When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Santorini?

When deciding to book a villa in Santorini, Greece, you will have to consider what time of year to go. Your choice relies on several factors: the weather you prefer, what you want to do once you get to Santorini, and your budget.

Santorini offers beaches with crystal-clear waters, ancient history, a vibrant nightlife, and excellent local food and wine. However, some activities are better enjoyed in one season rather than another.

You can rent a luxury villa in Santorini at any time of year. It will give you the privacy a hotel lacks, as well as the freedom to do what you want, when you want.

This blog will give you an idea of what you can expect during the different seasons, as well as when to go, according to your interests.

What to Expect Season by Season

Spring (April – Mid-June)

Many people consider that spring is the best time to visit Santorini. The weather is pleasantly warm, without the scorching heat of summer, although it does warm up by the time you get to June.

Spring is the perfect time to visit archaeological sites, such as Akrotiri. Apart from it being pleasant to walk around these sites in warm rather than hot temperatures, it will be less crowded.

April is the beginning of the tourist season, and slowly, the island comes to life. Shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels open up, not always at the same time, but by the beginning of May, everything should be open. Some establishments will wait until the Greek Orthodox Easter is over, which can be any time during April or even early May.

By May, you should be able to go to the beach and sunbathe, but the sea is still cold, so you will have to be hardy to get in the water.

The price of accommodation begins to rise in June, but it is still more affordable than during the summer season.

Summer (End of June – August)

For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and hot weather, summer is the time to visit Santorini. The island buzzes, and everything is open. The sea has warmed up, so you can swim, and there is a wide variety of excursions on offer, such as wine tastings and boat trips.

The downside is that it gets very crowded on the island, particularly as many cruise ships stop by for the day. On days that cruise ships are in, avoid the capital, Fira, as it will be packed. Oia, with its fantastic sunsets, also gets crowded when the sun is about to set.

If you stay in a Santorini villa with a private pool, you can avoid the crowds as much as you want. You will have somewhere to sunbathe and swim without being on a crowded beach. It is a win-win situation; just remember to book well in advance. We advise booking a villa for the summer 12 months in advance to ensure that you get the property and the dates that you want.

Autumn (September – October)

Autumn is a great time to visit Santorini. It is still very warm, though not quite as hot as the summer months. The sea remains warm, so it is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It is also less crowded, both on the beaches and in the towns.

Most places stay open well into October. Some do close before the end of the month, but there are always enough bars and restaurants that stay open.

The price of accommodation goes down, as do other things, such as car hire and dining.

Autumn is ideal for exploring. Hiking is more pleasant than during the heat of the summer, as is visiting archaeological sites.

By late October, tourist spots have closed down, but the atmosphere remains lively until the middle of the month.

Winter (November – March)

This is the off-season, so the vibe is completely different to the rest of the year. If you are looking for solitude, this is the time to visit.

Winters are generally mild compared to Northern Europe, but it's not warm enough to swim, though some Greeks do swim in the winter. They say that if you carry on swimming throughout the year, you will cope with the drop in temperature.

There are limited options for accommodation, dining, and excursions during the winter, but what there is, is reasonably priced. Explore the villages and interact with the locals. It's also a good time to visit museums and archaeological sites, as they will be very quiet. You may even have them to yourselves.

The Best Time to Visit Santorini Based on Your Interests

Sightseeing

If your main priority is to learn about the history of Santorini, head to the island between April and mid-June or October. The temperature is comfortable, ranging between 18°C (65°F) and 25°C (77°F), and there are fewer crowds than during the summer. This will make it much easier to visit ancient sights such as Akrotiri. Holiday villas in Santorini are also cheaper than during the summer months.

Beach Lovers

A Quiet Retreat

If you want a quiet retreat, a time to reflect, or a time to mix with the locals and find out what life is really like on a Greek island, visit Santorini in the winter. The weather is generally mild, between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F), though there can be rainy days. On those days, find a cosy taverna and enjoy an ouzo with a meze. The Greeks don't mind how long you stay.

On a sunny day, visit Akrotiri or explore villages such as Oia. You may be the only ones watching the sunset over the caldera.

Celebrate Your Honeymoon

If you stay in a luxury villa in Santorini, you will have the option of a private chef, so you can have a romantic dinner without doing any of the hard work. Light some candles, open a bottle of champagne and enjoy the meal on your private terrace. If you do want to go out, there are restaurants by the sea which will make the meal feel special.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Santorini Villa Stay

• Book Early. Villas get booked up quickly, so book early. We suggest 6 to 10 months in advance, longer for a summer stay.
• Villa Amenities to Look For. Make sure that the villa has air conditioning. It is essential during the summer, and during the winter, it doubles as heating. Check that the villa has an EOT licence. This certificate confirms that it meets the health and safety requirements for rental.
• Local Markets vs Supermarkets. Shop at local markets, called laiki, where you can purchase local and seasonal produce, which you may not find in supermarkets. It will also be cheaper, and you may get free samples.
• Concierge Services. In most villas, you will have a concierge or host who will greet you when you arrive, give you advice about where to go, and make bookings in restaurants, as well as for taxis and excursions.

Ready to Find Your Dream Santorini Villa?

A Santorini villa will give you luxury, privacy, and space. No matter what time of year you visit, you will have a magical time. Browse the Bnbstay collection of Santorini villas and find the perfect property for your stay. For more on planning your trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Santorini.

FAQ

How do I get to Santorini? During the season, there are direct flights to Santorini from the UK and major European cities. Between November and April, you can fly to Athens and then get another plane or a ferry from Piraeus, the nearest port to Athens.

Do I need to hire a car? Yes, villas are off the beaten track, so it is advisable to hire a car. Taxis will work out expensive in the long run and don't give you the freedom a car does.

Is a hotel or villa the best option? A villa gives you privacy, the opportunity to do what you want when you want, and more space than a hotel room. It also works out cheaper if you are in a group, as you don't have to pay for multiple rooms. A villa is a set price, however many of you there are.

What is the best time to visit Santorini? The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit, as it is warm and it isn't too crowded. However, if you like the heat and want the party vibe, summer will suit you down to the ground.

What is the average cost of a villa holiday in Santorini? Expect to pay from around £300 to £600 per night for inland villas, and from £1,200 per night for a caldera view, often significantly more in the summer.

Can't decide what time of year to visit Santorini? This guide will tell you what to expect in every season. Still unsure? Talk to our team, who will help you to make a final decision. Browse our Santorini villas to start planning.