.
Weather: Warm and pleasant
Prices: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate to high
Sea Temperatures: Rising, though not yet comfortable for swimming
June in Santorini
The weather has not yet hit peak daytime temperatures at the start of June, though it will quickly warm up and kickoff the hottest months of the year in Santorini by late June. Sea temperatures remain a little chilly for swimming in early June, though they will be comfortable by the end of the month.
Crowds are picking up for the summer season and will approach the highest levels by the end of the month, and pricing is consistently high, though good deals can still be found.
Weather: Warm in early June and hot by late June
Prices: Almost to peak
Crowds: High
Sea Temperatures: Comfortable for swimming in late June
July in Santorini
The island is packed from the start of the two busiest months in Santorini; prices are high, restaurant reservations must be made in advance, and Oia will be at capacity during the famous daily sunset viewings. On the other hand, Beach weather is perfect, and water activities are comfortable with the sea temperature reaching its summer peak. While July is ideal for many in terms of weather, the crowds and prices may not make it suitable for most visitors.
Weather: Hot and sunny
Prices: Peak
Crowds: Very high
Sea Temperatures: Warm and comfortable for swimming
August in Santorini
By far the busiest month for tourists in Santorini, the island will be hot and sunny, with pleasant sea temperatures and crowds everywhere you look. While the weather conditions are excellent for what most look for in their summer vacation, the high prices and crowds will take away from the enjoyment, making it a good idea to consider a better time of the year for a visit for those that can book for other months.
Weather: Hot and sunny
Prices: Peak
Crowds: The highest of the year
Sea Temperatures: Warm and comfortable for swimming
September in Santorini
The crowds start to reduce during September, yet the weather remains hot and cools to a warm and comfortable temperature by late September. Prices are still high, though the beaches are still relaxing through the month, with the sea temperature very pleasant for swimming. While the sunset crowds in the main town of Oia will still be sizeable, the combination of weather and slightly lower tourist crowds and prices make September a great time to visit.
Weather: Hot and sunny, dropping over the month
Prices: Peak, with prices dropping in late September
Crowds: High
Sea Temperatures: Warm and comfortable for swimming
October in Santorini
October remains a pleasant time to visit Santorini, with the earliest days of the month still offering beach time and swimming before the cool temperatures reach the island. The weather is pleasant and great for hiking and exploring the island as the more frequent rainy days have not begun.
Crowds have reduced, and so have the prices. Although they have not yet reached the lowest point, there will still be plenty of great deals available, making October a great time of year for those looking to experience the best of Santorini without the mobs of tourists everywhere.
Weather: Warm and pleasant
Prices: Moderate to high
Crowds: High and dropping over the month
Sea Temperatures: Dropping, though still comfortable in early October
November in Santorini
The actual transition to the winter months starts in November. The month begins with pleasant and mild weather and cools off slightly. Then, winter rains start, though you can still find clear skies for most of the days in November. Finally, crowds begin to reduce, and businesses gradually close for the season. There are plenty of great deals, and while beach days are not realistic, the island is excellent for hiking and exploring without crowds or traffic.
Weather: Mild and Comfortable
Prices: Moderate
Crowds: Some tourists, yet not crowded
Sea Temperatures: Too cold to swim
December in Santorini
In December, Santorini starts to fall asleep for the winter, with many seasonal workers leaving for their home cities. As a result, the island is quiet, with much of the island’s businesses closed; Fira and Oia have some but not all hotels, restaurants, and shops open. The weather is cool, though there are still sunny days that make for comfortable sightseeing and exploring. Still, the weather is less predictable, and beach days are impossible.
Weather: Cool, yet still with some sunny days
Prices: Lowest
Crowds: Limited tourists
Sea Temperatures: Too cold to swim
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