Best Time to Visit Santorini (2026 Guide)

Santorini is one of the most iconic islands in the world — stunning sunsets, whitewashed villages, romantic caldera views, and crystal-clear waters. But the experience you’ll have depends heavily on the time of year you visit. Weather, prices, crowds, and activities can change dramatically from month to month.

Santorini’s got this wild magnetism—over 1.5 million people swarm there every year. Seriously, it’s like the Coachella of Greek islands. Most folks show up in July and August, you know, chasing that sun-drenched, Instagram-perfect vibe. Honestly, can you blame them? It’s hot, the sea’s warm, and let’s be real, that’s when everyone’s on break from work or school anyway.

But, here’s the thing: if you can swing a trip in June or September, you’re golden. The weather’s still dreamy, but you won’t be elbowing through crowds for every sunset. Trust me, it’s a whole different experience. Even autumn or spring—totally underrated. The island’s got plenty going on, and lately, winter’s starting to get some love too. It seems people have finally realized that Santorini doesn’t shut down when the tourists leave.

This 2026 guide breaks down the best time to visit Santorini based on what you want: perfect weather, fewer tourists, lower prices, or ideal photography light.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Santorini?

Best overall time to visit:

Late April – early June and September – mid-October. These periods offer a perfect balance of weather, crowds, and prices.

Best time for hot weather & beaches:

Late June – August.

Best time for low prices & quiet streets:

March – early April and late October – November.

Worst time to visit:

December to February, due to cold weather, strong winds, and many hotels being closed.

Santorini Weather by Month (2026 Overview)

Santorini has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, but windy, winters. Here’s the month-by-month breakdown.

March – April (Early Season)

• Temperature: 15–22°C
• Crowds: Low
• Prices: Low
• Water temperature: Cold (15–17°C)

Why go: Perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring villages without crowds.
Why avoid: Too cold for swimming.

May – June (Best Time Overall)

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Crowds: Moderate
• Prices: Medium
• Water temperature: 19–22°C

Why go: Warm weather, incredible sunsets, and almost everything is open. Swimming becomes comfortable by early June.

July – August (Peak Season)

• Temperature: 28–35°C
• Crowds: Very high
• Prices: Highest of the year
• Water: 23–25°C (warmest)

Why go: Beach parties, nightlife, warm sea, guaranteed sunshine.
Why avoid: Expensive hotels, packed Oia sunsets, and strong Meltemi winds.

September – October (Best Time to Avoid Crowds)

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Crowds: Lower
• Prices: Medium
• Water: 22–24°C (very warm)

Why go: Ideal weather, warm water, fewer people — perfect for couples.
October evenings can be cooler.

November – February (Off-Season)

• Temperature: 10–17°C
• Crowds: Minimal
• Prices: Lowest
• Water: Cold (15–17°C)

Why go: Quiet, cheap, great for photography.
Why avoid: Many hotels and Restaurants are closed, and there is no beach weather.

Best Time to Visit Santorini for Different Activities

Best Time for Swimming & Beaches

Late June – early September. This is when the sea is warm and beach clubs are in full swing.

Best Time for Photography

April – June and September – October. The light is softer and the caldera haze is minimal.

Best Time for Honeymoons

May, June, September. Perfect sunsets, mild heat, and fewer crowds than July–August.

Best Time for Budget Travelers

March, early April, late October, and November. Room prices drop by 30–60% compared to August.

Best Time for Avoiding Crowds

Mid-April, May, late September, and October. You’ll enjoy good weather without the summer chaos.

Best Time to Visit Oia for the Perfect Sunset

Oia attracts thousands every evening in summer. If you’re visiting in July or August, arrive at least 2 hours early to secure a good spot.

For a quieter sunset without pushing through crowds, choose:

• Best months: May, June, September, October
• Alternative viewpoints: Imerovigli (Skaros Rock), Fira caldera path, Akrotiri Lighthouse

Worst Time to Visit Santorini (2026)

The least ideal time is clearly December to February, due to cold winds, limited ferry services, a lack of nightlife, and numerous closures.

2025 Travel Tips for Santorini

• Book accommodation early (May–September).
• Stay in Imerovigli for luxury & quiet, Oia for sunsets, Fira for nightlife.
• Rent a car or ATV to explore beaches like Perissa and Red Beach.
• Book sunset boat tours in advance during high season.
• Avoid the midday heat in July and August (11:00–16:00).

Final Verdict — What’s the Best Time to Visit Santorini?

The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October. These months offer the perfect mix of pleasant weather, warm sea, fewer crowds, reasonable prices, and stunning sunsets. For the best 2026 experience, September is the #1 choice.

FAQs

What is the best month to visit Santorini?

The best month overall is September, with ideal weather, warm water, and fewer crowds.

When is Santorini least crowded?

Santorini is least crowded in March, early April, late October, and November.

What is the warmest month in Santorini?

August is the warmest month, typically reaching temperatures of 33–35°C.

When is the sea warm enough for swimming?

The sea is warmest from late June to early September (21–25°C).

Is Santorini worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you want quiet streets and low prices — but many hotels and restaurants remain closed, and it’s not beach weather.

Santorini is a destination that undergoes dramatic changes throughout the year, and understanding these seasonal differences can help you plan a significantly better trip. Many travelers assume that July and August are automatically the best time to visit Santorini, but the reality is more complex. Summer brings hot weather, warm sea temperatures, and lively beach clubs, yet it also comes with strong winds, peak-season crowds, and the highest prices of the year. This is why experienced visitors often choose the shoulder seasons instead — especially May, June, September, and early October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the sunsets are clearer, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the island’s famous viewpoints in Oia and Imerovigli are far less crowded than in mid-summer.

For photography enthusiasts, couples, and honeymooners, the shoulder season offers softer light, calmer vibes, and more favorable availability in hotels and restaurants. Even early spring and late autumn can be excellent times to visit Santorini in 2026, particularly for budget travelers seeking to explore villages, scenic paths, and archaeological sites without the intense summer heat. Ultimately, the best time to visit Santorini depends on your travel style; however, the shoulder season consistently offers the perfect balance of weather, crowds, and value for an unforgettable experience.