Santorini, Greece, is one of Europe's most rewarding winter-sun escapes, offering daytime temperatures around 16C and roughly 8.8 hours of sunshine per day even in the depths of winter. The Aegean Sea holds a comfortable 18C, making it warmer than many expect for a December or January break. Nivosola lists 55 accommodations in Santorini starting from EUR 497 per person, so there is a solid range of options to suit different budgets and styles.
Winter Climate in Santorini
Santorini sits in the southern Aegean and benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate that keeps winters far gentler than anywhere in northern Europe. Daytime highs hover around 16C, nights are cool but rarely cold, and you can count on around 8.8 hours of daylight sunshine each day throughout the winter months.
Rain does make an occasional appearance between November and February, but showers tend to be short-lived and followed by clear skies. Packing a light layer for evenings and a small umbrella covers all bases, and in return you get the island almost entirely to yourself.
Who Is Santorini Best For?
Couples looking for a romantic, unhurried getaway thrive here in winter. The famous caldera views, candlelit tavernas and quiet clifftop villages of Oia and Fira take on an almost magical quality once the summer crowds have gone.
Active travellers also find winter rewarding. Hiking the caldera trail from Fira to Oia is far more enjoyable at 16C than in the summer heat, and photography enthusiasts get clear light and empty streets. Families with older children who enjoy history, scenery and food will feel very welcome, though families with very young children may find the steep pathways and steps around the caldera villages a little demanding.
Beaches and the Sea
The sea temperature around Santorini in winter sits at approximately 18C, which is genuinely pleasant for a short dip or a leisurely swim, particularly on a calm sunny afternoon. The black and red volcanic beaches, including Perissa and Kamari, are peaceful and largely deserted, making them ideal for a long walk or a quiet afternoon in the sun.
While full beach days are more of a spring and summer affair, winter visitors still enjoy sitting at beachfront cafes, watching the waves and soaking up the warmth. Water temperatures at 18C are comparable to a British summer sea, so confident swimmers will find it perfectly inviting.
Things to Do in Santorini in Winter
Santorini rewards slow exploration in winter. The ancient site of Akrotiri, one of the best-preserved Bronze Age settlements in the world, is open year-round and far less crowded than in peak season. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira is another excellent indoor option on a rainier afternoon.
Wine tasting is a highlight at any time of year, and several of the island's wineries remain open through winter, offering tours and tastings of the distinctive Assyrtiko white wine grown in volcanic soil. Sunset watching from Oia, exploring the blue-domed churches, and eating fresh seafood in traditional tavernas are simple pleasures that cost very little but stay with you for a long time.
Getting to Santorini and the Best Time to Go
Santorini is served by Santorini International Airport, also known as Thira Airport. Direct and connecting flights run from most major European hubs throughout the year, though winter schedules are reduced compared to summer, so booking ahead is sensible. Ferry connections from Athens via Piraeus or Rafina are also available and can be a scenic way to arrive if you are combining Santorini with time on the mainland.
For a winter-sun trip, the window from late October through to the end of February offers the quietest experience and the most reasonable prices. March begins to see visitor numbers climb again as the season gets underway. If you want warm days, a calm atmosphere and the best available rates, November through January is the sweet spot.
Climate in Santorini
Monthly average air and sea temperature and sunshine hours per day (2021-2024). Source: Open-Meteo.
