Planning the ideal trip requires being aware of the best and worst times to visit this well-known tourist destination. Discover all there is to know about Santorini’s peak and off-seasons here!
For those seeking sunshine, the ocean, wine, history, and more, Santorini, Greece, is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. You’ll adore the magnificent sunsets and rich culture, whether you’re a history enthusiast, an explorer, or just looking for some R&R!
Why You Should Visit Santorini
Visit the breathtaking Greek island of Santorini for a variety of reasons. Santorini is the ideal destination for an exciting or restful vacation, regardless of whether you prefer a sunny beach day or a transcendent hike up an active volcano.
You can enjoy this renowned Greek island on any budget thanks to the wonderful hotels and resorts, which range from opulent residences to affordable accommodations. Eat genuine moussaka and enjoy delicious Greek wine produced right there on the island!
Your trip will be magical and unforgettable thanks to Santorini’s lovely weather and friendly locals. Actually, it’s challenging to think of a good excuse not to visit Santorini!
When is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is between late April and early November when it’s warm and dry outside. Visit in June, July, August, or September for the warm weather, nightlife, swimming, and sunbathing. March through May or early December are the best months for sightseeing in comfort and moderate temperatures.
- Best Time for a Beach Holiday: Santorini experiences its warmest months between June and September, when it is sunny, hot, and the water at the island’s top beaches is ideal for swimming. The warmest months of the summer for water temperature are August and September. Although it can’t be guaranteed, swimming is typically possible between early May and late October.
- Best Time for Sightseeing: You don’t need hot temperatures if you’re visiting Santorini for the sightseeing, views, wineries, and food; just warm, comfortable weather will do. Therefore, the last few weeks of March, April, May, October, and November are ideal for exploring the island. Despite the possibility of rain and the fact that it is still warm by northern European standards, warmer clothing should be brought.
- Best Time for Greek Island Hopping: Compared to the other Greek islands, Santorini has a much longer travel season (because there are more than just beaches here). This makes traveling during the slower months (March, April, early May, late October, and November) a fantastic choice. The best time to visit if you want to see a few other islands is between mid-May and mid-October, but be aware that nearby islands like Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros will be very quiet during these months. Large and wonderful to visit all year round, Athens is a city.
- Best Time for a Santorini Cruise: Santorini cruises are not something I advise taking (going on your own is much better).
- Best Time for Saving Money: Winter is the least expensive season to visit Santorini because there are fewer travelers and fewer hotels needing rooms. Unfortunately, even in the off-season, flights to Greece will probably always be expensive. But you can get a plane ticket for less money and book a hotel or resort for less money. Everyone wants to cut costs when traveling, so if you don’t mind packing sweaters in addition to your bathing suits, your ideal Greek vacation might be in the dead of winter!
- Santorini in Winter: Every year, more people visit Santorini in the winter. The weather in Santorini in December, January, or February will probably be mild (in comparison to winter in Northern Europe), with some rain and cloudy and clear skies changing frequently. The wintertime in Santorini is frequently ideal for going for walks, taking photos, sightseeing, and exploring. Many people enjoy going during the slower months when it seems like you have the caldera and sunset views to yourself. Although you should bring some warmer clothing (pants, a sweater, and a raincoat), don’t be shocked if you spend some of your time in this country wearing shorts. There will likely be close to 150 hotels open all year round in 2021–2022, up from just 20–30 in the past three–four years. The major towns of Fira and Oia now have a ton of restaurants open, as well as a few bars (but no clubs, as they close in early October). Although winter seems to be warmer and sunnier than it did ten years ago, it’s still a good idea to be ready for anything. (Santorini even receives snowfall. There will occasionally accumulate a little snow, typically in January or February, about once every ten years.)
- Best Time for Tours: From late May to late September is prime time for caldera boat tours and Santorini jet ski tours. While many private tours and some wine tours are unavailable from December to March, the majority of other tours are available year-round.
