Spring in Santorini really wakes the island up. Cool, damp days slowly give way to warm, sunny weather, and you’ll notice the difference as the weeks go by.
Daily highs climb from the upper 50s °F in March to the upper 70s °F by late May. Rainfall drops off fast as spring rolls on. The air feels fresh, the skies clear up, and those whitewashed villages look even more inviting against blooming hillsides.
You’ll notice the days stretch out, too. Daylight goes from just over 11 hours in early March to more than 14 hours by the end of May.
Sunshine sticks around more reliably, and the sea slowly starts to warm up, so swimming becomes a real option as summer gets closer.
With fewer crowds than the busy summer, spring lets you enjoy caldera views, local wineries, and coastal walks at your own pace. The mix of mild weather, more sunshine, and lighter tourism makes spring a pretty great time to see Santorini.
Overview of Spring Weather in Santorini
Spring in Santorini means mild temperatures, longer daylight, and a big drop in rain compared to winter.
You’ll feel the warming trend from March through May, and the skies clear up, making outdoor activities a lot easier.
Typical Weather Conditions
March brings daily highs from 57°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C). Nights stay cool, so keep a light jacket handy.
By April, daytime temperatures rise to 61°F to 68°F (16°C to 20°C), and evenings start to feel more comfortable.
May gets noticeably warmer, with highs between 66°F and 73°F (19°C to 23°C). Sunshine turns up more often, and cloudy days don’t show up as much.
Rain barely makes an appearance, especially by late spring, so you’ll see more dry days.
The sea stays pretty chilly in March and April, but it starts to warm up in May. Swimming becomes more tempting.
Winds usually stay moderate, but breezes from the Aegean can still feel cool early in the season.
Climate Characteristics
Spring in Santorini stands out for mild temperatures, low humidity, and more sunshine.
The air feels fresher and lighter than in summer, which makes sightseeing and walking around way more comfortable.
March brings more rain, but it drops off steadily. By May, rain is rare and the skies are mostly clear.
That change means you can count on good weather for hiking, photography, and exploring villages without sweating it out.
Daylight stretches from about 11.5 hours in March to nearly 14.5 hours in May. You get more time to wander.
The UV index climbs as spring moves along, so don’t forget sun protection, even before summer hits.
Seasonal Changes
You’ll notice the jump from winter to summer most in spring.
March still feels a bit cool and quiet, with fewer visitors and laid-back streets. Flowers start blooming, adding pops of color to the volcanic landscape.
April brings greener hillsides and steadier weather. Warmth and cool breezes balance out, making hiking trails like the Fira-to-Oia path especially nice.
By May, Santorini feels almost like summer. The weather in Santorini gets warm enough for the beach, and the island buzzes a bit more as shops and restaurants reopen.
This month bridges the calm of spring with the lively summer energy.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Santorini shifts from cool, wetter days to warm, dry ones.
Early spring feels mild, mid-season brings more sunshine, and by late spring, you’ll get comfortable warmth and long daylight hours.
March Weather Patterns
March marks the switch from winter to spring. Average temperatures float from 11°C (52°F) at night to 16°C (61°F) during the day.
You might still get some rain, with about 65 mm of rainfall spread over 6 days.
Daylight stretches to about 12 hours. You’ll get 6–7 hours of sunshine per day, though clouds and wind can still make things feel chilly.
The north wind can pick up, adding a cool bite to the air.
The sea sits at around 15–16°C (59–61°F), so swimming isn’t exactly appealing. March is better for hiking, checking out archaeological sites, or enjoying the quiet island vibe.
Bring a light jacket and comfy shoes for cooler evenings and breezy weather.
April Temperature Trends
April brings steadier weather and average daytime highs of 19°C (66°F), with lows near 13°C (55°F).
Rainfall drops to about 30 mm over 3 days, so most days stay dry and sunny.
You’ll enjoy 8–9 hours of sunshine daily and 13+ hours of daylight, making it a great month for sightseeing.
The sea temperature nudges up to 16–17°C (61–63°F), but it’s still pretty chilly for swimming.
Humidity stays moderate, and winds calm down compared to March, so conditions feel more comfortable.
Wildflowers bloom everywhere, brightening up hiking routes and rural scenes.
If you love photography or quieter travel, April gives you mild weather and fewer tourists.
May Climate Highlights
By May, Santorini almost feels like summer. Average highs hit 23°C (73°F), and nighttime lows stay around 17°C (63°F).
Rain barely shows up, with just 15 mm usually falling across 2 days.
The island basks in 9–10 hours of daily sunshine and 14 hours of daylight. Outdoor activities become even more tempting.
The sea warms up to 18–19°C (64–66°F). While still cool, some visitors start swimming.
Winds get lighter, and evenings are nice for eating outside. Vineyards open their doors for tastings, and walking tours pick up in the comfortable warmth.
May is a good time to try Santorini’s beaches before summer crowds show up.
Spring Temperatures and Rainfall
Spring in Santorini brings a steady warm-up, longer days, and less rain than winter.
You’ll get mild to warm days, cooler nights, and drier weather as you move from March to May.
Average Day and Night Temperatures
Daytime temperatures go from about 16°C (61°F) in March up to around 22°C (72°F) in May.
Nights stay cooler, starting near 10°C (50°F) in early spring and reaching about 15°C (59°F) by late May.
This slow rise makes spring great for walking, sightseeing, and eating outside.
You’ll feel the difference as May rolls in—it really starts to feel like summer compared to March.
