Best Time to Visit Santorini | Less Crowds & Better Weather!
Wondering the best time to visit Santorini? I’ve been and this tiny Greek Island is a dream! There are some destinations that are absolutely bucket list worthy and Santorini is one! Of course, big crowds can put a damper on what should be a great experience.
I’ll review the best time to visit Santorini that involves less crowds, cheaper accommodations and beautiful weather! This island is dreamy and deserves a spot on your European travel list, but there’s definitely good times to visit and times to avoid!
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Best Time to Visit to Santorini
Let’s get right to it and discuss what I consider to be the best time to visit Santorini! This Greek island sees over 3 million visitors each year and only has about 15,000 residents! To really enjoy your time on this beautiful island, you want less crowds, beautiful weather, lower prices, but still feel as though Santorini is open (a lot of places close for the winter).
I’m a big fan of shoulder seasons for most destinations, but I gained the most appreciation for shoulder months when visiting Greece! Just in case you’re not familiar with the term, shoulder months are before and after the peak season of a destination. So the best months to visit Santorini are April, May, (end of) September, and October!
Let’s discuss the reasons why the shoulder months are the best time to visit Santorini!
Less Crowds
This bucket list destination is a popular island to visit and draws huge crowds! The majority of the over 3 million visitors descend on the island by ferry, cruise, and plane during the summer months of July and August.
While April, May, September, and October still experience plenty of visitors, it’s not chaotic. I spent four days in Santorini at the end of May and there were plenty of people around, but it didn’t feel overwhelming! Additionally, my friend and I stayed on the southern part of the island and it was very quiet down there!
If I were to return, I’d consider end of September or early October as my three days in Mykonos was also very pleasant around that time. Even though this popular island will usually have tourists from April to October, it’s definitely worth avoiding the peak season crowds!
You may also like: Santorini vs Mykonos | Which is Better?
Beautiful Weather
The weather during the shoulder months is far more pleasant than the super hot summer months! During my visit the end of May, we experienced some rain but mostly had beautiful warm weather and cool evenings!
It wasn’t super hot, which made exploring more pleasant, but it was still warm enough to lounge in the sun. The mornings and evenings were cooler, but not cold. Aside from the one rainstorm that rolled in and out, the weather was beautiful and made exploring very pleasant! If you’re planning a trip around that time, check out my What to Pack for Santorini in May guide to help you pack smart!
Lower Prices
Visiting Santorini won’t be cheap, but it can be affordable! And to really stretch your money, visiting in the shoulder months is a must! A hotel can be hundreds of dollars cheaper per night during the shoulder months versus the high season months!
While demand can vary and can cause fluctuations, generally speaking you will find cheaper prices for accommodations during the shoulder months than you’d find in June, July, or August!
Still Open
When I was in Santorini, my friend and I ate at the same breakfast spot every morning. Since there weren’t many people around yet, we got to chat a few times with the owner. He was a sweet, older Greek man who made his money from April to October and learned languages in Athens over the winter!
He told us that he will typically return to Santorini in April and head to Athens in November. While it was quiet on this southern part of Santorini during our stay, he said he’ll work fifteen plus hours a day during high season! And he knew ten languages when we met him, so his winters were also quite productive!
Our Airbnb host was a local, born and raised in Santorini! While visiting in the winter is possible, you will encounter a much quieter island with less offerings. I’d love to see Santorini in the winter one day, but your options will be fewer and provided only from the approximately 15,000 residents.
When to Avoid Visiting Santorini
Summer brings massive crowds, super hot weather and high prices! As you can see from my photo, you’ll watch the famous Santorini sunset with plenty of tourists, even at the end of May! However, the summer numbers are staggering!
July and August are high season months for Europe in general and anyone wanting a beach summer vacation will head to the islands! On top of Europe’s summer, you also have North America on break as well! Between cruise ships, flights and ferries, small Santorini is inundated with tourists.
What if summer is the only time I can visit?
This is something you’ll have to decide for yourself! If you do want to visit and high season is your only option, consider staying on the island rather than a cruise. This way, you can be strategic with where and when you explore to avoid some of the extra cruise crowds.
Alternatively, if you know you can visit another year at a more appealing time, visit a less frequented island. You’ll still get the Greek culture and dreamy sea views, but the caldera and striking Santorini cliffs can be seen another time!
Speaking of lesser visited islands, I loved my two days in Tinos! Again, it doesn’t replace Santorini (in my opinion), but if Tinos is any indication, there are plenty of charming Greek islands to visit!
Quick Overview: Santorini by Season
Considering the best time to visit Santorini is essentially spring and fall, let’s look at Santorini by season. For instance, if you want warmer water, visit during the fall. If you want slightly cooler weather for exploring, visit during the spring.
Santorini’s tourist season generally runs April to October and the island has the best weather during these months. The hottest months of July and August are the busiest. Best swimming weather is June to September. Winter is mild, but certainly not ideal for water activities and the most rain happens during these months.
🌤 Santorini Weather by Season
| Season | Average High / Low (°F) | Water Temp (°F) | Rainfall (inches/month) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 62–74 / 52–63 | 60–66 | 0.5–1.2 | Blooming, calm, mild |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 80–86 / 68–74 | 72–77 | 0.0–0.2 | Hot, sunny, crowded |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 73–82 / 63–70 | 72–75 | 0.4–1.5 | Warm, golden light, mellow |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | 56–63 / 48–54 | 60–64 | 1.5–2.8 | Quiet, cool, some closures |
Best Time for Budget Travelers
The cheapest time to visit Santorini is essentially when it’s just the locals on the island. The winter months are very quiet, but it’s still possible to visit. While you’ll get cheaper prices, a lot of places will be closed, so keep that in mind.
That being said, I think Santorini in the winter would be a charming and more authentic experience! Sure, the weather won’t be amazing, but I think the charm of experiencing a quiet Santorini could outweigh it!
Second Best Time for Budget Travelers
Of course, the shoulder months are also great for budget travelers! You can find every type of accommodation and price point on the island any time you visit, but your money will go further during the shoulder months!
While Santorini isn’t a cheap destination, I was shocked by how affordable it can be! I thought for so long that Santorini wasn’t possible on a smaller budget, but I was pleasantly surprised! With proper planning, you can absolutely enjoy Santorini as a budget traveler.
Santorini Events & Festivals
I don’t tend to plan travel around festivals, however, Santorini offers a few worth considering! Additionally, if you are planning on being on the island around these times, be sure to plan accordingly!
Easter in Santorini | March or April
Greek Orthodox Easter is one of the most meaningful times to visit Santorini. Villages like Pyrgos glow with thousands of candles on Holy Saturday, creating an unforgettable visual experience. Churches are filled with tradition, locals prepare festive meals, and you’ll get a glimpse of real island life beyond the tourist trails. It’s one of the most culturally rich and photogenic times to be on the island.
I am a Christian, though not Greek Orthodox. However, I think this would be a worthwhile spiritual and cultural experience! When I was in Tinos, I was so impacted watching people crawl uphill to the church as an act of faith. April is a shoulder month, but tends to be one of the quieter ones, making this a great time to visit overall. If Easter falls in March, the island will be even quieter and you’ll get a more local experience!
Megaron Gyzi Festival | August
The Megaron Gyzi Festival is a cultural highlight of Santorini’s summer, held annually throughout most of August at the Gyzi Megaron Cultural Centre in Fira. It has included theatrical performances, lectures and concerts in the past, but mainly focuses on art exhibitions, as well as classical and jazz concerts.
Ifestia Festival | September
This dramatic festival celebrates the volcanic origins of Santorini with a spectacular fireworks show over the caldera, simulating an eruption. The event typically includes other artistic offerings leading up to the fiery finale. It’s held in mid-to-late September and draws a crowd—so book early if you want a front-row view from a terrace or boat. I might need to add this to my list and it explains why September still sees a crowd in Santorini!
