Greece › Santorini › September Weather
Updated: May 5, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
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
My wife and I on a September visit to Santorini.
September is my favorite month to visit Santorini: still warm, still lively, great for swimming and boat tours, but easier to manage than August. Early September is still effectively high season, with busy hotels, restaurants, beaches, ferries, and sunset viewpoints; Oia and Fira are packed. The real drop in crowds and prices begins in the second half of the month.
September at a Glance
- Weather: Warm, sunny, and more comfortable than August.
- Sea: Early September has the warmest sea temps of the year.
- Crowds: Busy in early September; more breathing room by month’s end.
- Prices: High-season rates early; better value becomes more likely in late September.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, swimmers, wine lovers, photographers, and shoulder-season travelers.
- Main downside: September is not quiet. Top hotels, sunset restaurants, boat tours, and rental cars will still book up well in advance.
Early September vs. Late September
This is the single most important distinction for trip planning. September is a month in transition.
- Early September (Sept 1–15): Effectively a continuation of high season. The island is still very busy, beach weather feels summer-like, and sunset spots in Oia remain packed. Expect high hotel prices, limited last-minute availability, and strong demand for boat tours, rental cars, and dinner reservations.
- Late September (Sept 16–30): The atmosphere becomes noticeably more relaxed. Santorini is still lively, but it is easier to find space in Fira and Oia, easier to book restaurants, and easier to find mid-range hotels. The weather is still warm, though evenings become a little breezier and high temperatures start to dip.
The Santorini ferry port on a September evening.
What to Book Before You Arrive
September is easier than August, but it is not a month for arriving without a plan, especially if you are visiting in the first half of the month.
- Hotels: Start with my guide to where to stay in Santorini. For a romantic September trip, focus on Imerovigli, Firostefani, Oia, or Fira. For beach time and better value, look at Kamari and Perissa.
- Boat tours: September is one of the best months for a Santorini boat tour. Book early in your stay so you have time to reschedule if wind affects the sailing.
- Wine tours: September is excellent for Santorini wineries, with some luck your visit will overlap with the harvest period, but the dates jump about every year so it’s near impossible to plan for.
- Ferries: If you are island hopping, book important ferry routes in advance, especially Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, or Santorini to Crete.
- Rental cars: A car is useful in September if you want beaches, wineries, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, and quieter villages without relying on buses or taxis. Book ahead if you want an automatic car or airport/port pickup.
- Restaurants: Reserve sunset-view restaurants in Oia, Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli at least a week or two ahead, and earlier for famous terraces in early September.
- Transfers: If your hotel does not include pickup, arrange a transfer in advance for late arrivals or ferry arrivals at Athinios Port.
September Weather, Sea Temperature, and Wind
September brings some of Santorini’s most comfortable weather: warm days, plenty of sun, and lower heat stress than July or August.
- Daily temperatures: Highs trend from roughly 28°C (83°F) early in the month to 25°C (77°F) by the end. Heat waves are still possible, but the most punishing summer heat is usually over.
- The sea: The sea is still very warm, averaging about 24°C to 25°C (75°F to 77°F), which is one reason September is so popular with swimmers. It is warm enough for long swims and remains comfortable for children.
- Rain: September is still mostly dry and sunny. A brief shower is possible, especially late in the month, but rain is much more of a consideration in October and November.
- The wind: September feels less windy than peak summer, but Meltemi-driven windy spells can still happen, especially earlier in the month. Keep some flexibility in your schedule for boat trips.
- Evenings: Nights are pleasant, not cold, but the cliff-top breeze can feel cool after sunset. Pack a light layer for dinner.
Best Things to Do in September
September is a great month for a Santorini boat tour, but keep an eye on the wind forecast.
- Boat tours: One of the best months for a caldera cruise: warm sea, lower heat, and great sunset light. Book early in your stay in case wind forces a schedule change.
- Wineries: September overlaps with Santorini’s grape-harvest period in some years and is one of the best months for winery tours.
- IFESTIA Festival: Santorini’s volcanic fireworks festival is held in September, though the exact date changes by year. Check the current calendar before planning around it.
- Fira-Oia hike: September is far more comfortable than July or August, but start early, bring water, and wear proper shoes.
- Beach days: Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos are still open and lively, with warm water and a slightly calmer atmosphere than August.
- Villages: Pyrgos, Megalochori, Emporio, and Akrotiri are more pleasant in September’s softer light and lower heat.
Where to Stay in Santorini in September
September is a great month to stay on the caldera if your budget allows it. The weather is warm, evenings are beautiful, and the cliffside villages feel more manageable than in August. For a honeymoon, anniversary, or first visit, focus on Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia. If swimming matters, check whether your hotel pool is heated; many Santorini hotels have heated pools, but not all, and unheated pools will feel less inviting in late September, especially on windy days or after sunset.
- Imerovigli: Best for caldera views, romance, and a quieter stay. My top choice for couples who want the Santorini postcard setting without Oia’s crowds.
- Firostefani: Best for caldera views, good restaurants, and easy walks to Fira. A great September compromise: scenic, central, and less hectic than Oia.
- Fira: Best for restaurants, nightlife, buses, and first-time visitors who want convenience. Stay here if you do not want to rent a car.
- Oia: Best for romance, luxury hotels, and sunset views, but still crowded in early September. Choose Oia for the setting, not for quiet.