Worst Time to Visit Santorini
The worst time to visit Santorini is the dead of winter, because the weather will not be idyllic, and many of the things you wanted to experience may not be available.
Even if you decide against traveling during the winter, you can still benefit from cheaper hotel and flight rates.
However, a lot of the popular tourist attractions might be closed for the year. The best way to get around this inconvenience is to make friends with and socialize with locals who can tell you what to enjoy!
Even if you don’t speak Greek well, learning a few useful phrases can help you have a good time in Santorini during the winter.
An old-fashioned option is to get a pocket dictionary that is both English and Greek. But there are now a lot of helpful apps and translation tools available. Use apps like Duo Lingo or Babel to brush up before your trip to get ready.
However, since many Santorinians are fluent in English, don’t worry too much. Bikinis and short shorts might not be the most appropriate attire for visitors to Santorini in the winter.
Instead, bring lightweight pants, sweaters, or long sleeves in addition to t-shirts. The winter months in Santorini are rainy, so it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker.
Santorini Travel Seasons
- High Season (late June to early September): Lots of people and hot, sunny weather, but never too many to make it unpleasant. At their highest point, prices. swimming in warmest and most ideal seawater. The most frequent modes of transportation are flights and ferries. This is the ideal time to visit if you’re in Greece for the nightlife.
- Shoulder Season (May and June, September and October): It’s a beautiful day, sunny and warm but not scorching hot like the summer. There are lots of tourists, but it’s never crowded. Almost all ferry routes are open, and everything is open. Between May and October, the sea might not be warm enough for swimming.
- Low Season (November to April): During the winter, Santorini is becoming more and more well-liked. Although it can be a great time to travel on a budget and see the sights, you should always be weather-ready. Winter means that any day could have overcast skies, chilly temperatures, and some rain. Although many hotels and restaurants are closed during the winter, more do so every year as winter travel grows. Due to its openness, Fira is the most practical location to stay in during the off-season. Although there will be at least one ferry and several flights going to and from Athens each day, ferries and flights have sporadic schedules.
Santorini Weather by Month
On Santorini, June through September offer the most pleasant beach weather. The busiest months, when hotels are full and restaurants are packed, are July and August. March, April, May, October, and November are excellent months to visit if you’re more interested in sightseeing, hiking, and stunning views.
- Santorini in January (10% Crowded): In Santorini terms, it was damp, chilly, and windy. One of the coldest and wettest months is January. Although there are not many tourists on the island, local life continues at a pleasant pace. Oia and Fira always have establishments open, despite the fact that many hotels and restaurants are closed. The beach towns are shut down entirely. (Typical Maximum Temperature: 14°C. 42 mm of rain fall annually.)
- Santorini in February (10% Crowded): It’s coldest in Santorini in February, much like it is in January. The amount of rain is a little less than it was in December and January (Average Maximum Temperature: 14°C. 35 mm of rain is the standard.)
- Santorini in March (30% Crowded): When compared to the previous three months, March shows a significant change. There is less rain, more sun, and warmer weather. While tourists should prepare for some rain and chilly nights, this can be a pleasant time of year for hikers and sight-seeing. The majority of hotels and eateries open by the end of March. (Maximum average temperature: 16°C. 32 mm of rain falls on average.)
- Santorini in April (40% Crowded): A fantastic month for going on hikes, sightseeing, and winery tours. At the end of the month, if it’s a warm year, you might be able to go to the beach a few times. (19°C is the average maximum temperature. 12 mm of rain is the standard.)
- Santorini in May (60% Crowded): Between early May, when cool, overcast days can still occur frequently, and late May, when the days are consistently sunny and warm, there is a significant difference. The beach towns open for business in May after clearing away the cobwebs. (22°C is the average maximum temperature. 7 mm is the typical rainfall.)
