Planning a summer trip to Santorini? You’ll want to know what kind of weather to expect before you get there. Count on warm, dry days with loads of sunshine and almost no rain from June through August.
This weather really shapes your days, whether you’re lounging on the beaches or wandering through the island’s villages.
During the day, highs usually land in the upper 20s °C (low 80s °F). Evenings stay mild, so you won’t need a jacket.
The sea warms up enough for long swims. Daylight stretches well into the evening, so you get extra hours to enjoy the island.
If you understand the typical summer weather, you’ll plan smarter. Maybe that means packing lighter, picking the best activities, or just knowing when to escape the midday sun.
With the right expectations, you can really make the most of Santorini’s summer climate.
Overview of Santorini’s Summer Climate
Santorini’s summer weather shows off a Mediterranean climate. You’ll get long sunny days, dry air, and mild sea breezes.
The island’s spot in the Aegean Sea helps keep the heat in check. You’ll find it more comfortable here than in inland Greece.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Santorini sticks to that classic Mediterranean climate (Csa) pattern—dry summers, wetter winters. From June through August, rain almost disappears, dropping to less than 1–2 mm per month.
That makes summer the driest stretch of the year.
Daytime highs average 26–28°C (79–82°F). Nights hover around 21–22°C (70–72°F).
The weather stays steady and predictable, so you can plan outdoor adventures without worrying about surprises.
You’ll get up to 14.5 hours of daylight in June. That’s a lot of time to explore.
Sunshine usually lasts 12–13 hours per day, which is about as good as it gets in Europe during summer.
Humidity stays moderate. Since there’s barely any rain, skies are usually clear.
All of this makes Santorini’s summer warm, bright, and perfect for travelers.
Influence of the Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea really shapes Santorini’s summer. The water all around the island brings cooling breezes that keep extreme heat at bay.
While places inland can get above 35°C (95°F), Santorini rarely goes over 30°C (86°F).
By July and August, the sea itself warms up to about 24–25°C (75–77°F). Swimming feels great, and you can stay at the beach well into the evening.
You’ll probably notice the Meltemi winds, too. These seasonal northerly winds show up in the Cyclades, especially in July.
They cool things down, clear the air, and keep humidity low. Sometimes they get strong, but mostly they’re a relief.
Without the Aegean’s influence, summers here would be harsher. Instead, you get warmth and comfort, which really defines Santorini in summer.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
Santorini’s summer weather barely changes from year to year. June starts off with highs near 26°C (79°F).
July peaks at about 28°C (82°F), and August holds steady before things cool a bit in September. Nights stay mild, rarely dipping below 21°C (70°F).
Rain almost never shows up in summer. You’ll see 0–1 rainy days per month from June through August.
That means outdoor plans—like hiking or boating—are pretty much a sure thing.
The skies get incredibly clear, with cloud cover dropping to just 3% in midsummer. Visibility often goes beyond 10 kilometers—awesome for sightseeing and photography.
UV levels get strong, especially in June and July, so bring sun protection. With long daylight and calm seas, you get the dry, steady weather that makes Santorini’s summers famous.
Average Summer Temperatures in Santorini
Santorini’s summer brings warm to hot days, mild nights, and a ton of sunshine.
Temperatures shift a bit month to month, but you’ll get steady heat during the peak, with cooling winds making things more comfortable.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, average highs usually land between 80°F and 85°F (27°C–29°C) in mid-summer. July often brings the hottest days, with peaks at 85°F (29°C).
At night, things cool off, but not by much. Lows usually stay between 69°F and 74°F (21°C–23°C).
That means you can eat outside or stroll late without needing extra layers.
Sometimes humidity makes it feel warmer, especially in August. Still, the dry air and breezes keep it from feeling sticky.
Monthly Temperature Trends: June to September
June starts out with highs around 81°F (27°C) and lows near 69°F (21°C). It’s warm, but not too much.
July gets the hottest, averaging 85°F (29°C) for highs and 74°F (23°C) for lows.
August stays hot, with highs near 84°F (29°C) and similar lows to July. Humidity ticks up, but the winds usually help.
September cools a bit, with highs around 80°F (27°C) and lows closer to 69°F (21°C).
The heat isn’t as strong, so outdoor activities get easier.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 81°F | 69°F |
| July | 85°F | 74°F |
| August | 84°F | 74°F |
| September | 80°F | 69°F |
Heatwaves and Cooling Winds
Heatwaves do pop up, but they don’t last long. Some days, temps climb above 90°F (32°C), usually in July and August.
Those hot spells can feel intense if you’re out in the sun.
The Meltemi winds matter a lot in summer. They usually show up in July and August, bringing cooler, drier air.
These winds can drop the “feels like” temperature by a few degrees, which feels like a lifesaver during hot afternoons.
They also clear the skies and keep things bright. Without them, the heat would be way tougher to handle.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Summer
Santorini’s summers bring very little rain. Most days stay completely dry.
The Mediterranean climate gives you long stretches of clear skies, shaping both the scenery and daily life.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rain in Santorini during summer? Pretty much nonexistent. From June to August, the island only gets 1–5 millimeters of rain in total.
In July and August, measurable rain is so rare that you might go years without seeing a shower.
On average, expect 0–1 rainy days per month. That’s the driest time of the year, especially compared to wet winter months like January, which can bring over 100 millimeters.
You won’t need to plan around wet weather. Outdoor adventures, beach days, and sightseeing almost never get interrupted by rain.
But with no clouds, the midday sun gets intense, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
Dry Season Effects on the Landscape
The long dry season really changes the scenery. By mid-summer, vegetation thins out and fields turn a brown, arid color.
Native plants like shrubs and olive trees hold up, but grasses and flowers fade pretty quickly.
