Santorini In June – How To Enjoy Your Greek Vacation In Santorini

June is a great month to visit Santorini in Greece. The weather is sunny and warm and you can expect day temperatures to be around 25-33 C (77-91 F). 

Here’s everything you need to know if you are visiting Santorini in June. I have included weather information, travel tips and what to do in Santorini.

Santorini June weather

If you visit Santorini island in June, you will find warm, sunny weather, with almost zero chance of rain, due to the gorgeous Mediterranean climate. Day temperatures usually range between 25-33 C (77-91 F), and are slightly cooler in the evenings.

Visit Santorini in June

The weather in Santorini in June is more pleasant than in July and August, when you can get extreme temperatures and the famous meltemi winds. By early September, temperatures start dropping.

In June, water temperatures are ideal for swimming. The sea gets warmer as the summer progresses, and sea temperatures reach their peak in September.

Visit Santorini in June – What to expect beyond the hot weather

So, if you travel to Santorini Greece in June, you will get hot weather. But what should you expect in terms of facilities, beaches and crowds?

Most people visit Greece during the summer months of July and August. This is the high season in Greece, while June and September are also popular.

Santorini Greece weather in June is sunny and warm - A view of Oia Santorini

However, the tourist season in Santorini is longer than on most other Greek islands. Many businesses and most restaurants open before Greek Easter, which is in April or May. While this is the shoulder season for most of Greece, Santorini is already relatively busy then.

By June, you will find that Santorini is buzzing. Yet, the first summer month is not as crowded as July and August. You will meet plenty of other travelers, but it’s a better time to visit Santorini than the peak season.

Accommodation prices in June can be significantly lower than in August, which is the busiest month. You will find that staying on the east side of the island can be very affordable, with hotels / rooms starting at around 40-50 euro a night.

What to do in Santorini island in June

Here are some things you can do in June in Santorini.

Enjoy the sunny weather on a sailing trip

One of the most popular things to do in Santorini is to take a sailing trip. There are many different types of boat tours and cruises, so you can find something suitable for all budgets.

Some morning tours go to the volcano, taking you to Nea Kameni islet, where you can walk on the impressive caldera. This is a fantastic experience, though you might want to avoid on a very hot day.

Santorini in June - Take a sailing trip to the famous volcano

Other sailing trips include sailing along the colourful coast. You will see many of Santorini’s famous beaches, like the Red Beach or the White Beach, and get a chance to snorkel.

Or you can choose a relaxed evening sailing trip, where you will enjoy the iconic sunset from the boat, with a meal and drinks.

Most trips are between 3-5 hours, and provide you with amazing views of the volcano, Thirassia island and the blue Aegean Sea.

Visit the picturesque towns and villages

The famous Cycladic island has several pretty towns and villages with the iconic white-washed houses and blue-domed churches.

Fira is the capital and largest town, while Oia is the famous sunset spot as well as a popular resort. Both these towns are on the west side of the island, overlooking the volcano.

Santorini weather June - Sunny and hot

The coastal towns in Santorini are located on the east coast. The three main beach resorts are Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos. They all offer plenty of tourist facilities, including tavernas, cafes, bars, hotels, often with a swimming pool, and watersports.

Other traditional villages in Santorini include the inland Emporeio, Messaria, Megalochori and Pyrgos. Here, you can see the traditional architecture from hundreds of years ago.

If you want to visit all the villages, it’s much easier to rent a car or quad. Parking can be an issue, especially if you are going to Oia around sunset time.

Hike from Fira to Oia Santorini

The hike from Fira to Oia was my favourite activity on the island. It’s a 10 km (6.2 mile) hike, where you get magnificent views of the caldera.

On your way, you will pass by the popular resorts of Firostefani and Imerovigli. You should also make a small detour to the iconic Skaros rock, a rocky outcrop offering beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.

Hiking from Fira to Oia in Santorini in June

Tip: you can either do the hike early in the morning, or start in the evening, and get to Oia for the famous Santorini sunset.

Here is some more information on how to hike from Fira to Oia.

Enjoy the famous Santorini sunset

Oia is considered the best place for sunset views in Santorini. Yet, there are many more places on the west side of the island to enjoy the iconic Santorini sunsets.

Many restaurants and cafe-bars in Fira, the capital, have a view to the caldera. If this feels too busy, you can walk along the hiking path, and stop somewhere along the way. Firostefani and Imerovigli both offer cool sunset views.

Sunset in Santorini Greece

The church under Skaros Rock, and Akrotiri Lighthouse, are both good places if you want to enjoy the sunset away from the masses. Just don’t expect to be on your own – it’s Santorini after all!

