Is October Good for Santorini? Complete Weather & Travel Guide

Santorini is a lovely destination any time of year. Many tourists choose to visit it during a cruise and book the best shore excursion to use their time to the full.

October, however, is one of the best times to visit Santorini, offering the perfect balance of warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices that make it ideal for exploring this Greek island paradise.

With daytime temperatures averaging 70°F (21°C) and sea temperatures still warm enough for swimming, October allows visitors to enjoy Santorini without the intense summer heat and tourist crowds.

 

Why October is Perfect for Santorini

Santorini off-season is a place where you can discover real gems. Besides, it is worth visiting even if only for those amazing sunsets and the unbelievable views of the Caldera.

Here’s what makes October special: you’ll experience average highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C), with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The Aegean Sea remains warm from the summer heat, hovering around 68°F (20°C). I can swim an snorkel in this kind of water.

The other important advantage of visiting Santorini in October is that the summer crowds have dispersed, but the island hasn’t yet entered its winter slowdown, so restaurants, attractions, and tours are still operating at full capacity.

I loved this Greek island in October so much, that I felt the urge to start this website, in order to have yet another reason to return to Santorini more than once.

Here are some reasons to visit Santorini in October along with advice on what to pack, top activities and attractions to enjoy during the fall.

Weather in October

October brings comfortable temperatures in the 70s along with minimal rain and lower humidity. Days are sunny and pleasant for exploring without the intense summer heat.

It comes without saying that you’ll be able to do the Fira to Oia hike without having to sweat as much as in July or August.

I did this on October 3rd or 4th and I truly enjoyed a warm autumn sun that didn’t burn my skin.

Wear sunscreen, though, if you go. Always stay on the safe side.

What To Pack

October’s mild weather makes packing for Santorini straightforward, but the temperature variations between day and evening require some planning. Here’s exactly what to bring for a comfortable trip:

Essential Clothing

Daytime Essentials:

• Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
• T-shirts and tank tops for warm afternoons
• Comfortable walking shorts or lightweight pants
• Sundresses that can transition from day to night
• Light cardigan or thin sweater for air-conditioned restaurants

Evening Wear:

• Long pants or jeans for cooler evenings
• Light jacket or windbreaker for outdoor dining
• Closed-toe shoes for walking on cobblestones
• A dressier outfit for sunset dinners (many restaurants maintain dress codes)

Footwear Strategy

Pack versatile shoes that can handle Santorini’s unique terrain:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for exploring villages and hiking trails
• Sandals for beach visits and casual strolling
• Dressier shoes for evening dining and sunset viewing
• Water shoes if you plan to visit the volcanic beaches with black pebbles

Don’t Forget These Essentials

Sun Protection:

• High SPF sunscreen (30+ minimum) – the October sun is still strong
• Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
• Light scarf for windy caldera walks

Practical Items:

• Swimwear (the sea is still warm enough for swimming)
• Light rain jacket or umbrella (October can have occasional showers)
• Power adapter for European outlets
• Camera or phone with extra storage for those Instagram-worthy sunset shots

Pro Tip: Pack layers rather than heavy items. October weather can shift from pleasantly warm during the day to cool and breezy in the evening, especially near the caldera. A light jacket and comfortable walking shoes will serve you better than bulky sweaters or fancy heels that you can’t walk in on Santorini’s uneven stone paths.

Pros and Cons

Crowds Situation

If you’re like most people, you hate the crowds. To avoid them, you may want to travel in the shoulder season, at least when it comes to extremely touristy places such as Santorini & Mykonos.

Santorini’s peak tourist season runs from May through September.

Visiting in October means fewer tourists, easier access to attractions, availability at hotels and restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe overall.

Don’t underestimate, though, the number of people willing to experience the Oia sunset. The Oia Castle and the opposite streets are chocked full of people even in October.

Spectacular Sunsets

Santorini is legendary for its breathtaking sunsets, and October brings ideal conditions.

With its position on the western edge of the Cyclades, Oia offers perhaps the best sunset views on the island.

I also loved Firostefani sunsets with views over the caldera, the still cruise ships, and the smaller boats roaming around.

Wine Tasting

The grape harvesting season in Santorini is somewhere by the end of August.

Check out this Santorini small group wine tasting adventure, here. You’ll get the following:

• a tour of three wineries to discover their wines and wine-making techniques
• the sampling of 12 different wines alongside local delicacies
• possibility to upgrade to a sunset tour for spectacular sunset views from Santo Wines
• personalized attention on a small-group tour limited to 10 people

October is perfect for sampling freshly made wine and learn more about the wine making process and the different varieties available on the island.

Cycling Adventures

Crisp fall weather makes October ideal for cycling through Santorini’s villages and along coastal paths.

Rent a bike and explore at your own pace.

I’m not a very good cyclist, so I’d join an ATV-Quad tour like this one, here.

Off-Season Prices

With summer crowds gone, October brings lower rates on flights, hotels, vehicle rentals, and tourist activities – often up to 30% cheaper than peak season!

Accommodation is also cheaper than in July-August. I’ll write another article to share some tricks on saving money when booking Santorini hotel rooms.

Thermal Springs

October is the perfect time Take a dip in Santorini’s naturally heated thermal springs. That’s thanks to the milder weather with temperatures that allow you to stay outside for longer without getting a sunburn.

Of course you can visit the thermal springs all year round. However, you may need to protect yourself against the harsh summer sun.

The summer crowds have mostly dispersed, leaving the springs blissfully uncrowded so you can soak in peace. Yet pleasantly warm temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit mean the waters are still enjoyable and swimming remains a possibility.

Hiking Trails

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, lace up your boots and explore Santorini’s scenic footpaths and hiking trails. Walk between villages, trek along the caldera, or climb to the summit of the Profitis Ilias mountain.

You can hike without any guide or get an organized activity like this private Santorini panorama tour.

October’s temperatures are ideal for this kind of activity.

So if you’re considering a trip to this Greek paradise, October is an ideal time. You’ll get pleasant weather, smaller crowds, special seasonal attractions, and lower off-season rates (not in all places, though).

I simply loved my time in Santorini in October. If I were to visit again, I’d try to make room for this trip in October, even though April is a good month to visit Santorini, as well.

When I started Offbeat Greece, I never though to include Santorini or Mykonos. These two islands are so crowded and so “mainstream” that I couldn’t imagine I’d find anything off-the-beaten-path about them.

Experience the magic of Santorini without the summer crowds or extremely high accommodation costs.