Santorini on the map
Accommodations in Santorini
Kamari8.2Santorini, Griekenland
Dolphins Apartments
Thira9.0Santorini, Griekenland
Dolphins Appartementen
AkrotiriSantorini, Griekenland
Paradise Resort
Kamari7.8Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Beach Boutique
Kamari8.0Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Atlas Boutique
Perivolos7.8Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Iliada Odysseas Resort
Kamari8.6Santorini, Griekenland
Aegean View
Santorini, Griekenland
Zephyros Hotel
Kamari8.4Santorini, Griekenland
Appartementen Sellada
Kamari9.5Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Armonia
Kamari8.5Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Kamari Beach
Kamari9.2Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Black Sand
Kamari9.1Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel en Appartementen Aegean Plaza
Thira8.5Santorini, Griekenland
Aegean Plaza Hotel
Perivolos8.9Santorini, Griekenland
Appartementen Bella Santorini
Thira10.0Santorini, Griekenland
Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa
AkrotiriSantorini, Griekenland
Hotel Mathios Village
Thira9.0Santorini, Griekenland
Kamari Beach Hotel
Kamari8.4Santorini, Griekenland
Alesahne Beach Hotel
Kamari9.2Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Oxygen Seaside
Oia9.2Santorini, Griekenland
Appartementen Olympic Villas - adults only
Kamari9.2Santorini, Griekenland
Appartementen Black Sand
Santorini, Griekenland
Nissia Apartments
Kamari8.3Santorini, Griekenland
Afroditi Venus Beach Resort
Perissa8.0Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel Veggera
PerivolosSantorini, Griekenland
Hotel Santo Miramare Resort
ThiraSantorini, Griekenland
Scorpios
Monolithos7.8Santorini, Griekenland
Monolithia Traditional Houses
ThiraSantorini, Griekenland
Costa Grand Resort & Spa
Kamari8.8Santorini, Griekenland
Aparthotel Sigalas
Kamari8.5Santorini, Griekenland
Hotel La Mer Deluxe & Spa - adults only
Thira7.0Santorini, Griekenland
La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa
Akrotiri8.7Santorini, Griekenland
Santorini View Hotel
Monolithos8.8Santorini, Griekenland
Scorpios Beach
ImmerovigliSantorini, Griekenland
Andromeda Villas & Spa Resort
Mesa Gonia9.5Santorini, Griekenland
Atria Suites
Finikia9.0Santorini, Griekenland
Finikia Memories
Vothonas8.9Santorini, Griekenland
Drops Cave Houses
Agia Paraskevi9.6Santorini, Griekenland
Amaria Beach Resort
ExomitisSantorini, Griekenland
Peranosa the Residency
PerissaSantorini, Griekenland
Antoperla Luxury Hotel & Spa
ThiraSantorini, Griekenland
Caldera's Dolphin Suites
MegalochoriSantorini, Griekenland
Caldera's Dolphin Suites
Kamari9.7Santorini, Griekenland
Mountain and Sea Suites
Messaria8.0Santorini, Griekenland
Marvarit Suites
Pyrgos9.0Santorini, Griekenland
Senses Luxury Villas
Imerovigli7.3Santorini, Griekenland
Windmill Villas
Oia9.0Santorini, Griekenland
Domes Novos Santorini Autograph Collection
FAQ about Santorini
How warm is Santorini in winter?
In winter Santorini averages around 16°C during the day, with a sea temperature of about 18°C.
How many hours of sun does Santorini get?
Santorini gets roughly 8.8 hours of sun per day in winter.
What does a winter-sun holiday to Santorini cost?
Accommodations in Santorini start from around €497 per person; Nivosola compares 55 options, refreshed daily.
Is Santorini worth visiting in winter?
Yes, absolutely. With daytime temperatures around 16C, 8.8 hours of sunshine per day and a sea temperature of 18C, Santorini offers genuine warmth and light even in midwinter. Add in the near-empty streets, lower prices and authentic local atmosphere, and it makes a compelling case as a winter destination.
How many accommodations are available in Santorini on Nivosola and what do they cost?
Nivosola lists 55 accommodations in Santorini, with prices starting from EUR 497 per person. This range covers a variety of styles and budgets, from simple guesthouses to more premium stays with caldera views.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in during winter in Santorini?
The sea around Santorini reaches approximately 18C in winter, which is warmer than many people expect. Confident and regular sea swimmers will find it perfectly comfortable for a swim, especially on a calm and sunny afternoon.