Weather in Santorini in October
In Santorini, October brings autumn weather that is pleasantly warm and mostly dry. Average highs reach 23°C / 73°F, with lows of around 18°C / 65°F. Expect just 2 rainy days in a typical October. Sea temperatures average around 22°C / 72°F, comfortable for swimming. Santorini is a volcanic island with little shelter or shade, and the caldera rim is often windier than the beaches below. The first autumn storms can arrive, usually as short, sharp showers between long spells of sunshine. Days bring around 11½ hours of daylight. Pack layers: T-shirts for the day and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. The light is softer than in summer, which makes it a lovely time for photos and walks. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Santorini in October
Expect the sea around Santorini to be about 22°C / 72°F in October, comfortable for long swims. Swimming is still good, although the sea has cooled since August. Try Perissa and Kamari for clear water. Some beach bars and sunbed services are open, but not all, so bring your own shade. Many coves are rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are useful. You won't need a wetsuit.
Crowds & Prices in Santorini in October
October is a shoulder month in Santorini, busy enough to feel lively but well below the summer peak. Prices are noticeably lower than in high summer, and there's more choice of rooms. Cruise ships call regularly, so the busiest spots can be crowded in the middle of the day. The busiest spot is Oia at sunset; for more space, visit Pyrgos and Megalochori or walk the caldera path early in the morning. Booking a few weeks ahead is usually enough.
What's Open in Santorini in October
Ferry services between Piraeus and Rafina and Santorini are being cut back in October. The airport has direct flights from across Europe in the season, as well as flights from Athens. Businesses begin closing through October, so the choice shrinks towards the end of the month. Archaeological sites and museums are on their longer summer hours. Shops in tourist areas often stay open into the evening.
Festivals & Holidays in Santorini in October
28 October, Ochi Day, is a national holiday with parades marking Greece's refusal to surrender in 1940. October brings the start of the olive harvest in many areas, and in some regions, the first tsipouro or raki of the season. Locals in Santorini mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in. It's a good time to see traditions that have nothing to do with tourism, from harvests to name days.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Santorini?
October is one of the best months to visit Santorini. Expect highs of around 23°C / 73°F and lows near 18°C / 65°F. The sea is warm, the weather is reliable and the summer crowds are thinner, so beaches and villages feel relaxed. It suits almost everyone, from couples to families outside school holidays. The only caveat is that a few seasonal businesses may be closed at the very start or end of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Santorini in October?
In early October, the sun sets in Santorini at around 7:05 pm, and around 6:45 pm by mid-month. Clocks go back an hour on the last Sunday of October, so by the end of the month sunset is around 5:25 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 rain in Santorini in October?
It can. October is when the first proper autumn rains arrive, usually as short showers or the occasional thunderstorm between warm, sunny days. Early October often feels like a gentle extension of summer, while the end of the month is noticeably cooler and more changeable. Bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Is October a good time to walk from Fira to Oia?
Yes, it's one of the best times. October brings softer light, cooler air and quieter paths, which make for excellent walking. Carry water and a light layer, as the weather can change. The path follows the caldera rim and takes around three to four hours.
Do I need a car on Santorini in October?
It helps. Bus timetables are lighter in October than in summer, so a car or scooter makes it easier to reach villages and beaches beyond Fira.
Is October or November better for visiting Santorini?
October, clearly. The start of the month often still feels like late summer, with a warm sea and open tavernas. By November the season is over on most islands: many businesses have closed, ferries run less often and the weather is more unsettled.
Santorini Weather by Month
