Weather in Santorini

About Santorini

Santorini sits in the caldera of an ancient volcanic eruption, and everything about it feels born from that drama. The whitewashed Cycladic buildings spill down cliffsides to a sea so deeply blue it seems unreal. Sunsets at Oia are famous for a reason — they stop conversations mid-sentence. Wine from volcanic soil, fresh seafood, and the kind of views that make you want to extend your stay by a week.

Country

Greece

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September, October

Currency

EUR

Language

Greek

Things to do in Santorini

Caldera sunsets Wine tasting Boat tours Black sand beaches Hiking Fira to Oia Cooking classes

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

February

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

22C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

November

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

December

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Santorini is unapologetically dramatic — whitewashed cubes tumble down caldera cliffs above a sea that turns every shade of blue imaginable, and sunsets over Oia are the sort of thing that makes people rethink their entire lives. Yes, it's busy in summer, but there's a reason millions keep coming back. Hire a car, escape the cruise-ship crowds in Oia, and discover the wine-dark volcanic beaches of Perissa and Kamari.

Best areas to stay in Santorini

Oia

The postcard village perched on the northern tip of the caldera, famous for its blue-domed churches and jaw-dropping sunsets.

Fira

The island's bustling capital, offering the best range of restaurants, bars, and shops with dramatic caldera panoramas.

Perissa & Kamari

Black volcanic sand beaches on the eastern coast, ideal for swimming and a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy experience.

Akrotiri

A remarkably preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried by the same volcanic eruption, offering a fascinating archaeological alternative to beach days.

Getting to Santorini

✈

Flights

Direct summer flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, and other UK airports to Santorini Airport (JTR); connections via Athens (ATH) year-round.

⏱

From London

~4 hours direct from London in summer

🚕

Getting around

Public buses (KTEL) connect main villages cheaply; renting an ATV or car gives far more freedom to explore the island at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Santorini?

Late April to June and September to October offer warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. July and August are peak season — stunning but very busy and expensive.

How do I get to Santorini?

Fly direct from major UK airports to Santorini (JTR) in summer, or connect via Athens year-round. A ferry from Athens (Piraeus) is a scenic alternative taking around 5–8 hours.

Which village is best to stay in?

Oia is iconic for sunsets and honeymoon romance; Fira offers the best nightlife and convenience; Imerovigli is quieter with stunning caldera views.

Is Santorini good for families?

It's generally better suited to couples and adults due to the steep cliff paths and lack of sandy beaches in the caldera area. The eastern beaches like Kamari are more family-friendly.

What is Santorini famous for besides the views?

Santorini produces exceptional Assyrtiko white wines from its volcanic soil — a winery tour is a must. The island also has fascinating Minoan ruins at Akrotiri.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Santorini was everything I dreamed of and more — we watched the sunset from Oia with a glass of local wine and genuinely couldn't believe it was real. Book restaurants well in advance though, as everywhere fills up fast.

Charlotte B. · June 2024

★★★★★

Going in September was the best decision — the crowds thinned out, the sea was still perfectly warm, and prices dropped noticeably. Highly recommend hiring a car to explore the less-visited southern villages.

David H. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Absolutely beautiful island though quite pricey even by Greek standards. The Akrotiri ruins were an unexpected highlight — far more impressive than I expected and barely visited compared to Oia.

Emma T. · May 2024