Since nights are still a bit cool, a light jacket helps, especially in March and April. By May, evenings often feel mild enough for just a t-shirt.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
Rainfall takes a nosedive through spring. In March, you’ll see about 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain over several days.
By April, that drops to roughly 28 mm (1.1 in), and in May, rain is almost a non-issue, usually less than 15 mm (0.6 in).
By late spring, rain hardly messes with travel plans. Most days are dry and sunny.
Spring showers don’t stick around long; they come and go quickly.
If you visit in March, you might get a few damp days. By May, rain is rare and usually super light.
Humidity and Wind Trends
Humidity in Santorini during spring feels comfortable.
March brings a bit more moisture, but by May, the air turns drier and clearer.
Winds are a regular part of life here, thanks to the Aegean Sea. In spring, breezes are common but not as wild as the summer meltemi winds.
These moderate winds keep things fresh and pleasant, especially as it gets warmer.
Coastal spots can feel breezier than inland areas, but wind doesn’t usually get in the way of your plans.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Spring in Santorini delivers longer days and brighter skies.
The changing daylight and sunshine shape how much you can do outside, whether you’re sightseeing, snapping photos, or just relaxing.
Length of Daylight
From March to May, daylight in Santorini grows steadily.
Early March gives you about 11 hours of daylight, but by late May, you’ll get nearly 14 hours.
This means more time to explore villages, beaches, and ancient sites without rushing.
The change is pretty obvious week to week. March feels evenly split between day and night, but April and May really give you the edge for daytime plans.
By late May, the sun rises earlier and sets later, so you can enjoy outdoor dinners or evening walks along the caldera.
More daylight also changes the island’s vibe. Streets and terraces stay busy later, and you’ll have more flexibility for day trips or boat tours.
Average Sunshine Duration
While daylight counts the hours between sunrise and sunset, sunshine hours show how much the sun actually shines without clouds.
In spring, Santorini averages 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day. March sits at the lower end, May at the higher.
March still brings a few cloudy or rainy days, but things clear up as spring moves on.
By April, sunshine is more dependable, and in May, bright skies are the usual.
This much sun makes spring ideal for sightseeing. You get good light for photos most of the day, but you won’t have to deal with summer’s intense heat.
Mild temperatures and long, sunny stretches make it perfect for hiking, winery visits, and eating outside.
Sea Temperatures and Swimming Conditions
Spring changes the sea around Santorini bit by bit.
Water starts off cold but gets warmer by late May, so your experience depends on when you visit.
Average Sea Temperatures
Early spring means the Aegean Sea is still chilly. March averages about 16.5°C (61.7°F)—not exactly inviting for swimming.
By April, the sea creeps up to 17.1°C (62.8°F). It’s still brisk, but you’ll notice it’s a touch warmer.
Come May, water temperatures reach around 19.3°C (66.7°F). That’s still cool, but some people start taking quick swims.
Locals usually wait for warmer months, but if you don’t mind cooler water, May can feel pretty refreshing.
The sea warms up thanks to longer days and stronger sun. With 26 sunny days in May on average, the water absorbs more heat, making late spring much nicer than early spring.
Suitability for Water Activities
Swimming in spring depends on how you feel about cool water.
March and April are better for beach walks, enjoying the views, or taking a boat ride. The sea’s just too cold for most swimmers.
By May, things improve. You can try short swims, snorkeling, or paddleboarding—maybe bring a wetsuit if you want to stay in longer.
Calm waters at beaches like Kamari or Perissa make these activities enjoyable, even if the sea feels crisp.
If you want warmer water, late spring is when you’ll start to notice the change.
Longer days, less rain, and warmer seas make May the best spring month for water activities in Santorini.
Best Time to Visit Santorini in Spring
Spring brings mild weather, fewer crowds, and a huge range of outdoor activities.
You can enjoy comfortable weather for sightseeing, hiking, and photography—plus you’ll skip the packed summer rush.
Ideal Months for Travel
If you’re thinking about visiting Santorini in spring, aim for April, May, or early June. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 15°C and 24°C (59°F–75°F). Nights can get chilly, so tossing a light jacket in your bag isn’t a bad idea.
After March, rain really starts to taper off. That makes April and May pretty dependable for outdoor plans. By the end of May, the sea finally starts to warm up a bit. You can try some beach time, though honestly, the water still feels a little brisk compared to the summer months.
In April, wildflowers take over the island, and the hills turn green. May shows up with longer, sunnier days. It’s perfect for wandering around archaeological spots like Akrotiri or hiking the caldera trails between Fira and Oia.
If you’re after that sweet spot—good weather, open shops, and crowds that don’t overwhelm you—May is often considered the ideal month. You’ll get almost all the tourist services, but you won’t have to deal with the jam-packed chaos of July or August.
Benefits of Visiting in Spring
Spring brings a much calmer vibe to Santorini, yet you still get all the authentic island moments. By mid-April, most restaurants, shops, and hotels open up again, so you’ve got plenty of options—without those endless summer lines.
You’ll find the weather mild, which makes things like hiking, wine tours, and just wandering the villages way easier. Exploring spots like Pyrgos or Imerovigli feels more relaxed since you’re not fighting the heat.
Hotel and flight prices tend to drop compared to the busy season. You can actually stay somewhere central without blowing your whole budget, which is honestly a nice change.
Fewer people visit in spring, so you get to enjoy places like Oia’s sunset viewpoints or the Red Beach with more breathing room. If you ask me, spring really lets you see the island at its best.