Fall in Santorini really signals a shift from those blazing, dry summer days into something cooler and breezier, with rain making a bit more of an appearance. Daytime highs start in the low 80s °F in September and slide down to the low 60s °F by late November. Nights? They get much chillier.
This change makes the island feel more laid-back, with fewer crowds and a slower pace. The whole place just seems calmer.
Clouds roll in more often as fall goes on, and you’ll probably notice short rain showers, especially later in the season. Daylight drops off fast, too, and the sea cools—from warm enough for a long swim in September to pretty brisk by November.
These shifts create a different vibe than summer. Things get quieter, but honestly, it’s still a lovely time to visit.
If you’re planning a trip during these months, it helps to know what you’re in for. Packing the right clothes or timing your beach days around the water matters, and understanding Santorini’s fall weather gives you a better idea of how to enjoy the island during this in-between season.
Overview of Fall Weather in Santorini
Santorini’s fall brings cooler temps, shorter days, and more rain than the summer. You’ll notice a steady move from hot, dry days to milder, cloudier weather with showers popping up more often.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Santorini sits in a Mediterranean climate, so you get long, dry summers and winters that are mild but wetter. In fall, you can feel the tug-of-war between those extremes.
Temperatures cool off gradually. Average highs drop from about 83°F (28°C) in early September to around 63°F (17°C) by late November. Nights get chillier too, sliding from the low 70s°F (22°C) to the mid-50s°F (13°C).
Rain, which barely shows up in summer, starts to appear more often. At the beginning of September, rain chances hover around 3% per day. By late November, that number jumps to almost 30%.
Clouds show up more, too. Early fall skies are mostly clear, but by the end of the season, overcast days are pretty common.
Humidity drops as fall goes on. Early September might still feel muggy, but by November, the air gets drier and way more comfortable.
Winds keep blowing moderately, averaging about 13 mph from the north.
Transition from Summer to Autumn
You’ll feel the switch from summer to fall in Santorini, even if it’s not dramatic. Early September stays warm, with sea temps near 75°F (24°C), so swimming and boating are still on the table.
By late November, the sea cools to about 65°F (18°C), and most folks skip the water.
Daylight shrinks fast. Early September gives you nearly 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to under 10 hours. Sunsets move up, too, from about 7:45 PM in September to close to 5:00 PM by November.
This shift changes the daily rhythm. Outdoor dining and sightseeing feel great in September and October, but by November, you’ll probably want a light jacket at night.
Rain showers start to show up, though they usually don’t stick around for long.
Weather in Santorini Compared to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels cooler, less dry, and just a bit more unpredictable. Warm days stick around in September and October, but the heat never gets as intense as July or August.
Winter brings cooler and wetter weather than fall. December and January highs hover in the 50s°F (10–15°C), and that’s when the rain really kicks in.
Spring is a different story. It warms up with less rain than fall, especially in April and May, and skies clear up again.
Fall sits right in the middle—not as hot as summer, not as soggy as winter, and not as crisp as spring. It’s a balancing act, where Santorini slows down after the busy summer.
Average Fall Temperatures
During fall in Santorini, temps slide from warm and summery to cool and autumnal. September brings comfortable days, October has mild afternoons, and November brings those cooler evenings. The sea cools too, but you can usually swim for much of the season.
September Temperature Trends
September feels a lot like summer. Daytime highs hit 75°F to 83°F (24°C–28°C). Nights cool off but stay pleasant, usually 65°F to 72°F (18°C–22°C).
Early September is the warmest. By the end of the month, things mellow out a bit. The sea averages about 75°F (24°C)—pretty much perfect for swimming.
Humidity drops compared to August, so it’s more comfortable. With long daylight and mild nights, September is an easy month for outdoor plans.
October Temperature Patterns
October gets milder. Average highs run 70°F to 77°F (21°C–25°C). Nights dip to 60°F–65°F (16°C–19°C), so you might reach for a light jacket after dark.
