Best Time to Visit Santorini 2026 - Weather & Tips
Best Time to Visit Santorini: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips
🇬🇷Greece
🌡️mediterranean
💰From $70/day
📅Best: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Find the perfect time to visit Santorini. Our month-by-month guide covers weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal events to help you plan the ideal trip.
Quick Answer: Best Time to Visit Santorini
Best Months: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Why: These months offer the ideal combination of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Hot-summer Mediterranean climate means you'll enjoy warm days and cool evenings without extreme heat.
Santorini Weather Overview
Understanding Santorini's climate is crucial for planning your trip. The city experiences a Hot-summer Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations:
Season | Months | Temperature | Rainfall | Crowds | Prices
Spring | Mar-May | Mild | Moderate | Medium | Medium
Summer | Jun-Aug | Warm to Hot | Very Low | High | High
Fall | Sep-Nov | Pleasant | Low-Moderate | Medium | Medium
Winter | Dec-Feb | Cold | Moderate | Low | Low
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January in Santorini sees fewer tourists and lower prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
February
February in Santorini sees fewer tourists and lower prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
March
March in Santorini sees moderate tourism and standard prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
April
April in Santorini sees moderate tourism and standard prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
May
May is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Weather is ideal and the city offers a perfect balance of activities and atmosphere.
Weather: Excellent conditions
✅ Recommended month to visit
June
June is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Weather is ideal and the city offers a perfect balance of activities and atmosphere.
Weather: Excellent conditions
✅ Recommended month to visit
July
July in Santorini sees moderate tourism and standard prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
August
August in Santorini sees moderate tourism and standard prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
September
September is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Weather is ideal and the city offers a perfect balance of activities and atmosphere.
Weather: Excellent conditions
✅ Recommended month to visit
October
October is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Weather is ideal and the city offers a perfect balance of activities and atmosphere.
Weather: Excellent conditions
✅ Recommended month to visit
November
November in Santorini sees moderate tourism and standard prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
December
December in Santorini sees fewer tourists and lower prices.
Weather: Variable conditions
Peak Season vs Off-Season
Peak Season (Summer Months)
Advantages:
Best weather conditions
All attractions and activities open
Vibrant atmosphere with lots happening
Long daylight hours
Disadvantages:
Highest accommodation prices (up to $400/night)
Large crowds at major attractions
Need to book everything in advance
Higher restaurant and activity prices
Shoulder Season (Spring & Fall)
Advantages:
Excellent weather (often just as good as peak season)
Significantly fewer crowds
Better prices ($160-$400/night)
Locals are more relaxed and welcoming
Easier reservations
Disadvantages:
Some seasonal attractions may have reduced hours
Occasional weather variability
Verdict: Shoulder season offers the best overall value for most travelers.
Off-Season (Winter)
Advantages:
Lowest prices ($70-$160/night)
Almost no tourist crowds
Authentic local experience
Great for museums and indoor attractions
Disadvantages:
Weather can be challenging
Some attractions closed or limited hours
Shorter daylight hours
Less vibrant atmosphere
Special Events & Festivals
Throughout the year, Santorini hosts various events that can make your trip extra special:
Spring: Cultural festivals and outdoor events as the weather warms
Summer: Music festivals, outdoor concerts, and street celebrations
Fall: Food and wine festivals, art exhibitions
Winter: Holiday markets, New Year celebrations
Check local event calendars when planning your specific travel dates.
Booking Recommendations
When to Book Flights:
For peak season: 3-4 months in advance
For shoulder season: 6-8 weeks in advance
For off-season: 4-6 weeks in advance
When to Book Accommodation:
Peak season: 2-3 months early
Shoulder season: 4-6 weeks early
Off-season: 2-3 weeks early
Final Recommendation
For most travelers, May-Oct provides the sweet spot of excellent weather, manageable crowds, and fair prices.
If you're flexible with dates, aim for shoulder season (just before or after peak season) for the best overall experience and value.
Ready to book your Santorini trip? Use PlanTravel to create a personalized itinerary that matches your travel dates and interests.