50m²
Honeymoon Suite
Cave suite with caldera-facing veranda — designed for couples and milestone trips.
View roomQuick Answer
Santorini weather is Mediterranean through and through: hot, dry summers from June to September, mild winters from November to February with some rain mixed in. July and August are the hottest, 29 degrees C (85 degrees F). But for most visitors, the sweet spot is May to June or September to October. Warm sunshine, comfortable sea temperatures, and you skip the worst of the summer crowds.
Santorini Weather by Month: At a Glance
Planning around Santorini's seasons? This table gives you the full year in one look.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Sea Temp | Rain Days | Wind | Crowds | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F | 10 degrees C / 50 degrees F | 16 degrees C / 61 degrees F | 7 | Moderate to Strong | Very low | Lowest |
| February | 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F | 10 degrees C / 50 degrees F | 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F | 6 | Moderate to Strong | Very low | Lowest |
| March | 16 degrees C / 60 degrees F | 11 degrees C / 52 degrees F | 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F | 5 | Moderate | Very low | Low |
| April | 18 degrees C / 65 degrees F | 13 degrees C / 56 degrees F | 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F | 3 | Light to Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| May | 23 degrees C / 73 degrees F | 17 degrees C / 62 degrees F | 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F | 1-2 | Light | Moderate | Moderate |
| June | 27 degrees C / 81 degrees F | 21 degrees C / 70 degrees F | 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F | <1 | Light to Moderate | High | High |
| July | 29 degrees C / 85 degrees F | 23 degrees C / 74 degrees F | 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F | 0 | Meltemi | Very high | Peak |
| August | 29 degrees C / 85 degrees F | 23 degrees C / 74 degrees F | 25 degrees C / 77 degrees F | 0 | Meltemi | Peak | Peak |
| September | 26 degrees C / 79 degrees F | 21 degrees C / 69 degrees F | 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F | 1 | Light to Moderate | High | High |
| October | 23 degrees C / 73 degrees F | 18 degrees C / 64 degrees F | 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F | 3 | Light to Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| November | 19 degrees C / 65 degrees F | 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F | 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F | 5 | Moderate to Strong | Low | Low |
| December | 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F | 11 degrees C / 52 degrees F | 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F | 7 | Moderate to Strong | Very low | Lowest |
Understanding Santorini's Climate
Santorini sits in the southern Aegean, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece. Classic Mediterranean climate, confirmed by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. Long, bone-dry summers. Short, mild winters. Nothing like the cold you might picture when someone says "European winter."
A few things set Santorini's weather apart from other Greek islands:
- Almost no rain. The island gets just 350-400 mm per year, and nearly all of it falls between November and February. May through September? Santorini rain is basically a myth. Climate-Data.org confirms Santorini gets roughly half what London sees.
- The Meltemi. A strong northerly wind that barrels across the Aegean every July and August. Gusts up to 50-60 km/h. Cancels ferries. Rearranges your hair. Makes catamaran cruises interesting. More on this below.
- Microclimates from the caldera. Santorini's crescent shape and cliff walls create their own weather patterns. Caldera-side towns (Fira, Oia, Imerovigli) catch more wind but stay slightly cooler in summer. East-coast beaches (Perissa, Kamari) are sheltered and feel warmer.
Still figuring out when to visit? Read through each month below, it'll help you match what you want from the trip to what the weather actually delivers.
Santorini Weather in Spring: April to May
Spring is when the island wakes up. Hotels reopen their doors. Restaurants start firing up the grills. Wildflowers cover the hillsides. And you still feel like the island belongs to you, not to the tourist masses. For a lot of travelers, this is the best time to visit Santorini. Period.
Santorini Weather April
- Temperature: 18 degrees C / 65 degrees F high, 13 degrees C / 56 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F (too cold for most people)
- Rainfall: ~3 days with light showers
- Wind: Light to moderate; occasional breezy days
- Crowd level: Low; many hotels and restaurants open mid-month
- Relative hotel prices: Moderate (shoulder season rates)
- Sunset time: ~7:45 PM (late April)
- Verdict: Perfect for hiking the Fira-to-Oia caldera path, village exploration, and photography. Pack a light jacket for evenings. Swimming? Only if you're stubborn.
The month for explorers. Santorini temperature sits around 18 degrees C during the day, warm enough for a t-shirt, cool enough that the caldera trail isn't a sweat-drenched slog. Wildflowers line the path. Visibility is sharp. No one is pushing past you on the narrow sections.
The catch: the sea is 17 degrees C. Bracing is the polite word. Most beach bars and water sports operators are still setting up. But if your trip is about scenery, wine tasting, and long dinners with caldera views? April is spot on.
Santorini Weather May
- Temperature: 23 degrees C / 73 degrees F high, 17 degrees C / 62 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F (refreshing but doable)
- Rainfall: 1-2 days at most
- Wind: Light; occasional breezes
- Crowd level: Moderate; busy weekends but manageable
- Relative hotel prices: Moderate (rising toward peak)
- Sunset time: ~8:15 PM (late May)
- Verdict: One of the best months overall. Warm, dry, the sea is swimmable (just), and the summer rush hasn't started. Excellent value.
May is the month locals call ideal. And I'd agree. The santorini weather feels like summer: consistently above 20 degrees C, virtually no rain, evenings warm enough for outdoor dining without layering up. The sea crosses that threshold where a swim is refreshing instead of painful.
Hotels still have availability. Prices haven't hit peak. Everything is open. This is the sweet spot, summer weather at shoulder-season cost.
Planning a honeymoon in Santorini and want romance without peak-season chaos? May is hard to beat. Our honeymoon suite still has availability in May most years.
Santorini Weather in Summer: June to August
Summer is what most people picture when they think of Santorini: blazing sun, skies so blue they look edited, and not a drop of rain for weeks. Also peak season. Prices and crowds to match.
Santorini Weather June
- Temperature: 27 degrees C / 81 degrees F high, 21 degrees C / 70 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F (comfortable)
- Rainfall: Virtually zero
- Wind: Light to moderate; Meltemi hasn't kicked in yet
- Crowd level: High but not peak
- Relative hotel prices: High
- Sunset time: ~8:40 PM
- Verdict: Excellent beach weather. Warm seas. Slightly lower prices than July/August. The last month before the Meltemi arrives properly.
June weather on Santorini is summer without the extremes. High 20s. Sea warm enough for long swims. No Meltemi wind to deal with yet. Catamaran cruises run on smooth seas more consistently in June than at any other time during the season.
And the sunsets. With the sun setting after 8:30 PM, you get long golden evenings on the caldera-view spots without the July-August crush.
Santorini Weather July
- Temperature: 29 degrees C / 85 degrees F high, 23 degrees C / 74 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F (warm)
- Rainfall: 0 days
- Wind: Meltemi wind (strong northerly gusts, 30-50+ km/h)
- Crowd level: Very high; book accommodation months ahead
- Relative hotel prices: Peak
- Sunset time: ~8:35 PM
- Verdict: Hot, sunny, guaranteed beach weather, but the Meltemi is real. Crowds everywhere. Premium prices.
July is the hottest and the busiest. Santorini temperature regularly pushes 29-32 degrees C. Cloudless skies. Sea at a warm 24 degrees C, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, everything.
But July's defining feature is the Meltemi. Strong northerly wind that makes boat trips choppy, blows sand at the beach, and turns exposed caldera walkways into wind tunnels. Some people love it, keeps the heat from getting unbearable. Others find it exhausting. More in the Meltemi section below.
Santorini Weather August
- Temperature: 29 degrees C / 85 degrees F high, 23 degrees C / 74 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 25 degrees C / 77 degrees F (warmest of the year)
- Rainfall: 0 days
- Wind: Meltemi at its strongest
- Crowd level: Peak. Busiest month.
- Relative hotel prices: Peak (highest of the year)
- Sunset time: ~8:10 PM
- Verdict: Maximum everything. Heat, crowds, prices, energy. Sea at its warmest. Choose August only if that's what you want, and book well ahead.
August is July with more people. Same temperatures. The sea hits its peak at 25 degrees C. The Meltemi can blow even harder. Mid-August brings the Assumption holiday (August 15), and Greek domestic tourists flood the Cyclades. Ferries sell out. Restaurants have queues. The Oia sunset becomes standing room only.
But the energy is undeniable. Every restaurant and bar is open. Nightlife buzzes. The weather is 100% reliable. If you want that, this is the month.
Santorini Weather in Autumn: September to October
Autumn is Santorini's second golden window. Many repeat visitors, and honestly, most of us who live here, think it's actually the best season. Summer's heat softens. The sea stays warm from months of sunshine. And the crowds thin after mid-September.
Santorini Weather September
- Temperature: 26 degrees C / 79 degrees F high, 21 degrees C / 69 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F (still summer-warm)
- Rainfall: ~1 day
- Wind: Light to moderate; Meltemi fades
- Crowd level: High early, moderate by late September
- Relative hotel prices: High (dropping toward month's end)
- Sunset time: ~7:30 PM (late September)
- Verdict: Arguably the best month on the island. Warm weather, warm sea, fading crowds, better prices, and the best sunset light of the year.
September is the insider's pick. Temperatures in the mid-20s. Sea at 24 degrees C, actually warmer than June. The Meltemi has mostly calmed down. And the light? September brings this warm, golden quality that makes the white architecture and caldera look even more photogenic than usual. Which is saying something.
By the second half of the month, cruise ships thin out. Hotel prices drop. The island feels relaxed in a way that July never does. Everything is still open and running, you just have more breathing room.
For couples and honeymooners, September is the sweet spot. Romantic atmosphere, warm swimming, and fewer people. A cave suite with private jacuzzi and September's golden light, hard to beat that combination.
Santorini Weather October
- Temperature: 23 degrees C / 73 degrees F high, 18 degrees C / 64 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F (still comfortable)
- Rainfall: ~3 days
- Wind: Light to moderate; occasional gusts
- Crowd level: Moderate, dropping to low by late October
- Relative hotel prices: Moderate (shoulder season)
- Sunset time: ~6:45 PM (late October)
- Verdict: Great value. Weather similar to May, but the sea is warmer. Prices drop 30-40% from peak. Some businesses start closing late in the month.
October mirrors May on the calendar with one bonus: the sea has spent the entire summer warming up. At 22 degrees C, the santorini sea temperature is properly comfortable well into October. In May it's still 19 degrees C, you'll feel the difference.
Early October still feels like an extension of summer. Everything open. Sunny days. Warm enough for t-shirts. Late October you'll notice seasonal businesses winding down, shorter days, the odd cloudy afternoon. But santorini rain remains rare and the quiet is wonderful.
If you want Santorini's beauty without Santorini's prices, this is your month. Pair with our first-time Santorini tips for practical planning.
Santorini Weather in Winter: November to March
Winter isn't what most tourists come for. And that's precisely why a small number of visitors love it. The island goes quiet. Prices drop dramatically. You see Santorini as a living Greek village rather than a tourist attraction.
Santorini Weather November
- Santorini temperature: 19 degrees C / 65 degrees F high, 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F (only for the determined)
- Rainfall: ~5 days
- Wind: Moderate to strong
- Crowd level: Low; tourist season effectively over
- Relative hotel prices: Low
- Sunset time: ~5:15 PM (late November)
- Verdict: The transition. Early November can still surprise you with pleasant 18-20 degree days. Late November feels like winter. Hotels and restaurants start closing.
November is when Santorini flips the switch. First half? You can still get mild, sunny days, warm enough for a caldera walk in a light sweater. Second half? Rain arrives more regularly, wind picks up, and sunset happens before dinner.
Most seasonal hotels, tour operators, and beach clubs close between late October and mid-November. Fira keeps its year-round restaurants and cafes, making it the most practical winter base.
December
- Temperature: 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F high, 11 degrees C / 52 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F
- Rainfall: ~7 days
- Wind: Moderate to strong
- Crowd level: Very low
- Relative hotel prices: Lowest
- Sunset time: ~5:05 PM
- Verdict: Cool, occasionally wet, but stretches of sunny days still appear. The island is quiet and authentic. Dramatic skies over the caldera for photographers.
January
- Temperature: 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F high, 10 degrees C / 50 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 16 degrees C / 61 degrees F (coldest of the year)
- Rainfall: ~7 days (wettest month)
- Wind: Moderate to strong
- Crowd level: Very low; just locals
- Relative hotel prices: Lowest of the year
- Sunset time: ~5:20 PM
- Verdict: Coldest and wettest, though "wet" by Santorini standards would be a dry spell in London. An acquired taste, but atmospheric.
February
- Temperature: 14 degrees C / 57 degrees F high, 10 degrees C / 50 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F
- Rainfall: ~6 days
- Wind: Moderate to strong (locals say it's the coldest month)
- Crowd level: Very low
- Relative hotel prices: Lowest
- Sunset time: ~5:55 PM
- Verdict: Similar to January but days are getting longer. Late February hints at spring. Carnival season brings local celebrations.
March
- Temperature: 16 degrees C / 60 degrees F high, 11 degrees C / 52 degrees F low
- Sea temperature: 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F
- Rainfall: ~5 days
- Wind: Moderate
- Crowd level: Very low (increasing late March)
- Relative hotel prices: Low
- Sunset time: ~6:35 PM (late March)
- Verdict: Winter's last stand. More sun than January or February. Fewer rain days. First seasonal businesses start reopening. Solid month for hikers and off-season explorers.
The rainy season reality check
Santorini's "rainy season" sounds alarming if you're from London, Seattle, or Amsterdam. Here's the context: the island gets about 350-400 mm of santorini rain per year. London gets around 600 mm. Seattle? Over 900.
Even in January, the wettest month, rain rarely lasts all day. You'll more often get a morning shower followed by afternoon sun than an all-day washout. The rain comes in short, intense bursts rather than endless drizzle.
Visiting in winter? Plan indoor activities (wine tastings, museums, cooking classes) as backups, but don't write off outdoor time. Sunny winter days with dramatic clouds over the caldera and temperatures around 14-16 degrees C, those are beautiful in their own way.
The Meltemi wind: what you need to know
The Meltemi is the big weather story of Aegean summer. Strong, dry northerly wind that sweeps across the Cyclades, Santorini included, primarily from early July through late August. Peak intensity in the second half of July and early August.
What causes it
Pressure difference between a high over the Balkans and low pressure over Turkey. It's not a storm. The sky stays bright and clear while the wind blows hard. That combination confuses people who associate wind with bad weather.
How strong it gets
Mild Meltemi days: 20-30 km/h. A pleasant breeze. Strong days: gusts of 50-60 km/h or more. Whitecaps on the Aegean. Napkins flying off tables. Outdoor dining becomes a sport.
How it affects your trip
- Ferries and boats. Strong Meltemi days can delay or cancel services. Sunset catamaran cruises? Keep your schedule flexible in July and August.
- Beaches. North-facing beaches (Koloumbo) get hammered. South-facing ones, Perissa, Perivolos, Vlychada, are sheltered. The caldera side has no real beaches, so wind there mainly affects walking comfort.
- Photography. Tripods and drones don't love wind. If photography matters to you, early morning (before the Meltemi strengthens) or shoulder months (June, September) are safer.
- Temperature. The Meltemi acts as natural air conditioning. A 30 degree C day with strong wind feels more comfortable than 28 degrees with no breeze. A lot of visitors actually appreciate it.
