Best Time to Visit Santorini

Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Santorini, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Santorini, a picturesque island nestled in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its awe-inspiring sunsets, charming white-washed houses, and vibrant blue-domed churches. But beyond its visual allure, the distinct Santorini climate significantly shapes the visitor experience.

oia-santorini-pixabay-1578460_1280.jpgOia in Santorini

Unlike other typical Mediterranean climates, Santorini experiences mild winters and endurably warm summers, making it a year-round destination. Now, let’s dive into the month-by-month breakdown to help find the best time to visit Santorini for you, accounting for a host of factors including Santorini weather, special events, and hotel prices.

Best Time to Visit Santorini Month-by-Month

January is the coldest month in Santorini, with an average temperature of 54°F (12°C). Rainfall reaches around 1.6 inches. Fortunately, there is no snowfall, ensuring that the year starts off mild. Epiphany is celebrated in early January and the hotel prices are generally low, as January isn't part of the peak tourist season.

February sees temperatures between 54°F and 57°F (12-14°C), and rainfall of about 1.5 inches. The island’s winter beauty can be appreciated without the crowds, and hotel prices remain relatively low. Visitors may experience festivities of the Apokries, the Greek carnival during this time.

As we ease into March, the weather begins to improve, with temperatures around 57°F and 60°F (14-16°C). Showers are infrequent as rainfall drops to 1.1 inches. As the island begins to bloom, you can attend the Santorini Independence Day parade, with hotel prices still at an off-season low.

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April marks the onset of spring and the temperatures rise again, to between 63°F and 66°F (17-19°C). Rainfall is scarce at 0.6 inches. Along with blooming wildflowers, Easter is celebrated in April, making it an exciting and slightly busier time to visit. Hotel prices begin to increase but are still reasonable.

May is the perfect time to enjoy the delightful Mediterranean climate, with perfect temperatures between 70°F and 73°F (21-23°C), and minimal rainfall at 0.2 inches. The International Music Festival happens this month and hotel prices are moderate, making May one of the best times to visit Santorini.

In June, summer is in full swing with temperatures ranging between 77°F and 79°F (25-26°C), with practically no rainfall. The Santorini Volcano Festival is a unique experience though hotel prices now start climbing towards their summer peak.

July is the warmest month, with temperatures around 82°F (28°C) and virtually no rainfall. Art lovers will be thrilled to know that the Santorini Arts Festival takes place this month. However, hotel prices are at their highest during this high-demand season.

August's weather replicates July's, both in temperature and lack of rainfall. Jazz aficionados would enjoy the Jazz Festival in Kamari. The high season hotel prices continue through August.

As we drift into autumn in September, the temperature hovers between 77°F and 79°F (25-26°C), with very light rainfall. The International Music Festival continues into early September, and hotel prices start to slowly decrease from their summer peak.

In October, temperatures drop to around 72°F (22°C), with some rainfall (1.6 inches) returning. However, the unique IFest Festival takes place, blending folk dance with culture. Hotel prices ower significantly from the pricey summer months, making October an affordable and less crowded time to visit.

November showcases autumn at its peak, with temperatures pleasantly between 63°F and 66°F (17-19°C) and rainfall increasing to 2.2 inches. The tourist crowds have dispersed and hotel prices drop to their annual lows, making it a peaceful time to visit.

December brings temperatures between 57°F and 59°F (14-15°C) and the highest rainfall of the year at roughly 3 inches. There aren't any significant events this month, but if a peaceful, low-cost holiday getaway appeals to you, Santorini's winter could be perfect.

And that’s our take on the best time to visit Santorini, though it really is a year-round destination depending on your interests and budget.

Other Santorini pages

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  • Weddings in Greece and the Greek islands can be luxury or cheap, are easy to arrange from the UK or USA in Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.

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  • Luxury Weddings in Greece, including venues such as a boutique hotel with deluxe spa on Santorini, can be booked through Ionian Weddings.

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  • Visiting Santorini wineries is a popular activity on this Greek island in the Cyclades, whose volcanic soil provides a distinctive terroir.

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  • There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.

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