Greece · tool
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 | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8-14°C, cloudy with frequent rain and strong winds. | low | low |
⚠ Many hotels and restaurants are closed for the season. | |
| February | 9-15°C, cool, windy, and rainy. | low | low |
⚠ Still very quiet, with many closures. | |
| March | 11-17°C, improving but still prone to rain and wind. | low | low |
⚠ Some businesses begin to reopen. | |
| April | 14-20°C, pleasant with increasing sunshine and fewer showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The island starts to buzz with activity. | |
| May | 18-24°C, warm and sunny with minimal rain. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| June | 22-28°C, hot and sunny with very little chance of rain. | high | high |
| |
| July | 25-31°C, very hot and sunny, often with Meltemi winds. | peak | peak |
⚠ Can be uncomfortably hot for extensive sightseeing. | |
| August | 26-32°C, hottest month, very sunny with strong Meltemi winds. | peak | peak |
⚠ Peak heat and peak prices; book well in advance. | |
| September | 22-28°C, warm and sunny, sea is still warm. | high | high |
| |
| October | 18-24°C, pleasant and sunny with a chance of occasional rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Many tourist facilities remain open. | |
| November | 14-20°C, cool, increasingly rainy and windy. | low | low |
⚠ Many businesses start to close for winter. | |
| December | 10-16°C, cold, damp, and windy with frequent rain. | low | low |
⚠ Most hotels and restaurants are closed; limited ferry service. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
Orthodox Easter is celebrated with religious services, feasts, and local traditions across the island.
A major religious holiday with church services and local festivals, particularly in Pyrgos.
Showcasing the island's unique Assyrtiko grape and local wineries, often held in the Santo Wines tasting hall.
Concerts and performances held in various venues, often featuring classical and contemporary music.
A local saint's day celebrated with religious services and community gatherings in some villages.
Insider timing tips
- •The Meltemi winds, prevalent in July and August, can be strong and cool the air slightly but also create choppy seas, impacting ferry schedules and boat tours.
- •While summer offers the best weather, booking accommodation and flights 6-9 months in advance is crucial for July and August due to peak demand and prices.
- •Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a compelling balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices than the summer high season.
- •Many businesses, especially in smaller villages and Oia, close from November to March, making it a challenging time for independent travelers seeking full services.
- •The sea temperature in Santorini remains warm well into October, making it a viable option for swimming even after the summer heat subsides.
Ready to plan your Santorini trip?
Get a full day-by-day itinerary with real places and bookable activities.
Best time to visit elsewhere