Volcanic soil shows the lack of moisture, too. The ground stays dusty, and trails can feel loose.
Farmers count on winter and spring rain for crops like grapes, which actually thrive in the dry, porous soil.
For visitors, this means you’ll see rocky cliffs, drought-tough vineyards, and a landscape that’s stark but striking under the blue sky.
The dry season sets the vibe for summer here, just as much as the heat and sunshine.
Sea Conditions and Water Temperatures
The Aegean Sea around Santorini stays calm and warm in summer. Storms are rare, and rainfall is almost zero.
Water temperatures climb from June through August, making ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
Aegean Sea Water Temperature by Month
The sea warms up fast as summer kicks in. In June, you’ll find water around 73°F (23°C).
By July, it’s about 76°F (24°C), and in August, it usually hits 77–78°F (25–26°C).
That’s warm enough for most people to swim comfortably. The water holds its heat, so you won’t notice much daily change.
Here’s a quick look at typical summer water temps:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °F | Avg. Sea Temp °C |
|---|---|---|
| June | 72–73°F | 22–23°C |
| July | 75–76°F | 24°C |
| August | 77–78°F | 25–26°C |
Swimming and Water Activities
Calm seas and warm water mean you can swim for ages without getting cold, even in the evening.
The Aegean’s clarity makes snorkeling and diving especially fun, particularly near volcanic rocks and beaches like Perissa or Kamari.
If you’re into boating or kayaking, summer brings smooth water and light winds, so it feels safe and easy.
Jet skiing and paddleboarding work well too, since the sea rarely gets rough.
With almost no summer rain, your plans on the water rarely get spoiled. Nearly every day is sunny, so you can count on good conditions.
Sunshine, Daylight Hours, and UV Index
In Santorini’s summer, you get long days, strong sunlight, and high UV levels.
This all shapes how you plan—when to sightsee, when to hit the beach, and how you’ll stay safe outside.
Length of Days in Summer
From June through August, daylight lasts 13 to 14.5 hours per day. June gives you the longest days, with sunrise early and sunset late—almost 14.6 hours of light.
July keeps things close to that, and August shortens a bit to about 13.2 hours. Even late in the season, you’ll have tons of time for outdoor fun.
Long days mean you don’t have to rush. You can do things at your own pace and even eat dinner outside while it’s still light.
This extra daylight makes Santorini feel especially alive in summer.
Sunshine Duration and Intensity
The island gets 12 to 13 hours of sunshine per day in June and July. These are the brightest months.
August still brings plenty of sun, though the days get just a bit shorter.
With almost no rain, skies stay clear and the light gets really strong, especially around midday.
Whitewashed buildings and volcanic cliffs bounce that sunlight all over, making it feel even brighter.
If you’re out all day, expect lots of sun exposure.
Taking breaks in the shade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is a good idea—not just for comfort, but for your health, too.
UV Index Considerations
Santorini’s UV index really spikes in the summer. June and July usually hit values of 9 to 10, which lands squarely in the “very high” range. If you don’t protect your skin, you’ll probably burn in under 20 minutes.
August doesn’t change much, though the index can drop a bit as the days get shorter. Still, the UV rays stay strong, so you’ve got to keep up with sun protection.
Grab some broad-spectrum sunscreen, throw on sunglasses with UV protection, and maybe bring a wide-brimmed hat. Light, long-sleeve clothing helps keep the sun off too.
Even if it’s breezy or the air feels cooler, don’t let that fool you—the UV intensity stays high.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Santorini’s Summer Weather
Santorini summers mean long days, hot temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. You’ll get the most out of the island if you plan around the heat, pack smart, and remember the winds can pick up.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
Summer weather here gets hot, with daytime temperatures often between 26°C (79°F) and 29°C (84°F). The sun feels even stronger because of all those white buildings and open views.
Try to get outside early in the morning or wait until evening. Hike the Fira to Oia trail before 10 AM if you want to avoid the heat. Sunset is a great time to wander through villages or catch the caldera views without roasting.
The Aegean Sea warms up in the afternoon, so that’s probably the best time for swimming or water sports. Perissa and Kamari beaches get more comfortable once the sand cools a bit after midday.
If you love photography, aim for golden hour—sunrise or sunset. The softer light cuts down glare and really makes the cliffs and sea pop.
What to Pack for a Summer Visit
You’ll want lightweight clothes. Go for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep cool. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and good sunscreen—the sun isn’t messing around.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for those cobblestone streets and rocky paths. Sandals are fine for strolling, but you’ll appreciate sturdier shoes if you’re hiking.
A swimsuit is basically essential for beach days or boat trips. Pack a light cover-up or a long-sleeve shirt for extra sun protection, especially around midday.
Keep a reusable water bottle handy, since you’ll need to drink a lot in the heat. Shops and cafes often refill bottles, but most people avoid the tap water.
A small daypack makes it easier to carry water, snacks, and whatever else you need while you explore.
Dealing with Wind and Heat
Santorini gets hit by the Meltemi winds in summer, especially in July and August. These northern winds cool things down, but they can also make the sea pretty rough.
If you’re planning a boat trip, check the weather first. Sometimes, boat operators have to cancel trips because of the wind.
You can actually use the wind to your advantage when you’re walking around outside. Still, if the gusts pick up in the evening, you might want to have a light jacket handy.
To handle the heat, try to stay out of the direct sun between 12 PM and 4 PM. That’s a good time to duck into a museum, relax in a shaded café, or just chill at your hotel.
Drink water throughout the day. I find that lighter meals—lots of fresh produce and seafood—make the heat much easier to deal with.
If your skin burns easily, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially after swimming or if you’re sweating a lot. Sun and wind together? That’s a sneaky combo for sunburn.