Greece › Santorini › September Weather
By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Restaurants in Santorini
• Best Things to Do in Santorini
• Best Santorini Wineries
• Best Boat Tours in Santorini
My wife and I at the Santorini ferry port in September.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Santorini?
September is my favorite month to visit Santorini. The weather is great, the sea is near its warmest, everything is open, and crowds gradually ease as the month progresses.
But don’t mistake September for a quiet off-season month. The first half still feels like high season, with expensive hotels, busy ferries, crowded buses, full boat tours, and packed Oia sunset viewpoints. Crowds ease during the final two weeks, but Santorini stays busy, especially when several cruise ships visit.
My advice: Choose early September for the most dependable hot beach weather and liveliest atmosphere. Choose late September for the best overall balance of swimming, sightseeing, hiking, and smaller crowds. For most couples, honeymooners, and first-time visitors, September is better than August.
Three full days is ideal for most first-time visitors. That’s enough time for a boat tour, the Fira-to-Oia hike, a winery visit, and exploring the caldera villages. Add another day or two if you want to explore more of the island (there’s plenty to see).
Skip September If: You want genuinely low prices, empty villages, cool hiking weather, or complete freedom to book hotels and activities at the last minute.
Santorini in September at a Glance
- Weather: Warm and mostly sunny, with daytime highs around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). Rain is uncommon.
- Swimming: Excellent. The sea is at or near its warmest of the year.
- Wind: Often less persistent than in August, but windy days and rough seas are still possible.
- Crowds and Prices: Very busy and expensive early in September, with smaller crowds and better hotel deals later in the month.
- What Is Open: Everything, including beach clubs, boat tours, wineries, restaurants, and seasonal hotels.
Early September vs. Late September
- Early September (September 1 to 15): Essentially an extension of high season. Days are hot, the sea is warm, nightlife is strong, and beach clubs are busy. Popular hotels, boat tours, ferries, rental cars, and sunset restaurants still book up. Do not assume hotel prices will be much lower than in August, especially for the best caldera hotels.
- Late September (September 16 to 30): Crowds gradually ease, particularly during the final two weeks. Hotels and restaurants remain open, beaches are still active, and swimming is excellent. Days become slightly cooler, making hiking and sightseeing more comfortable. The chance of a cloudy or wet spell increases toward the end of the month.
Late September is my favorite part of the month. But the change is gradual, not dramatic. Oia, Fira, and Athinios Port can still be crowded, particularly on busy cruise-ship days.
September Weather in Santorini
September is warm enough for beaches and swimming but more comfortable for walking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining than August.
Daytime highs are typically around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F), with the hottest weather occurring early in the month. Evenings are pleasant, though exposed caldera restaurants and boat trips can feel cool when the wind picks up.
September is sunny and dry. Brief showers become more likely toward the end of the month, but rain rarely disrupts travel plans.
The Meltemi summer wind becomes less persistent as September progresses, but it does not disappear on a schedule. Windy days can still bring choppy water, ferry delays, boat-tour changes, and breezy conditions on exposed beaches.
Sunset moves from 7:45pm at the beginning of September to around 7:00pm by the end of the month.
Swimming in an unheated pool in Firostefani on September 10. Still plenty warm.
Can You Swim in Santorini in September?
Yes. September is one of Santorini’s best swimming months. The sea retains the heat accumulated during summer and stays around 24°C to 25°C (75°F to 77°F). Swimming is just as comfortable as in August.
Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos remain fully open, with sunbeds, restaurants, and beach bars. Kamari and Perissa still have regular buses from Fira.
Hotel pools can be much colder than the sea. Many caldera pools are small, shaded for part of the day, and unheated. If swimming in your hotel pool is important, especially in late September, confirm that it’s heated before booking. See my recommendations for Santorini hotels with heated pools.
What Is Open in September?
Almost everything stays open through September.
- Hotels: Virtually all hotels remain open, including beach hotels and small boutique properties.
- Restaurants: Restaurants remain open across the island, including the caldera villages, inland towns, and beach resorts.
- Beach Clubs: Beach clubs, sunbed rentals, and waterfront restaurants remain open, though they become less crowded later in the month.
- Boat Tours: Caldera cruises, catamaran tours, volcano trips, and private charters operate regularly when sea conditions allow.
- Wineries: Tasting rooms and wine tours operate throughout September.
- Attractions: Ancient Akrotiri, Ancient Thera, and the main museums are open. Check opening days and hours before visiting, especially for Ancient Thera.
- Nightlife: Fira’s bars and clubs remain busy, particularly during the first half of September. Nightlife remains good later in the month.
My wife and I on a September evening in Santorini.
What to Book Before You Arrive
Book hotels and popular tours ahead, especially for early September.
- Hotels: Book at least 4 to 6 months ahead for the best caldera hotels, especially rooms with caldera views, private pools, honeymoon suites, and family rooms. Late September offers more flexibility, but the best rooms can still sell out months ahead.
- Boat Tours: Reserve your Santorini boat tour before arrival and schedule it near the beginning of your stay. Strong wind can force cancellations, and an early booking gives you time to reschedule.
- Wine Tours: Book sunset tastings and small-group winery tours ahead, especially if you have a particular winery in mind.
- Ferries: Book ferries as soon as your travel dates are firm. There’s little benefit in waiting.
- Rental Cars: Reserve ahead when you need an automatic car, airport or port pickup, or a vehicle large enough for a family.
- Restaurants: Reserve famous sunset restaurants and the meals you care most about. Popular tables can book up days or weeks ahead, especially in early September.
- Transfers: Arrange airport and port transfers when timing matters. Taxis remain limited, and ferry arrivals at Athinios can be hectic.
