When to go to Santorini: climate, best time and month-by-month tips

Photo by Michelle Maria. Santorini is one of the islands that make up theCyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular and visited seaside destinations in the Mediterranean, thanks to its blue sea, beautiful views and cliff-top villages with their whitewashed houses.
Theisland of Santorini enjoys an extremely pleasant Mediterranean climate, allowing tourists to enjoy its beautiful sea as early as mid-April until mid-October.
So, if you are wondering what is the best time to visit Santorini, know that you have plenty of choice! We could safely say that any time is a good time to visit Santorini.

Climate, Average Temperatures and Rainfall

• Best period: summer from June to early September, with preference for June and July. The days are long, the sun warm and the sea temperature ideal

• Period to avoid: autumn and winter. Santorini is mainly seaside tourism, in these seasons one could not enjoy the sea and beaches

Santorini, like the rest of the Cyclades archipelago, is located in the central part of the Aegean Sea. These islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, but also breezy thanks to the presence of the meltemi, a cool, dry wind.
Average temperatures in the winter months fluctuate around 11 °C, and those in July and August around 25 °C, usually staying below 30 °C.
Rainfall is not abundant, less than 500 millimetres per year, mostly concentrated in the cold period from October to March.
Autumn and spring are also mild, but let's face it: one goes to Santorini mainly for beach tourism, and only in summer can one combine days at the beach with excursions and cultural visits.

When it is best to go to Santorini: the cheapest period

The low season in Santorini is in winter and autumn, but these are seasons when tourism is practically absent for obvious reasons.
Thebest compromise is in May and September, when the temperatures are high enough for the first baths and the heat not excessive enough to visit the cultural sites pleasantly.
August is the most expensive month.

Santorini in Spring

Photo by Michelle Maria. From mid-April onwards, the island of Santorini is about to welcome its first tourists: the tourist season officially opens. Spring is probably the best time to visit the island not yet taken by storm by the crowds of tourists, and prices are also a little lower than in summer.

You can safely take advantage of this time to visit Old Fira, the capital of Santorini, a delightful little village where you can admire the characteristic elements of Cycladic architecture, with its white houses and blue-domed Orthodox churches. Moreover, in this season the perfect temperature also allows you to take your first swim in the sea, as the water has a pleasant temperature.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Santorini

Santorini in Summer

June until August is the peak season for the island of Santorini. Beaches are taken by storm and finding accommodation at a cheap price becomes difficult. Temperatures are high but the weather remains pleasant, so this is definitely the best season to enjoy its beautiful beaches, such as the famous Kamari Beach, Perissa, ideal for water sports and diving, or the Red Beach, a red sand beach of volcanic origin, located in the south-western part of the island. We advise you to go there early, however, to avoid overcrowding!

Santorini in Autumn

Once the peak summer season is over, from the beginning of September the island begins to empty out, allowing you to enjoy its wonders in peace once again. The climate in this season is mild, allowing one to enjoy its beautiful sea for a while longer, until around mid-October.

This period is also ideal for visiting the island's archaeological excavations, such as the one at Akrotiri, the most important on the island and one of the most important in Greece, or the remains of ancient Thira on the rock of'Mesa Vouna' (Half Mountain), which is located in a magnificent panoramic position about 400 metres above sea level.

Santorini in Winter

Santorini in winter still maintains an enviable climate, although the bathing season is definitely over and there is a greater risk of encountering rainy days. However, this does not deprive you of the beauty of its landscapes, which you can enjoy much more peacefully than during the high season.

As it is obviously out of season, most hotels are closed, those open are mainly in Fira and in the inner part in Karterados.

How to dress: what to pack

• In winter: although the weather is rather mild, going into the evening, you may feel quite cold in the wind. Our advice is to dress in layers, carrying a fairly heavy windbreaker and jumpers.

• In summer: a swimming costume and sarong is your uniform, but don't forget to bring a jacket for the slightly cooler summer evenings.

• In autumn and spring: again, the mild climate allows you to dress fairly lightly, however don't forget to bring something a little heavier, and comfortable shoes!

Haven't booked your trip yet? Check out our offers!

• Cheap flights: from €94.98 - see offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €62.00 per room