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Santorini in October: Weather, Sea Temperature and Is It Worth It?
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 1 source listed below
Quick answer
October is one of the best months for Santorini: days are about 22°C with nights around 16°C, the sea is still about 22°C for swimming, and there are usually only about 4 days with some rain. Crowds and hotel prices drop after the first week, while most hotels, restaurants and boat trips stay open until late October.
October weather in numbers
| Month | High | Low | Sea | Sun a day | Days with rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 25°C | 20°C | 24°C | 10 h | 1 |
| October | 22°C | 16°C | 22°C | 7 h | 4 |
| November | 19°C | 13°C | 19°C | 5 h | 8 |
Is October worth it?
- Yes for sightseeing, sunsets, hiking Fira to Oia and wine tasting: cooler days and thinner crowds.
- Swimming is still pleasant in the first half of the month; later it's refreshing.
- Not ideal if you want guaranteed beach weather every day or the summer party scene.
What's open in October?
- Most hotels, restaurants and wineries stay open until the end of October; some close from early November.
- Boat trips around the caldera still run, but are cancelled on windy days.
- Ferries: daily links to Piraeus, Naxos and Paros all year; the direct fast boat to Mykonos runs until about the end of October.
Sunset and daylight
- Clocks go back on the last Sunday of October, so sunset jumps an hour earlier, to around 17:20 by the end of the month.
- Oia's sunset crowds are much smaller than in summer; still arrive 45 minutes early for a good spot.
What to pack
- Swimwear, plus a light jacket for evenings and windy boat trips.
- Comfortable shoes for the Fira–Oia path (about 10 km).
- A small umbrella for the odd shower.
FAQ
Is it warm enough to swim in Santorini in October?
Yes, especially in the first half of the month: the sea averages about 22°C.
Does it rain a lot in Santorini in October?
Not much: about 4 days with some rain on average, usually short showers.
Is Santorini crowded in October?
Less than summer, especially after the first week. Oia at sunset is still busy, but far calmer than July or August.
Are restaurants and hotels open in October?
Most stay open until late October. Some close from early November until spring.
Sources
Related guides
- Greece in November: Weather, Sea, What's Open and Is It Worth It?
- Crete in October and November: Weather, Sea Temperature and What's Open
- Greece in May: Weather, Sea Temperature and Crowds
- Greece in October: Weather, Swimming and What Closes
- Greece in April: Weather, Easter and Which Islands Are Open
- Greece in December: Weather, Christmas, What's Open and Where to Go
Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.