The best time to visit Santorini
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The best time to visit Santorini is June through September, when the weather is warm and ideal for swimming, with temperatures around 86°F. If you prefer to avoid the peak summer heat and the busy vacation season, it’s best to skip July and August, when visitor numbers and temperatures are at their highest.
Viktoria Pilz
Tourlane travel expert for Greece
Updated on 11/24/2025
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In spring, from March to May, Santorini begins to bloom and temperatures gradually warm up. In summer, from June to August, the island is lively and vibrant, with average temperatures between 77°F and 86°F. Evenings stay pleasantly mild, making summer nights especially enjoyable.
Autumn on Santorini lasts until November, bringing a quieter atmosphere while temperatures remain comfortably mild. From December to February, winter weather becomes more changeable, often windy and wet. Many shops, hotels, and restaurants close during this period, giving the island a more peaceful, off-season feel.
Santorini in the high season
The high season on Santorini runs from June to September, when the island is at its busiest — especially during the peak summer vacation period in July and August. Average temperatures between 77°F and 86°F create perfect conditions for swimming and relaxing on the beach. However, accommodation, dining, and activity prices are at their highest during these months, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip well in advance.
Santorini in the off-season
The low season on Santorini is in the months of April, May, October and November - before and after the summer months. At this time, the temperatures are pleasant and not as hot as in high summer. Prices for accommodation and activities are significantly lower than in the high season and fewer tourists come to the island. The off-season is ideal for outdoor activities in particular, as nature is at its most beautiful in spring and fall.
Santorini in the low season
The low season on Santorini runs from December to March. At this time, the island is quiet and very few tourists come to the island. The temperatures are cool and it can be rainy and windy. Many stores and restaurants are closed at this time. If you are looking for relaxation and tranquillity instead of a beach vacation, you can find it on Santorini in the low season. One advantage: prices for accommodation and activities are at their lowest now.
“The charming little town of Oia on the northern tip is a special destination. The best time to visit Oia is in spring or fall, when the weather is still warm but there are fewer tourists.”
Viktoria Pilz
Travel expert for Greece
Hiking
The best time for hiking on Santorini is in spring, from April to May, or in fall, from September to October. While it can get quite hot in summer and the hiking trails are quite busy during the summer vacations, the conditions for hiking in the off-season are ideal. In spring, the island is in bloom and green, in fall the sun shines on the island with golden light. This is when hiking on Santorini is particularly fun.
Diving and snorkeling
Generally speaking, the best time for diving and snorkeling in Santorini is in the warm months from May to October. During this time, the sea is warm and visibility underwater is good. If there are a lot of boats around during the vacation season, the water can be murky and visibility poorer. This is also when the occupancy rate on the island is high. In winter, the current in the Aegean is strong, which makes diving more difficult.
The best time to sail on Santorini is in the spring from April to May or in the fall from September to October. Then the weather is mild and there is less wind than in summer. During the summer it can be very windy, which makes sailing more challenging. This is when the pros in particular get their money's worth. In addition, the island is busy in summer and sailing can also be very busy.
