Santorini is a dream destination in Greece, known for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and magnificent sunsets. But what is this legendary Greek island like in January, once the high tourist season is over?
Also read: The best free things to do in Santorini
In this complete article, find out what awaits you on a visit to Santorini in January: the weather, things to do, where to stay, how to get there… plus my tips for making the most of this, to say the least, intimate time of year.
In short, visiting Santorini in winter: pros and cons
| Avantages | Inconvénients |
|---|---|
| Fewer tourists | Cold, rainy and windy weather |
| Cheaper hotels and activities | Little chance to swim |
| Atmosphère paisible | Limited number of hotels and restaurants open |
| Sunsets without the crowds | Very quiet atmosphere, little nightlife |
Santorini’s weather in January
January is considered the heart of winter in Santorini. You can expect a cold, rainy and windy climate, with average temperatures of 12°C that can drop to 0°C at night.
Showers are frequent in January, so it’s best to bring warm, waterproof clothing.
Here are the average temperatures and rainfall in Santorini for January:
- Température moyenne : 12°C
- Température minimale : 5°C
- Température maximale : 15°C
- Rainfall: 115 mm spread over 11 to 12 days
It can even snow at this time of year! The chill is made worse by strong winds that can reach 25 km/h.
The sea is cold in January, with a water temperature of around 15°C. Swimming is therefore not recommended.
What to wear in Santorini in January
Travelling to Santorini in January calls for the right clothing to cope with the winter climate. Here are some tips for dressing comfortably and making the most of your stay:
1. Layering and insulation
- Base layers: Go for thermal underwear that retains heat and wicks away moisture.
- Mid layers: Opt for jumpers or fleeces for extra insulation.
- Outer layers: A wind- and water-resistant winter jacket is essential to protect you from showers and strong winds.
2. Vêtements Imperméables
- Coats and jackets: Choose waterproof, windproof materials to stay dry during showers.
- Trousers: Waterproof trousers or overtrousers can come in handy for walks in the rain.
3. Accessoires Essentiels
- Hats and gloves: Protect your extremities with insulated hats and gloves, especially when the strong wind makes it feel colder.
- Scarves: A wool scarf or a neck warmer to keep your neck warm.
- Warm socks: Go for wool or thermal socks to keep your feet warm.
- Winter shoes: Choose water-resistant shoes with good insulation and a non-slip sole to walk comfortably on slippery cobbles.
4. Sun protection
- Sunglasses: The sun can be dazzling, even in winter. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
5. Sac Étanche
- Storage: A waterproof backpack is recommended to protect your belongings from the weather.
By following these recommendations, you’ll be perfectly equipped to explore Santorini in January, staying warm and dry while enjoying the island’s magnificent winter scenery.
What to do in Santorini in January?
Santorini in January is still a superb destination, as long as you adapt your activities to the weather. Here’s a selection of ideas for making the most of the island even in the depths of winter:
Visit Oia and Fira
Santorini’s two most touristy villages, Oia and Fira, are still well worth a visit in January. Their winding lanes lined with immaculate houses are even more pleasant to wander without the summer crowds.
It’s also a chance to enjoy the famous sunsets with less waiting around and in an intimate atmosphere.
Oia: a picturesque village
- Unique architecture: Oia, known for its whitewashed cave houses and blue domes, showcases typical Cycladic architecture. In January, the streets are less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful exploration and superb photos.
- Byzantine churches: The village has several remarkable Byzantine churches. A visit to the Panagia of Platsani church, on the main square, is a must. Its architecture and interior frescoes epitomise Santorini’s cultural richness.
- Art galleries and shops: Although some may be closed in winter, several art galleries and shops stay open, offering works by local artists and unique souvenirs.
- Sunsets: Oia is famous for its sunsets. In January, these moments are less crowded, letting you enjoy the show in a calmer, more personal atmosphere.
Fira: a blend of tradition and history
- Archaeological museum: Fira’s archaeological museum is a must for history lovers. It houses collections spanning the Cycladic era through to the Roman period, including pottery, sculptures and inscriptions.
- Panoramic walks: Fira offers stunning views over the caldera. Walks along the edge of the crater let you admire the striking panorama over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.
- Local food: Several restaurants and tavernas stay open in January. It’s the ideal opportunity to savour local specialities in a more authentic setting.
- Fira in winter: Local life is more visible in winter, offering a more authentic experience of Greek culture. The Christmas and New Year festivities add a unique festive atmosphere.
- Hikes: The trails linking Fira to Oia are less busy, offering a peaceful walk with spectacular views.
- Guided tours: Guided tours may be available to discover the history and culture of Fira and Oia in depth, enriching your travel experience.
