Best Time to Visit Santorini
See Greece 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 in the Cyclades, with its iconic whitewashed buildings, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear waters, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. However, choosing the best time to visit Santorini depends on your priorities—whether it’s perfect weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, or special events.
The island has a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Peak season (June-August) brings sunshine and crowds, while the shoulder seasons (April-May & September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists. Winter (November-March) is quiet, with cooler temperatures and some rain.
To help you decide, here’s a detailed month-by-month breakdown covering weather, events, and hotel prices.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini Month-by-Month
January: The Quietest Month
Weather:
– Average High: 57°F (14°C)
– Average Low: 48°F (9°C)
– Rainfall: 2.8 inches (70 mm)
– Snowfall: Rare, but possible in higher areas
Overview:
January is Santorini’s quietest month. Many hotels and restaurants close, but those that remain open offer deep discounts. The weather is chilly and rainy, making it ideal for travelers who prefer solitude over beach days.
Events:
– Epiphany Celebrations (January 6th) – A religious festival where locals bless the waters.
Hotel Prices:
– Budget: $50-$80/night
– Mid-Range: $100-$150/night
– Luxury: $200-$300/night
February: Cool but Romantic
Weather:
– Average High: 57°F (14°C)
– Average Low: 48°F (9°C)
– Rainfall: 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Overview:
Still quiet, February is slightly better than January with fewer rain showers. It’s a great time for couples seeking a romantic getaway without the crowds.
Events:
– Carnival (Late Feb – Early March) – Festive parades and parties in Fira.
Hotel Prices:
– Similar to January, with slight increases around Carnival.
March: The Start of Spring
Weather:
– Average High: 61°F (16°C)
– Average Low: 50°F (10°C)
– Rainfall: 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Overview:
Temperatures rise, and flowers begin to bloom. Tourism slowly picks up, but it’s still a peaceful time to visit.
Events:
– Greek Independence Day (March 25th) – Parades and celebrations.
Hotel Prices:
– Budget: $60-$90/night
– Mid-Range: $120-$180/night
April: Perfect for Sightseeing
Weather:
– Average High: 66°F (19°C)
– Average Low: 54°F (12°C)
– Rainfall: 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Overview:
Spring is in full swing, with warm days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking and exploring without summer crowds.
Events:
– Easter (Orthodox, dates vary) – A major celebration with midnight church services and feasts.
Hotel Prices:
– Mid-Range: $150-$250/night
– Luxury: $300-$500/night
May: Best Balance of Weather & Crowds
Weather:
– Average High: 73°F (23°C)
– Average Low: 61°F (16°C)
– Rainfall: 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Overview:
One of the best months to visit—warm but not scorching, with blooming bougainvillea and fewer tourists.
Events:
– International Music Festival (Late May) – Classical concerts in historic venues.
Hotel Prices:
– Mid-Range: $200-$350/night
– Luxury: $400-$700/night
June: Start of Peak Season
Weather:
– Average High: 81°F (27°C)
– Average Low: 68°F (20°C)
– Rainfall: 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Overview:
Summer begins, bringing sunshine and crowds. Great for swimming, but book accommodations early.
Events:
– Santorini Arts Festival (June-July) – Cultural performances.
Hotel Prices:
– Mid-Range: $250-$450/night
– Luxury: $600-$1,200/night
July: Hottest & Busiest
Weather:
– Average High: 86°F (30°C)
– Average Low: 73°F (23°C)
– Rainfall: 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Overview:
Peak tourist season—expect packed streets and high prices, but perfect beach weather.
Events:
– Santorini Jazz Festival (Mid-July) – Open-air concerts.
Hotel Prices:
– Luxury: $800-$2,000/night
August: Crowds & Celebrations
Weather:
– Average High: 86°F (30°C)
– Average Low: 73°F (23°C)
– Rainfall: 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Overview:
The busiest month, with European vacationers. Nightlife thrives, but prices peak.
Events:
– Panagia Festival (August 15th) – Religious processions and feasts.
Hotel Prices:
– Similar to July, with last-minute deals rare.
September: Ideal for Late Summer Travel
Weather:
– Average High: 81°F (27°C)
– Average Low: 68°F (20°C)
– Rainfall: 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Overview:
Crowds thin, temperatures remain warm, and sea is perfect for swimming.
Events:
– Santorini Film Festival (Early Sept) – International indie films.
Hotel Prices:
– Mid-Range: $200-$400/night
October: Autumn Serenity
Weather:
– Average High: 73°F (23°C)
– Average Low: 61°F (16°C)
– Rainfall: 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Overview:
A fantastic month—warm days, cooler nights, and fewer tourists. Some hotels start closing late October.
Hotel Prices:
– Budget: $100-$200/night
November: Transition to Winter
Weather:
– Average High: 66°F (19°C)
– Average Low: 54°F (12°C)
– Rainfall: 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Overview:
Quiet and affordable, but rain increases. Best for those who prefer solitude.
Hotel Prices:
– Budget: $60-$120/night
December: Festive & Peaceful
Weather:
– Average High: 59°F (15°C)
– Average Low: 50°F (10°C)
– Rainfall: 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Overview:
A magical time with holiday decorations, but many businesses close.
Events:
– Christmas & New Year’s Eve – Festive dinners and fireworks.
Hotel Prices:
– Mid-Range: $100-$250/night
Final Verdict: Best Time to Visit Santorini
Best Weather & Experience: May, June, September
Best for Budget Travelers: April, October, November
Best for Avoiding Crowds: January-March, November-December
Worst for Crowds & Prices: July-August
Final Verdict: Best Time to Visit Santorini
Best Weather & Experience: May, June, September
Best for Budget Travelers: April, October, November
Best for Avoiding Crowds: January-March, November-December
Worst for Crowds & Prices: July-August
Santorini Guides and Maps
RECENT POSTS
