Santorini is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque villages, enchanting sunsets, and beautiful beaches. September is an ideal month to enjoy the beauty of the island without the discomfort of the heat and crowds. If you are considering visiting Santorini in September 2024 you are making an excellent choice.
One of the most popular Greek islands, Santorini retains its beauty and charm even after the end of summer. September is ideal for visiting the island, as it offers many advantages over the more crowded summer months.
The island’s energy is still high, with restaurants, bars, and shops fully operational, but without the overwhelming crowds. It’s a great time to experience Santorini’s famous sunsets, nightlife, and local festivals. After the peak summer season in July and August, the number of tourists decreases in September. This means that popular sites like Oia, Fira, and the beaches are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Feel the romantic vibe of Santorini in September 2024
Santorini is a magical island, an island that radiates romance, an island for all seasons. Santorini, the island of the Cyclades, will impress all of you who decide to visit it for the first time, especially in September 2024. Its picturesqueness as well as the intense rhythms of life even this month will make you feel that visiting the famous Santorini once is not enough. The dark presence of the volcano as well as the magical sunset give the island a special appearance, “bathed” in colors and aromas but also in the impressive form, an image that has not lost its value through the space and time of centuries and history!
September is the right month to visit the island. Take a walk to the shops, enjoy your coffee in a cafe bar with a view of the magical sunset or your food in a luxurious restaurant. Also, you can visit the temples and the museums of the island. In Santorini, there are Catholic but also Orthodox Churches.
If you are in a romantic mood, all you have to do is visit the preserved settlement of Imerovigli. Here you will see the ruins of the Venetian castle of Skaros and you will walk on the path that leads to the small church of Theoskepasti, built on the edge of a rock, with a unique view of the volcanic islands of Palia and Nea Kameni! You can enjoy your coffee combined with the fantastic view that the island offers. In the famous Oia, beloved by tourists, you can enjoy the sweetest and most romantic sunset of September with your loved one by your side, you can take advantage of the atmosphere for a marriage proposal.
Take a private wine tour in Santorini in September 2024
September is also the grape harvest season, making it an excellent time to visit Santorini’s wineries. You can take a private wine tour in Santorini in September 2024, taste fresh vintages, and enjoy the island’s unique Assyrtiko wines.
The volcanic landscape of Santorini offers an interesting environment for agriculture and the local wine is known worldwide for its special taste. The soil consists of volcanic ash, dust from volcanic glass, and small pieces of solidified sand and lava. This combination leaves out most of the nutrients we are used to finding in soil, but on the other hand, it is rich in minerals. Rainfall is minimal, but in addition, the farming areas receive moisture from a strange phenomenon called sea fog, which is a mixture of air from the active volcano and the surrounding area.
Admire the beautiful villages of Santorini in September 2024
The capital of the island is Fira, which is built in the Caldera, 260 meters above the sea, and has a wonderful view of the blue waters of the island of Santorini. Also, Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia stretch along the caldera and will enchant you, each in its unique way. The settlement of Oia is the first in Greece to be considered preserved since it looks like a work of art, which is natural and has no human intervention since its rocks were sculpted and carved uniquely from the lava of the volcano.
In the village of Akrotiri, which is about 10 kilometers from Fira, there is the greatest discovery of the Eastern Mediterranean concerning the prehistoric settlement that was first inhabited in 4500 BC. Pyrgos is a jewel village and a magnet for many tourists looking for tranquility and natural beauty. It is 5-10 minutes from Fira and is the most beloved village on the island, as in 1800 it was also the capital of Santorini and to this day it maintains the glamor of the past. The peak of the island is in this village, in the small church of Prophet Ilias, from where you can see the most beautiful view of the island and the sunset. We can privately transfer you everywhere in Santorini in September 2024.
Still, Megalochori looks like a painting with its sculpted rock houses and incredible calmness. There are also many wineries that you can visit. Also, you can visit the windmills on the Gavriilos hill which look extremely romantic.
Overall, September offers the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience, making it the perfect time to visit Santorini.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini: Month by Month
September, as the article above explains, is an excellent choice. It is not the only good month, though, and the best time to visit Santorini depends on what you want from the trip: warm sea, quiet lanes, low prices, long walks or lively nights. This section goes through the whole year, month by month, and then matches the seasons to different kinds of traveller.
