- Updated on: 2024-05-09
August in Santorini is the final month of summer, but… It is simply the end of the summer season according to the calendar. In fact, in this month, the summer heat on the island continues, and the weather in August in Santorini is literally every day with clear skies and bright and, just as importantly, very hot sun.
During this month high temperatures, extremely low (almost zero) chance of precipitation and almost constant sunshine divide our guests into two camps: one of them is immensely happy, and the other one is looking for a place to hide from the heat. However, both groups are often saved by the wind and humidity, thanks to the nearby sea.
What is the weather like in Santorini in August?
In early August, the weather in Santorini can be extremely hot. There is usually more sun and fewer clouds during this time. The first half of the month typically sees both the air and sea temperatures rise!
The latter half of August is consistently dry and hot. However, the air and water are no longer warm, and small clouds may occasionally appear in the sky over the island towards the end of August. There will be no rainfall, but these clouds will add variety to the surrounding scenery.
The air and water temperature in August in Santorini breaks records: the sea is usually +25 degrees Celsius, but the air heats up to +35 degrees!
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The island’s relative humidity typically ranges from 50% to 70%, providing generally comfortable conditions. Although rare, strong winds can occur in August. Typically, light to medium winds blow at speeds of 2 to 8 meters per second, occasionally strengthening to 10 or 12 meters per second.
Now let’s look in detail at all aspects of the weather in Santorini in August.
Air temperature in Santorini in August
In August, daytime temperatures in Santorini often reach 30 or even 35 degrees. Temperatures below these marks are really rare.
Notice, +30 degrees in the shade is all +40 degrees in the sun, so do not forget the water and sunscreen. Remember to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun when it’s hot outside. The hottest hours are from 12 to 2 p.m. This is particularly true for the weather during the first half of August.
By the way, the shade on our island is limited, with many open, sun-drenched spaces and little vegetation.
The warmest month is August, so the temperature graph’s peak corresponds to this month:
If there is a sea breeze, the temperature is often warm (east or west) or even hot (south). With such a high average temperature, you won’t need to bring anything warmer than beachwear. Light and loose clothing is the ideal choice.
During August on the island, temperatures do not drop below +25 degrees even at night, although the heat recedes slightly in the morning hours. The nighttime chart clearly illustrates the peak values of temperatures in August:
If you plan to sit in a cafe on the edge of the volcano’s caldera in the evening, it might be useful to have a shirt or a thin sweater.
August weather and temperatures on the island are generally similar from year to year, with only minor fluctuations. However, temperature records have been set in the past.
On the hottest August day, the temperature in the shade rose to +38 degrees, while the coldest day in August surprised us with only +19 degrees!
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The chart below displays the history of air temperature observations collected during the day (yellow) and at night (blue) over the past few years. It is worth noting that August 2020 was the coldest August in the last five years:
Water temperature in Santorini in August
August is the hottest month of the year, with high temperatures both on land and in the sea. In Santorini, the weather is typically excellent during the first half of August. The cities can become very hot, making it difficult to walk around Fira or Oia during the middle of the day without hiding from the sun.
To make your walk more enjoyable, alternate it with breaks in cafes or taverns with air conditioning or fans. You could also go for a refreshing swim in the sea. But there’s one important thing to bear in mind:
The water in the sea is not the warmest
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The water in our sea is generally not warm due to its great depth. This is noticeable on almost all of our beaches at the entrance to the sea.
In August, the water temperature in Santorini reaches about 25 degrees, while neighboring islands have warmer waters at around 30 degrees. Although some may find 25 degrees sufficient, 30 degrees is generally considered more comfortable.
The graph clearly shows that the sea temperature in Santorini reaches its maximum in August, making it the ideal time to visit if you want to enjoy the volcanic beaches:
Water temperature in August in Santorini is +25 degrees
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The chart below displays the sea temperature observations for each day in August over the past several years:
Sunny days and precipitation in Santorini in August
We can have some proud boast: almost all days of August on our island are sunny 🙂 The weather has not yet turned bad, and clouds are very rare, and it’s hard to imagine that the sky was covered with clouds or there was a rainstorm!
On average, the island experiences thirteen hours of sunshine per day. It is recommended to find a shady spot during this time. August is not the brightest month on the island, and it gets dark quite early:
At the beginning of the month, the sunrise on the island occurs approximately at 6:20, and the sunset in Santorini in August can be viewed at 20:25. Towards the end of the month the time changes: you can get up later, as the sunrise is already at 6:50, while the sunset will be noticeably earlier – approximately at 19:45.
Rains in Santorini in August
Unreal. Well, almost 🙂 As for overcast skies and precipitation, we can say with confidence: the real rainy season is still to come! August in Santorini is one of the three months of the year when the chance of at least some rainfall is around zero. In other words – almost no chance! The statistics on rainy days prove this:
The almost complete absence of rain gives this month the right to be called one of the driest months of the year:
The rain in Santorini in August is almost unbelievable: it’s something out of the ordinary!
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
If you do get lucky and something drops from the sky, then count on a minimal light rain for a couple of minutes – you don’t even need an umbrella!
What can be useful for holidays in Santorini in August
August is an excellent time to visit the island. You can spend part of the day on the beach, walk through the towns and enjoy the sunset, and then continue the evening in one of the island’s restaurants. However, there is a downside: the maximum number of tourists!
Are you planning a holiday in Santorini in August? Or are you already on the island? We are happy to help you organise your vacation! Check out tips, services and offers:
