Santorini in February: Is It Worth Visiting? (Honest Guide)

Santorini in February is a great Greek island to visit, but things are quite different on the island as February is considered winter in Santorini (or “low season”). Here is everything you need to know if you are looking to visit Santorini in February.

The weather in February in Santorini can usually be anything between 0-15 degrees Celsius, and it can be cold, wet, rainy,and windy. When it snows in Santorini and in Greece, it’s usually either in February or in March. February is also the month when the seasonal businesses in Santorini are mostly closed, so you need to be aware of that.

There are still many things to do and see, but swimming in the sea or your private pool and sunbathing won’t be one of these, unless it is a heated swimming pool (ask for that in February).

February in Santorini is probably the coldest and wettest month of the year (along with January and March), and it’s not a warm month. Unfortunately, you are not going to get summer weather and vibes in February, and you won’t be able to enjoy the awesome beaches in Santorini, as it would probably be too cold for most people.

Don’t get me wrong, there is still going to be some life in Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari, but it’s going to feel very deserted compared to June, July, or August. These places do have locals who live there throughout the year, anyway.

Some of the restaurants will be open in February in Perissa, but none of the famous beach clubs will be open.

I will put it this way: if August is 120% busy for Santorini, then February is about 5% busy.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW FOR SANTORINI IN FEBRUARY

How is the weather in Santorini in February?

February in Santorini is cold and relatively wet. The temperature can be anything between 0-15 degrees Celsius (or 40-60 Fahrenheit), but it can feel cold, especially during the night, because of the chilling and humid wind.

February weather in Santorini is usually predictable, and you will most likely get some rain, but you will also get some (strangely) sunny days.

During the day, you will need a heavy jacket (especially if it’s cloudy), so no t-shirts or shorts, unfortunately… If it’s sunny, though, you may be able to wear a t-shirt during the day (#climatechange).☀️

Where to stay in Santorini in February?

February is the low season on the island, and since most of the businesses will be closed, your options are limited.

If you are visiting Santorini in February, I highly recommend you stay in Fira, which is the liveliest town on the island, any time of the year, as it’s the capital.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the famous Santorini beaches in February as the sea water is too cold at that time and there is no life around. All the beach clubs and most of the hotels and restaurants will be closed during February in Perissa, Kamari, and Perivolos, which are the most famous beaches on the island.

See also: The 25 Best Restaurants of Santorini

Here are some handy tips to have in mind when looking for a hotel in Santorini in February (and not only):

• For views to the volcano and the caldera:Fira (best place to stay in February), Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia
• For being close to all the bars, restaurants, shops, nightclubs, and the buzz: Fira (it’s the capital of the island and the town with the most grocery stores, shops, and nightclubs open in February), Oia (very quiet in February)
• For equally beautiful sunsets and views to the caldera and the volcano (without thousands of tourists):Imerovigli and Firostefani (best for the summer months)
• For being closer to the famous black beach (like a 5-minute walk close…) and the best beach bars of the island: Perissaor Perivolos (no famous caldera and volcano views though, and also not good for the low seasons as most of the hotels and businesses are closed)
• For being closer to the other black beach with lots of restaurants and amenities:Kamari (no famous caldera and volcano views though)
• For being close to the famous Red Beach but still having views to the caldera: Akrotiri (but it’s a 20-30 minute drive from Fira-capital – avoid it in February)
• For being closer to most of the Santorini wineries (and you don’t care about the famous volcano/caldera views):Pyrgos (most of the wineries are closed in the winter except Santo Winery)
• For having the best private pools and jacuzzis with caldera views in Santorini:Imerovigli or Firostefani. Imerovigli or Firostefani

What do I need to pack for a trip to Santorini in February?

Forget about: swimsuits, bikinis, monokinis, Borat-kinis, Speedos, Hawaiian flowery shirts, normal t-shirts, shorts, etc. You need to pack proper heavy and light winter clothes. You need your jackets, your sweaters, and your trousers. You need your sweatpants for those hiking tours and your comfy jeans. Do not pack any summer clothes at all…

Is February a good time to visit Santorini?

February is still a great time to visit Santorini (as it’s every month in my opinion), but it’s not the best month if you are looking for summer weather and beach life because it’s….the winter, and it’s going to be pretty cold.

If you are looking to get budget accommodation and cheaper hotels, however, then this is a great option, as prices tend to be relatively lower during the low season (but you get fewer hotels to choose from, though).

The seawater is cold in February, and all beach clubs in Santorini are closed during this month.

See Also: Best Beaches in Santorini you MUST visit (even if you don’t swim)

Can You Swim in Santorini in February?

Unfortunately, not. You won’t be able to swim in the seawater in February in Santorini, and most beach businesses, shops, bars, restaurants, tavernas, beach clubs, and hotels at the famous seaside towns of Kamari, Perissa, and Perivolos will be closed. They usually open in early May and close at the end of October.

February is the heart of winter in Santorini.

What things can you do in Santorini in February?

You cannot do everything you’d do during May, June, July, August, September, or October as most businesses, tour operators, and hotels WILL BE CLOSED. However, there are still lots of things to do on the island (and that’s the great thing about Santorini in general)

• Visit the amazing Santorini Beaches for a walk and photos (if you feel brave enough to swim, go for it!)
• Wine tasting at any of the Best Wineries on the island (in February, Santowines Winery and Venetsanos Winery are open)
• Visit the Akrotiri prehistoric ruins (open all year round)
• Do one (or more…) of these things (depending on what is available in February)

What are the flights to Santorini in February?

For February, here are the companies with direct flights to Santorini usually (these change every year, so please double-check before booking anything):

Aegean Airlines

Volotea

Sky Express

Astra Airlines

Vueling

Niki

Lufthansa

Ryanair

Transavia

Thomas Cook

Norwegian Airlines

February is usually the month when the flight operators may not operate any flights at all, and your only option would be to travel through Athens. There are also no flights between Mykonos and Santorini during January.

What are the ferries to Santorini in February?

How To Get From Athens to Santorini

But you can also check the best website for ferries in Greece directly: Ferryhopper

CONCLUSION

February in Santorini is still a great month to visit the island, but you won’t be able to swim in the sea or enjoy the famous beach life and vibes of the island as it’s the heart of the “low season” (or the winter). The amazing volcano views and the incredible landscape will still be there and available for you to enjoy, but the island will feel much quieter and relaxing.

You can still do many things in February, such as hiking the path from Fira to Oia or even visiting the amazing museums of the island. You will still be able to visit 1 or 2 wineries (Santowines is open throughout the year). In regards to accommodation, you must stay in Fira as it is the capital town and the place with the most open businesses and life during the winter.

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