The best time to visit Santorini, month by month

April and May: spring on the island

The island turns green, wildflowers line the paths and the weather is ideal for walking: a good time for the hike to Ancient Thera. The sea is still cool in April and warms through May.

By late May most restaurants, boats and tours are running again.

June: long days, warm water

The longest days of the year and almost no rain. The sea is pleasant for swimming and the island is lively without being at its peak. One of the best months for a beach-and-sunset holiday.

July and August: high summer

Hot, dry and busy, with the most visitors, the highest prices and crowded sunset viewpoints. The meltemi, a strong northerly wind, often blows in the afternoon. It cools the heat but can make the sea rough and sometimes cancels boat trips.

If you are coming in these months, book your apartment, transfers and catamaran trips well ahead.

September: our favourite month

The sea is at its warmest after the summer, the meltemi eases and the crowds thin once the school holidays end. It is also harvest time, which makes it a lovely month for wine tasting.

October: the gentle end of the season

Days are still warm and the sea usually stays swimmable well into the month. Evenings are cooler, the first autumn rain often comes towards the end of the month, and some businesses begin to close.

November to March: the quiet season

Cooler, with more wind and rain. Many hotels, restaurants and boat tours close and archaeological sites keep shorter hours. It is a good time for walking and photography, not for a beach holiday.

Why Kamari in the shoulder season

The east coast is calmer than the caldera villages, and in Kamari the beach, the promenade and the bus to Fira are all on your doorstep. For an adults-only break out of peak season, June and September are hard to beat.

Questions guests ask