Month-by-Month Guide
Best Time to Visit Santorini
Greece · Updated for 2026
Quick Answer
May – June & September – October
November – March (many hotels close)
Late September offers warm seas, sunset views without crowds, and lower prices.
23°C (73°F) spring, 29°C (84°F) summer
Santorini Month by Month
Weather, crowds, prices, and events for every month of the year.
January
$Most hotels and restaurants closed. The island is hauntingly quiet. Only for those who want to see a different Santorini.
Events: Epiphany celebrations
February
$Still off-season. A few more places reopen. Windy and cool. Not recommended for a typical holiday.
Events: Carnival celebrations
March
$$Hotels begin reopening. Wildflowers bloom. Too cool for swimming but great for hiking and photography without crowds.
Events: Greek Independence Day (March 25)
April
$$$Easter is spectacular in Santorini. Hotels fully open. Warm enough for exploring but sea is still cool. Beautiful time.
Events: Greek Easter (date varies), Hotel openings
May
$$$Perfect month. Warm, dry, sea warming up. The caldera views at sunset without the July madness. Highly recommended.
Events: Spring festivals, Wine tastings
June
$$$$Summer begins. Swimming is glorious. Sunset crowds in Oia thicken. Long perfect days. Book well ahead for caldera hotels.
Events: Beach club openings, Wine festivals
July
$$$$Peak season. Cruise ships unload thousands daily. Oia sunset is a scrum. Hot and dry. Caldera hotels command premium prices.
Events: Ifestia Festival (volcano fireworks)
August
$$$$Peak alongside July. The meltemi wind provides some relief from the heat. Best for beach days. Avoid Oia at sunset unless you enjoy crowds.
Events: Assumption of Mary (Aug 15), Village festivals
September
$$$The insider's month. Sea is at its warmest. Crowds thin after mid-month. Still sunny and dry. Prices drop. Perfect.
Events: Santorini Jazz Festival, Wine harvest
October
$$Warm enough for swimming until mid-month. Autumn light is incredible for photography. Some hotels start closing late October.
Events: Ochi Day (October 28), Wine festivals
November
$$Season ends. Most caldera hotels close. A few year-round properties in Fira stay open. Good for budget travellers.
Events: Off-season begins
December
$Quiet, rainy, atmospheric. Christmas in Santorini is a local affair. Very few tourists. Only recommended for those who prefer solitude.
Events: Christmas, New Year's (limited celebrations)
Insider Tips for Santorini
- 1 Book caldera-view hotels 4–6 months ahead for peak season.
- 2 Watch sunset from Imerovigli or Fira instead of Oia — same views, fewer crowds.
- 3 Red Beach and White Beach are beautiful but challenging to access — wear proper shoes.
- 4 Rent an ATV or car to explore the quieter south (Akrotiri, Emporio, Perissa).
- 5 Book a catamaran cruise — the best way to see the caldera and volcanic hot springs.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Oia for the iconic sunset views and boutique cave hotels. Fira for central location and restaurants. Imerovigli for quieter caldera views. Kamari or Perissa for beach access on a budget.
Browse Santorini hotel guides