Greece (Santorini) travel guide
April to May and September to October are the best months for most Greek trips, with warm weather, fewer crowds and better value. June to September suits beach travel, but July and August are the hottest and most expensive. November to March is cool and wetter, best for Athens and museums.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7° to 13°C | 45 mm |
| Feb | 7° to 14°C | 40 mm |
| Mar | 9° to 17°C | 35 mm |
| Apr | 12° to 21°C | 25 mm |
| May | 16° to 26°C | 15 mm |
| Jun | 21° to 31°C | 8 mm |
| Jul | 24° to 34°C | 6 mm |
| Aug | 24° to 34°C | 5 mm |
| Sep | 21° to 29°C | 15 mm |
| Oct | 17° to 24°C | 45 mm |
| Nov | 13° to 19°C | 55 mm |
| Dec | 9° to 14°C | 55 mm |
The best time to visit Greece depends on what you want to do. Athens and the mainland are comfortable in spring and autumn, when the heat is manageable and sites are easier to visit. The islands are at their most relaxed in May, June and September, when the sea is warm and crowds are smaller than in peak summer. Winter is quieter and cooler, and it suits city trips rather than beach holidays. This guide sets out the season month by month, so you can match the weather with your plans.
These four months combine warm weather with manageable crowds. April is greener and cooler, with highs near 21°C, which suits long days of walking around Athens and the archaeological sites. May often feels ideal, with highs near 26°C and a warm sea beginning. September is an excellent island month, with warm seas and easing crowds. October is mild and good for heritage, although some island services reduce after the middle of the month.
June is hot and dry, and the beaches are at their best. Prices and crowds begin to rise, so book accommodation and ferries ahead. July and August are the hardest months for many travellers. Highs reach about 34°C, the islands are very busy, and ferry demand is high. Strong meltemi winds in August can disrupt or delay some crossings. If you travel in these months, keep sightseeing for the morning and evening.
November to March is cool and comparatively quiet. Athens, Thessaloniki and the mainland are good for museums, cafés and city walks, and prices are lower. Island services are more limited, and island beaches are not at their best. December has Christmas events in major cities, which adds to the atmosphere but also to demand around the holidays.
The season changes the total cost more than most other choices. July and August are the most expensive months, especially on Santorini and Mykonos. Travellers often say that booking early for summer is essential, and that ferries and sunset cruises sell out in peak weeks. Our packages are land-only, so the season affects hotel rates and island transfers, while flights are booked separately. See Greece trip cost for more on what drives the price.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather is variable from year to year, so treat the figures as typical rather than exact, and check current conditions before you travel.
For the places that suit each season, read places to visit in Greece. For activities by season, see things to do in Greece. To understand the full cost of your dates, see Greece trip cost, then start with the Greece travel guide and the Greece tour packages page.
Ready-made trips
Athens 1N · Santorini 4N
Athens 2N · Santorini 3N · Mykonos 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Greece (Santorini).
April to May and September to October suit most travellers. The weather is warm, crowds are smaller and prices are better than in July and August. May and September are often the most comfortable months for islands and cities alike.
July is peak season, with highs near 34°C and the busiest islands. It suits travellers who want beaches and nightlife and can handle heat and high prices. Book hotels and ferries early, and plan sightseeing for the morning and evening.
Winter, from November to March, is cool and quieter. It suits Athens, museums and mainland sightseeing. Island services are more limited, and beach holidays are not at their best, so choose city-based trips in the winter months.
The sea is warmest from late June to September, after a warm spring. September is often the strongest month for swimming, because the sea is still warm and the crowds have started to ease.
October is a good shoulder month for Athens, heritage sites and cities. Some island services reduce after mid-month, so check ferry and hotel availability for the islands before you book.
The wettest months are November and December, each with around 55 mm of rain on average. The summer months are almost completely dry, which makes them good for beaches but hot for sightseeing.
December has Christmas events in major cities, and it is low-season for prices. Island beaches are not at their best, so the trip suits city sightseeing and museums rather than beach holidays.
Highs in July and August reach about 34°C, with lows near 24°C. Strong winds in August can affect ferries and beaches. Carry water, use sun protection and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening.
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