- Updated on: 2024-11-22
Our island has its present appearance thanks to a powerful volcanic eruption many years ago. It has created such a great diversity in such a small island: high cliffs neighboring with wide and completely flat coasts. Although the island is small, but it has some very interesting beaches. Moreover, the temperature of the sea in Santorini varies from beach to beach. The reason for this is the earth’s rocks on the surface after the eruption and their colour!
As you know, we have white, red and black beaches, so the sea water temperature can vary considerably from resort to resort. On black beaches the water is slightly warmer: the dark volcanic sand heats up quickly in the bright sunlight, so the sea water temperature rises more quickly in shallow water.
Water temperature in Santorini: sea and beaches this minute
Today is December 13, 2024, and now the water temperature in Santorini averages +18°C...+19°C — only the brave go in for a swim!
Right now the water temperature in Santorini is about +18°C...+19°C — only the brave go in for a swim!
The coasts of our island are very diverse: the west coast is high cliffs, and it is almost impossible to talk about any beaches here. The east coast is just the opposite! In every sense 🙂 Smooth coastlines and long, long beaches that start almost at the northernmost point and stretch all the way around the island to the south. In the south there are Red and White Beaches, and the whole east consists entirely of black volcanic rocks, which is where the sea temperature is higher.
Water temperature on the beaches of Santorini on the map:
Sea water temperature in Santorini by month
Don’t be surprised by this grouping of months: December can hardly be called a real winter on our island, and May and September are more like a hot and dry summer 🙂
Water temperature in Santorini in winter
During the winter months, the water temperature in the sea naturally drops. All the beaches on the island are not suitable for swimming, especially in February, when the sea can be stormy, but January can still offer the chance – if you’re lucky enough to have sunny days and no wind.
January: the water in the sea continues to cool down
Sea temperature in this month usually stays in the range of +17 … +18 degrees. Water and air temperatures are often the same. The sea is usually a little warmer at the beginning of the month, but cools down towards the end of January – the coldest month.
February: it can’t get any colder
The sea cools down to +16…+17 degrees – that’s cold, especially considering the general environment. On the other hand – it can be even a bit warmer in the water than in the air. An interesting fact about the end of winter on our island 🙂
Sea temperature in Santorini in spring
Spring comes quickly – as early as March. There is more sunshine, the air temperature begins to rise, but the temperature of the water in the sea is usually not immediately affected. But it’s a great time to go for a walk, even by the sea!
March: the sea in Santorini is getting ready to warm up
In the sea, the temperature typically ranges from +16 to +17 degrees, although it may be higher in certain areas, particularly on certain beaches and in shallow water.
April: the temperature of the sea increases
In April, the number of sunny and warm days increases, and the sea temperature slowly begins to rise. The sea in Santorini reaches temperatures of +17…+18 degrees, sometimes even warmer. There is an increase in temperature during and after this month:
Water temperature in Santorini in summer
Summer starts early on the island, with temperatures rising quickly in late April or early May. The sea also warms up rapidly during this time, and you can feel the difference in just a few weeks.
May: the beginning of the summer heat
In early May, the water temperature in Santorini is typically around +18 to +19 degrees. However, by the second half of the month, the sea on some beaches warms up to +20 to +21 degrees. The beach season in Santorini officially begins in this month.
June: sea, sun, summer
Many locals are accustomed to higher sea temperatures, so the bathing season is opened a little later, usually in the first half of June. During this period, the sea water temperature is typically around +21 to +23 degrees. This is a great combination with the hot weather and bright sun!
July: the sea is very good!
The sea temperature is between +23 and +25 degrees, with the black beaches being noticeably warmer, even at depth, so the bathing season in Santorini is in full swing! The water on the red beach is slightly cooler.
August: the water temperature in the sea is as high as possible
The most comfortable month for swimming, the sea will not get warmer: +25 … +26 degrees on all beaches of Santorini. You can sit in the water for half a day 🙂 The most suitable month for a beach holiday on the island.
September: it’s still summer
We consider this month to be summer: the sun shines brightly, the heat is even in the shade, and the sea water temperature in the sea is at least +24 … +25 degrees! Towards the second half of the month, the sea begins to cool down a little, giving a feeling of a velvet season.
Sea water temperature in Santorini in autumn
The velvet season in Santorini comes in late September and early October. Although the air cools faster than the sea, temperatures are still high here and there.
October: the velvet season in Santorini
In October, the sea water temperature usually cools down to between +21 and +23 degrees. Towards the end of the month, the daytime air temperature is equal to that of the sea water. Generally, bathing in Santorini in October remains comfortable.
November: it is a breath of autumn
In November, the water temperature in Santorini drops to around 20-22 degrees Celsius. Swimming is enjoyable on sunny days. The air temperature is often the same as the sea water temperature. The best time to swim is usually in the first week and a half of the month. Towards the end of the month, it becomes apparent that the bathing season on the island is coming to a close.
December: winter is coming
During this month, the sea is often warmer than the air. Although the water temperature has dropped, it may still be a good idea to walk barefoot along the coast when the sea water temperature is between +18 and +19 degrees and the air temperature is +16 degrees.However, swimming should not be expected.
What can be useful for holidays in Santorini
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