Santorini's problem is stairs, not weather. Fira and Oia are built down the caldera cliff, so a lot of hotels are reached by steps rather than roads, and your rolling suitcase becomes something you carry. Pack light and pack shoes with grip, because the polished paths get slippery.
Santorini weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 26°C79°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 16°C61°F |
| Low | 12°C54°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 18°C64°F | 16°C61°F | 13°C55°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryQuiet and mild, but grey. Highs are 13–16°C (55–61°F) and lows 10–13°C (50–55°F), and December is the wettest month at 9 rain days. Many hotels and restaurants close for the season, so check before you book. Bring a warm layer and a windproof jacket.
Spring
March–MayWarming from 16°C (61°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in May, with only 5 to 6 rain days a month. The sea is still cold for swimming. Pack layers, because evenings on the caldera stay cool.
Summer
June–AugustHot, dry and windy. Highs are 27–29°C (81–84°F) with 0 to 1 rain days, and lows stay warm at 21–23°C (70–73°F). The summer meltemi wind can make ferry crossings rough and blow hats off along the caldera rim. Pack sun protection and nothing that flies away in a gust.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still summer, 26°C (79°F) with 1 rain day and a warm sea. October cools to 22°C (72°F) and November to 19°C (66°F). It's the best time for the Fira to Oia hike, with fewer crowds and gentler heat.
What to bring to Santorini
0 of 25 packed- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
The black sand at Perissa and Kamari gets scorching, and these slip-on clogs handle hot sand, boat decks and the walk back up.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
The meltemi can make ferries rough, and one chewable lasts up to 24 hours, so take it 30 to 60 minutes before you board.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
The Fira to Oia trail has no shade, and 24 oz of water that stays cold for 24 hours is what gets you to the end.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Wet swimsuits from a catamaran day go in here, sealed away from your clean clothes.
- Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30LBags & Luggage
Bellroy lists it at 30 liters, enough for a short island trip, and it goes up the Oia steps on your back instead of bumping behind you.
Greek sockets take two round pins, and this adapter charges your phone and camera from one outlet.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A light, washable sneaker with a traction outsole for the polished steps and the rocky stretches of the caldera trail.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version, with the grip you want on Santorini's steep, polished caldera paths.
Clothing
- Linen shirts, sundresses and shorts · 5Summer highs of 27–29°C with 0 to 1 rain days
- Nice shirt or dress for dinner · 1Dinner on the caldera
- Swimwear · 2
- Light scarfCover shoulders and knees at churches and monasteries
- Light layer for eveningsWind on the caldera rim feels cooler than 21–23°C lows
- Warm layer and windproof jacketDec–Feb highs of 13–16°C, December has 9 rain days
- Sun hat with a chin strapThe meltemi blows hats off along the rim
Footwear
- Beach sandals · 1 pairBlack sand at Perissa and Kamari burns bare feet
Gear
- Sunglasses
- Small daypackFira to Oia trail is rocky with no shade
- Beach towel or sarong
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenNo shade on the caldera trail
- After-sun lotion
- Lip balmHot, dry and windy summers
Documents and money
- Passport or national ID
- Ferry ticketsCrossings can be rough when the meltemi blows
Tech
- Portable power bank
What shoes should you pack for Santorini?
Bring sneakers with grip for the steps and the Fira to Oia caldera trail, which is rocky in places and has no shade. Pack sandals or clogs for the beaches, since the black sand at Perissa and Kamari gets hot enough to burn bare feet in summer. Heels don't survive the cobbles and steps.
What do people wear in Santorini?
Resort casual. Linen, sundresses and shorts by day, and a nice shirt or dress for dinner on the caldera. If you visit churches or monasteries, cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf in your day bag does the job.
What plugs does Santorini use?
Greece uses Type C and F sockets at 230V, the standard two round pins used in most of Europe. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Santorini
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Santorini.
What should you leave at home for Santorini?
Leave the big hardside suitcase if you can, because you'll be hauling it up and down steps in Oia and Fira. Skip the heels and anything you'd mind getting black sand in. And don't bother with a heavy rain jacket from May to October, it barely rains.
Packing for Santorini: questions people ask
What should I wear in Santorini?
Light, breathable clothes for the day and a layer for windy evenings on the caldera. Bring grippy shoes for the steps and sandals for the beach.
Is Santorini windy?
Often, especially in summer when the meltemi blows. It can make ferries rough and evenings on the cliff edge feel cooler than the 21–23°C (70–73°F) lows suggest.
What shoes should I wear in Santorini?
Sneakers with good grip for the steps and the Fira to Oia hike, plus sandals or clogs for the hot black sand beaches.
What is the weather like in Santorini in October?
Warm and mostly dry, with a 22°C (72°F) high, an 18°C (64°F) low and about 2 rain days.
Should I bring a suitcase or a backpack to Santorini?
A backpack or small carry-on is easier. Many hotels in Oia and Fira sit down long flights of steps with no road access.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.