Wine Harvest Season | Late Summer
Santorini is home to some of Greece’s most unique wines, thanks to its volcanic soil and ancient grape-growing techniques. Late August to early September is harvest time, and local wineries (like Santo Wines or Venetsanos) are buzzing with activity. It’s a great time for wine tastings, vineyard tours, and sampling Vinsanto or Assyrtiko while taking in caldera views. I’m not into drinking generally speaking, but if I was on the island late summer, this would be a worthwhile experience!
Music Festivals
Santorini hosts a number of music festivals throughout the year that showcase both local and international talent. Two of the most notable are the Santorini Jazz Festival and the Santorini International Music Festival.
The Jazz Festival, held in Kamari, brings a laid-back, seaside vibe with performances by Greek and international jazz artists. The timing of the festival can change, so be sure to check for the latest information.
Meanwhile, the International Music Festival takes place in early September in Fira and features a wide range of classical and contemporary music, often including renowned musicians from around the world.
Best Time to Visit Santorini for…
The below are best times, but not the only time. As an example, I did a boat tour that involved swimming end of May. The water was cold, but it was doable!
As long as you’re traveling May to October, everything is open in Santorini and you’ll get the full island experience!
| Experience | Best Time to Visit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer Crowds | April, May, October | Shoulder season = fewer tourists, mild weather |
| Budget Travel | November–March | Lowest prices, but limited services & cooler weather |
| Boat Tours | May–October | Calm seas, warm weather, and the best caldera views |
| Wine Tours (General) | April–October | Wineries open for tastings; Assyrtiko and Vinsanto are local stars |
| Wine Harvest | August–Mid September | Grapes are harvested—some wineries let you observe or join |
| Water Sports & Swimming | June–September | Warmest water temps, ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding |
| Sunset Photography | April–October | Clear skies and extended golden hour—famous Oia sunsets shine |
| Hiking (like Fira to Oia) | April–May, September–October | Cooler shoulder season temps make hikes like the Fira to Oia trail a lot more enjoyable. |
| Festivals & Events | April (Easter), September (Ifestia) | Cultural immersion & fireworks over the caldera |
| Romantic Getaways | May, September | Fewer crowds but dreamy weather—perfect for couples |
| Lively Nightlife | June–August (Peak Season) | Clubs and beach bars in full swing |
| Full Island Experience | May–October | Everything’s open: restaurants, beach clubs, shops, and excursions |
| Avoiding Heat | April–May, September–October | Warm but comfortable—ideal for exploring without the summer scorch |
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How Long Should I Visit Santorini?
Generally, I’d say at least three days in Santorini is good to explore the island. If you want a slower pace or more days to relax, add more days to your itinerary.
I spent four days in Santorini and loved it! Since I was visiting with a friend, relaxing wasn’t a high priority, but we were able to explore at a relaxed pace.
What is the Best Month to Visit Santorini?
If I had to award a month as the best time to visit Santorini, it would probably be October. Crowds have thinned, but the water temperatures are warmer than in the spring. There may be a cloudy or overcast day on occasion, but that is also possible in April and May. The warmer waters put it over the edge in my opinion, but May was beautiful when I was there. Whether spring or fall, you can’t go wrong!
| Month | Avg. Air Temp (°F) | Avg. Water Temp (°F) | Rainfall (inches) | Avg. Sunny Days |
|---|
| April | 62–68 | 61 | ~1.0 | 22 |
| May | 68–75 | 66 | ~0.6 | 26 |
| October | 70–77 | 72 | ~1.3 | 23 |
Best Time to Visit Santorini
I absolutely loved Santorini and would gladly return! This island is dreamy and absolutely worth seeing! Of course, I don’t like a lot of crowds whether I’m at Disney, Times Square in New York, or a small, breathtaking Greek island. If you don’t mind hoards of people, then you can really visit Santorini anytime!
Whether you visit during what I consider to be the “best time” or not, I hope you have an amazing trip! Enjoy Santorini from all its beautiful angles and make wonderful memories!
