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Weather Overview for Santorini

Santorini is an archipelago of five volcanic islands orientated in a circular shape surrounding a dramatic deep blue ocean lake. Situated in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini is a member of the Cyclades group of islands. Santorini is one of the most spectacular places in the world and is matched by equally amazing weather. Located 200km south east from the mainland of Greece, Santorini enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that enjoys year round agreeable conditions. Santorini was originally a single island but an enormous underwater volcanic eruption resulted in the creation of geographic calderas which has the affect of a jaw shaped layout that encompasses a rectangular shaped ocean inlet.

SUMMER

Summers in Santorini are amazing, averaging daily temperatures of 29 ºC. Though the region does get particular hot in Late July and August, the island is considerably cooler than some of its other Mediterranean counterparts. If you want to avoid the throngs of tourists it is best to visit Santorini in May to June. The island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world so prices can skyrocket come peak season. In addition to the island being less rammed with tourists from all over the world, you can also enjoy the milder temperatures that May and June bring.

Santorini experiences very little rainfall year round with levels almost nonexistent in during June through to August, in fact the average precipitation for June is only 0.1mm. Rainfall tends to level off in April and picks up again in about October. The mean temperature throughout the summer months is 28 ºC to 29 ºC, with temperatures reaching mid to high thirties on occasions.

During the summer period the island averages twelve to thirteen hours of clear sunlight per day. It is when these hours of sunlight are coming to a close in the evening that crowds are drawn from all over the island, to the small cliff side community of Oia, to watch the spectacular Aegean sunset. The humidity in the region makes for hazy skies which contribute to this particular sunset being one of the most dramatic in the world. The haze in the sky often prevents a clear view across to nearby Crete which makes you feel as though you are a million miles away from anything. The sunset is vast and spectacular and is thoroughly enjoyed by tourists and locals who gather to watch on the limestone cliffs, in the picturesque Greek houses and from the verandas of the many restaurants and cafes. The constant island breezes that waft through the island are a welcome break from the high humidity. These breezes have the affect of almost negating the humid conditions and leaving you to enjoy comfortable summer temperatures.

WINTER

From tourists point of view, anywhere in the Greek Islands becomes a bit of a ghost town during the winter months. This is not necessarily due to poor weather conditions, but partly due to the lack of transportation options during low season. Ferries depart much less regularly with some lines stopping completing. Some parts of the islands completely shut down, the restaurants and bars close down and the beaches are deserted. Despite this, if you can get out to the islands and are willing to pay the higher travel costs that arise in the off-peak times, you will be met with much cheaper accommodation and leisure costs once you reach the islands.

Santorini’s weather makes it a suitable destination year round. The island doesn’t receive heavy rainfall at any point during the year however December and January are typically the wettest months. The weather throughout autumn and winter is slightly more unpredictable than summer, but the skies generally remain blue and the weather remains mild. Winter sees mean temperatures of about 10 ºC to 12 ºC, with night time temperatures pushing to zero so a jacket is a necessity if visiting in this period.

Rainfall sits at an average of 74mm and 75 mm during December and January, respectively, falling to 52mm come February. Humidity is at its highest during winter, averaging 74%. The water temperature drops to about 17 ºC during winter and Spring, before picking up to 22 ºC to 24 ºC in the summer months.