Weather in Santorini in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Santorini and ranks 96th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Greece it is 28th of 44 (Greece in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Santorini is 5.1°C warmer by day and 7.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Santorini peaks at 12.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.1°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 9.7°C; one night in ten drops to 6.5°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 18.8°C (2010-01-01) and the coldest night 1.0°C (2004-01-23).

Rain in January

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 61 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2004 with 124 mm, the driest 1992 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 70%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 16.6°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.0°C to 17.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:29 and sets about 17:25 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 53%.

Is January a good time to visit Santorini?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Santorini on our scoring are July, August, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Milder than home, but still winter

January is Santorini's coldest month, so pack for winter rather than letting the Greek island setting shape your expectations. Nights average 9.7°C, and the coldest can fall to 6.5°C or lower: a warm outer layer will be useful after dark. The warmer days reach 15.1°C or more, which can make time outdoors more comfortable, but that is not reliable beach warmth. Bring layers you can adjust rather than relying on a light top throughout the day. The sea is firmly in cold-swim territory, so this is a poor choice if relaxed swimming is central to your holiday. Treat any dip as optional, not the reason to travel.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is a meaningful catch in January, though it does not mean every day will be a washout. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet conditions are sensible packing choices, and a schedule that allows you to move outdoor plans around will serve you better than a rigid itinerary. There are about 4.6 hours of sunshine within 9.8 hours of daylight, so do not expect uninterrupted blue skies or long light evenings. Make the most of brighter spells when they arrive, without assuming they will last. This month suits travellers who can enjoy a cooler break and accept weather interruptions; it is less convincing if reliable sunshine is your main reason for leaving the UK.