Weather in Santorini in March
Expect mild, fairly changeable weather in Santorini in March, early spring. Daytime highs average around 16°C / 61°F, and nights drop to about 11°C / 51°F. Sea temperatures average around 16°C / 61°F, too cold for most people to swim. There are typically 5 rainy days, with around 55 mm of rain in total. Santorini is a volcanic island with little shelter or shade, and the caldera rim is often windier than the beaches below. Spring winds can still be brisk, but the hills turn green and wildflowers appear everywhere. You get about 12 hours of daylight a day. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler than the middle of the day. 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 March
At around 16°C / 61°F, the sea in Santorini is too cold for most people to swim in March. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. Beaches like Perissa and Kamari are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Santorini in March
March 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. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Santorini in March
Ferry links from Piraeus and Rafina to Santorini continue through March, though with fewer sailings than in summer. Direct international flights run mainly from spring to autumn, while flights from Athens operate all year. Most hotels, restaurants and bars close for the winter, and only a few places stay open for locals. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. Most sites close on 25 March. Fira and Oia keep a few hotels and restaurants open, but many close.
Festivals & Holidays in Santorini in March
25 March is Independence Day, a national holiday with school and military parades, and it's traditional to eat fried salt cod with garlic sauce. If Clean Monday falls in March, expect kite flying on hillsides and beaches, and meatless picnics. In Santorini, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Santorini?
Yes, as long as you don't expect beach weather. In numbers: highs of about 16°C / 61°F, lows of 11°C / 51°F and rain on around 5 days in a typical March. March in Santorini brings fresh, spring conditions that are ideal for exploring on foot, with few visitors around. Some hotels and tavernas may still be closed. If warm water is a priority, June, September or October would be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Santorini in March?
In early March, the sun sets in Santorini at around 6:10 pm. Clocks go forward an hour on the last Sunday of March, so by the end of the month sunset is around 7:40 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.
Is March still winter in Santorini?
March is the turning point. Early in the month it can still feel wintry, with cool winds and the odd storm, but spring usually arrives by the end of it. Wildflowers start to cover the hillsides, the days get noticeably longer and sunny days become more common, though evenings stay cool enough for a jacket.
Is March a good time to walk from Fira to Oia?
Yes, it's one of the best times. March 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 March?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in March, 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 March or April better for visiting Santorini?
April, for most travelers. It's warmer and sunnier, wildflowers are at their best, and more hotels and tavernas reopen as the season begins. Greek Easter often falls in April, a wonderful time to be on an island, though it pushes up demand. March is quieter and cheaper, but more is still closed.
Santorini Weather by Month
