Santorini weather by month

When to go to Santorini

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: July, August. January is the wettest month (61 mm, about 11 rainy days) and July the driest (0 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 24.6°C and coolest in February at 16.1°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Santorini International Airport (JTR, 5 km from Firá) takes roughly 4 h - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Athens.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Santorini between 1991 and 2020 reached 33.6°C on 2 July 2017; the coldest fell to 0.1°C on 13 February 2004. In August one day in ten tops 27.5°C and about 1% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 6.5°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was February 2019 with 183 mm, against a February average of 58 mm.

Winter: cool days and more frequent rain

December, January and February are the least suitable months if your plans depend on warmth and sunshine. January is the coolest, with daytime temperatures around 12°C and nights at 10°C, so bring layers and a jacket rather than relying on light holiday clothes. Rain falls on an average of 11 days in January, making flexible outdoor plans sensible. December has the shortest sunshine allowance, while February is only slightly warmer than January. The sea remains cool throughout winter, so this is not the season to choose for comfortable swimming. Pack waterproofs and leave room in your plans for wet spells.

Spring into early summer: warmer days, cooler water

March and April suit travellers who want mild weather for walking rather than lying in the sun. Daytime averages rise from 14°C in March to 16°C in April, but evenings still call for a jumper or jacket. May brings a clearer shift towards summer, with days around 20°C and rain becoming less frequent. The catch is the sea: at 19°C in May, it may still feel brisk if you prefer warm water. June is a better compromise for swimming and reliably dry weather, with the sea reaching 22°C. Its average of 0 rain days is encouraging, though not a promise that every stay will be rain-free.

High summer and autumn: warm seas, then a gradual cool-down

July and August suit travellers who want long sunny days and warm evenings. July averages 14 hours of sunshine, so plan shade breaks around midday and keep sun protection handy. August is the hottest month, with nights around 23°C; light clothing is useful after dark as well as during the day. September keeps much of summer's warmth, with daytime and sea temperatures both averaging 24°C and little rain. October is a useful option if you value milder air but still want to swim: days average 20°C and the sea 22°C, although showers become more likely. November feels less dependable for a swimming holiday, with cooler days, less sunshine and more rain. Bring layers and make swimming an option rather than the centre of your plans.