Santorini is located in a subtropical climate zone with warm summers and milder winters. In the coldest winter months, average daily temperatures range between 10-15°C. Rain is also much more frequent during this cooler period, from December to March.
From April onwards, temperatures rise sharply to peak at around 30 °C in July and August.
Santorini during the year
Find out what the weather is like in each month of the year and when it rains the most.
Weather in January
January in Santorini is very windy with frequent rain showers, but these usually last only a few minutes. With average daily temperatures reaching 14°C and almost no foreign tourists on the island, January is one of the best months to experience Santorini as it really is.
Weather in February
February is statistically the coldest month of the year, with temperatures between 11 and 14°C and uncomfortably strong winds. Compared to January, however, the showers are much less frequent and only occur about every third day.
Weather in March
March is still relatively cool in Santorini, but temperatures are slowly rising to around 16°C, but windy weather persists. However, there is a significant decrease in rain and an increase in sunshine, but many services will be out of action in March as they are in winter.
Weather in April
With temperatures rising to an average of 18°C and the wind dropping, April is a good time for urban and hiking. In April, seasonal flights start flying into Santorini, so transport is considerably cheaper than in winter (and summer) and there are still few tourists, so you can enjoy the villages with the minimum of extra people. Showers are very weakening and only occur on average 4 days a month.
Weather in May
May is the best month of the year to visit Santorini if you want to explore the sights, enjoy the views and take hiking tours. Temperatures stay at a very comfortable 23°C, the sun shines all day and there is a warm breeze from the sea. But it's definitely not ready for swimming yet, as the sea water is only 19 °C. Hotel and flight prices in May are very low compared to the summer season.
Weather in June
During June, the main beach season begins. The weather is consistently sunny with temperatures around 27 °C, but extremes of over 35 °C are common towards the end of the month. Rain is very rare, but sea temperatures can still be quite treacherous in the first half of the month and only very slowly climb above 20 °C.
Weather in July
July is the hottest month of the year with normal daytime temperatures between 29 and 36 °C and constant sunshine. The sea water warms up to 25 °C and the beach season is in full swing. On the other hand, July is the least suitable month for exploring towns and walking due to the high temperatures.
Weather in August
August remains very hot with temperatures around 30 to 35 °C and zero rainfall. From the middle of the month onwards, there are often quite strong winds in the afternoon, but these only make the temperature feel more pleasant and allow for urban hiking. During August, crowds of Greeks and Italians head to Santorini and hotel prices are the highest of the year.
Weather in September
Santorini in September is the perfect choice for a cheaper and quieter summer holiday. Temperatures remain high, hovering around 27°C. The sea water is warmed from the summer to a beautiful 24°C and rain is still very rare in September.
Weather in October
October is billed as the last month of the summer season, but it is ideal for those who don't want to push through the crowds and are content with temperatures around 24°C. However, the sea is still warmed to around 23°C, so swimming is easily possible. Rain is not very frequent, it occurs about 4 days a month and only in the form of light showers.
Weather in November
Santorini becomes orphaned in November, giving you the chance to experience it in its authentic form. Temperatures still normally rise to a pleasant 18°C, but in the evenings and at night the coming cold is noticeable, mainly because of the windy weather with frequent showers. Many services and hotels have been closed since November.
Weather in December
December tends to be the rainiest month of the year with about 10 rainy days. Temperatures rise to a maximum of 15 °C and a strong cold wind blows in from the sea, bringing the temperature down to 9-10 °C.
Table of temperatures during the year
Santorini - Temperatures on the island
When to go to Santorini
If you're heading to Santorini to explore, wander around the quaint villages and enjoy the magical sunsets, then avoid the peak summer season and ideally travel in May or September. Pleasant temperatures, minimal rain and decent prices await you during this period.
For beach holidays in Santorini, head between June and September when the weather is at its hottest, the sun is 100% guaranteed and the sea water is pleasantly warm at 23 to 26°C.
Book your Santorini hotel in advance
If you want to save as much as possible, the best months for you are April and October, when low-cost flights still fly to Santorini, but at significantly lower prices than during the summer. Similarly, hotel prices are at their lowest during this period.
The winter season is ideal for travelers who want to experience Santorini in its raw, non-touristy form. Paradoxically, winter is the most expensive time to fly to the island because all flights to Europe are seasonal, leaving only the expensive Aegean Airlines connection via Athens over the winter. It's also worth remembering that most services don't work during winter and only a few accommodation and restaurants will be open, mostly only in Fira.