How to read this. Temperatures and sea temperatures are typical averages; any given week can be warmer, cooler or windier. Sunset times are approximate and move through each month.
The short answer. For most visitors, the best time to visit Santorini is late May, June, September or early October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable and the crowds are lighter than in July and August.
The long answer. Every month has something to offer, from the green hillsides of April to the empty villages of January. The sections below explain what each one is really like.
January and February
Midwinter is the quietest time of year. It is not the best time to visit Santorini for beaches, but it is a fascinating time to see the island as its residents live it.
Weather. Days are cool, typically in the low to mid teens Celsius, with chilly, windy evenings. Rain falls on several days each month, and storms can disrupt ferries.
The sea. Around 15 to 16 degrees Celsius. Swimming is only for the very hardy.
Sunset. Early, at around 17:20 to 18:15 through the two months.
What is open. Many hotels, restaurants and boat operators close. Fira keeps the most services, and Akrotiri, the museums and some wineries stay open with winter hours.
Who finds it the best time to visit Santorini. Walkers, photographers and travellers who want empty viewpoints and very low prices, and who do not mind closures.
Best time to visit Santorini in winter? Only if you want solitude. Pack warm layers and a waterproof, and keep plans flexible for the weather.
March
March is the turning point between winter and spring, and for walkers it can be a surprisingly good time to visit Santorini.
Weather. Days warm into the mid to high teens, though evenings are still cool and windy spells are common. Showers become less frequent as the month goes on.
The landscape. After the winter rains, the hillsides turn green and the first wild flowers appear along the paths and in the vineyards.
The sea. Still cold, around 15 to 16 degrees Celsius.
Sunset. Around 18:15 at the start of the month; after the clocks change on the last Sunday of March, it jumps to around 19:30.
What is open. The island starts to wake up. Some hotels and restaurants reopen towards the end of the month, especially around Greek Independence Day on 25 March.
The best time to visit Santorini for spring walks begins here. The caldera path, Skaros Rock and Profitis Ilias are comfortable and almost empty.
April
April is spring in full flow, and for many travellers who prefer walking to swimming it is the best time to visit Santorini.
Weather. Mild days, often around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius, with cool evenings. Rain is possible but usually brief.
The landscape. Green hillsides, wild flowers and vineyards coming back to life.
The sea. Around 16 to 17 degrees Celsius, fresh for most swimmers.
Sunset. Around 19:40 early in the month, moving towards 20:05 by the end.
Easter. Greek Orthodox Easter often falls in April. On Good Friday, the village of Pyrgos is lit with thousands of small fires, one of the most moving sights in Greece.
What is open. Most of the island reopens through April, with boat trips and beach services starting gradually.
Who finds it the best time to visit Santorini. Walkers, photographers, couples and anyone who wants the villages without the crowds.
May
May is one of the most balanced months of the year, and late May is often named as the best time to visit Santorini for a first trip.
Weather. Warm, settled and sunny, typically in the low to mid twenties Celsius, with very little rain.
The sea. Warming through the month, around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius by late May. Many visitors start swimming.
Sunset. Around 20:05 early in the month and after 20:30 by the end.
Crowds and prices. Busier than April, but well below the peak of July and August. Accommodation is still noticeably cheaper than in high summer.
What is open. Almost everything: hotels, restaurants, boats, wineries and beach bars.
The best time to visit Santorini for a balanced trip. Late May combines comfortable sightseeing, the first warm swims and long evenings without the summer rush.
June
June brings the longest days of the year and a sea warm enough for everyone. For many, it is the best time to visit Santorini for a summer holiday without the peak crowds.
Weather. Hot and sunny, often in the high twenties Celsius, with almost no rain.
The sea. Around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius, comfortable for long swims.
Sunset. The latest of the year, around 20:30 to 20:45.
Crowds and prices. Rising through the month, with late June already busy. Early June is calmer and better value.
The wind. The summer meltemi can begin to blow, especially later in the month.
Who finds it the best time to visit Santorini. Beach lovers, families on early school holidays and anyone who wants long evenings on the caldera.
Best time to visit Santorini in summer? Early to mid June, before the July and August peak.
July and August
High summer is the island at full energy. It is the busiest period of the year, and whether it is the best time to visit Santorini depends on how you feel about heat and crowds.
Weather. Hot and dry, typically around 29 degrees Celsius by day, with warm nights and very little rain.
