The best time to visit Santorini, month by month
For most travellers the best time to visit Santorini is late May to June, or September to mid-October. The sea is warm enough to swim, days are sunny and the island is calmer than in July and August. Choose September if swimming matters most, because the sea is at its warmest after the summer.
Quick overview
- Best overall: late May–June and September–mid-October
- Warmest sea: August and September
- Busiest and windiest: July and August
- Quietest: November to March. Many businesses close and the weather is mixed.
April and May: spring on the island
The island turns green, wildflowers line the paths and walking weather is ideal, which makes it perfect for the Ancient Thera hike. The sea is still cool in April and starts to warm up through May. By late May most restaurants, boats and tours are running again.
June: long days, warm water
June has the longest days of the year and very little rain. The sea is pleasant for swimming, and the island is busy but not yet at its peak. It is one of the best months for a beach-and-sunset holiday.
July and August: peak season
Hot, dry and lively. Expect the most visitors, the highest prices and the busiest viewpoints at sunset. The summer meltemi, a strong northerly wind, often blows in the afternoon. It cools the heat but can make the sea rough and sometimes cancels boat trips. Book suites, transfers and catamaran tours well in advance.
September: our favourite month
The sea is at its warmest after the summer, the meltemi eases through the month and the crowds thin out after the school holidays. It is also harvest time, which makes September a great month for wine tasting.
October: the gentle end of the season
Days are still warm, and the sea usually stays swimmable well into October. Evenings get cooler and the first autumn rain can arrive, often towards the end of the month. Some businesses start closing in the last weeks of October.
November to March: the quiet season
Santorini is calm, local and much cooler, with more rain and wind. Many hotels, restaurants and boat tours close, and archaeological sites keep shorter hours. It is good for walking and photography if you don’t need beach weather.
Is Santorini good for an adults-only escape out of peak season?
Very much so. In June and September the island feels relaxed, and the east coast around Kamari is quieter than the caldera villages all season long. At Mon Signor, every suite has a sea view, and the Superior and Deluxe suites have a private outdoor hot tub, which is especially lovely on cooler spring and autumn evenings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Santorini?
September is often the best month. The sea is at its warmest, the summer wind eases and there are fewer crowds than in July and August. Late May to June is a close second.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Santorini?
From around June to October. The sea is warmest in August and September.
What is the meltemi?
The meltemi is a strong, dry northerly summer wind in the Aegean, strongest in July and August. It cools the heat but can make the sea rough and cancel boat trips.
Is Santorini worth visiting in winter?
It can be, if you want quiet walks and views rather than beach time. Many businesses close from November to March and the weather is cooler and wetter.