- Santorini in June (75% Crowded): The beginning of beach season and a hot, sunny month like June bring a lot of travelers. (26 degrees Celsius is the average maximum temperature. 0.3 millimeters of rain fall on average.)
- July Weather on Santorini (95% Crowded): July is the busiest month on Santorini, followed by August, and it’s hot and sunny. When planning a trip in July, reserve lodging at least three months in advance, and six months for luxury accommodations. (Maximum average temperature is 27°C. 0.9mm of rain falls on average.)
- Santorini in August (100% Crowded): It’s hot and sunny, with sporadic strong winds known as the Meltemi that can cause ferry and catamaran cancellations. For August travel, reserve accommodations at least three months in advance, and six months for luxury accommodations. (27 degrees Celsius is the average maximum temperature. 0.4 millimeters of rain fall on average.)
- Santorini in September (80% Crowded): Sunny and warm, but a little cooler than August. While the weather is similar to June’s, the water is warmer due to the summer’s increased heat. September is the ideal month to visit Santorini because the winds have died down. Hotels are still extremely busy, and reservations can be made months in advance. (Maximum average temperature: 25°C. 6 mm is the typical rainfall.)
- Santorini in October (60% Crowded): Although the weather is changing in the opposite direction, October is very similar to May. Early October, when days can be hot and sunny, and late October, when you can have some cool cloudy days and beach trips seem like a distant memory, are frequently markedly different from one another. (Maximum temperature on average: 22°C. 18 mm is the typical rainfall.)
- Santorini in November (40% Crowded): In November, the chilly, overcast days of winter begin. Warm days that would make going to the beach in early November possible can still occur. By the end of November, most upscale hotels are closed. Until the season’s last cruise ship arrives (typically in late November), Oia and Fira maintain a moderate level of activity. (18 degrees Celsius is the average maximum temperature. 44 mm of rain is typical.)
- Santorini in December (20% Crowded): Although there are frequently intervals of clear skies and sunny days, be ready for cool, cloudy, and rainy weather. Due to the closure of most other towns, Fira serves as the center of activity during the winter. At least a few restaurants and markets will be open in Oia, along with several hotels. (Temperature maximum on average: 15°C. 46 millimeters of rain are typically received.)
Things to Consider When Visiting Santorini
Not everyone will have the same goals in mind when making travel arrangements. Many honeymooners enjoy staying put in a stunning resort, sipping wine while taking in the sunsets.
However, families with young children who are confined to hotels might not be able to keep them amused. When is the best time for you to visit Santorini? That depends on your travel schedule, budget, and group size, among other factors.
- Crowds. Some individuals don’t mind a busy area’s commotion. Some people would rather pass away than wait in line or navigate a crowd of tourists. Take into account how you and your travel companions feel about tourist crowds because attitudes toward them are very subjective. You’ll have a great time visiting during the summer and taking in the almost-perfect island weather, though, if you don’t mind eating in a crowded restaurant or waiting an hour for a ferry.
- Budget. Your trip’s cost will greatly depend on when you choose to visit Santorini. If money is tight, travel at the start or end of the tourist season for the best results. However, you can schedule your trip for the off-season and endure a few rainy days if you want to save money.
- Priorities. Plan your trip around the experiences that are most important to you. Off-season won’t be the best time for you to visit the beaches if you want to do so. However, you can avoid the summer crowds and still have the desired experience if you concentrate on the cuisine and architecture.
- Flexibility. Some individuals have rigid ideas about the ideal Santorini vacation. However, there is something to enjoy no matter what time of year you go if you’re adaptable and willing to go with the flow.
- Group size. You can visit Santorini in any season, no matter how many people you’re traveling with. However, the summer months and peak season will be more difficult the larger the group. It will be challenging, if not impossible, to book guided tours and excursions if your group size is eight or more.
You can save money, avoid the lines, and still have a great time by being adaptable. However, it’s acceptable if you acknowledge that there are elements of your ideal Santorini vacation that you are not prepared to forego.
