Santorini is a destination that encapsulates all that makes Greece so famous, with its blue and white hillside houses, its charm, and its stunning vistas, all of which make this a dream destination for everybody.
Greece is well known for its incredible history, but it is also well known for its array of idyllic islands – over 6,000 to be precise, of which only 107 are inhabited.
If you have always fancied feasting your eyes on the island of Santorini in real life, they may be a trip is in order; but first, let’s determine when is the best time to travel to Santorini with these helpful tips.
An overview of the climate of Santorini
Most people choose Greece, and the Greek islands in particular if they are looking for some sun, whether it be in the winter or in the summer, which means that this is a place that has one of the best climates in Europe. When we look at the typical climate of this stunning island, we will see that it is a semi-arid climate, with some Mediterranean features. So, what does this mean?
This means that the island experiences hot and dry summers, while the winter is one of the mildest in Greece, but with much humidity and several days of rainfall. While the climate is similar to other parts of Greece, the temperatures here are less than in Athens and the coastal breeze keeps it quite comfortable, especially in the peak summer season. Santorini sits on the southern part of the Mediterranean Sea and because of this geographical location, we can see these slight differences, making it a perfect destination for a year-round holiday. Let’s get into a bit more detail when it comes to what you can expect with rainy days and average temperatures.
Rainfall
Considering Santorini’s mild climate, rainfall is few and far between during the summer months, and although it can occur, it will not last long or impact the island’s sunshine. On the other hand, the wet season which is between November and April is the time when you can guarantee more rainfall than the rest of the year, with 88.6mm(3.4inches) of rainfall occurring during December.
The annual precipitation of the island is an average of 404.7mm (15.9inches) per year, with the main downpours happening during December and January. Now, that we have an idea of how much rain to expect and when, let’s take a look at the temperature – for which Santorini is best known.
Temperature
This is a year-round destination for many reasons but the top reason is that the temperature never drops too low. Even in the low season, also known as the wet season, when you will experience rain, you can rest assured in knowing that the winter temperatures still stay between 50-59ºF (10-15ºC) during the day (however the evening temperature will be cooler).
The summer temperatures range from month to month, and while there is plenty of sunshine and warm air, it is certainly not as hot as Athens will be during these months. To help you figure out when is the best time to travel to Santorini, here is a look at the temperatures you can expect during the year on the island.
- Average high temperature in January: 57°F (14 C)
- Average high temperature in February: 57°F (14°C)
- Average high temperature in March: 60°F (16°C)
- Average high temperature in April: 64°F (18°C)
- Average high temperature in May: 73°F (23°C)
- Average high temperature in June: 80°F (27°C)
- Average high temperature in July: 84°F (29°C)
- Average high temperature in August: 84°F (29°C)
- Average high temperature in September: 78°F (26°C)
- Average high temperature in October: 73°F (23°C)
- Average high temperature in November: 60°F (16°C)
- Average high temperature in December: 59°F (15°C)
When is the best time to travel to Santorini?
For sun and festivities
The high season, is the high season for great reason – it is the time when the island basks in sunshine, the sea temperatures are delightful and the atmosphere is great. The high season is between June and August, and with the warm, long, sunny days, come plenty of activities and festivals to enjoy including Megaron Gyzi Festival and the Santorini Jazz Festival.
For fewer crowds
The shoulder season which falls in April/May and Sept/Oct, marks the beginning and end of summer where the crowds are a lot less than during the high season, prices are lower and there is more availability with tours and accommodation during these times. September is the month when the Greek Volcano Festival happens in Santorini.
For hiking
April is the best time to travel to Santorini if you want to get into nature and do some hiking. With mild temperatures, low crowds, and little rain, this is a great time to enjoy some tranquility as well as cheaper car rental and accommodation. This awesome tour includes an incredible hike to Santorini Caldera, as well as an unforgettable sea kayaking experience.
What to pack?
Don’t miss these essential items, which you should pack when traveling to Santorini, no matter what time of year it is.
- Good walking shoes/Evening shoes/Sandals – All of these will come in handy during your trip to Santorini, considering there are a variety of activities to undertake. Be sure that you have sturdy walking shoes for any hikes you plan to do, non-slip sandals for going to the beach (It can be quite hilly) as well as a pair of comfortable evening shoes for evening dinners, and festivals or shows you might attend.
- Swimwear/Sunblock/Hat – These are all essential for any watersports you might do, for lazy days at the beach and to protect you from the sun at any time of the year.
- Activewear/Hiking clothes – One set of clothes that are ideal for hiking, running, or yoga, which you may plan to do while you are there.
- A daypack – For both sightseeing and hiking
- Rain protection and winter clothes – If you find yourself traveling during the winter season, you will need to pack some rain gear, such as a light rain coat, umbrella, waterproof shoes, and some warmer clothes for the cool evenings. The days will still be quite mild, so try to pack clothing that can be layered rather than large heavy coats, etc.
- Electrolytes and multivitamins – Not only will these come in handy during the hot days to keep your body replenished, but given that Santorini is famous for its wine, you may want to take a couple of these the day after a visit to one of the many wineries, to bring balance back to your body. These can also be great to keep yourself energized when doing water activities and hiking.
Eco-Friendly tours that feature Santorini
There are a host of amazing eco-friendly and sustainable tours which include stopovers in Santorini while allowing you to enjoy other parts of Greece, so whatever your interests are, take a look at these top tours which will inspire you to make your dream a reality. If in doubt, or looking for some more information on how to tailor-make your perfect trip, a local Destination Expert is on hand to help.
