- Updated on: 2024-04-29
December in Santorini can be considered winter, but only “winter” by local standards, of course. The harsh December weather on our island is when … under +20 degrees in the shade during the day and about +15 degrees at night! 🙂
What makes the weather in December in Santorini different from the other months is its inconstancy. It’s quite normal to have all four seasons in a day or two: a cold rain with strong gusts of wind at night, which will change to warm and sunny weather by the middle of the next day. If you’re lucky, you can easily achieve an even “chocolate” tan in December… as a Christmas gift! 🙂
How is the weather in Santorini in December
Our island experiences milder weather in December compared to much of Europe. This makes it a popular destination for those who enjoy warm weather during the winter season.
In early December, the weather in Santorini can be fairly warm and sunny. However, in the second half of the month, especially in late December, it becomes noticeably colder with more frequent cloudy and rainy days.
The inconstancy and the widest range of clothing choices is the best characteristic of the weather in December in Santorini
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
Clear and sunny days replace gloomy and rainy ones, and the air in December sometimes gets warmer than +20 degrees, which means that shorts and T-shirts are back to us again!
On average, by the last month of the year the temperature drops from +15 … +20 degrees in early December to +10 … +12 degrees closer to the Christmas holidays.
Now for the details.
Air temperature in Santorini in December
December in Santorini is not the coldest month of the year. If calculate the average temperature on the island for the whole month, you get something like +16 degrees. However, at the beginning of the month +16 degrees (and even higher!) is noticeably easier to get than by the Christmas holidays. In the second half of December, Santorini will probably be around +12 during the day.
In December, the temperature in Santorini can be the same in the air and water, both reaching 18 degrees
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
The night temperature, oddly enough, does not differ much from the daytime temperature. On some nights towards the end of December, the temperature may drop to +9 degrees, while at the beginning of the month, it is highly likely to be around +16 degrees at night. Let’s say, on average we have night temperature around +15 degrees. Recall that in combination with high humidity and possible strong winds they feel quite cool, although the coldest time is still ahead.
The following statistics show temperatures from the past few years. The orange line represents daytime temperatures, while the blue line represents nighttime temperatures:
The temperature of the water in Santorini in December
The water in December in Santorini cools down, and the sea goes from a more or less comfortable values of +22 … +20 degrees at the beginning of the month to the range of +18 degrees by the end of December.
Sometimes it even happens that the water temperature in the sea coincides with the air temperature, but even on Christmas the water never cools below +17 degrees. It seems cool, but nevertheless, it is quite possible to swim in December in Santorini, especially if we have a good sunny day.
The water temperature in December in Santorini is +18 degrees: fresh and very invigorating!
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
Of course, we’re not talking about a long swim – take a dip, have a little swim, and get out. Fresh – yes, invigorating – very invigorating, but this is December, after all! The only thing that can really get in the way is a strong north wind. That’s not at all uncommon in December.
Sunny days and precipitation in Santorini in December
Alas, December in Santorini is one of the darkest months of the year. On average, during the days of December, there are at most 9 hours of sunshine. According to our experience, clear and sunny weather occurs at best only on half of the days before Christmas Eve.
On the other days, especially in the second half of December, we should expect variable cloudiness or even really cloudy weather – with dense gray clouds and rain. Can’t help it – it’s December, a harsh winter 🙂
At the beginning of the month, sunrise on the island occurs approximately at 7:10, and sunset in Santorini in December can be seen at 17:00. Near the end of the month the time changes: you can wake up almost half an hour later, because the sunrise is already around 7:30, while the sunset will be later – approximately at 17:10.
The rains in Santorini in December
Santorini doesn’t have a rainy season as such, but the likelihood of it raining in December is more than likely. This is one of the three wettest months of the year, and it may be even wetter only next month:
December in Santorini is different, particularly in terms of rainfall. The rains can be very dense and prolonged:
If you are staying for more than a week, there is a high chance of rain during your vacation. However, bad weather can have its own beauty. Even on a cloudy day, the volcano caldera looks stunning.
The rains in Santorini in December are not uncommon: it is one of the “wettest” months of the year
Santorinika Travel Agency, from personal experience of living on the island
And to finally paint a picture of the island in winter we must not forget about the wind: December in Santorini is always one of the windiest months of the year. It can only blow harder for a few weeks after Christmas Eve 🙂
What can be useful for holidays in Santorini in December
Warm jacket and t-shirt, pants and shorts, tight boots and flip-flops, umbrella and bathing suit – sometimes at the same time 🙂 But no kidding, be prepared for cool, cloudy and rainy weather, which can abruptly change to clear and very hot sunny days. Winter has all sorts of surprises in our island, so you have to be prepared for anything during the Christmas Eve.
Are you planning a holiday in Santorini in December? Or are you already on the island? We are happy to help you organise your vacation! Check out tips, services and offers:
