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Best time to visit Santorini

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Santorini, Greece

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	8-14°C, cloudy with frequent rain, occasional strong winds.	low	low	• Quiet exploration of villages ⚠ Many businesses and hotels are closed for the season.
February	9-15°C, cool and damp with intermittent rain and wind.	low	low	• Carnival celebrations in local towns ⚠ Still very much off-season; limited services available.
March	11-17°C, mild with increasing sunshine but still some rain.	low	low	• Early blooming wildflowers ⚠ The sea is still too cold for swimming for most.
April	14-20°C, pleasant with sunny days and cool evenings.	moderate	moderate	• Easter celebrations (Orthodox Easter often falls in April) • Sea temperatures begin to rise
May	18-24°C, warm and sunny with very little rain.	moderate	moderate	• Ideal beach weather begins • Vibrant bougainvillea in bloom
June	22-28°C, hot and sunny, perfect for swimming.	high	high	• Long, sunny days • Warm sea temperatures
July	25-31°C, very hot and dry with constant sunshine.	peak	peak	• Peak summer heat for sun-seekers • Lively nightlife ⚠ Can be uncomfortably hot for daytime sightseeing.
August	26-32°C, intensely hot and dry, with strong Meltemi winds.	peak	peak	• Peak season energy • Sailing and windsurfing conditions can be excellent ⚠ The Meltemi winds can be disruptive for ferries and small boats.
September	22-28°C, warm and sunny, sea is still very warm.	high	high	• Excellent swimming conditions • Fewer crowds than July/August but still busy
October	18-24°C, mild and sunny, with a chance of occasional rain.	moderate	moderate	• Grape harvest season • Pleasant temperatures for caldera hikes
November	14-20°C, cool with increasing cloud cover and rain risk.	low	low	• Autumnal beauty and quiet atmosphere ⚠ Many tourist facilities begin to close down.
December	10-16°C, cool, damp, and windy with frequent rain.	low	low	• Christmas decorations in Fira and Oia ⚠ Most hotels and restaurants are closed; very limited services.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

April

Orthodox Easter

A major religious festival with unique traditions, processions, and feasting, often falling in April.

August

International Music Festival

Features classical music concerts and performances held in various scenic locations across the island.

September

Santorini Wine Festival

Celebrates the island's unique volcanic wines with tastings, music, and local food.

October

Hike & Run Santorini

A popular trail running event with routes along the caldera rim and through traditional villages.

September

Agios Efstratios Feast Day

A local religious celebration with traditional music and food in the village of Pyrgos.

Insider timing tips

•The 'Meltemi' winds, strongest in July and August, can be a blessing for cooling down but a nuisance for boat trips and beach relaxation.
•While May and September offer ideal weather, prices and crowds remain high due to their popularity as shoulder seasons.
•Many businesses observe a significant off-season from November to March, with limited services and closures, especially in smaller villages.
•The sea temperature remains warm enough for swimming well into October, making it a great alternative to the peak summer months.
•Orthodox Easter, which varies annually, can be a vibrant cultural experience but also brings a surge in domestic tourism and higher prices.

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