- Wardrobe. Light layers. Secure your hat. Hair ties are non-negotiable. Loose beach cover-ups become parachutes.
The silver lining
Without the Meltemi, July and August would be genuinely stifling. It keeps the heat manageable. And it clears the air, producing that crystal visibility and deep blue sky that makes Santorini photos so vivid.
Santorini sea temperature by month
The question everyone asks: When can I actually swim?
| Month | Sea Temperature | Swimming Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 degrees C / 61 degrees F | Too cold |
| February | 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F | Too cold |
| March | 15 degrees C / 59 degrees F | Too cold |
| April | 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F | Bracing. Only for the hardy. |
| May | 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F | Cool but swimmable |
| June | 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F | Comfortable |
| July | 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F | Warm |
| August | 25 degrees C / 77 degrees F | Warmest. Perfect. |
| September | 24 degrees C / 75 degrees F | Warm (often warmer than June) |
| October | 22 degrees C / 72 degrees F | Comfortable |
| November | 19 degrees C / 66 degrees F | Cool. The last swimmers of the year. |
| December | 17 degrees C / 63 degrees F | Too cold |
The comfortable swimming window runs from June through October. Warmest santorini sea temperature: August and September. And here's what people miss, September is overlooked for swimming, but the water has stored all summer's heat. It often feels warmer than June even though the air temperature is lower.
Sunset times by month
Santorini is famous for its sunsets, and timing matters, especially if you want a seat at the best viewing spots.
| Month | Approximate Sunset Time |
|---|---|
| January | 5:20 PM |
| February | 5:55 PM |
| March | 6:35 PM |
| April | 7:45 PM |
| May | 8:15 PM |
| June | 8:40 PM |
| July | 8:35 PM |
| August | 8:10 PM |
| September | 7:30 PM |
| October | 6:45 PM |
| November | 5:15 PM |
| December | 5:05 PM |
Latest sunsets are in June, the sun doesn't drop below the caldera until nearly 8:45 PM. Long, golden evenings. Perfect for a caldera-view aperitivo. Winter? Sunset before 5:30 PM, which means shorter days but often more dramatic clouds and colors.
What to pack for each season
Spring (April to May)
- Layers: t-shirts for daytime, a light jacket or sweater for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes (essential for caldera hikes and cobblestone streets)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (the spring sun is stronger than it feels)
- A light rain jacket, especially in April
- Light scarf for windy days
Summer (June to August)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing. Linen and cotton.
- Swimwear and a cover-up
- High-SPF sunscreen. Reapply constantly.
- A hat that won't blow away (the Meltemi will test it)
- Hair ties. Seriously.
- Comfortable sandals for town, water shoes for pebbly volcanic beaches
- A light cardigan for air-conditioned restaurants
Autumn (September to October)
- Similar to spring: layers for changing santorini temperature through the day
- Swimwear, the sea is still warm
- A light jacket for October evenings
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen. The autumn sun still has bite.
Winter (November to March)
- Warm layers: sweaters, a real jacket, a scarf
- Waterproof shoes (cobblestones get slippery in rain)
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
- Skip the swimwear. Unless your hotel has a heated pool or jacuzzi.
Best months for your travel style
Couples and honeymooners
Best santorini weather months: May, June, September, October
Warmth, beauty, and enough quiet to feel like the island is yours. September is the standout, warm seas, golden light, the post-summer calm. Our Santorini honeymoon planning guide has more.
Photography enthusiasts
Best months: April, May, September, October
Shoulder months deliver the best light. Lower sun angles create longer golden hours. Air is clearer than peak summer. No crowds cluttering your photo spots. Spring adds wildflowers. Autumn adds dramatic clouds.
Budget travelers
Best months: April (late), October, November (early)
Shoulder season rates can be 30-50% lower than July/August at the same properties. Cheaper flights. Restaurants not surge-pricing. And you still get pleasant santorini weather. October especially gives you summer-like conditions at a fraction of peak cost.
