The best time to visit Santorini: few crowds, great deals, and blissed-out weather

Whitewashed buildings encircle the caldera’s cliffs, their blue roofs complementing the Aegean Sea—no matter when you visit Santorini, the Greek island is always stunning.

Still, summer is undoubtedly the most popular time, when hordes of tourists flock to the island. Between June and August, Santorini experiences the highest temperatures, making it ideal for beachside activities like swimming and getting a tan. However, you’ll have to deal with crowds and skyrocketing prices.

As the weather gets chillier, crowds begin to dwindle over the autumn months from September to November. By December, Santorini enters its low season until March, and you’ll get to experience a slower-paced lifestyle, although it’ll be too cold to swim. Things begin to heat up in April, and May sees more sunshine while still being fairly peaceful.

So when is the best time to go to Santorini? Here’s a round-up of what you can expect in each season.

Best for: Beach vacations

From June to August, Santorini enjoys the ultimate beach weather. It’s hot and sunny, with average temperatures of 75 to 80°F, and clear skies are guaranteed. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and you can also rent sunbeds in popular beaches like Kamari Beach and Perissa Black Sand Beach.

This is when Santorini sees the biggest crowds, and every hotel, bar, and restaurant is operating at full capacity. You’ll also get to enjoy special summer events like open-air cinemas and regattas. Ferries and flights run frequently during this period, including seasonal international flights, making it incredibly convenient to travel here in summer. As prices for travel and lodging can get expensive, especially in Fira and Oia, we recommend making bookings as early as possible.

Hoping to beat the crowds? Why not go scuba diving in a volcanic reef, where your only companions will be the variety of marine life? Or explore hidden hot springs around Thirassia on this private snorkeling adventure. You can even go fishing and eat what you caught, or relax on a catamaran with an open bar and a barbecue buffet meal.

However, watch out for the Meltemi winds, which tend to blow strongly in the Cyclades during summer; some water activities may be canceled due to choppy waves. Sadly, you won’t be able to stroll around barefoot on the sand—Santorini’s black sand beaches are made up of volcanic rocks and ash, so they can get unbearably hot to walk on in the blazing sun.

The shoulder seasons in Santorini happen in spring and fall, when the crowds are either trickling in or dwindling. While you’ll experience way fewer crowds than peak season, we recommend that you make prior bookings to get the best deals. Most businesses will be open, and it’s the best time to visit Santorini for comfortable sightseeing. The only downside is that you might have to prepare for some cold snaps and rainy days, as the weather isn’t as predictable as summer.

Best for: Honeymoons, weather, fewer crowds

As the summer crowds dwindle, autumn is a great time to be in Santorini as you’ll get to enjoy great weather, cheaper prices, and more peace. Temperatures begin to drop to an average of 75°F in September and 69°F in October. As the sea heats up over summertime, you’ll still be able to swim—at least until mid-October.

This is a good time to enjoy your honeymoon, as the island begins to feel more tranquil although most businesses are still open. Make the most of this season to do romantic activities like horse riding on the beach, watching the sunset on a luxury catamaran, or having your photos taken on a rooftop. Fall also sees a number of festivals like Ifestia, which is dedicated to the Minoan eruption of Santorini.

Best for: Hiking, sightseeing, spring blooms

Santorini is mostly sunny in spring, with average temperatures of 61 to 68°F. Unfortunately, the water is usually too cold for swimming, although hot springs might be worth a dip. Instead, we recommend hiking around Santorini to enjoy the lovely spring weather and blossoming bougainvilleas and wildflowers. The Fira to Oia hiking trail offers spectacular views of the caldera, and you can even join a small-group tour to learn more about the island’s history along the way.

With Greek Easter occurring in April, Santorini begins getting livelier. Holy Week is the biggest religious festival of the Greek Orthodox calendar, and locals in Santorini celebrate with mouth-watering feasts, church ceremonies, and other traditional rituals. The village of Pyrgos is particularly atmospheric on Good Friday night, lighting up with flaming aluminum cans as a procession of candles and paper lanterns takes place.

Most businesses should be open by mid-April, including vineyards and wineries, which you can visit on a wine tasting tour.

Best for: Cheap deals, no crowds

Traditionally, winter to early spring is off-season in Santorini. While you definitely won’t encounter hordes of tourists, more travelers are starting to appreciate this season for quieter vibes and cheaper prices. Temperatures are in the 50s, with some rain, wind, and cloudy skies.

While there will be at least one or two ferries and flights a day, transport to Santorini will be much more limited. The weather can also cause travel disruptions if there are rough waters or strong winds. Most businesses will be closed, especially nightclubs and beach resorts, though areas like Fira and Oia definitely see some activity. But if you’re hoping to experience Santorini’s buzzing nightlife, winter isn’t ideal.

Many hotels are starting to remain open during winter to accommodate the increasing number of off-peak visitors. Villa Manos, for example, even keeps its pool open, and Blue Dolphins Apartment & Suites ensures you can still soak in the hot tub.

This is the best time to explore Santorini like a local—trust us when we say that the world-famous sunsets in Oia are much more stunning when there are no crowds in your way. Plus, with the whole island feeling like your personal playground, you’ll be able to take all the photographs you want without worrying about being photobombed.

While many tourist sites may be closed, you’ll still have plenty of things to do in Santorini in winter. Attractions like Skaros Rock, Ancient Thera, and the Castle of St Nicholas can be explored year-round, and some tours, like this winter cruise around the caldera, are still available. Wineries such as Domaine Sigalas remain open with limited hours, so you can still sample award-winning wines in winter.

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