If you are travelling in June, you will enjoy long daytime hours. Sunrise is at 6 am, and the famous Santorini sunset is around 20.40 – 20.50!

Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri

Santorini has a very long history, which goes back to the Neolithic times. Some of the earliest ruins that have been discovered on the island are in the ancient site of Akrotiri.

A volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC completely destroyed the settlement. Like Pompeii in Italy, Akrotiri was covered by lava, volcanic ashes and debris, which helped preserve the buildings.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini

Parts of the frescoes on the walls have survived, and you can see them in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

You can visit the site on your own, or maybe book a tour of Ancient Akrotiri with a licensed guide, where you can learn more about the island’s history. 

Enjoy the wines of Santorini

Santorini is famous for its excellent wines. The volcanic soil and the dry climate help produce unique grape varieties. Some of the wines produced in Santorini, like Assyrtiko or Vinsanto, are among the best wines in Greece.

Take a wine tasting tour in Santorini Greece

You will find the local wines, along with great food, in many restaurants and tavernas in Santorini. Or you can visit one or two of the wineries on the island, and have a taste of their wine production.

While it’s easy to go wine tasting independently, many visitors prefer to take a tour, and learn more about what makes Santorini’s wines so special. This is one of the best winery tours in Santorini – check it out.

How to get to Santorini

Santorini belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea, to the east of mainland Greece.

Santorini has an international airport. In June, you will find direct flights from many European cities, such as London, Paris or Frankfurt. There are also domestic flights from Athens, taking just under an hour.

There are many flights to Santorini in June

If you decide to fly, book your flights as early as possible, as last-minute prices tend to be quite high. Ferry ticket prices are the same even if you book them last minute, but they sometimes sell out, so it’s best to book them in advance.

You can also take a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. The fastest ferry takes about 5 hours. You can compare routes and buy your ferry tickets on Ferryscanner.

Taking a ferry to Santorini Greece

Many people want to combine Santorini with other nearby Greek islands. The best way to do this is by ferry, as most Greek islands don’t have an airport. 

Even if they do, there are very few direct flights between the islands. You’d most likely have to connect through the Athens International Airport.

Frequently asked questions about Santorini and the Greek islands

Here are some questions that people often ask:

Is June a good time to go to Greece?

June is a fantastic time to go to Greece. You will get some of the best weather in Greece, with long daytime hours and nice, warm evenings.

How hot is Santorini in June?

In June, daytime temperatures in Santorini range between 25-33 C (77-91 F), while evenings are cooler.

Is Santorini windy in June?

The windy months in the Cyclades are usually July and August. Generally speaking, Santorini is rarely windy in June.

Is Santorini crowded in June?

Santorini is a famous island, and it’s a popular stop for cruise boats. Compared to most other Greek islands it’s usually crowded, but not as much as in August.

What is the best month to go to Santorini?

The best time to visit Santorini depends on what you are after. If swimming in the sea is important, you should aim to go in late spring, summer, or early autumn. The sea is still warm in mid September / early October.

Kamari beach Santorini Greece in June

If you want to appreciate the landscapes and villages but don’t care about beach time, your best bet is actually the low season, when the island will be quieter.

Weather during the off season period (November – March) is variable. There may be strong winds and rainstorms, or even a rare day of snow, but you are also likely to get a few sunny days.

Here’s what to expect if you visit Santorini in the low season. I personally like it more – but everyone is different! And if you decide to visit in the off-season, take a look at this article about Athens in November.

More travel tips about Greece

Here are a few more articles that you will find useful:


Vanessa from Real Greek Experiences

Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens. I started this travel blog a few years ago, to help people visiting my country. If you have any questions about Santorini and Greece, please leave a comment below, or message me on my FB page, and I’ll get back to you. Enjoy your Greek vacation!

2 thoughts on “Santorini In June – How To Enjoy Your Greek Vacation In Santorini”

  1. Hello Vanessa,
    Thank you for the post I found it useful. I’d like to ask a quick question. My wedding ceremony will be on the 22nd July in Andromeda Villas, Santorini. I was wondering whether I need to bring jackets for regular evenings and the wedding night. Would the island be windy enough to require jackets?

    Reply
    • First of all, congratulations on your wedding, and have a great time! While I do hope you get some warm and calm evenings, I would personally bring a light jacket or shawl / pashmina just in case… they may also come handy in any spaces with strong A/C. Then again, I’m Greek, so you are probably less likely to need them than me! Enjoy your time!

      Reply

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