Avoiding crowds
Best months: November to March (true solitude), April or late October (solitude + decent weather)
Want the beauty without the masses? Shoulder edges. Late April: warm-ish, nearly empty. Late October: similar. True off-season (December to February): genuine solitude, but most businesses are closed.
Swimming and beach days
Best months: July, August, September
Sea peaks at 25 degrees C in August. July and September are close behind. June and October work for swimming too, but July through September is when you can spend all day in the water without thinking twice. See our first-time visitor tips for beach recommendations.
Planning your Santorini trip around the weather
The data points to a clear pattern: May to June and September to October are the sweet spot for most travelers. Warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, swimmable sea, and you skip the extremes of peak summer, the Meltemi and the crowds.
July and August are perfect if you want guaranteed heat, maximum nightlife, and don't mind sharing the island. Just book accommodation and activities well in advance.
Winter visitors are a different breed, and I mean that as a compliment. If you want Santorini as a real Greek island rather than a tourist attraction, November through March rewards you with authenticity, dramatic scenery, and prices that barely register.
Whatever month you pick, the santorini climate rarely lets you down. Even a "bad weather" day (a brief shower, a breezy afternoon) is usually short-lived and followed by blue skies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainy season in Santorini?
November through February. Rainfall peaks in December and January at roughly 80 to 90 mm per month spread across 10 to 12 rainy days. Outside those months Santorini gets less than 10 mm per month. From May through September, rain is almost a non-event.
When should you NOT visit Santorini?
Mid-July through mid-August if you dislike crowds, queues at Oia sunset, or 40 degree heat. January and February if you want most cliffside hotels, restaurants, and ferry connections open. Mid-November to mid-December has the most unpredictable weather and the fewest reasons to be here. Anything else is fine.
Is May or June better for Santorini?
Both are excellent. May has cooler air (mid-20s C), wilder wildflowers, fewer crowds, and a sea still warming up (around 19 degrees C). June has warmer water (around 22 degrees C), longer days, and the season fully open, but visibly more crowds. For first-timers focused on sightseeing, May. For swimming and beach days, June.
Is it warm enough to swim in Santorini in April?
Most travelers say no. Sea temperatures average 17 to 18 degrees C in April. Hardy swimmers and locals will dip in, but most visitors find it bracing. May warms to around 19 to 20 degrees C, and by mid-June you are in 22+ degree water.
What is the hottest month in Santorini?
July and August tie at an average of 29 degrees C (85 degrees F). August can feel hotter, the Meltemi isn't always consistent, and accumulated summer heat pushes sea and land temperatures to their annual peak.
Does it rain in Santorini in summer?
Almost never. June through September averages fewer than 1-2 rain days across those four months combined. Leave the umbrella at home if you're visiting May through October.
Is Santorini too windy in July?
The Meltemi is real, gusts hitting 50+ km/h on strong days. It can delay boats and make exposed areas uncomfortable. But many visitors appreciate it for keeping temperatures bearable. South-facing beaches are sheltered. The wind usually calms by evening.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Santorini?
June through October. Santorini sea temperature ranges from 22-25 degrees C across those months. September often has the best swimming: warm water (24 degrees C), fewer crowded beaches, no Meltemi. May and November sit around 19 degrees C, swimmable, but you'll know it.
What is the best month to visit Santorini for the first time?
September or May. Warm santorini weather, manageable crowds, everything open, prices below peak. September wins slightly thanks to warmer seas and softer light. Full comparison in our best time to visit Santorini guide.
What should I pack for Santorini in October?
Light layers. Santorini weather in October still hits 23 degrees C during the day, t-shirts and light trousers work fine. Jacket for evenings. A rain layer just in case. Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. Don't forget swimwear, the sea is still 22 degrees C. See our 3-day Santorini itinerary for a packing-friendly trip plan.
This guide is part of our Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide. For accommodation advice, see Where to Stay in Santorini.
