Weather in Santorini in April
In Santorini, April brings spring weather that is mild and mostly dry. Daytime highs average around 19°C / 66°F, and nights drop to about 13°C / 56°F. There are typically 3 rainy days, with around 22 mm of rain in total. The sea averages about 17°C / 63°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Weather fronts become rarer as the season goes on, and calm, clear days take over. Santorini is a volcanic island with little shelter or shade, and the caldera rim is often windier than the beaches below. You get about 13 hours of daylight a day, leaving long, light evenings. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. The weather can change from one day to the next, so check the forecast before planning a long day out. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Santorini in April
At around 17°C / 62°F, the sea in Santorini is too cold for most people to swim in April. For warm-water swimming, aim for July, August and September, when the sea is at its best. Beaches such as Perissa and Kamari are lovely for a walk, even when the water is too cold to swim. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Santorini in April
April is one of the quietest months in Santorini, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. Greek Easter, which often falls in April, brings a surge of Greek visitors, so check the date and book ahead if it falls in your trip. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Santorini in April
Ferry services between Piraeus and Rafina and Santorini are building up in April. The airport has direct flights from across Europe in the season, as well as flights from Athens. Many businesses reopen during April, often in time for Easter, but some wait until May. Museums and sites are open on extended summer hours. Most sites close on Easter Sunday.
Festivals & Holidays in Santorini in April
Greek Easter often falls in April, and it's the biggest celebration of the year, with candlelit processions on Good Friday, midnight services on Saturday and lamb roasting on Sunday. Many businesses close on Good Friday afternoon and Easter Sunday, and lots of Greeks travel to their home villages for the holiday. In Santorini, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Santorini?
April is a good time for Santorini if you're coming for walks, sightseeing and watching the caldera sunset, not the beach. Expect highs of around 19°C / 66°F, lows near 13°C / 56°F and rain on around 3 days. The countryside is green, it's quiet and prices are low, but the sea is too cold for most people and the season is only just starting. For swimming, wait until June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Santorini in April?
Sunset in Santorini is at around 7:40 pm at the start of April, around 7:50 pm in mid-April and around 8:05 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. Oia is the most famous place to watch it, but it gets very crowded, so Fira and Imerovigli along the caldera are good alternatives.
Does it rain in Santorini in April?
Some, but much less than in winter. April usually brings a handful of showery days between longer sunny spells, and rain rarely lasts all day. It's one of the greenest, most colorful months of the year and ideal for walking. Pack a light jacket for windy days and cool evenings.
Is April a good time to walk from Fira to Oia?
Yes, it's one of the best times. April is ideal for walking, with comfortable temperatures, green hillsides and wildflowers. Carry water and a light layer. The path follows the caldera rim and takes around three to four hours.
Do I need a car on Santorini in April?
It helps. Bus timetables are lighter in April than in summer, so a car or scooter makes it easier to reach villages and beaches beyond Fira.
Is April or May better for visiting Santorini?
May is the safer bet for good weather. Days are warmer and more reliably sunny, most businesses have reopened and the sea starts to warm up, though it's still cool. April is greener, quieter and often cheaper, and may include Easter, but the weather is less predictable.
Santorini Weather by Month