The sea. At its warmest, around 23 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Sunset. Around 20:45 in early July, moving to about 19:45 by the end of August.
Crowds and prices. The highest of the year. Oia at sunset and Fira on cruise days are very crowded, and the best rooms, boats and tables sell out early.
The meltemi. A strong northerly wind often blows, cooling the air but sometimes cancelling boat trips.
Festivals. Village festivals celebrate saints’ days, and 15 August, the feast of the Dormition, is one of Greece’s biggest holidays.
Best time to visit Santorini in July or August? Only if you plan around the heat and crowds: sightsee early, rest at midday and book everything ahead.
September in Detail
The article above makes the case for September. These are the practical details that explain why so many travellers consider it the best time to visit Santorini.
Weather. Warm days, typically around 26 degrees Celsius early in the month and a little cooler later, with very little rain.
The sea. At its warmest after the long summer, around 24 degrees Celsius, making September many swimmers’ favourite month.
Sunset. Around 19:45 at the start of the month and about 19:05 by the end.
Crowds. As the article says, visitor numbers fall after August. The first half of the month is still busy; the second half is noticeably calmer.
The harvest. As the article notes, September falls in the grape harvest season, a wonderful time to visit the wineries.
The best time to visit Santorini for almost everyone. Everything is still open, the evenings are warm and the island is less hurried.
October
October is the gentle end of the season, and for couples, walkers and wine lovers it is often the best time to visit Santorini.
Weather. Mild, sunny days, typically in the low twenties Celsius, with cooler evenings. Brief showers become more likely in the second half of the month.
The sea. Still warm, around 22 degrees Celsius, especially in the first half of the month.
Sunset. Around 19:00 early in the month and about 18:30 before the clocks change on the last Sunday of October, then around 17:30.
Crowds and prices. Much quieter than summer, with falling prices, although cruise days can still be busy in Fira and Oia.
What closes. Most businesses stay open until the last week, when some hotels, restaurants and beach bars close.
The best time to visit Santorini for value and calm. Early October combines warm sea, open services and a relaxed island.
November and December
The island settles into its quiet season. It is not the best time to visit Santorini for swimming, but it has its own appeal.
Weather. Mild days in November, often in the high teens Celsius, cooling in December. Rain and wind become more frequent.
The sea. Around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius early in November, cooling through December.
Sunset. Around 17:00, the earliest of the year.
What is open. Many hotels, restaurants and boats close. Fira stays the most active, with Christmas decorations in December.
Who finds it the best time to visit Santorini. Walkers, photographers and travellers looking for local life and very low prices.
More detail. See our page on Santorini in November.
Late September or Early October?
Many travellers narrow their choice to these two windows, both strong candidates for the best time to visit Santorini.
Late September. The sea is at its warmest, days are still summery, the harvest is finishing and the crowds are thinning. Everything is open.
Early October. Slightly cooler days, a sea still warm enough for swimming, fewer visitors and lower prices. Almost everything is still open.
The best time to visit Santorini for swimming, of the two. Late September.
The best time to visit Santorini for walking and value, of the two. Early October.
Sunsets. Around 19:05 at the end of September and about 18:50 in early October, both with long golden hours.
More detail. See our page on September and October in Santorini.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Swimming
If the beaches and the sea matter most, timing is simple: the water warms slowly through spring and stays warm into autumn.
Warmest sea. August and September, when the water is typically around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Comfortable sea. From mid-June to mid-October, most visitors find the water pleasant for long swims.
Fresh sea. In April, May and November, the water is cool; hardy swimmers enjoy it, others prefer to wait.
The best time to visit Santorini for beach days without crowds. September, when the sea is at its warmest and the sunbeds are emptier than in August.
The wind. In July and August, the meltemi can make the north and east coasts choppy; the south coast is often calmer.
More detail. See our page on the beaches of Santorini worth swimming.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Walking and Sightseeing
Walking the caldera, climbing to Ancient Thera or exploring the villages is far more pleasant without the summer heat.
Spring. April and May bring mild temperatures and green landscapes, ideal for the Fira to Oia path, Skaros Rock and Profitis Ilias.
Autumn. Late September and October offer warm days, cooler air and softer light.
Summer. Possible, but only early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The paths have little shade.
Winter. Good on calm, dry days, with empty paths, though wind and rain can spoil plans.