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of traveling at different times of year, keep this in mind. It will be difficult to reserve a large table at a restaurant, especially considering how small many Greek eateries are.
On the other hand, a couple might not have any trouble getting a table even in the middle of a crowd of tourists or reserving a spot on a winery tour even when there aren’t many spots left.
Santorini Holiday Planning
When to Book Santorini Hotels?
Bookings for Santorini hotels begin well in advance. The best hotels can sell out four to six months in advance. If you’re traveling in July, August, or the first part of September, book one of the hotels on the list below as soon as possible. Be sure to read the details for each hotel, but most on Booking.com offer free cancellation.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Santorini?
To thoroughly explore the island, take in its top sights, go on a wine or boat tour, watch the sunset from a few different vantage points, and dine at some of the island’s best establishments, you need at least three days. Long walks, swimming, tanning, additional tours, dining, nightlife, and dancing could easily fill a week. If you have more than a week in Greece, I’d suggest staying on Santorini for 5 to 7 days before moving on to another island. Visiting Naxos, Paros, Ios, Mykonos, Crete, or Rhodes would probably give you a richer experience than spending an additional week in Santorini.
Conclusion: What’s the Best Time to Visit Santorini?
If you hate the crowds but love the warm weather, the best time to visit Santorini is in March or October. These are the ideal months to visit because you can take advantage of all the excursions and beautiful weather without having to compete for space with the other visitors to the island.
In the end, Santorini is a fantastic destination for your upcoming trip, and there are things to enjoy there year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about visiting Santorini and planning your vacation, refer to the commonly asked questions and answers detailed below:
What Does a Trip to Santorini Cost?
When calculating the cost of your trip to Santorini, you must take a lot of things into account. Your travel season, group size, destination, and length of stay will all have a significant impact on the final price.
For a seven-day trip to Santorini, the average cost for a single traveler is $3,200, while the cost for a couple is $5,750. This estimate takes into account travel, lodging, meals, and extra costs like shopping.
In the end, visiting Santorini is much more expensive than staying there. Depending on the departure city, flights usually cost between $1,000 and $1,200. Therefore, be prepared for your plane ticket to be the most costly one of all.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Santorini
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, November is the ideal time to go. Both the weather and the crowds are still beautiful. Santorini is the ideal destination to visit in the off-season because the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Akrotiri Archaeological Site are open all year long.
How Long Should I Stay in Santorini?
You are free to stay however long you like, of course. However, traveling to Greece and then the island of Santorini requires a significant amount of effort. In order to make the trip worthwhile, people advise staying at least five days.
If you can, add an extra day or two to your trip if you’re traveling during the busy season because certain locations, like popular beaches or eateries, might be overcrowded on some days.
You can cut your trip short if necessary if you travel in the winter because there will be fewer things to do and fewer people to share space with.
Is Santorini the Best Greek Island?
Some disagree, while many consider Santorini to be the best Greek island. There are a variety of things to love about each of Greece’s thousands of islands that are just off the country’s coast.
Consider Naxos, Paros, Syros, Kos, Crete, Delos, Mykonos, Corfu, or Rhodes if you’re thinking about spending your Greek vacation on another island. Many of these other popular tourist islands will be less congested than Santorini during the height of the season.
Where’s the Best Place to Stay in Santorini?
Since the island is home to a wide variety of charming and welcoming hotels and resorts, there is no correct response to this. Set a nightly budget before you begin your search so you can eliminate accommodations that are out of your price range.
The Hotel Leta, Phos Boutique, and Smy Mediterranean White Santorini are three places that people who have visited Greece highly recommend. But you can pick from over a thousand hotels and resorts!
What is the Coldest Month in Santorini?
Typically, February is the coldest month, with lows as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For people who have experienced a real winter, like New Englanders or Canadians, this temperature is still child’s play, but by Greek standards, it is extremely cold.