The sea stays warm, usually 72°F–74°F (22°C–23°C), but cools down as the weeks go by. Early October is still nice for a swim, while late October feels more invigorating.
Clouds show up more than in September. Still, most afternoons feel comfortable, and you won’t have to deal with that summer heat.
November Temperature Changes
November brings a real drop in temperature. Highs land between 63°F and 69°F (17°C–21°C). Nights fall to 55°F–60°F (13°C–16°C), and sometimes even lower at the month’s end.
The sea cools to 65°F–67°F (18°C–19°C), so swimming gets brisk—but some people still go for it.
Rain picks up, and cloudy days become the norm. You’ll also notice shorter daylight and much earlier sunsets. Even so, daytime is usually mild enough for exploring.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Fall in Santorini shifts from nearly rain-free summer days to regular autumn showers. Rain picks up in both frequency and amount, and autumn really marks the start of the island’s wetter months.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall builds from September through November. In September, totals stay low—about 0.3 inches. October sees more, averaging 0.6 to 1.2 inches.
By November, rainfall usually reaches 2.2 inches. That’s when you’ll notice heavier showers, though it’s still not much compared to northern Europe.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | 0.3″ |
| October | 0.6–1.2″ |
| November | 2.2″ |
The numbers show how the island edges from dry to wetter as fall goes on.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days add up as autumn progresses. September averages less than 2 days with real rain. By October, you can count on about 4 or 5 rainy days.
November brings the biggest increase, with around 7 or 8 days of rain. Most showers are brief, not all-day storms. Rain comes in quick bursts, then clears up.
By late fall, you should expect rain to show up now and then. It usually won’t ruin a whole day, but it might change your outdoor plans—especially in November.
Onset of Wet Season
Fall kicks off Santorini’s wet season, which lasts from late September through early May. The transition usually starts in the last week of September, as rain chances climb.
By October, the island has definitely entered the wetter stretch. The odds of a wet day rise above 15%. In November, that goes even higher.
If you’re visiting in autumn, keep this seasonal change in mind. The rain rarely gets wild, but it does mark the end of the dry summer and the start of cooler, wetter months.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Daylight Hours
During fall, you’ll notice Santorini’s daylight hours shrinking, clear skies becoming less common, and the sun not shining quite as fiercely as in summer. September stays bright and clear, but by November, clouds and early sunsets take over.
Hours of Sunshine per Month
September still brings about 9–10 hours of sunshine per day, making it the brightest month of fall. October drops to 7–8 hours daily, and November falls further to around 6 hours.
This drop happens as the sun sits lower and days get shorter. September almost feels like summer, while November brings limited sunny periods.
Actual sunshine depends on cloud cover. Early fall skies stay mostly clear, so you get long stretches of sun. Later, even dry days can feel a bit dimmer thanks to the clouds.
Increasing Cloudiness in Autumn
The season starts with super clear skies. In early September, you’ll see clear or mostly clear skies about 95% of the time. By late November, cloud cover climbs to nearly 40%, making it the cloudiest part of fall.
This change isn’t sudden, but you’ll feel it. September is perfect for outdoor plans that need sunshine. November? It’s cooler and more overcast.
Rain gets more likely as the season goes on. September barely sees any, but by November, you’ve got about a 30% chance of rain on any day. Late fall just feels more unsettled.
Changes in Day Length
Day length drops quickly in fall. On September 1, you get almost 13 hours of daylight. By late November, you’re under 10 hours.
That’s a loss of about 3 hours of daylight over the season. Each week, sunset creeps up by about 15 minutes.
Sunrise shifts later, too. In September, the sun comes up around 6:45 AM. By late November, it’s after 7:30 AM. Sunset moves from about 7:45 PM in early September to just after 5:00 PM by the end of November.
This quick change really impacts how much time you’ve got for sightseeing, especially late in the season.
