Weddings are magical experiences that are full of different emotions. From the very beginning of planning a wedding to the big day itself, excitement and stress are both natural. When it comes to planning a wedding abroad like in the sanctuary that is Santorini, the next and most important step is of course, deciding what is exactly the best time of the year to have the big day.
Whilst an experienced wedding planner in Santorini may well be able to plan the perfect time for your specific dream wedding, generally speaking, Santorini is incredible year-round. The island is a highly desirable destination for not only couples looking to tie the knot, but also as a luxurious holiday destination, especially so in the summer. Each season of course has its own advantages to share for your special day, so exploring a little bit about what they may be can go a long way in helping you build your plan.
Santorini in Spring:
Firstly, getting married in Santorini in the Spring is always a slightly cooler affair than a summer wedding, depending on when in Spring you choose. Typically the weather in spring can range from cooler days around March time through to May in which it’s practically summer.
In early Spring, temperatures are often between 15 and 20 degrees, so expect to bring a jacket for the evenings as it’s a lot cooler and can very occasionally be rainy. Temperatures can range from 14 degrees to 17 degrees a mid-day so fairly mild however the sun will most likely be shining.
April gets a bit warmer with the increased temperatures to 19 plus degrees, it again gets a bit chilly in the evening so be sure to bring a jacket for the evenings. Nevertheless, despite the gloomy easters in the UK, Santorini will have 8 hours of sunshine to give you that extra vitamin D before or after your big day.
When it comes to May, now is when Santorini’s wedding season is in full bloom. With many bank holidays in May too, it’s an extremely popular time to marry as it ticks a lot of boxes for so many couples and their guests too. May in Santorini sees increased temperatures in the low to mid 20 degrees, so make sure to pack your sun protection cream with a whopping 10 hours of sunshine. The weather is more consistently warmer with a low chance of rain and warmer in the evenings.
Santorini Summers:
Without a doubt, Summer in Santorini is the warmest season to get married. If you are looking for amazing weather and likely a holiday afterwards for yourselves and/or your guests, the summer season will be your friend (unless you are eloping of course for a romantic couple’s getaway).
Unlike Spring, the temperature across June, July, August and early September tends to be pretty consistent. Temperatures can creep into the early 30 degrees across all three months, although the late 20s is likely where you’ll find your day depending on the time of your wedding.
That is of course not to say a summer wedding in Santorini is for everyone. For couples where heat can be a little bit of an issue, getting married in Spring may be better suited, but with so many venue options, there is sure to be a way to cater for every type of wedding without compromising on a stunning backdrop and generally amazing wedding day.
Autumn in Santorini
Autumn is a really unsung hero for getting married in Santorini. It’s still a beautiful place to be, the weather is still reliable, the island is still abuzz, and best of all, prices tend to be lower than in busier times of the year too.
Autumn in Santorini still gets a very pleasant 8-plus hours of sunshine per day, pretty much every day at that. So much so in fact that you can still expect to swim in the sea around October.
November sees slightly increased rainfall but is still sunny for the majority of the month, making it an ideal time to marry outside of the UK. Despite the slightly cooler temperatures that typically sit at the low 20s to high teens as the season goes on, the backdrop of Santorini in Autumn is still as stunning as it is in the peak of summer.
Winter Weddings in Santorini
Winter in Santorini is considerably cooler than other seasons. As you would expect, cheaper travel costs are a huge bonus, and they come with lower temperatures, increased rain and fewer crowds.
Sunshine-filled days and blue skies are still easily seen all year round. Due to a lack of tourists in the lower season, you might find that there are fewer people around the island and that some businesses may be closed for a little while, but with such a bustling island, there is always something to see.
Generally, It is likely that a winter wedding in Santorini would take place under a sheltered environment or even indoors due to the higher chance of rain, but again, a good wedding planner would be more than happy to help you find what will work best for you and ensure a winter wedding would be just as magical as any other.
Summary
Overall, Santorini is magical 365 days a year, and a wedding here would no doubt be a lifelong memory to share with your spouse and loved ones. Whatever season you choose to get married in, Santorini is one of those places where it is hard to imagine a more beautiful place to tie the knot. There are countless venues and backdrops to explore for your big day all of which can be tailored to the time of year you want to get married in. After all, this is all about you, and the island can cater for a wedding that is nothing short of stunning at practically any time of year.
Following the advice and guidance of an excellent and knowledgeable wedding planner, they will be sure to give you the best day ever no matter what season you decide. If you;d like more specific weather info on the month you’re considering for your big day, take a look at our Santorini weather guide too.