Best Time to Visit Santorini

Greece › Santorini › When to Go
Updated: July 11, 2025
By Santorini Dave

See Also
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Restaurants in Santorini
• Best Activities in Santorini
• Best Wine Tours in Santorini
• Best Boat Tours in Santorini
• Best Beaches in Santorini

For sun, swimming, and hot weather visiting Santorini from late May to early October is best. Photo: Absolute Bliss Hotel in Imerovigli.

When To Go

My 11 Tips for when to visit Santorini

1. Best Overall Time (Late April to Early June & Mid September to Late October)
The shoulder seasons offer a perfect balance of warm weather, fewer crowds, and full access to the island’s restaurants, tours, and attractions. This is my favorite time to visit. But do keep in mind that while swimming might be possible, the water is not as warm as peak summer.

2. Best Time for Great Weather
June through September brings sunny skies and little rain. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-early November) provide milder temperatures and pleasant breezes.

3. Best Time to Avoid Crowds
Visit in late April, early May, or October. Cruise ships are fewer, and Oia’s pathways feel tranquil.

4. Best Time for Budget Travelers
November through March is the low season, with significantly lower hotel rates and airfare. Some restaurants and tours may be closed, but the island is inexpensive and peaceful.

5. Best Time for First-Time Visitors
May or late September is ideal, offering great weather, fewer crowds, and the full Santorini experience – without the high-season chaos.

6. Best Time for Honeymooners
Early June or late September is perfect for romantic stays. The weather is warm, and the island is less crowded for private moments by the caldera.

7. Best Time for Beach Lovers
Late June to early September is prime for swimming at Red Beach, Perissa, and Kamari. The water is warmest in late summer.

8. Best Time for Nightlife
July and August are peak nightlife months. Fira’s clubs and bars are buzzing, attracting international DJs and vibrant partygoers. It’s less busy but still has a party vibe from May to October.

9. Best Time for Families
Late May, June, or September is ideal. Temperatures are warm, beaches are family-friendly, and the island is quieter than peak summer.

10. Best Time for Wine Enthusiasts
Late August to early September is harvest season. Tour wineries and enjoy tastings of Assyrtiko and Vinsanto as the vineyards bustle with activity.

11. Best Time for Culture Lovers
Greek Orthodox Easter (usually April) is a cultural highlight, with candlelit processions and traditional feasts.

When to go to Santorini?

My favorite time to visit Santorini is during the shoulder seasons of late April to June and September to early November.

During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny, with fewer crowds than during the peak summer months of July and August. The sea temperatures are also comfortable for swimming, particularly between late May and early October.

Me and my son in Santorini during a July visit.

In the shoulder seasons, I find the weather perfect for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor activities. Hotel prices decrease a little (from summer) and there’s greater room availibility. The famous sunsets in Santorini are spectacular year-round, but they are especially beautiful during the shoulder seasons when the skies tend to be clearer.

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider visiting Santorini during the off-season, from late November to March. While some hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities may be closed or have reduced hours during this time, you’ll experience a quieter and more authentic side of the island.

Keep in mind that the peak summer months of July and August can be very hot and crowded, with higher prices and limited availability for accommodations. However, if your main focus is on swimming, beaches, and nightlife, then early June to late September is the best time to visit. For first-time visitors, honeymooners, and families, weather is often the most important factor, and the sunny months of summer offer exactly what they’re looking for.

Santorini January Weather:
Cold, rainy, minimal sun
125 sunshine hours

Santorini February Weather:
Chilly, damp, occasional sun
150 sunshine hours

Santorini March Weather:
Mild, rainy, some sun
200 sunshine hours

Santorini April Weather:
Warmer, some rain, sunny
260 sunshine hours

Santorini May Weather:
Warm, little rain, sunny
300 sunshine hours

Santorini June Weather:
Hot, almost no rain, sunny
335 sunshine hours

Santorini July Weather:
Very hot, dry, sunny
375 sunshine hours

Santorini August Weather:
Very hot, dry, sunny
355 sunshine hours

Santorini September Weather:
Hot, little rain, sunny
290 sunshine hours

Santorini October Weather:
Warm, occasional rain, sunny
235 sunshine hours

Santorini November Weather:
Cooler, some rain, some sun
170 sunshine hours

Santorini December Weather:
Cold, rainy, minimal sun
125 sunshine hours

The spectacular views and hikes of Santorini can be enjoyed year round, but for good weather and consistently clear skies visit between April and November. Santorini boat tours of the caldera are fantastic from late May to early October.

