Weather in Santorini in December
December is early winter in Santorini: cool and often wet. Temperatures typically peak at around 15°C / 60°F in the afternoon and fall to about 11°C / 52°F at night. In the water, expect around 18°C / 64°F, refreshing for some, but too cool for most. Rain falls on around 9 days, with about 82 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Strong northerly and southerly winds are common, and the sea can stay rough for days at a time. Santorini is a volcanic island with little shelter or shade, and the caldera rim is often windier than the beaches below. You get about 10 hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring a warm coat, layers, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with rain. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Santorini in December
Swimming in Santorini in December is possible but bracing, with the sea at around 18°C / 64°F. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. Good spots include Perissa and Kamari. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you feel the cold, a wetsuit top makes a difference.
Crowds & Prices in Santorini in December
December is one of the quietest months in Santorini, with few visitors and a local, everyday feel. It's the cheapest time to visit, with the best deals on accommodation. Christmas and New Year bring some Greek visitors home, but it stays quiet. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Santorini in December
Ferry links from Piraeus and Rafina to Santorini continue through December, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Direct international flights run mainly from spring to autumn, while flights from Athens operate all year. The resort side of the island shuts down, with most hotels and beach tavernas closed until spring. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. Fira and Oia keep a few hotels and restaurants open, but many close.
Festivals & Holidays in Santorini in December
Christmas is celebrated with church services, carols sung door to door by children and festive sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes. On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is honored in harbors across Greece, and decorated boats appear alongside Christmas trees. In Santorini, these occasions are celebrated much as they are across the rest of Greece. Otherwise, life follows its normal rhythm, with Sunday lunches and busy cafés rather than big events.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Santorini?
It depends on what you want. In December, Santorini is peaceful and inexpensive, but the season is over, the sea is too cool for most swimmers and the weather can turn. In numbers: highs of about 15°C / 60°F, lows of 11°C / 52°F and rain on around 9 days in a typical December. It's fine for a quiet break or watching the caldera sunset. For a proper beach holiday, go in June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Santorini in December?
In early December, the sun sets in Santorini at around 5:05 pm. By mid-month it's around 5:05 pm, and by the end of December around 5:10 pm. All times are 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 get stormy in Santorini in December?
December is one of the stormiest months in the Aegean. Strong winds and bands of rain come through regularly, and the worst storms can cancel ferries for a day or more. There are calm, bright days in between, and snow at sea level is very rare. If you're traveling by ferry, allow a buffer day before any flight home.
Is December a good time to walk from Fira to Oia?
Yes, on dry days. Walking in December can be very rewarding, with clear air and empty paths, but days are short, trails can be muddy after rain and the wind can be strong on exposed ground. Start early, carry a warm layer and check the forecast. The path follows the caldera rim and takes around three to four hours.
Do I need a car on Santorini in December?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in December, and some routes stop completely, so a hire car is the easiest way to explore. Rental rates are low off-season, but fewer agencies are open, so book ahead.
Is December or January better for visiting Santorini?
December has the edge for atmosphere, with Christmas decorations and New Year celebrations, while January is quieter still, with Epiphany on 6 January. The weather is similar: cool, changeable and occasionally stormy. Both suit travelers who want the island at its most local.
Santorini Weather by Month