Best Things to Do in Santorini in September
September is one of the best months for a Santorini boat tour, with warm water and more comfortable temperatures than August.
Take a Caldera Boat Tour: September is excellent for caldera cruises. The sea is warm and weather great. Sunset cruises are particularly good.
Walk the Fira-to-Oia Trail: September is much better for hiking than July or August, particularly late in the month. Start early because the route is exposed and can still become hot by midday. Carry plenty of water.
Spend a Day at the Beach: Do not treat September as too late for a beach holiday. The sea is warm, beach facilities are open, and late September is often more comfortable than August for sitting in the sun.
Visit Santorini’s Wineries: Santorini’s grape harvest begins unusually early, often in August, and much of it is usually finished by September. Do not choose September specifically to watch the harvest. Winery tours and tastings are excellent throughout the month.
Attend the Ifestia Festival: The volcanic fireworks celebration is held in September, with fireworks over the caldera. Check the confirmed date before planning your trip around it.
Explore Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Emporio: Visit Pyrgos for sunset views and excellent restaurants, Megalochori for its traditional lanes and village square, and Emporio for its medieval village center. Pyrgos has steep lanes and steps, so it is not ideal for travelers with limited mobility.
Visit Ancient Akrotiri and Ancient Thera: Ancient Akrotiri is covered and comfortable even on hot days. Ancient Thera is exposed, so visit early and check its opening hours before setting out.
Watch the Sunset: Oia remains crowded, especially early in September. Imerovigli, Firostefani, a caldera boat tour, or a hotel terrace provide a calmer sunset experience. For photos of Oia without crowds, visit at sunrise.
Where to Stay in Santorini in September
- Imerovigli: My top choice for couples, with spectacular caldera views, excellent hotels, and a quieter atmosphere than Oia. One of the best places on the island for sunset views.
- Firostefani: The best compromise between scenery and convenience. It has caldera views and good restaurants and is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from central Fira.
- Fira: Best for buses, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and travelers without a rental car. It is the most convenient base for exploring the island.
- Oia: Best for luxury hotels, famous sunset views, and Santorini’s most photographed streets. It remains crowded around sunset, particularly early in September.
- Kamari: Best for families, easy beach days, and a flatter resort layout. The waterfront remains lively throughout September.
- Perissa and Perivolos: Best for swimming, beach clubs, and better-value accommodation. They’re quieter in late September, but beach clubs and restaurants are still open.
- Pyrgos: Best for a traditional village atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and travelers exploring by car. Expect hills, steps, and fewer transport options than Fira.
- Akrotiri: Best for quiet hotels, caldera views, and lower prices than Oia or Imerovigli. A rental car is helpful, and nightlife is limited.
For a first visit or romantic trip, I would choose Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Fira. Choose Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos when swimming and an easy beach routine matter more than staying on the caldera.
Ferries and Island Hopping in September
September has frequent ferries connecting Santorini with Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Connections to Milos and Crete are more dependent on seasonal schedules, so check your exact travel dates before booking hotels.
Book ferries as soon as your itinerary is fixed, especially during early September and for popular high-speed ferries. Large conventional ferries provide a steadier ride and are less susceptible to wind-related cancellations than smaller high-speed vessels. High-speed ferries save time but can feel rougher in choppy seas.
Wind-related delays are possible. If you’re flying internationally from Athens, spend the previous night in Athens rather than relying on a same-day ferry connection.
For help choosing between flying and sailing, read my guide to whether you should fly or take the ferry between Athens and Santorini.
Getting Around Santorini in September
Buses will still be crowded in September, particularly on routes between Fira, Oia, and the beaches.
Fira is the best base for public transportation because the island’s buses operate through the central Fira bus station. A trip between Oia and Kamari, Perissa, or Akrotiri requires changing buses in Fira.
A rental car is useful for wineries, Ancient Akrotiri, Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, remote hotels, and flexible beach trips. It is less necessary for travelers staying in Fira or Firostefani and using tours and pre-booked transfers.
Taxis remain limited. Pre-book airport and ferry-port transfers, especially for late arrivals, early departures, families, and anyone traveling with substantial luggage.
The Oia bus station in September. Still busy, but easier than during the August peak.
September Compared with August and October
- August vs. September: Both are excellent for swimming, boat tours, nightlife, and beach days. September is slightly cooler and gradually less crowded, making it better for most travelers. August is better for school-holiday schedules and maximum nightlife energy.
- September vs. October: September has warmer water, more reliable beach weather, longer evenings, and stronger ferry and nightlife schedules. October is quieter and cheaper, but rain and cooler weather become more likely, ferry schedules are reduced, and some seasonal businesses begin closing later in the month.
For a complete seasonal comparison, see my guide to the best time to visit Santorini.
Pyrgos village is particularly pleasant to explore in September’s lower heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is late September still warm in Santorini?
Yes. Late September is warm enough for swimming, beaches, boat tours, and outdoor dining. Evenings can feel breezy, and short spells of cooler or cloudier weather become more possible toward the end of the month.
Are Santorini hotels cheaper in September?
Early-September prices remain high and are similar to August. Better value becomes more likely late in the month, but caldera-view hotels, luxury properties, and private-pool suites are still expensive.
How far ahead should I book a September hotel?
Book 4 to 6 months ahead for the best caldera hotels, especially private-pool suites and family rooms. Late September offers more flexibility, but the most popular properties still fill early.
Do restaurants and beach clubs stay open in September?
Yes. Almost all hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, wineries, and tour companies remain open throughout September. Significant seasonal closures begin later in autumn.
About Santorini Dave