By visiting Oia and Fira in January, you’ll discover a calmer, more authentic side of Santorini, far from the summer tourist bustle. This time of year offers a unique perspective on local life and the island’s natural beauty.
Hike between Fira and Oia
The hike between Fira and Oia is a magical outing, especially in January, when Santorini reveals its winter charm. This 10 km route, winding along the caldera cliffs, offers stunning views over the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. Taking 2h30 to 5 hours depending on your pace, it’s an ideal way to appreciate the island’s tranquillity away from the summer bustle.
In January, the trail takes on a serene atmosphere, making for a peaceful hike. Although temperatures are cooler and the wind can blow hard at times, wearing warm clothes and good walking shoes makes the adventure comfortable and enjoyable. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire Santorini’s volcanic landscapes and picturesque villages from a different angle.
This hike is an experience not to be missed for nature and photography lovers. The viewpoints along the way offer unique opportunities to capture the island’s beauty, with its white villages and blue-domed churches standing out against the winter backdrop. In January, the absence of crowds makes the experience even more special, letting you connect fully with Santorini’s nature and tranquillity.
Discover the archaeological site of Akrotiri
This exceptional site features the ruins of a Minoan city buried under ash during a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC. The frescoes and everyday objects found here are remarkably well preserved.
A guided tour is highly recommended to fully grasp the history of the site.
Taste local wines
Santorini is renowned for its white wines made from unique grape varieties such as assyrtiko and aidani. Two estates stay open in January for tastings: Venetsanos and Santo Wines. Don’t hesitate to book!
I also recommend visiting the Koutsoyannopoulos wine museum in Vothonas to learn more about the island’s winemaking history.
Wander through the villages of Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori
Exploring the traditional villages of Pyrgos, Emporio and Megalochori is an authentic adventure in Santorini, especially in January. These hidden gems, with their cobbled lanes and typical white houses, offer a rich cultural experience away from the usual tourist sites.
Emporio stands out for its unique vaulted passageways, creating an almost labyrinthine atmosphere. Strolling through its lanes is like travelling back in time, with a fascinating glimpse of traditional Cycladic architecture.
Pyrgos, perched on a hilltop, offers a stunning panorama over the island. Its Venetian ruins offer not only a dive into history but also unforgettable views over the Aegean Sea. It’s the ideal place to admire Santorini’s landscape in all its splendour.
These villages are Santorini’s hidden treasures, offering a peaceful, authentic break from the tourist bustle, especially in January. Visiting them is a unique way to discover the true heart of the island.
Explore the beaches
Visiting Santorini’s beaches in January offers a quiet, picturesque experience, very different from the lively summer atmosphere. Although swimming isn’t the main activity because of the cool water, exploring the island’s beaches in winter reveals their natural beauty in a new light.
Perissa beach
Known for its distinctive black sand, Perissa beach is a sight in itself. In January, the contrast between the black volcanic sand and the crystal-clear waters creates a striking landscape. The winter calm makes for a peaceful walk along the shore, ideal for photography lovers or anyone seeking serenity.
Plage Rouge d’Akrotiri
This beach is famous for its towering red cliffs and reddish sand. In winter, with fewer visitors, you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and unique geological formations of this beach. The play of light on the rocks creates magnificent views, especially at sunset.
Kamari beach
Close to Perissa, Kamari beach is also famous for its black sand. In January the atmosphere is calm, making for a relaxing walk with a breathtaking view of Mesa Vouno mountain rising nearby.
Vlychada beach
This beach is known for its sculptural rock formations that look like natural works of art. In winter, the absence of crowds highlights the strangeness and beauty of this lunar landscape, offering an ideal setting for a reflective stroll or a moment of relaxation to the sound of the waves.
Monolithos beach
Quieter and family-friendly, Monolithos beach is perfect for those looking to get away from the busier tourist spots. In January, its stretches of sand and calm waters offer a peaceful setting for a walk or for watching the local fishermen.
Each of these beaches, with its own unique features, offers a different perspective on Santorini in winter. The cold season brings a feeling of calm and solitude, letting visitors appreciate the island’s natural beauty in a more intimate, contemplative atmosphere.
Where to stay in Santorini in January?
As January is low season, many hotels are closed, especially in the beach resorts. The choice of open accommodation is therefore mainly limited to the island’s two main towns:
- Fira: the capital stays very lively in January. It has the largest number of hotels, restaurants and shops open at this time of year, making it ideal for a winter stay in Santorini.
- Oia: world-famous for its sunsets, Oia charms with its unique appeal but can feel very quiet in January. A few luxury hotels with caldera views do stay open, however.