Most Santorini wineries are open year-round but the wine tours typically run from April to early November.

The caldera views are awesome in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December (including Christmas Day & New Years Eve).

Santorini beaches and water activities are warm and inviting from May to mid-October and at their best from June to September.

• Santorini in January (10% Crowded): Damp, cold, and windy (by Santorini standards). January is the rainiest month and one of the coldest. The island is quiet with few tourists but local life hums along at a friendly pace. Many restaurants and hotels are closed but you will always be able to find something open in Oia and Fira. The beach towns are completely shut down. (Average Max Temperature: 14°C. Average Rainfall: 42mm.)
• Santorini in February (10% Crowded): Much like January. February is Santorini’s coldest month. There is a little less rain than December and January (Average Max Temperature: 14°C. Average Rainfall: 35mm.)
• Santorini in March (40% Crowded): A noticeable change occurs in March from the previous 3 months. There is less rain, more sun, and warmer temperatures. This can be a nice time to visit for hikers and sightseers but visitors should pack for some rain and cool nights. By the end of March, most hotels and restaurants are open. (Average Max Temperature: 16°C. Average Rainfall: 32mm.)
• Santorini in April (50% Crowded): A great month for hiking, sightseeing, and touring the wineries. On warm years it’s possible to have a few beach days at the end of the month. (Average Max Temperature: 19°C. Average Rainfall: 12mm.)
• Santorini in May (60% Crowded): There’s a big difference between early May (when cool overcast days can still be common) and late May (when the days are consistently sunny and warm). May is the month when the beach towns dust off the cobwebs and open for business. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Rainfall: 7mm.)
• Santorini in June (80% Crowded): June is a hot sunny month and the start of beach season when tourists arrive in large numbers. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C. Average Rainfall: 0.3mm.)
• July Weather on Santorini (95% Crowded): Hot and sunny. Along with August July is the busiest month on Santorini. Book rooms at least 3 months in advance for July visits – 6 months in advance for luxury hotels. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Rainfall: 0.9mm.)
• Santorini in August (100% Crowded): Hot and sunny with occasional strong winds (called the Meltemi) that can cancel ferries and catamarans. Book rooms at least 3 months in advance for August visits – 6 months in advance for luxury hotels. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Rainfall: 0.4mm.)
• Santorini in September (85% Crowded): Hot and sunny but cooling a little from August. The weather is similar to June but the water temperature is warmer as it heats over the summer months. Winds have died down. September is the best month to visit Santorini. Hotels are still very busy and can be fully booked months in advance. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C. Average Rainfall: 6mm.)
• Santorini in October (65% Crowded): October is much like May but the weather is moving in the opposite direction. There is often a large difference between early October (when days can be hot and sunny) and late October – when you can have some cool cloudy days and visits to the beach seem a distant memory. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C. Average Rainfall: 18mm.)
• Santorini in November (50% Crowded): The cool and cloudy days of winter arrive in November. Early November can still get warm days when a visit to the beach could be possible. Most luxury hotels are closed by late November. Oia and Fira stay moderately active until the final cruise ship of the season makes its visit (usually in late November). (Average Max Temperature: 18°C. Average Rainfall: 44mm.)
• Santorini in December (20% Crowded): Be prepared for cool, cloudy, and rainy, though there are often stretches of clear skies and sunny days. Fira is the hub of most activity during the winter as most other towns are shut down. Oia will have several hotels and at least a few restaurants and markets open. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average Rainfall: 46mm.)

The best Santorini hotels can get fully booked months in advance for the peak months of June to September. If possible, book 4 or more months in advance.