Santorini has a dry, sunny Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, mild winters and very little rain between May and September. What catches many visitors out is not the heat but the wind: the island sits exposed in the middle of the Aegean, and the summer Meltemi can make a 30°C day feel surprisingly fresh on the caldera edge. This guide covers the weather in Santorini month by month, with average temperatures, sea temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and sunset times, plus honest advice on what each month is actually like for beaches, swimming, hiking and sightseeing.
Quick answer
The best weather in Santorini is from late May to mid October, with the warmest sea in August and September.
- Hottest months: July and August, with average highs of 30°C
- Coldest month: January, with average highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C
- Warmest sea: August at about 25°C, still 24°C in September
- Wettest months: December and January, about 9 rainy days each
- Windiest period: July and August, when the Meltemi blows
- Best balance of weather and crowds: late May, June, September and early October
Santorini Weather by Month at a Glance
The chart and table below show average daytime highs, night time lows and sea temperatures for every month of the year. Air temperatures are measured at the National Observatory of Athens weather station on Santorini, averaged from 2013 to 2025, so they reflect the island’s recent climate rather than older long term averages.
Average high and sea temperature in Santorini (°C)
Average daytime highAverage sea temperature
Air temperatures: National Observatory of Athens monthly bulletins for the Santorini station, July 2013 to March 2025. Sea temperatures: satellite averages for the waters around Santorini. Sunshine and rainy days: 1991 to 2020 climate averages. Sunrise and sunset times are for Fira on the 15th of each month.
| Month | High | Low | Sea | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine | Daylight | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 10°C | 17°C | 53 mm | 9 | 4 hrs | 9.9 hrs | 17:26 |
| February | 15°C | 10°C | 17°C | 41 mm | 7 | 5 hrs | 10.9 hrs | 17:58 |
| March | 16°C | 11°C | 16°C | 45 mm | 6 | 6.5 hrs | 11.9 hrs | 18:25 |
| April | 20°C | 14°C | 17°C | 12 mm | 3 | 8.5 hrs | 13.1 hrs | 19:51 |
| May | 23°C | 17°C | 19°C | 8 mm | 2 | 9.5 hrs | 14.1 hrs | 20:17 |
| June | 28°C | 21°C | 22°C | 4 mm | 1 | 11 hrs | 14.6 hrs | 20:37 |
| July | 30°C | 23°C | 24°C | 0 mm | 0 | 12 hrs | 14.4 hrs | 20:36 |
| August | 30°C | 24°C | 25°C | 3 mm | 0 | 11.5 hrs | 13.5 hrs | 20:08 |
| September | 27°C | 21°C | 24°C | 3 mm | 1 | 9.5 hrs | 12.4 hrs | 19:25 |
| October | 23°C | 18°C | 22°C | 15 mm | 3 | 7.5 hrs | 11.3 hrs | 18:42 |
| November | 19°C | 15°C | 19°C | 34 mm | 5 | 5.5 hrs | 10.2 hrs | 17:09 |
| December | 16°C | 12°C | 17°C | 55 mm | 9 | 4 hrs | 9.7 hrs | 17:03 |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column. Sunset times move by about 1 hour when Greek clocks change on the last Sunday of March and the last Sunday of October.
Santorini Weather Month by Month
Averages only tell part of the story, so here is what each month actually feels like on the island, how warm the sea is, what is open and what to pack.
Santorini Weather in January
January is the coldest and one of the wettest months in Santorini, with daytime highs around 14°C and nights close to 10°C. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts between sunny spells, and strong northerly winds can make the caldera edge feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. The coldest night recorded on the island in recent years was 1°C in January, so frost is almost unheard of, and snow is extremely rare. Most caldera hotels and many restaurants in Oia and Imerovigli are closed, but Fira stays lively with local cafés and tavernas. It is a good month for walking, photography and seeing the island without crowds, but not for a beach holiday.
Pack: a warm coat or padded jacket, a jumper, waterproof shoes and an umbrella.
Santorini Weather in February
February is very similar to January, with highs of about 15°C, slightly fewer rainy days and noticeably longer afternoons as the month goes on. It is often the windiest winter month, and gales can occasionally delay or cancel ferries, so leave a spare day at the end of any winter trip that involves a boat. The island is quiet and many businesses are still closed, although this is when some hotels start their spring refurbishments. Carnival celebrations in the weeks before Lent bring a little local colour to the villages.
Pack: the same as January, with a windproof layer for the caldera walk between Fira and Oia.
Santorini Weather in March
March is the start of spring, with highs around 16°C, more sunshine and the first wildflowers covering the terraces and hillsides. The sea is at its coldest of the year in March, at about 16.5°C, so swimming is only for the brave. Weather can swing between warm, still days and cool, blustery ones. From the last Sunday of March the clocks go forward and sunset jumps to around 19:35, which makes evenings much more usable. Clean Monday, the start of Greek Orthodox Lent, is a public holiday marked with kite flying and picnics, and falls on 15 March in 2027.
Pack: layers, a light waterproof jacket, a warm jumper for the evenings and comfortable walking shoes.
Santorini Weather in April
April brings a real change, with average highs of 20°C, only 3 or so rainy days and 8.5 hours of sunshine a day. It is one of the best months for walking the caldera trail, visiting Akrotiri and exploring the villages before the heat and the crowds arrive. You can sunbathe on sheltered black sand beaches such as Perissa and Kamari on calm days, but the sea is still only about 17°C. Most hotels and restaurants reopen during April, and cruise ship season begins. Easter is the biggest celebration of the Greek year and a wonderful time to visit; in 2027 Greek Orthodox Easter falls on 2 May, so April 2027 will be the quiet run up to it.
Pack: T shirts for the day, a jumper and light jacket for the evenings, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the spring sun is stronger than it feels.
Santorini Weather in May
May is one of the most pleasant months of the year in Santorini. Highs average 23°C, rain is rare, and evenings are warm enough to sit outside for sunset without a coat. The sea warms from about 18°C at the start of the month to 20°C by the end, so a first swim is realistic in late May, especially at the sheltered south coast beaches. Everything is open, prices are lower than in summer and the island is busy without being overwhelming. Temperatures of 35°C have been recorded in late May during warm spells, but those are the exception.
Pack: summer clothes, swimwear, a light cardigan or jacket for the evenings and high factor sunscreen.
Santorini Weather in June
June is proper summer, with highs of 28°C, almost no rain and the longest days of the year at nearly 15 hours of daylight. The sea reaches about 22°C, which is comfortable for swimming, and the Meltemi has usually not yet reached full strength, so boat trips around the caldera tend to be calm. Crowds build steadily through the month, but June is still noticeably quieter and cheaper than July and August. Sunset over the caldera comes late, at around 20:35, so the famous Oia sunset is a late evening event.
Pack: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat, swimwear, water shoes for the pebbly beaches and a thin layer for breezy evenings.
Santorini Weather in July
July is hot, dry and very busy, with average highs of 30°C, warm nights around 23°C and virtually no rain. The hottest temperature recorded on the island in recent years was 39.4°C during a July heatwave, and several days above 35°C are common in a heatwave summer. The Meltemi usually starts to blow in July, bringing strong, dry northerly winds that keep the heat bearable but can make northern and eastern beaches choppy. The sea is a lovely 24°C. Book accommodation, car hire and boat trips well ahead.
Pack: the lightest clothes you own, a hat, high factor sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and something to hold your hat on in the wind.
Santorini Weather in August
August matches July for heat, with highs of 30°C and the warmest nights of the year at about 24°C, and it has the warmest sea at around 25°C. It is also the windiest month, with the Meltemi sometimes blowing for 3 or 4 days at a time, and the busiest month for visitors, especially around the 15 August Assumption holiday when Greeks travel to the islands in huge numbers. Fast catamarans are the boats most likely to be delayed on the windiest days, while the large conventional ferries rarely stop running.
Pack: as for July, plus a light windproof layer if you plan a boat trip or a sunset on the caldera edge.
Santorini Weather in September
For many people September is the best month of all in Santorini. Highs ease to about 27°C, the wind drops as the Meltemi fades, and the sea is still around 24°C after a summer of warming, which makes it the best month for swimming. Families head home after the first week, so beaches and viewpoints are calmer, although the island stays busy with couples and cruise passengers. The first autumn shower can arrive in the last week, but it rarely lasts long.
Pack: summer clothes and swimwear, plus a light jumper for evenings late in the month.
Santorini Weather in October
October is warm but changeable, and it really is two different months. Early October often feels like late summer, with highs around 25°C and a sea of 23°C, while by the end of the month highs are closer to 21°C and evenings need a jumper. There are usually 3 or so rainy days, most of them in the second half. The golden autumn light makes this a favourite month for photographers, and the caldera walk is at its most comfortable. Many beach bars, some restaurants and a number of seasonal ferry routes wind down in the last week, and hotels start closing from late October. The clocks go back on the last Sunday of October, bringing sunset forward to about 17:35.
Pack: summer clothes and swimwear for the day, plus a warm layer and a light waterproof for the evenings.
Santorini Weather in November
November is mild but increasingly unsettled, with highs around 19°C, about 5 rainy days and short afternoons that end with sunset shortly after 17:00. The sea holds on to its warmth and is still around 19°C, so a quick swim on a sunny, still day is possible. Most hotels, beach bars and many restaurants close during the month, and ferry timetables thin out to winter levels. It suits travellers who want quiet walks, local life and low prices more than sunshine.
Pack: jeans or trousers, a jumper, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes that can cope with wet cobbles.
Santorini Weather in December
December is the wettest month on average, with about 55 mm of rain spread over 9 days, highs of 16°C and the shortest days of the year. It is rarely cold by northern European standards, but wind and rain can make it feel raw on exposed paths. Fira has a small Christmas atmosphere with decorated streets and a handful of cafés open, while Oia is almost completely closed. It is a good choice for a quiet winter break focused on walking, wine and local tavernas, as long as you are flexible about ferries.