The best time to visit Santorini for Akrotiri and the museums. Any time of year, as Akrotiri is covered by a roof, but spring and autumn make the whole day more comfortable.
Tip. Whatever the season, start early to enjoy the viewpoints before the tour groups and cruise passengers arrive.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Wine
As the article above explains, the island’s volcanic soil and sea fog produce wines with a special character. When you visit changes what you see at the wineries.
The harvest. Grapes are usually picked from late July to early September, earlier than in most of Europe. Visiting then lets you see the work in the vineyards.
After the harvest. September and October are relaxed months for tastings, with winemakers often having more time to talk.
Spring. The vines put out new leaves and the vineyards turn green, a beautiful backdrop for a tasting.
The best time to visit Santorini for sunset tastings. Late spring to early autumn, when winery terraces over the caldera are open in the evening.
Winter. Some wineries stay open with shorter hours or by appointment.
What to taste. Assyrtiko, the island’s crisp mineral white, and Vinsanto, the traditional sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Boat Trips
Sailing the caldera, walking on the volcano and swimming in the hot springs depend on calm seas. This is the best time to visit Santorini if boat trips are a priority.
Season. Excursions run from around April to October, with the most departures from June to September.
The wind. The summer meltemi can make the sea rough in July and August, and trips are sometimes rerouted or cancelled. Late May, June and September usually have calmer conditions.
The best time to visit Santorini for a sunset cruise. June and September, when evenings are warm, the sea is inviting and the light is soft.
The hot springs. The warm water off Palea Kameni feels best in spring and autumn, when the surrounding sea is cooler.
Winter. Few boats run, and weather often prevents trips.
Tip. Whatever the month, keep one day of your stay flexible, so that a windy day does not mean missing the caldera from the sea.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Diving and Snorkelling
Underwater, the island’s volcanic rock, caves and clear water are rewarding for much of the year. Timing is about water temperature and calm seas.
Warm water. From July to October, the sea is warm enough for long snorkelling sessions without a wetsuit for most people.
Visibility. Often excellent on calm days in late spring and early autumn.
The best time to visit Santorini for learning to dive. June and September, when dive centres are fully open and the water is warm but less crowded than in August.
Wind. Strong northerly winds can stir up the water on the exposed coasts; the south coast is often calmer.
Kayaking. Calm mornings from May to October are ideal for guided sea-kayak trips along the south coast.
The best time to visit Santorini underwater, in short. September: warm, clear and quieter.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for the Sunset
The sunset is the island’s signature moment. Every month has one, but some are easier to enjoy than others.
Clearest skies. Summer brings the most reliable sunsets, though horizons can be hazy.
Deepest colours. Autumn and spring often give richer colours, with passing clouds adding drama.
The best time to visit Santorini for a calm sunset in Oia. October, when the castle viewpoints are far less crowded than in summer.
The latest sunsets. Late June and early July, around 20:45.
The earliest sunsets. November to January, around 17:00 to 17:30.
The best time to visit Santorini’s quieter sunset spots. Any month, at Imerovigli, Firostefani, Pyrgos or the Akrotiri Lighthouse.
From the sea. Sunset cruises run from spring to autumn, weather permitting.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Couples and Honeymooners
As the article above says, the island radiates romance in every season. Some months make that romance easier to enjoy.
Late May and June. Warm evenings, long days and everything open, with fewer crowds than July.
September and October. Warm sea, softer light, quieter sunsets and better prices for caldera suites.
The best time to visit Santorini for a proposal. Early autumn, when the famous viewpoints in Imerovigli and Oia are calmer at sunset.
Weddings. May, June, September and October are popular for the light and the temperatures.
What to avoid. The busiest weeks of July and August, if privacy matters.
More ideas. See our page on a romantic trip to Santorini in autumn.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini with Children
Families need warm sea, open services and manageable heat. These are the months that work best.
June. Warm sea, long days and fewer crowds than July, ideal if school holidays allow.
Early September. The sea is at its warmest and the heat is easing, though school terms may limit this option.
July and August. Possible, with care: plan outings for the morning and late afternoon, and rest in the middle of the day.
The best time to visit Santorini for families at Easter. Spring holidays are good for sightseeing, the volcano and Akrotiri, though the sea is cool.
Where to stay. Beach resorts such as Kamari and Perissa are easier with children than caldera hotels with many steps.
