Santorini Weather in March 2026: what to expect (7.3/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in March

Spring marks the start of the good season in Santorini. Temperatures rise (16.0°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (21.0% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. July (9.6/10) is significantly better if possible.

March ranks 9 out of 12 months in Santorini. Compared to February: +2°C daytime, +1.1h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in March

UV index

6 · moderate

protect during midday hours

Feels like

dry air

7°

Sea

16°C

cold, for the brave

Daylight

11.7h of daylight

Air quality

fair

AQI 42

Compare

Is March the right month?

The best month in Santorini is July (9.6/10), 2.3 pts higher than March.

See July →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Santorini is the image that defines Greece in the collective imagination: caldera, white houses with blue domes, sunset over Oia. July is my favourite month (9.8/10): 23-28°C, 1% rain, sea at 23°C.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Santorini

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Santorini

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide

Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.

Country · Greece

🗣️LanguageGreek

💶CurrencyEuro (€)

🚗DrivingRight-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5

💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic

📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.21°C/decade

🔥Hottest monthJuly · 28°C

❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 14°C

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 32%

🏖️ Beach holiday

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days

Explore

Other destinations in March

If March doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

Nearby

Other top picks

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Santorini ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Greece

Temperate oceanic climate with a 9.6 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.

36.39°N · 25.44°E

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Santorini?

July is the best month with 28.0°C highs, 23.0°C lows, 9.7h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Santorini get in July?

Santorini averages 9.7 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.5/10.

What is the rainiest month in Santorini?

January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.

What are the temperatures at night in Santorini in July?

In July, overnight lows reach 23.0°C, while afternoon highs average 28.0°C.

Is Santorini good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Santorini scores 4.2/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.5/10.

When should you avoid Santorini?

January is the most difficult month to visit Santorini, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.

Can you swim in Santorini in March?

In March, the sea averages 16°C in Santorini: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.

Do you need sun protection in Santorini in March?

The average UV index reaches 6 in March in Santorini (moderate), with about 11.7h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.