Greece › Santorini › September Weather
Updated: November 26, 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
My wife and I on a September visit to Santorini.
September is my favorite month to visit Santorini. It is the “Goldilocks” month: the weather is warm but not scorching, the sea is at its warmest, and the island feels lively but less frantic than August. However, you should know that Early September (1st–15th) is still effectively high season. The real drop in crowds and prices happens in Late September.
Overview:
• Weather: Near perfection. Daytime highs are 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). The brutal heat waves are gone, but it’s still definitely beach weather.
• The “Golden Light”: The sun sits lower in the sky than in mid-summer, giving the island a softer, golden glow. This makes September the single best month for photography.
• Swimming: The sea retains all its heat from the summer, averaging 24°C (75°F). It’s incredible. Unlike spring, the water is warm enough for everyone, including children and old people like me.
• Activities: All seasonal tours, restaurants, and attractions are still fully operational, but the atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed.
September is perfect for a Santorini boat tour of the caldera. Highly recommended!
• Boat Tours: Highly recommended. The Meltemi winds (which can be rough in August) usually die down in September, making for calmer seas. A sunset cruise in September is magical.
• Winery Tours & Harvest: Early September is harvest season (vedema) in Santorini. This adds a special, authentic layer to any winery visit. You can see the grape-harvesting process in action, and the island buzzes with a unique, celebratory energy. It’s an excellent time for wine enthusiasts to visit.
• Nightlife: The atmosphere begins to shift to a more relaxed but still very lively vibe. In early September, the nightlife feels much like summer, but as the month progresses, the scene becomes more sophisticated and adult-oriented. The focus moves from the large dance clubs to the bustling cocktail bars and wineries.
• Beaches: September offers some of the best swimming of the year, as the sea retains all the heat from the summer. The weather is still hot (especially early September), but the intense crowds of August have thinned out, leaving more space on the sand. This is the perfect month to enjoy long, relaxing days by the sea.
• Fira-Oia Hike: Another perfect month for the hike as the brutal summer heat has subsided and the crowds on the trail begin to thin out. An early start is still recommended, but you have much more flexibility than in the peak summer months.
The main square in Oia, Santorini on a September afternoon.
Pyrgos village in September – an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring.
• Crowds: While still busy, especially in the first two weeks, the crowds are significantly smaller than in July and August. You’ll find more space to wander the streets of Oia and Fira, getting a reservation at a top restaurant becomes easier, and the sunset spots are more manageable. The last two weeks of September are noticeably quieter.
• Prices: Prices for flights and accommodation begin to drop from their August peak. While it’s still not cheap, you can find better value and more availability, particularly in the latter half of the month. Booking in advance is still highly recommended, but you have more flexibility than in the peak months.
• For Couples: September is idyllic for couples. The romantic atmosphere of the island truly shines without the overwhelming crowds. The weather is perfect for leisurely dinners, exploring villages hand-in-hand, and relaxing by the pool. It strikes the perfect balance between having a lively buzz and feeling intimate and relaxed.
• For Families: September is a great choice for families, especially those with pre-school-age children who aren’t tied to the school holiday calendar. The weather and sea temperatures are perfect for kids, and the sun is less intense than in mid-summer, reducing worries about overheating. The smaller crowds make navigating the island’s narrow streets with children much easier. The slightly lower prices can make a family trip more manageable financially.
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