Safety. Many viewpoints have no railings; hold young children’s hands near cliff edges.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Older Travellers
The island’s steps, heat and crowds matter more for some travellers. These months are the most comfortable.
May and June. Warm but not hot, with long days and fewer crowds than summer.
September and October. Mild temperatures, quieter lanes and a warm sea for gentle swims.
The best time to visit Santorini for comfortable sightseeing. Late spring and early autumn, when walking between viewpoints and climbing steps is easier.
What to avoid. The midday heat of July and August and the busiest sunset crowds in Oia.
Where to stay. Properties with easy access and few steps, or beach resorts with flat streets.
Getting around. A private driver-guide removes the stress of roads, parking and crowded buses.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Solo Travellers
Travelling alone changes what matters: safety, value, social life and flexibility. These are the months that suit solo visitors.
May and June. Lively enough to meet people in cafés, on boat trips and on walking tours, but not yet at summer prices.
September. Warm sea, an open island and a relaxed atmosphere, with shared catamaran trips and wine tours still running daily.
The best time to visit Santorini alone on a budget. April, May and October, when single rooms and small studios are easier to find at fair prices.
Safety. The island is safe for solo travellers. The main risks are heat, cliff edges and the roads, so walk carefully, stay back from unfenced drops and choose a car or bus over a quad bike.
Getting around. Buses link Fira with the main villages and beaches; shared tours are an easy way to reach the volcano and the south.
The best time to visit Santorini to meet other travellers. The summer months and early autumn, when group boat trips, wine tastings and walking tours run most often.
Where to stay. Fira is the most practical base for solo travellers, with the main bus station, plenty of cafés and restaurants and easy access to the caldera path and the cable car. Firostefani and Kamari are good alternatives with a calmer atmosphere and easy connections to the rest of the island. Small guesthouses and studios in these areas often have a friendly, family-run feel, which makes arriving alone easier. Hosts are usually happy to recommend tavernas, beaches and quiet sunset spots that suit a solo traveller, and to help arrange transfers and tours.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for a First Trip
First-time visitors usually want to see everything: the Oia sunset, the caldera from the sea, Akrotiri, the villages and a beach day. The best time to visit Santorini for a first trip is when all of that is easy.
Everything open. From May to early October, hotels, restaurants, boats, wineries and beach bars all operate.
Comfortable weather. Late May, June and September avoid the peak heat while keeping the sea swimmable.
The best time to visit Santorini for first-timers, in one line. June or September.
How long to stay. Three to five days lets you cover the essentials without rushing.
The best time to visit Santorini’s highlights each day. Oia and Fira early in the morning, Akrotiri late morning, the beach at midday and a quieter viewpoint for the sunset.
More ideas. See our page on what to do in Santorini in three days.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Quiet and Local Life
Some travellers want the island without the crowds, even if that means fewer services. For them, the best time to visit Santorini is outside the peak.
April and early May. Green landscapes, wild flowers and the island reopening for the season, with quiet lanes and friendly locals preparing for summer.
Late October and November. Warm afternoons early on, cooling later, with villages returning to their own rhythm.
The best time to visit Santorini for empty viewpoints. December to February, when Oia and Imerovigli are almost deserted, though many hotels and restaurants close.
Village life. Coffee shops filled with residents, church celebrations and fishing boats heading out on calm mornings.
The trade-off. Fewer boat trips, shorter opening hours and more changeable weather.
The best time to visit Santorini’s inland villages, in any season. Early morning or late afternoon, when Pyrgos, Megalochori and Emporio are at their calmest.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini on a Budget
Prices follow the season closely. Timing is one of the easiest ways to save.
Cheapest. November to March, when accommodation prices fall sharply, though many businesses close.
Best value. April, May, late September and October, when the island is open and prices are well below the summer peak.
Most expensive. July and August, especially for caldera-view rooms, and the Greek Easter and 15 August holiday periods.
The best time to visit Santorini for cheaper flights. Midweek departures in the shoulder seasons are usually cheaper than summer weekends.
Free experiences. Whatever the season, the caldera walk, the villages, the public beaches and the sunset cost nothing.
More ideas. See our page on Santorini on a budget.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Photography
As the article above says, the island’s image has not lost its value through the centuries. Photographers have their own favourite seasons.