Sea Temperatures and Beach Conditions
During fall, the Aegean Sea around Santorini gradually cools off after the summer peak. The water stays good for swimming for much of the season—though it shifts from warm and inviting in September to pretty chilly by late November.
Your beach holiday experience really depends on when you show up.
Aegean Sea Water Temperatures
The sea gets warmest in late summer and keeps that heat into September. Average water temperatures hover around 24–25°C (75–77°F), which most visitors say feels perfect for swimming.
By October, the water cools down to about 22–23°C (71–73°F). Most people still manage just fine, though you might feel a chill when you first get in.
In November, the Aegean Sea drops further to nearly 20–21°C (68–70°F). Swimming’s still possible, but honestly, it’s not as tempting unless you really like cooler water.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 24–25 | 75–77 |
| October | 22–23 | 71–73 |
| November | 20–21 | 68–70 |
With the water cooling off slowly, early fall usually gives you the best balance of warmth and fewer crowds.
Swimming and Beach Holiday Prospects
If you’re aiming for a beach holiday, September really stands out. The sea feels warm, air temps stay high, and swimming or sunbathing is still a treat.
October’s still decent, especially during the first couple weeks. The water’s cooler, but you can swim, and the beaches feel quieter. Swimming sessions might get shorter than in summer, but that’s not always a bad thing.
By November, not many people swim. The sea feels brisk, and cooler air temperatures make it harder to hang out on the beach for long. Still, you can stroll the shoreline, wander along coastal paths, or just chill at a seaside café with an Aegean view.
How late you’ll want to swim really depends on how much you mind cooler water.
What to Pack and Seasonal Travel Tips
You’ll get mild warmth during the day, cooler evenings, and the occasional light rain shower. Packing layers, planning flexible activities, and keeping the season’s quirks in mind will make your visit a lot more comfortable.
Clothing Recommendations
Daytime temperatures usually sit in the low 70s°F (around 21–23°C). Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen shirts, skirts, or pants work best. Mixing short-sleeve tops with thin long-sleeve layers gives you options.
Evenings cool off into the 60s°F (15–18°C). You’ll want a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan for dinner outside or a sunset walk. A scarf helps if the breeze picks up.
Rain isn’t heavy but does happen sometimes. Toss a compact umbrella or thin raincoat into your bag. For shoes, go for comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, since cobblestone streets aren’t heel-friendly. Supportive sandals work for the day, but skip heels. Planning to swim? Bring a swimsuit and beach shoes, because the water’s still pleasant enough.
Best Activities for Fall Visits
The milder weather makes it way easier to explore outdoors than in summer. Hiking the Fira-to-Oia trail is a highlight, with cooler air and those wide caldera views. Shorter coastal walks are nice too, since you don’t have to deal with heavy heat.
Historic sites like Ancient Thera and Akrotiri feel more comfortable to tour in autumn. You can linger longer outdoors without rushing. On cloudy or rainy days, museums in Fira are a solid backup.
Beaches are quieter, and the sea stays warm enough for a swim. If you visit Perissa or Kamari, you’ll probably get a more peaceful experience. Winery tours are a great pick too, since harvest season often stretches into early fall. You might even catch some fresh local wines.
Advantages of Visiting in Autumn
After the peak summer season, crowds thin out. You’ll spot shorter lines at attractions and snag restaurant reservations with less hassle. That makes sightseeing feel way less stressful, and honestly, it’s just nicer to have more space to soak in the views.
Hotels with caldera views usually drop their prices compared to summer. You can find better deals, which is always a win. On top of that, driving gets easier—less traffic on those narrow roads and parking isn’t such a headache.
The weather’s another big plus. You dodge the extreme summer heat but still get plenty of sunny days. With about 10 or 11 hours of daylight, you can explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
Mild warmth during the day, cooler evenings, and lighter crowds all come together to set a relaxed vibe for your trip. Isn’t that what most of us are after?