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What Santorini season is your favorite?
First, let us just say that any visit to Santorini at any time is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
We have enjoyed three Santorini seasons: winter, spring, and summer (yes, a fall trip is being planned!), and we have loved them all in different ways.
That said, this page will give you an idea of the different Santorini seasons, and help you figure out when would be the best time to go.
Obviously, only you can say what is the best time to go as it depends on your personal interests and goal for the trip.
Winter - off season equals off price
Hands down the biggest benefit of travelling in winter. Bargains!!
You may be able to cut the costs for your entire trip in half, compared to going in the summer season.
Alternatively, for the same money, you can choose to 'upgrade' your accommodation from the simple studio to that mouth-watering double suite with private veranda and jacuzzi. In many of Santorini's hotels, that's the difference between high and low season!
Winter season runs from November to March. During this period a limited number of hotels and restaurants are open for business. Nightclubs are closed and so are most of the shops.
In all honesty, Santorini is really deserted in the winter, so if you are looking to party and/or do some serious shopping this is not the time to go.
But... if you like the idea of no traffic and walking the streets all by yourself as you're doing your sightseeing then winter is the time to go.
Also, if you are a sucker for extra friendly and personal service at hotels and restaurants it can be quite a pleasant experience to go in winter.
Expect a lot of extra attention and pampering from staff and owners. Business is low for them and they will be so grateful just to have you there in winter.
The weather is obviously colder in winter, and does not allow for any beach activities. You can expect fairly pleasant days but chilly nights. Nothing that a sweater or jacket cannot fix, though.
November should be your best choice weather-wise in this season. The daytime temperature still reaches 20°C (68°F) and nights rarely drop below 10°C (50°F).
December through February is when most of the rain falls, but there is often generous sunshine in between showers. Normal temperatures are 12-16°C (59-63 °F) high and 5-8°C (41-48°F) low.
March sees less precipitation, but temperatures do not really begin to climb until April arrives.
Spring - the best of both worlds
Nice weather, peaceful, and still some pretty good bargains around. Of all the Santorini seasons, spring may get you the best of both worlds.
Most businesses in Santorini consider the spring season (or mid-season) to run from April to mid-June.
Renting a car to get around is a great idea in spring season!
The roads are clear from traffic and driving through the hilly landscape as it comes to life with flowers and wildlife is a wonderful way to experience Santorini.
Summer - the name of the game
Glorious weather and an infinite supply of great experiences. Summer Santorini is constantly vibrating with the energy of tens of thousands of fun-loving and shopping-crazy visitors.
During July and August, a steady line of airplanes and ferries bring in thousands of new visitors every day.
Still, one of the many things we love about Santorini is that even in the middle of peak season, you can experience the island's natural stillness.
Most hotels are intentionally tucked away from the noisy streets giving you the feeling of absolute peace as you enjoy your private balcony or veranda. Well, that is unless you happen to have a hotel over a nightclub or right by the beach bars.
Even then, many communities on Santorini have very strict laws regarding loud music outside. You won't have music blasting from speakers outside stores or bars, which is so common in many other places.
We think of the caldera basin as a giant ear that swallows all of the noise that arises from the cities to leave you with nothing but the sound of the wind and the waves and the occasional voice from hotel neighbors.
It may be hard to believe that you are just a short walk from the busy nightlife of the streets.
In summer, prices soar on everything. Santorini is one of the most expensive of the greek islands to be a tourist in. No other island has so many high-end hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. It is no coincidence that it is such a popular destination for the rich and famous.
There are, however, always good options also for the budget minded. It may just take a little extra look around and avoiding the most popular tourist places.
Fall - like spring plus the warm sea
Like the Santorini spring season, in fall you may get the best combination of nice weather and good deals on travel and accommodation.
One big benefit of fall over spring is that the sea temperature reaches its peak in August/September and stays above 20°C (68°F) well through October.
Businesses on Santorini identify their fall season as lasting from the end of August until the end of October.
More on Santorini seasons
You may find additional information on Santorini seasons through our Santorini Weather page.
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