Spring. Green hillsides, wild flowers against white walls and clear air after the winter rains.
Autumn. A lower sun gives long golden hours and deep sunset colours, with fewer people in the frame.
Winter. Dramatic skies, storm light over the caldera and completely empty viewpoints.
Summer. Long evenings but hazy horizons and crowded viewpoints.
The best time to visit Santorini for photographs, by the hour. Sunrise in Oia and Imerovigli, golden hour on the caldera and the blue hour after sunset, whatever the month.
Respect. Many famous rooftops belong to hotels and homes; do not climb onto private property for a picture.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini for Nightlife
As the article above says, the island’s energy stays high in September, with restaurants, bars and shops fully open. For nightlife, timing matters.
Peak season. July and August are the liveliest months, with Fira’s bars and clubs busy late into the night and beach bars on Perivolos and Perissa in full swing.
June and September. Still lively, with a slightly more relaxed crowd and easier access to the best terraces.
The best time to visit Santorini for relaxed evenings. Late September and October, when evenings are for long dinners, wine and conversation rather than clubs.
Winter. Most clubs close; nightlife is limited to a few bars in Fira.
Open-air cinema. Summer screenings under the stars run through the warm months.
Getting home. Taxis are scarce late at night in any season; book a transfer in advance.
The Best Time to Visit Santorini on a Cruise
Cruise passengers do not choose the date, but they can choose how to use their hours ashore.
The cruise season. Ships call mainly from spring to autumn, with some of the busiest days in the shoulder months as well as in summer.
The best time to visit Santorini as a cruise passenger: early. Take the first tenders ashore and head straight up to Fira or on to Oia before the crowds build.
The cable car. Queues are longest in the afternoon, when passengers return to their ships. Leave Fira earlier than you think you need to.
A shore tour. A private shore tour plans the day around your ship’s schedule and returns you to the port on time.
The best time to visit Santorini for a sunset from the ship. If your ship leaves at dusk, watching the sunset from the deck as you sail out of the caldera is spectacular.
More detail. See our page on the Santorini cable car.
Crowds and Cruise Ships Through the Year
Crowds are the biggest variable in choosing the best time to visit Santorini.
The cruise season. Cruise ships call from spring to autumn, with some of the busiest days in the shoulder months as well as summer. On days with several ships, Fira and Oia are crowded from late morning to late afternoon.
The peak. July and August bring the most visitors of the year, with the Oia sunset at its most crowded.
The quiet months. November to March are very calm, with the island belonging mostly to its residents.
The best time to visit Santorini to avoid crowds while everything is open. Late April, May, late September and October.
Daily timing. In any month, visit Fira and Oia early in the morning or in the evening, and check the cruise calendar.
Festivals and Events Through the Year
Local celebrations add something special to a visit. These are the dates to keep in mind when choosing the best time to visit Santorini.
Greek Orthodox Easter. Usually in April or early May. Pyrgos on Good Friday, with thousands of small fires lighting the village, is unforgettable.
25 March. Greek Independence Day, marked with parades.
Summer festivals. Village festivals celebrate saints’ days with music, dancing, food and wine.
15 August. The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin, one of the biggest holidays of the year in Greece.
28 October. Ochi Day, a national holiday with parades.
The best time to visit Santorini for local life. The shoulder seasons and winter, when village celebrations are mostly attended by islanders.
Sunset Times Through the Year
The sunset is the highlight of most days on the island. Knowing the time helps you plan around it.
Winter. Around 17:00 to 17:45 from November to January.
Spring. Around 18:15 in early March, jumping to about 19:30 when the clocks change at the end of March, and reaching after 20:30 by late May.
Summer. The latest of the year, around 20:45 in late June and early July, moving to about 19:45 by the end of August.
Autumn. Around 19:05 at the end of September and 18:30 in late October, before the clocks change and it moves to around 17:30.
The best time to visit Santorini for long evenings. June and July, with the latest sunsets of the year.
More detail. See our page on the sunset in Santorini in July.
The Best Time of Day
Choosing the month is only half the answer. The best time to visit Santorini’s famous places also depends on the hour.
Early morning. Oia, Fira and Imerovigli are calm and softly lit before 9:00. This is the best time to visit Santorini’s viewpoints for photographs and quiet walks.
Late morning. Akrotiri and the museums, which are shaded or indoors.