- Kamari and Perissa: Best for beach stays, families, and better value. The sea is warmest in September, making the beach towns more appealing than they are in May or early June.
- Pyrgos: Best for a quieter village stay, good restaurants, and exploring by rental car.
Here I am swimming in an unheated pool in Firostefani on September 10th. Still plenty warm.
Ferries and Island Hopping in September
September is a great month for island hopping in the Cyclades. Ferry schedules are still strong on the main routes, the sea is warmer than in June, and the worst August crowds have eased. Popular routes include Athens to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, Santorini to Naxos, Santorini to Paros, and Santorini to Crete.
- Athens to Santorini: Ferries still run daily in September, with both conventional and high-speed options. Should you fly or ferry from Athens to Santorini? – read my guide for more details on how to decide.
- Greek island-hopping: September is a good month to combine Santorini with Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, or Crete. Book ahead if your dates are fixed, especially in early September or on high-speed ferries.
- Wind and delays: Ferry delays are not something to obsess over, but they do happen. Do not plan a ferry arrival and an important international flight on the same day.
- Tickets: Book ferry tickets in advance if you are traveling in early September, taking a high-speed ferry, or connecting to a flight.
What Surprises People About September
- It is not empty: September is not quiet, especially in the first half of the month and around Oia sunset.
- Late September still feels alive: Santorini does not shut down in late September. Restaurants, hotels, tours, beach clubs, and ferry routes are still operating.
- The evenings can feel breezy: Nights are pleasant, but the cliff-top breeze can feel cool after sunset.
- Reservations still matter: Book high-demand restaurants, boat tours, and rental cars ahead, especially in early September.
A September afternoon in Oia, Santorini. Crowds are still present but more manageable than August.
September Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming September is low season: Early September is still busy and expensive.
- Waiting too long for caldera hotels: The best rooms in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira still sell out early.
- Planning a same-day ferry and flight connection: Ferry delays are not constant, but they happen. Give yourself a buffer before important flights.
- Staying far from Fira without a transport plan: September traffic is better than August, but taxis are still limited. If you stay in Pyrgos, Akrotiri, Megalochori, Kamari, or Perissa, think through buses, tours, transfers, or a rental car.
What to Pack for Santorini in September
Pack for summer, but add one light layer for evenings on the caldera. Days are warm, the sea is comfortable, and beach clothes are still useful.
- Swimsuits and beach cover-ups.
- Light dresses, linen shirts, shorts, and sandals.
- A light sweater or jacket for breezy evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Fira-Oia hike and village lanes.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A nicer outfit for sunset dinners or winery visits.
- A small day bag for boat tours, beaches, and hikes.
The Oia bus station in September. Still busy but a little less crazy than the August peak.
September vs. Other Months
- August vs. September: August is the peak of heat, crowds, and prices. September is slightly cooler, less crowded, and generally more enjoyable, especially late in the month. The sea is warm in both months.
- September vs. October: October sees a further drop in prices and crowds. However, weather becomes more unpredictable, with a higher chance of wind and rain. September remains more reliably sunny and the sea is warmer for swimming.
- September vs. June: June has longer days, fresh summer energy, and slightly lower crowd levels than early September. September has warmer sea temperatures and a more relaxed feel late in the month. Both are excellent months.
- September vs. May: May is better for lower prices and lighter crowds, but the sea is cooler and the island feels less fully in summer mode. September is better for swimming, boat tours, beach clubs, and warm evenings.
Pyrgos village is especially pleasant for exploring in September’s softer light.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is September a good time to visit Santorini? Yes. September is one of the best months to visit Santorini: warm weather, warm sea, full restaurant and tour operations, and a less frantic feel than August.
- Is early September still crowded? Yes. Early September feels close to peak season. For a noticeable drop in crowds, aim for the last 10 days of the month.
- Is late September still warm? Yes. Late September is typically warm enough for swimming, boat tours, outdoor dining, and beach time, though evenings can feel breezy.
- Where should I stay in Santorini in September? Stay in Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, or Oia for caldera views and restaurants. Stay in Kamari or Perissa for beach time, families, and better value.
- Are Santorini hotels cheaper in September? Late September is better value than July, August, and early September, but Santorini is still expensive. The best caldera-view hotels remain pricey.
- How far in advance should I book hotels for September? Book caldera-view hotels as early as possible, ideally several months ahead. Beach hotels and midrange properties are easier in late September but should still be booked in advance.
- Can you swim in Santorini in September? Yes. September is one of the best months for swimming because the sea is at or near its warmest.
- Does it rain in Santorini in September? Rain is possible but not common. September is still mostly dry and sunny, especially compared with October and November.
- Do restaurants and beach clubs stay open? Yes. Nearly all restaurants, beach clubs, hotels, and tour companies are open through September. Closures begin later in October or early November.
- Are ferries still running in September? Yes. Ferries still run frequently on the main routes, including Athens-Santorini, Santorini-Mykonos, Santorini-Naxos, Santorini-Paros, and Santorini-Crete.
- Do September ferries sell out? They can, especially in early September, on high-speed ferries, and around weekends. Book in advance if your route or timing is important.
- Do I need a rental car in September? Not if you stay in Fira and mainly use buses, taxis, and tours. A rental car is useful for Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, Pyrgos, wineries, and beach-hopping.
About Santorini Dave