December in Santorini averages highs of 15 °C (59 °F) and lows of 12 °C (53 °F), with about 6 rainy days and 9 h 41 min of daylight. The sea is fresh, around 19 °C (66 °F): fine for a quick swim.
December weather in Santorini at a glance
average high to low each dot ≈ 3 rainy days
Is December a good time to visit Santorini?
Mixed weather: cool and some rain. December is usually low season in Santorini: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
Our rule: a month scores 2 points for comfortable average highs of 18–28 °C (1 point for 14–18 or 28–32 °C) and 2 points for 5 or fewer rainy days (1 point for 6–10). Average highs above 35 °C or below 8 °C make it a tough month whatever the rain. A rainy day here means 2 mm of rain or more. 4 points = great, 3 = good, 2 = mixed, 0–1 = tough.
Holidays and events in December 2026
- Fri 25 Dec: Christmas Day (Χριστούγεννα) public holiday
- Sat 26 Dec: St. Stephen's Day (Σύναξις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Μαρίας) public holiday
Banks and many shops close on public holidays, and museums may change their hours, so check before you go.
Things to do in Santorini in December
December's weather suits a mix of outdoor sights and museums, so the open-air ones come first.
- Oia sunset — arrive an hour early outdoors
- Fira to Oia caldera walk — about 10 km, best in cool months outdoors
- Red Beach and Perissa — black and red volcanic sand outdoors
- Caldera boat trip — volcano and hot springs outdoors
- Akrotiri — Bronze Age town under ash indoors
- Wineries — Assyrtiko tastings indoors
Where to stay: Fira for transport and value; Oia or Imerovigli for caldera views; Kamari or Perissa for beaches.
What to pack for Santorini in December
- Layers and a light jacket: days around 15 °C (59 °F), nights near 12 °C (53 °F).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
What a day in Santorini costs
| Budget traveller | Mid-range | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical total per person, per day | €60–170 | €250–680 |
Excluding flights. December is usually low season in Santorini: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
December in nearby cities
| City | High / low | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 14° / 7° | 6 | Mixed weather |
| Istanbul | 12° / 6° | 11 | Tough month |
| Cairo | 22° / 11° | 1 | Great time to go |
Plan your Santorini trip
- Is Santorini Expensive? Real Costs and a 2026 Budget Guide
- How to Choose an AI Trip Planner in 2026 — 7 Things That Actually Matter
- Best Time to Visit Greece: Month-by-Month Guide 2026
Want the whole trip planned? Join the Journey waitlist: tell it where, when and your budget, and it plans every day hour by hour.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Santorini?
By the numbers, December is a mixed month: cool and some rain, with average highs of 15 °C (59 °F) and about 6 rainy days. December is usually low season in Santorini: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper. The best months for weather are May, September, October.
How warm is Santorini in December?
Average highs are 15 °C (59 °F) and lows 12 °C (53 °F) (2015–2024 averages). The sea is fresh, around 19 °C (66 °F): fine for a quick swim.
Does it rain a lot in Santorini in December?
Expect about 6 days with 2 mm of rain or more, about 47 mm in total. It is the 2nd wettest month of the year in Santorini.
Sources: climate averages from Open-Meteo historical weather (ERA5 reanalysis, 2015–2024); sea temperatures from the Open-Meteo marine API (2023–2024); public holidays from Nager.Date. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of the month. Averages are a guide, not a forecast. Costs are typical ranges per person per day, excluding flights.