Destination
When should you visit Santorini?
Santorini's caldera views are the draw, and so are the crowds. July and August are hot, windy and very busy, while winter is quiet but many hotels and restaurants close. May, June and September give the best combination of open services, good weather and manageable crowds. Here is how all twelve months compare.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
May
May is warm and green, almost everything has reopened, and the island is far calmer than in July and August. The sea is still fresh, so it suits walking and sunsets more than swimming.
Best weather
May–June & September
Warm, sunny and comfortable for the caldera paths.
Least crowded
November–March
Very quiet, but many places close.
Best for swimming
September
The sea is at its warmest.
Best value
April & October
Open services at lower prices than summer.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Meltemi wind
- Strong summer winds can affect ferries, boat trips and some beaches.
- Cruise ships
- Fira and Oia can feel overwhelmed when several ships are in port.
- Winter closures
- Many hotels, restaurants and ferry routes close or reduce services.
July–August
April–October
November–March
Santorini travel tip
Oia at sunset is spectacular and very crowded. For a calmer view, watch from Imerovigli, or walk the Fira to Oia path in the morning before the heat and the day-trippers.
Founder note
“For me, Santorini is about the caldera at sunrise, not sunset. I'd rather watch the light come up over the water with a coffee than fight for a spot in Oia in the evening.”
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 10–14°C
- Cool, windy and wet, with some clear days.
- Crowds
- Very Low
- Among the quietest periods of the year; sights and restaurants are easy to get into.
- Prices
- €
- Among the best-value periods for hotels and flights.
Confirm your hotel is open and book a rental car rather than relying on buses.
- Quiet stay
- Photography
- Temperature
- 10–15°C
- Cool, windy and often wet, with the odd bright day.
- Crowds
- Very Low
- Among the quietest periods of the year; sights and restaurants are easy to get into.
- Prices
- €
- Among the best-value periods for hotels and flights.
Allow flexibility for ferry cancellations in rough weather.
- Quiet stay
- Photography
- Temperature
- 11–16°C
- Mild but unsettled, with some bright and breezy days.
- Crowds
- Very Low
- Among the quietest periods of the year; sights and restaurants are easy to get into.
- Prices
- €
- Among the best-value periods for hotels and flights.
Hike the Fira to Oia path on a clear day and check shop hours.
- Hiking
- Quiet stay
- Temperature
- 14–20°C
- Mild and mostly sunny, with some breezy days.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- €€
- Good-value hotel rates.
Check the Orthodox Easter dates if you want to attend or avoid them.
- Hiking
- Easter traditions
- Temperature
- 17–23°C
- Warm and sunny with light winds and long days.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book sunset spots and caldera-view dining ahead.
- Hiking
- Sunsets
- Wine tasting
- Temperature
- 21–28°C
- Hot, dry and sunny, with a warm breeze.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Watch sunset from quieter spots such as Imerovigli.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Sunsets
- Temperature
- 23–30°C
- Hot and dry, with a strong meltemi wind.
- Crowds
- Very High
- One of the busiest periods of the year; book ahead and go early.
- Prices
- €€€€€
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Book hotels months ahead and avoid Oia at sunset if you dislike crowds.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Nightlife
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Hot and dry, with a regular meltemi breeze.
- Crowds
- Very High
- One of the busiest periods of the year; book ahead and go early.
- Prices
- €€€€€
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
If you must visit in August, stay outside the busiest villages.
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 21–27°C
- Warm and sunny with a very warm sea.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Popular sights fill up at peak hours, so book timed entries ahead.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Visit Oia early in the morning rather than at sunset.
- Swimming
- Sunsets
- Wine tasting
- Temperature
- 18–23°C
- Mild to warm with some showers later in the month.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Confirm closing dates for your hotel and restaurants.
- Sunsets
- Hiking
- Wine tasting
- Temperature
- 15–19°C
- Mild but wet and windy.
- Crowds
- Very Low
- Among the quietest periods of the year; sights and restaurants are easy to get into.
- Prices
- €
- Among the best-value periods for hotels and flights.
Check ferries before you travel and stay in Fira or Oia for services.
- Quiet stay
- Photography
- Temperature
- 12–16°C
- Mild but wet, with cool winds.
- Crowds
- Very Low
- Among the quietest periods of the year; sights and restaurants are easy to get into.
- Prices
- €
- Among the best-value periods for hotels and flights.
Book accommodation that has heating and keep plans flexible.
- Quiet stay
- Festive atmosphere
Climate
Santorini weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 10°C / 50°F | 53 mm |
| February | 15°C / 59°F | 10°C / 50°F | 41 mm |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 11°C / 52°F | 45 mm |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 14°C / 57°F | 12 mm |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 63°F | 8 mm |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 4 mm |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 0 mm |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 2 mm |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 21°C / 70°F | 3 mm |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 18°C / 64°F | 15 mm |
| November | 19°C / 66°F | 15°C / 59°F | 34 mm |
| December | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 54°F | 55 mm |
Climate data: National Observatory of Athens Monthly Bulletins. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Santorini
What is the best month to visit Santorini?
May is the best overall balance of weather, services and crowds. September is a close second.
Is Santorini open in winter?
Many hotels and restaurants close from November to March, and ferries run less often.
When is Santorini cheapest?
November to March has the lowest prices, but services are limited.