Midday. In summer, the hottest hours are for the beach, a long lunch or a rest.
Late afternoon. Walks along the caldera, winery tastings and the golden hour.
Sunset. Oia is the most famous spot but the most crowded; Imerovigli, Pyrgos and the Akrotiri Lighthouse are calmer.
The best time to visit Santorini’s villages after dark. The blue hour after sunset, when the lights of the caldera come on.
Weather Risks to Plan Around
Even in the best time to visit Santorini, a few weather patterns can affect your plans.
The meltemi. A strong northerly wind common in July and August. It cools the air but can cancel boat trips and make exposed viewpoints uncomfortable.
Heatwaves. Occasional hot spells in summer push temperatures well above average. Sightsee early and rest in the shade.
Autumn showers. From mid-October, brief showers become more likely, usually followed by clear skies.
Winter storms. Strong winds and rain can disrupt ferries and flights between November and March.
The best time to visit Santorini for stable weather. June and September, when the island is typically sunny, warm and calmer than in high summer.
Planning tip. Keep one flexible day in any itinerary, and check forecasts the evening before boat trips.
When to Book
Deciding the best time to visit Santorini is only useful if you can still find good rooms and tours for those dates.
Summer. Book accommodation months ahead for June to September, especially caldera-view rooms.
Shoulder seasons. For May and October, booking two to three months ahead is usually enough, though popular hotels fill earlier.
Boat trips and tours. Reserve before you arrive in summer; in the shoulder seasons, a few days ahead is often fine.
The best time to visit Santorini for last-minute deals. Late October and the winter months, when demand is low.
Holiday periods. Greek Easter and the 15 August weekend fill quickly with Greek visitors; book early.
Flexibility. Choose flexible bookings where possible, as weather can affect ferries and boat trips.
Island Hopping and Ferry Seasons
If Santorini is part of a longer trip through the Cyclades, the ferry timetable affects the best time to visit Santorini.
Summer. The most frequent connections, with fast boats linking Santorini to Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Milos and Crete.
Spring and autumn. Fewer fast boats, particularly in April and late October, but conventional ferries continue.
Winter. Limited connections, and storms can cancel sailings. Allow extra time.
The best time to visit Santorini as part of island hopping. Late May to early October, when connections are frequent and the weather is reliable.
The port. Ferries dock at Athinios, below the cliffs in the south-west. Pre-book your transfer, as taxis are limited.
The wind. Fast boats are more affected by rough seas than large ferries; keep a buffer day before international flights.
What to Pack by Season
Once you have chosen the best time to visit Santorini, pack for its conditions.
Summer. Light clothes, a hat, high-factor sunscreen, beach shoes for hot dark sand and a light layer for windy evenings.
Spring. Layers, a light jacket, walking shoes and something warm for the evenings; swimwear only if you are a hardy swimmer.
Autumn. Summer clothes for the day, a sweater for the evening, swimwear for September and early October, and a light waterproof from mid-October.
Winter. A warm jacket, waterproof, sturdy shoes and layers.
Every season. Comfortable shoes with grip for the steps and paths, and an old swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs.
Light luggage. Many caldera hotels are reached by steps, whatever the best time to visit Santorini turns out to be for you.
Our Verdict
After many years of guiding visitors around the island, this is how we answer the question of the best time to visit Santorini.
For most people. September, as the article above says, with late May, June and early October close behind.
For beach lovers. Late June to mid-September, with September the best balance of warm sea and fewer crowds.
For walkers and photographers. April, May and October.
For wine lovers. Late August to October, around and after the harvest.
For couples. Late May, June, September and October.
For budget travellers. April, May, late October and the winter months.
The best time to visit Santorini, whatever the month. Early mornings and evenings, with the hottest and busiest hours spent at the beach, in a winery or away from the caldera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Santorini?
For most travellers, late May, June, September and early October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable and the crowds are lighter than in July and August.
What is the cheapest time to visit Santorini?
November to March, although many hotels, restaurants and boats close.
When is the sea warmest?
August and September, at around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius.
When is Santorini least crowded?
From November to March. With everything open, late April, May, late September and October are the calmest.
Is September really the best month?
As the article above argues, September offers the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds and an open island for many visitors.
With Santorini Tours. Whatever the best time to visit Santorini is for you, our private tours plan each day around the season, the crowds and the sunset. Contact us to plan your visit.