In the other villages, options are very limited and often overpriced. A holiday rental is the best alternative.
Some hotels also offer low-season deals with rates far more affordable than in summer.
How to get to Santorini in January?
By plane
Several airlines such as Volotea, Ryanair and Aegean Airlines operate flights from Athens to Santorini all year round.
For international flights, it’s trickier: there are no direct connections, but you can transit via Athens.
By ferry ⛴
Ferries from Piraeus (Athens’ port) keep serving Santorini in January, but less frequently. High-speed services are rare or suspended: the route is mainly covered by conventional ferries (Blue Star Ferries in particular), for a crossing of 6 to 9 hours.
How to take the ferry between Athens and Santorini: everything you need to know
Remember to book your ferry tickets in advance to guarantee your place on board!
Prices and tickets for Santorini
Billets d’avion
Expect to pay on average €90 to €120 return Athens – Santorini with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or Volotea, or with Aegean Airlines.
From French cities, expect approximately €250 for a return flight to Santorini airport with a stopover in Athens.
Hébergement
For 3-star accommodation in Fira, budget from €60 a night in January.
In the village of Oia, famous for its sunsets, you’ll still need to allow at least €100 for a double room in a decent hotel.
The few luxury boutique hotels still open also charge gentler prices, around €250 a night for a 5-star with a caldera view, for example.
Se Déplacer à Santorini
Exploring Santorini in January can be a unique experience, giving you the chance to discover the island in a different light, far from the summer crowds. To get around, two popular options are renting a car or a quad, each with its own advantages.
Renting a car in Santorini in January
Renting a car in Santorini in January is ideal for those looking for comfort and convenience. Here are a few points to consider:
- Comfort: Sheltered from the elements, you’ll enjoy getting around, especially with January’s typically cooler temperatures and strong winds.
- Space: If you’re travelling in a group or as a family, a car offers plenty of room for passengers and luggage.
- Freedom of movement: With a car, you’re free to explore the more remote parts of the island that are harder to reach by other means.
- Parking: Although easier to find in winter than in summer, parking can still be a challenge, particularly in popular places like Oia.
Renting a quad in Santorini in January
For a more adventurous experience, renting a quad is often recommended. It combines practicality and fun, offering a unique way to discover Santorini:
- Agility: Quads are perfect for navigating narrow lanes and winding roads, offering better manoeuvrability than cars.
- Immersion: On a quad, you’re more in touch with your surroundings, fully enjoying the island’s sights, sounds and smells.
- Accessibility: Some of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints and beaches are easier to reach by quad.
- Safety: Safety is paramount, especially on uneven roads. Always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.
- Adventure: For travellers seeking a more dynamic experience, the quad is the ideal choice, especially in January, when the roads are generally quieter.
| Advantages of a car | Advantages of a quad |
|---|---|
| Comfort and protection | Agility and immersion |
| Ideal for groups | Easy access to sights |
| Freedom to explore the island | A unique driving experience |
| Easier parking in winter | Less traffic in January |
In conclusion, whether you choose a car for comfort and ease, or a quad for adventure and closeness to nature, Santorini in January offers ideal conditions for a peaceful and unforgettable exploration of the island.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a bigger budget to visit Santorini in January?
No, quite the opposite! As January is low season, hotel prices drop considerably. Expect approximately half the summer rates. The same goes for car rental and activities. Only flights stay at high-season prices.
Can you swim in Santorini in January?
The sea temperature drops to around 15°C in January, which is still too cold for most tourists. Swimming is therefore not recommended at this time of year, and no beach clubs are open.
That said, nothing stops you from dipping your toes in or lounging on the sand!
What’s the best way to discover Santorini in January?
I recommend car rental, which gives you maximum flexibility to visit the island’s various villages and sights at your own pace. Buses are very unreliable at this time of year. And the changeable weather can quickly spoil a walk!
Are there any festivals or special events in Santorini in January?
Not really at this time of year… You might catch the last Orthodox Christmas celebrations in early January, but that’s it. The island is really quiet in winter, with no tourist events or festivals. What little activity there is centres on Fira.
In conclusion
To sum up, the low season in Santorini, between December and March, is above all for travellers seeking peace and quiet who want to enjoy the island’s understated charms away from the summer crowds.
The damp, cool climate makes swimming impossible, but plenty of activities remain, such as strolling through picturesque villages or discovering the local heritage. And what a joy it is to watch a sunset in Oia in relative privacy!
As long as you choose the right base (preferably Fira or Oia) and accommodation that’s open in January, this period also has the advantage of gentle prices, with discounts of up to 50% on hotels.
So, tempted by an off-season stay in Santorini? You’ll see the island in a whole new light!
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