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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 and strong winds.	low	low	• Quiet exploration of villages ⚠ Many hotels and restaurants are closed for the season.
February	9-15°C, cool, windy, and rainy.	low	low	• Carnival festivities in Fira ⚠ Still very quiet, with many closures.
March	11-17°C, improving but still prone to rain and wind.	low	low	• Blooming wildflowers ⚠ Some businesses begin to reopen.
April	14-20°C, pleasant with increasing sunshine and fewer showers.	moderate	moderate	• Easter celebrations • Wildflower season continues ⚠ The island starts to buzz with activity.
May	18-24°C, warm and sunny with minimal rain.	moderate	moderate	• Ideal beach weather begins • Vibrant bougainvillea
June	22-28°C, hot and sunny with very little chance of rain.	high	high	• Perfect for swimming and sunbathing • Long daylight hours
July	25-31°C, very hot and sunny, often with Meltemi winds.	peak	peak	• Prime time for caldera views • Lively nightlife ⚠ Can be uncomfortably hot for extensive sightseeing.
August	26-32°C, hottest month, very sunny with strong Meltemi winds.	peak	peak	• Assumption Day celebrations • Ideal for water sports ⚠ Peak heat and peak prices; book well in advance.
September	22-28°C, warm and sunny, sea is still warm.	high	high	• Sea is at its warmest • Fewer crowds than August
October	18-24°C, pleasant and sunny with a chance of occasional rain.	moderate	moderate	• Harvest season for local produce • Beautiful golden light for photography ⚠ Many tourist facilities remain open.
November	14-20°C, cool, increasingly rainy and windy.	low	low	• Last chance for mild weather ⚠ Many businesses start to close for winter.
December	10-16°C, cold, damp, and windy with frequent rain.	low	low	• Christmas and New Year's atmosphere ⚠ Most hotels and restaurants are closed; limited ferry service.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

April

Easter Celebrations

Orthodox Easter is celebrated with religious services, feasts, and local traditions across the island.

August

Assumption Day (Dekapentavgoustos)

A major religious holiday with church services and local festivals, particularly in Pyrgos.

September

Santorini Wine Festival

Showcasing the island's unique Assyrtiko grape and local wineries, often held in the Santo Wines tasting hall.

September

International Music Festival

Concerts and performances held in various venues, often featuring classical and contemporary music.

February

Feast of Saint Charalambos

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.