Climate and monthly weather forecast
Santorini, Greece

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »