If you plan to visit Santorini in September, here’s what you need to know. September is a great month to visit Santorini, and it is still considered high season for the island. The weather is anything between 20-30 degrees Celsius and almost always sunny with clear blue skies.
BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Couples:Canaves Oia
- For Families:Nissia
- For Sunset Views: White Pearl
- For Honeymoon: Andronis
- With Private Pool: Katikies
- With Caldera Views: Perivolas
- Cave Hotel: Divine Cave
- Budget:Stelios Place
- In Oia: Canaves Epitome
- In Fira:Cosmopolitan
- In Imerovigli:Astra Suites
- In Perissa:Anastasia Princess
- In Kamari:Amara Suites
As it is still considered high season, the island will still be crowded and busy, but certainly not as it is in July or August, though.
If you are planning to visit Santorini island in September, you should know that the weather will be sunny and warm, and it will be possible to swim in the sea. Although September is considered the “high season” in Santorini, it is not as busy as July and August.In September, the temperature ranges from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius on the island, and the weather is nearly always warm with a brilliant blue sky that you are going to love. September in Santorini is not autumn.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Best Hotels in Oia
Best Hotels in Fira
Best Things to Do in Santorini
Keep reading…
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What is the weather like in Santorini in September?
September in Santorini is pretty hot and dry. Temperature can be anything between 20-30 degrees Celsius (and in cases even more than 30 degrees Celsius!), and rain or clouds are pretty rare.
If you get any rain in September in Greece, you must be very unlucky, but it can certainly happen. It is more possible than it is in August, for sure.
And it can still definitely feel like super hot in many cases. Especially during the day.
So…don’t complain and say I haven’t warned you or anything… ????
When it gets dark, you may need a light jacket or a hoodie (especially at the end of September), but that’s it.To be honest, even at night, you will be in shorts, sandals, t-shirts, and polos. Seriously.
It won’t feel at all like a Western European September with cloudy skies and rain.September in Santorini is still summer hot awesome weather. Period.
It will feel more like London, UK, or Paris, France, summer weather in June or July (and probably even much hotter than that…)
Where should I stay in September in Santorini?
September still feels (and is) summer, so your options will be the same as they are in July or August in Santorini.
However, as the massive tourist crowds of July and August are not as big anymore, you may even get more options for hotels and restaurants.
Bear also in mind that 90% of the Greeks go on holidays in July or August.
It’s very rare for a Greek to go on holidays in September (the Greeks want the weather to be super hot, i.e., more than 35 degrees, to feel the need to go for holidays…I never understood why…).So there is one less tourist crowd to compete with when you are searching for that nice table with the view at one of the best restaurants on the island, or that nice sunbed at Perissa Beach.
See also: The 25 Best Restaurants of Santorini
However, because of how popular Santorini has become the recent years, September might also feel a very busy and crowded month (but again, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t have a great time).There is no sign that says the island is slowing down in September or businesses, shops, hotels and restaurants will be closed so, really, don’t worry about that no matter what you read else where… remember: September is still at the heart of the high season for Santorini.
Here are some handy tips to have in mind when looking for a hotel in Santorini in September (and not only):
- For views to the volcano and the caldera:Fira, 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), Oia
- For equally beautiful sunsets and views to the caldera and the volcano (without thousands of tourists):Imerovigli and Firostefani
- 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)
- 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 of the caldera: Akrotiri (but it’s a 20-30 minute drive from Fira, the capital)
- For being closer to most of the Santorini wineries (but not worried about the famous volcano/caldera views):Pyrgos
- For having the best private pools and jacuzzis with caldera views in Santorini,Imerovigli, or Firostefani.
What do I need to pack for a trip to Santorini in September?
Swimsuits, bikinis, monokinis, Borat-kinis, speedos, Hawaiian flowery shirts, normal t-shirts, shorts, every single summer dress you first saw on Instagram and then bought online, sandals, flip-flops, some hiking shoes (yes, you are going to do some hiking in Santorini, sitting on the pool all day with a cocktail is not good for your health ???? ) and so on…You need all the summer clothes you can find. Period.
In case you don’t believe me, here is a picture that was taken in September:September is still summer in Santorini !
What do I need to pack for a trip to Santorini in September?
In September, summer is still there! So you will need your swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts, every single summer dress you first saw on instagram and then bought online, sandals, flip-flops, some hiking shoes (yes, you are going to do some hiking in Santorini, sitting on the pool all day with a cocktail is not good for your health ???? ) and so on…
You need all the summer clothes you can find, BUT you probably need to take a light jacket for the colder nights (which are very rare, but they may happen, especially towards the second half of the month)
Can I swim in Santorini in September?
Of course you can!
It’s still summer. Don’t ask silly questions!
The sea water will be very warm from the summer and even warmer than it might be in May or June.
Kamari and Perissa/Perivolos beaches will be awesome, and all the yummy snacks and beach bars will be catering to you 24/7 !.See Also: Best Beaches in Santorini you MUST visit
Is September a good time to travel to Santorini?
Absolutely, but during the first half of the month, do expect the island to be quite busy and crowded as it is almost August.
All businesses, shops, hotels, restaurants, and beach bars will be 100% open in September, as it is still High Season.
July, August and September in Santorini are busy (like…crazy busy…!) and you can feel that everywhere: on the busy streets of Fira, during sunset time in Oia, at the beach bars of Perissa and Perivolos (where it might be super difficult to find a sunbed to lay down) and on the exhausted waiters and housekeepers of the island.
What things can I do in Santorini in September?
You can do everything you’d do during April, May, June, July, August, or October, as it is still considered high season.
- Swimming at the amazing Santorini Beaches
- Wine tasting at any of the Best Wineries of the island (this is the most detailed Wineries Guide on the internet!)
- Visit the Akrotiri prehistoric ruins
- Have lunch or dinner at one of the best restaurants on the island
- Use Santorini as your base to visit other Greek islands or…
- Do one (or more…) of these things
What are the flights to Santorini?
For September, here are the companies with direct flights to Santorini usually (these change every year, so please double-check before booking anything):
Olympic AirCondorIberiaEasyJetEurowings (Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from outside Europe to Santorini…you have to get off at Athens and then take another plane or ferry to Santorini)What are the ferries to Santorini in September?
How To Get From Athens to Santorini
For the latest schedules and ferry timetables, you should always check the best website for booking ferries in Greece: Ferryhopper
What Time Is Sunset In Santorini In September?
In September, the sun sets in Santorini between 7:45 PM early in the month and 7:00 PM by the end of the month. Because the timing shifts by nearly 45 minutes over the course of September, you must align your dinner reservations and viewing spots with the exact week of your visit to avoid missing the golden hour.
Sunset Logistics:
- Early September (Sept 1 – Sept 10): 7:45 PM to 7:35 PM
- Mid September (Sept 11 – Sept 20): 7:35 PM to 7:20 PM
- Late September (Sept 21 – Sept 30): 7:20 PM to 7:00 PM
- Golden Hour: Begins roughly 45 minutes before the listed sunset time.
- Twilight: Lasts for 25-30 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon.
When Should You Book Sunset Dinner Reservations In September?
To guarantee a front-row view, calculate your dining time based on your specific travel dates. Many travelers make the mistake of booking an 8:00 PM table in late September, only to arrive after the sun has already set.
Reservation Timing:
- Early September Reservations: Book for 6:30 PM.
- Mid September Reservations: Book for 6:00 PM.
- Late September Reservations: Book for 5:30 PM.
- Insider Tip: Restaurants in Oia and Imerovigli enforce strict seating windows during the sunset rush. Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation to secure your preferred table.
Does It Get Cold After Sunset In September?
Yes, the temperature drops noticeably once the sun goes down. While daytime highs reach 28°C, evening temperatures drop to around 20°C, accompanied by the strong Meltemi winds sweeping across the caldera.
Weather Logistics:
- Daytime Temperature: 25°C to 28°C
- Evening Temperature: 19°C to 21°C
- Wind Factor: The caldera edge receives direct, unobstructed wind gusts after dark.
- Packing Tip: Always bring a light jacket, windbreaker, or sweater for evening dining and walks along the caldera paths.
Don’t get me wrong, you will have a great time in Santorini whenever you choose to go but I strongly believe that the last weeks of September and the first weeks of October are really the best! You will see and appreciate the beauty of this island much more.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Santorini in September?
The weather in Santorini in September is hot and dry, feeling very much like peak summer. Temperatures typically range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 Fahrenheit), and it is almost always sunny with clear blue skies. Rain is very rare.
Is Santorini still busy in September?
Yes, September is still considered high season in Santorini and is very busy. While it is slightly less crowded than the absolute peak months of July and August (operating at about 90% capacity), you will still see large crowds, and all businesses, hotels, and restaurants remain 100% open.
Can you swim in Santorini in September?
Yes, you can absolutely swim in Santorini in September. Because the sea has been warming up all summer, the water temperature in September is actually very warm and perfect for swimming. All beach bars and clubs are still fully open.
What should I pack for Santorini in September?
You should pack summer clothing, including swimsuits, t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses, and sandals. While the days are very hot, the evenings (especially towards the end of the month) can get slightly chilly, so it is highly recommended to pack a light jacket or hoodie.
Where should I stay in Santorini in September?
Because September is still high season, your options are the same as in the summer. For famous caldera and volcano views, stay in Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, or Firostefani. For direct beach access, stay in the resort towns of Perissa, Perivolos, or Kamari.
