The climate of Santorini
Dominated by a Mediterranean climate,
Santorini in
Greece exhibits warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This type of weather has earned its classification in the Köppen climate system as Csa. Located in the Aegean Sea, the island is largely subjected to the interplay between the sea and sunlight, which in turn impacts its weather patterns throughout the year.
Upon examination of weather data, average high temperatures steadily increase from 14°C (57.2°F) in
January to a peak of 28°C (82.4°F) in
July, before descending to 16°C (60.8°F) in
December. Conversely, average lows range from 9°C (48.2°F) in the earlier part of the year, reaching a maximum of 22°C (71.6°F) in July and
August, before cooling down to 11°C (51.8°F) in December. Thus, an annual rhythm of warming and cooling characterizes the island's temperature regime.
Regarding precipitation, the pattern is typical for Mediterranean climates, with maximum rainfall occurring in winter and nearly no precipitation during the summer months. Starting at 114mm (4.49") in January, rainfall sharply plunges to 1mm (0.04") in July and August. It then increases to 102mm (4.02") as winter sets in by December. Moreover, the number of rainy days follows a similar pattern, with a high of 12 in December and a minimum of one from
June to
September.
Pertaining to daylight and sunshine hours, daylight variances follow the tilt of the Earth and are at their longest in mid-summer and shortest in mid-winter - going from 10 hours in January to 14.6 hours in June, then back to 9.7 hours in December. Correspondingly, the lengthiest sunshine duration is registered in June and July with 13 hours, which then contracts to 4 hours in December. The annual UV index reveals a similar pattern, peaking in the sunniest months and reaching its lowest in the least sunny months.
The best time to visit Santorini
Considering the climatic calendar of
Santorini, the highly recommended period to visit spans
May to
September, marked by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and virtually non-existent rainfall. Daytime temperatures range from 22°C (71.6°F) in May to 28°C (82.4°F) in
July and
August, dipping back to a comfortable 25°C (77°F) in September. Rain becomes an infrequent occurrence during this period. With up to 14.6 daylight hours and as high as 13 sunshine hours in
June, visitors are guaranteed plenty of luminosity for beach and exploration activities.
The worst time to visit Santorini
Taking into account the climatic conditions, the least favorable time for a visit to
Santorini would be the period between
November to
February. This period registers the lowest temperatures descending down to 9°C (48.2°F), combined with the highest rainfall amounting to 114mm (4.49") in
January and 102mm (4.02") in
December. Additionally, there is an increased number of rainy days and lowered hours of daylight and sunshine, making this period less desirable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Santorini
Transitioning from winter to summer,
Santorini experiences gradual warming during the spring months of
March to
May. Daytime temperatures hover between 16°C (60.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) while nights get warmer, from 10°C (50°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) in May. Rainfall significantly decreases during this period, and sunshine hours increase noticeably, making it an agreeable period for travel activities on the island.
Summer weather in Santorini
Characterized by a dry and warm climate, the summer in
Santorini, from
June to
August, registers temperatures peaking between 26°C (78.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) and nights remaining comfortably warm at around 22°C (71.6°F). With negligible rainfall and abundant sunshine, the period offers optimal conditions for indulging in seaside activities and sightseeing.
Autumn weather in Santorini
Autumn in
Santorini, from
September to
November, witnesses temperatures gradually cooling, with daytime highs at 25°C (77°F) in September falling to 19°C (66.2°F) in November. Nights follow a similar cooling trend. Rainfall starts to pick up, particularly in November, yet never becoming disruptive, while daylight and sunshine hours begin to shrink, although remaining ample for outdoor engagement.
Winter weather in Santorini
Winter ushers in the chilliest period in
Santorini, from
December to
February, with high temperatures hovering between 14°C (57.2°F) to 16°C (60.8°F) and lows dipping to about 9°C (48.2°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). This season registers the heaviest rainfall and most days of precipitation, although the island still enjoys reasonable daylight hours. Limited sunshine and the lowest UV index characterize this period. Despite these conditions, the island's natural charm remains, offering serene landscapes and peaceful exploration opportunities.
Weather in January
January sees tolerably cool temperatures in
Santorini,
Greece, with the seas relatively warm in comparison. The beginning of the year is marked by the highest rainfall, 114mm (4.49") on average, and a frequent visitor for 11 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Santorini transitions into
February, the weather remains reasonably mild and cool. A comparison between
January and February reveals a slight drop in rainfall to 81mm (3.19") and a reduction in rainy days to 10. Although the temperatures hardly fluctuate, a small increase in sunshine, daylight hours, and sea temperatures is noted, a hint of the impending spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Santorini denotes the onset of spring with observable changes in weather parameters. Rainfall drastically declines to 66mm (2.6"), thus reducing the number of rainy days to a mere 8. A slight elevation in both sea and ambient temperature further compliments this change in climatic pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Santorini witnesses more prominent signs of spring and a warmer climate in
April. The month ushers in drier weather conditions with a stark drop in rainfall from 66mm (2.6") to 28mm (1.1"), corresponding with fewer rainy days. Increased sunshine hours and longer daylight further enhance outdoor activities and sightseeing in this Greek island.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Santorini promises a delightful Mediterranean climate conducive for outdoor exploration. The transition from
April to May sees a further decrease in rainfall and an upward trend in temperate climatic parameters. The sunshine hours now extend to double digits per day, complementing the classical beauty of the Greek landscapes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in summer in
Santorini, featuring long sunny days and minimal rainfall. A significant increase to 26°C (78.8°F) daily maximum temperatures and longer sunshine duration of 13 hours distinguishes June from preceding months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, being the peak of summer in
Santorini,
Greece, offers the warmest conditions in the year. The highest temperatures soar to 28°C (82.4°F), and the sea temperatures reach a pleasant 25.3°C (77.5°F). An almost negligible level of rainfall leaves the days dry and bright.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to bask in the splendor of a warm
Santorini summer. With rainfall almost absent and prevalent warm temperatures, beach visits and water sports experience a peak. Despite the slight dip in daylight and sunshine hours, the days remain largely bright and sunny.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Santorini, though pleasant summer conditions largely persist. Clear days prevail, and temperatures start to descend subtly from their summertime highs. The sea continues to remain warm, showing little change from
August, thus maintaining its attractiveness for sea enthusiasts.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Santorini brings noticeable changes in the weather, signaling a more defined shift towards autumn. The weather becomes progressively cooler with a drastic increase in rainfall, up to 61mm (2.4") inclusive of 4 rainy days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Santorini,
Greece, witnesses further cooling down, and the rain showers become increasingly frequent, totalling 69mm (2.72") on average spread across eight days. The dropping temperatures and shorter days signal the onset of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the start of the winter season in
Santorini, with cooler days, chilly nights, and teasing showers. The rainfall escalates to 102mm (4.02") over twelve days, setting indoor weather almost half the month. The shortest days of the year occur in December, with a mere 9.7 hours of daylight.
Weather in December »