Pack: a warm coat, jumpers, waterproof shoes and an umbrella.
Wind and the Meltemi
The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that blows across the Aegean in summer, caused by the difference in pressure between the Balkans and the hot land masses to the south east. It usually starts in July, peaks in August and fades during September. It often blows for several days in a row and can reach force 6 or 7, mostly during the afternoon.
The good side is that it keeps summer heat bearable and the air clear, which is why Santorini rarely feels humid. The downside is that exposed beaches get rough, sunbeds and umbrellas get blown about, and small boat trips can be cancelled or rerouted. When the wind blows from the north, head for the south and east coast beaches such as Perissa, Perivolos and Vlychada, which are more sheltered. Large conventional ferries very rarely stop running, but fast catamarans can be delayed or cancelled on the windiest days, so avoid booking a ferry on the same day as your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Santorini for Weather
| If you want | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hot beach weather | July and August | 30°C highs, no rain and the warmest sea, but the busiest and windiest time |
| Swimming | September | Sea still 24°C, calmer wind and fewer families |
| Beaches without the peak crowds | June and early October | Warm sea, long days and lower prices than July and August |
| Hiking the caldera trail | April, May and October | Highs of 20 to 23°C, wildflowers in spring and golden light in autumn |
| Sightseeing and photography | May and October | Comfortable temperatures and softer light for the famous views |
| Quiet and low prices | November to March | Mild but changeable, and many hotels and restaurants closed |
If you are still deciding, our guide to getting around Santorini explains how the bus, taxis and car hire change through the season, and the Santorini bus timetable shows how much the service shrinks outside summer.
Weather for Activities
Beach days
Proper beach weather runs from June to September, with late May and early October also good on calm days. Santorini’s beaches are volcanic black or red sand and pebbles, which get very hot in July and August, so water shoes are worth packing. Our guide to the best beaches in Santorini explains which ones stay sheltered when the wind blows.
Swimming
The swimming season realistically runs from late May to October. The sea is about 19°C in May, 22°C in June, 24°C in July, peaks at 25°C in August and stays at 24°C in September. Even in October it is still about 22°C, often warmer than the air in the evening.
Hiking and walking
The classic 10 kilometre caldera walk from Fira to Oia has almost no shade, so April, May, October and early November are the most comfortable months. In July and August start by 07:30 at the latest and carry plenty of water.
Boat trips and sailing
May, June and September usually offer the calmest seas for caldera cruises and trips to the volcano and hot springs. In July and August the Meltemi can make the open water rough on smaller boats, and operators sometimes change routes on the windiest afternoons.
Sightseeing and photography
May, September and October are the most comfortable months for exploring villages such as Oia, Imerovigli and Pyrgos. Photographers love April and October for the softer light, and winter storms can produce dramatic skies over the caldera. See our Santorini photography guide for the best spots and times.
Santorini Weather Questions
What is the hottest month in Santorini?
July and August are the hottest months, both with average highs of about 30°C. August has slightly warmer nights at around 24°C and the warmest sea at about 25°C.
What is the coldest month in Santorini?
January is the coldest month, with average highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. February is almost as cool, at 15°C by day.
Does it rain in Santorini in summer?
Hardly ever. June to August average between 0 and 1 rainy days a month, and July often passes without a single drop. Most of the island’s rain falls between November and March.
Is Santorini warm in October?
Yes. October averages 23°C by day and 18°C at night, with the sea still around 22°C. The first half of the month is noticeably warmer than the second, when highs drop towards 21°C.
Is the sea warm enough for swimming in May?
It is fresh rather than warm. The sea is about 18°C at the start of May and 20°C by the end, so most people find it comfortable for a short swim in the second half of the month.
Does it snow in Santorini?
Snow is extremely rare. The lowest temperature recorded on the island in recent years was just below 0°C in February, and snow settling on the highest ground around Profitis Ilias has only happened on rare occasions.
Is Santorini very windy?
It can be. The island is exposed on all sides, and the summer Meltemi makes July and August the windiest months, while winter brings occasional gales. The caldera edge always feels breezier than the beaches on the south and east coasts.
Will the wind cancel my ferry to Santorini?
Large conventional ferries are rarely cancelled, but fast catamarans can be delayed or cancelled when the wind is very strong, mostly in August and in winter. Leave a buffer day before an international flight. Our Cyclades ferry guides list the routes to and from the island.
Are there mosquitoes in Santorini?
There are some from May to October, mostly on calm, warm evenings and near the low lying beach resorts. They are much less of a problem when the wind is blowing. A plug in repellent in your room is usually enough.
Planning to visit more than one island? Compare the weather on neighbouring islands in our guides to Mykonos weather, Naxos weather and Paros weather, or find the best way to reach the island in our guide on how to get to Santorini.
