The weather may not be good enough for sunbathing or a dip in the sea, but winter in Santorini may be one of the best times to visit.
Traveling to Greece in the summer means you’ll likely encounter a lot of other travelers. Visiting Santorini in the winter means you can see all the sights without having to contend with the crowds.
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Everything is cheaper – from the cost of getting there to restaurant prices – and the cooler temperatures make scenic hikes far more inviting than they seem in the blazing sunshine!
What’s more, the lack of tourists in Santorini in winter gives you a much better feel for what life is truly like for the locals on this beautiful island in Greece.
This guide is focused on things to do in Santorini in winter and just what sort of weather you can expect during your visit.
As you’ll see, there is a lot more to this popular destination than sapphire seas and golden sands!
Visiting Santorini In Winter
Visiting Santorini in the winter is a great idea, but there are some things you should be prepared for. Here are tips for visiting in December, January, February, and March!
Santorini In December
Winter in Santorini begins in December, when the average daily temperatures reach a relatively mild high of 15 degrees Celsius, dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at night.
The average number of hours of sunshine per day is just 4 and it can sometimes be rainy, but if you’re lucky you can still get some very pleasant days to explore the island.
There are few visitors compared to the summer, although it isn’t completely deserted, but whilst the festive season is celebrated as elsewhere in Europe, there are no annual Christmas markets here.
Santorini In January
One of the coldest and wettest months, January is Santorini is pretty quiet.
Daytime temperatures average around 14 degrees Celsius, with average lows of 10 degrees Celsius at night.
Some of the hotels and restaurants are closed, although you will always be able to find some open in Fira and Oia. Snow – though unlikely – is possible.
Santorini In February
February’s weather is almost identical to January’s. The daily highs and lows are the same, although locals will tell you that February feels colder!
On the plus side, the amount of rainfall in February is usually lower than in either December or January. The number of visitors to the island tends to be as low as in February.
Santorini In March
Spring is in the air in Santorini and temperatures start to rise accordingly, reaching average highs of 16 degrees Celsius during the day and lows of 11 degrees Celsius at night.
The number of rainy days decreases, the number of sunshine increases and there are more hours of daylight during which to explore.
The number of visitors starts to rise too, but the island is still quiet compared to the summer months and the cost of everything remains low.
Things To Do In Santorini In Winter
Whether you’re staying in Santorini for a few days or even a week, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
You’ll be able to go hiking, check out museums, try local food and so much more!
Enjoy The Local Events
There are plenty of events to enjoy in Santorini in winter and it is a great way to mingle with the locals and get a more authentic feel for the island.
December is – of course – the busiest month and within the first 2 weeks, you will come across celebrations for the Feast days of St. Nicholas, St. Anne, and St. Spyridon.
There are plenty of parties and decorations throughout Santorini for Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve is lots of fun, with fireworks, parties, and children singing in the streets.
January sees the Epiphany celebrations which are the most important in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Don’t miss the ‘Blessing of the Waters’ ceremony, where young men dive to retrieve a cross thrown into the sea by a local priest.
Whoever finds the cross is believed to be blessed with a year of good luck.
Fira is the place to be in February when Santorini has its very own carnival parade, whilst March sees parades and festivals for Holy Week (Easter) and the Feast of the Annunciation.
Take A Hike
The cooler temperatures make winter hiking in Santorini a pleasure!
The island offers some of the most breathtaking views in Greece – from rustic settlements with cobbled streets to jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes.
The 3 to 4 hour Fira to Oia route is one of the most popular, following the rim of the caldera and including some spectacular cliff-top views of the sparkling Aegean.
It passes the Convent of Saint Nicholas, the Skaros rock, and the Chapel of Saint Antony, ending in Oia at Santorini’s tip.
For a unique perspective of Santorini, take the ferry from Oia to Thirasia. The island is incredibly quiet and the views of Santorini from the top of the hill are simply exquisite.
Alternatively, try the Nea Kameni Volcano and Hot Springs hike.
A strenuous 20-minute hike up the dormant volcano takes you to its very edge where you can feel its heat – then hop on a boat to the volcano’s other side to relax in the Palia Kamen Hot Springs.
Visit Santorini’s Museums
If the weather isn’t good enough for outdoor sightseeing then grab the opportunity to visit the island’s excellent museums.
Its capital – Fira – is home to both the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum of Santorini.
Head to the nearby village of Kontochori, where you will find the Folklore Museum of Emmanuel A. Lignos.
It is located in a traditional cave house and gives you a fascinating glimpse into life in Santorini at the start of the 20th century.
If your interests are all things maritime, then head to Oia and visit the Naval Maritime Museum, which is housed in a beautiful two-story mansion.
Or – to learn more about the area’s geology – visit the Museum of Minerals and Fossils in the coastal village of Perissa.
Go Wine-Tasting
Wine has been produced on Santorini since ancient times and the island offers some of the best wineries and tours in the world – the perfect way to spend a rainy day!
You can either visit a winery by yourself or arrange a tour that will include several different locations and give you some of the histories of Santorini’s wine production.
Many of the wineries also offer meze (snacks) and some have full menus.
The most famous winery is Santowines Winery and is the one you should visit if you only have a limited amount of time.
If you want to devote more time to wine and are a fan of whites, then head to Athiri, Aidini, or Assyrtiko. Red wine lovers should try Mavrotragano and Mandilaria.
Visit The Pompeii Of The Aegean
The Akrotiri Archaeological Site is a must-see if you are visiting Santorini in winter.
The ruins of this ancient Minoan city contain well-preserved frescoes and pottery, whilst the advanced drainage system demonstrates just how ahead of its time this civilization was.
There is not a great deal of information provided at the site so it’s a good idea to engage a guide to learn all about this area, and how this Bronze Age settlement became covered in volcanic ash during the 17th century BC.
Enjoy The Local Cuisine
Cooler days are the perfect excuse for indulging in some of Santorini’s mouthwatering delicacies!
There are so many options to choose from that you could try something new at every meal and still not have tasted them all!
From the ubiquitous Greek salad to the delicious tomato gefthedes (tomato fritters), there is something here to suit every palate.
Don’t miss the gooey delight that is saganaki – fried cheese wrapped in filo pastry and covered in honey – and, of course, the lovely keftes, made with ground meat and formed into sausage-like shapes.
Final Thoughts
I hope that this guide has answered all of your questions about what to do in Santorini in winter and shown you the many sights and experiences to be enjoyed, even when the sun isn’t shining.
There is something special about visiting this unique island during its low season when you can appreciate its beauty and romance at a serene and relaxing pace.
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