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Weather Comparison

Santorini vs Athens

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Santorini: 15°CAthens: 13°C234 km apart

December Weather: Santorini vs Athens

MetricSantoriniAthensBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer15°C (59°F)13°C (55°F)Santorini
Average LowHigher is milder12°C (54°F)7°C (45°F)Santorini
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days8 daysAthens
PrecipitationLess is drier54 mm64 mmSantorini
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day6h/daySantorini
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer21Athens
Wind SpeedCalmer is better35 km/h15 km/hAthens

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Santorini edges ahead as the better destination in December. Santorini offers 7 hours of daily sunshine with only 9 rain days, while Athens sees 6 sunshine hours and 8 rain days.

Santorini sits in the comfortable travel range at 15°C. Athens is cooler at 13°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Athens is the stronger choice in December. Santorini receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Santorini reaches an average high of 15°C (59°F) and drops to 12°C (54°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 3°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Athens averages 13°C (55°F) for the high and 7°C (45°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Santorini receives approximately 54 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Athens sees 64 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Athens the drier option by 1 rain day and 10 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Santorini vs Athens

Packing for Santorini in December

Highs of 15°C, lows of 12°C, 9 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella

Packing for Athens in December

Highs of 13°C, lows of 7°C, 8 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Santorini vs Athens

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthSantoriniAthens
HighRainHighRain
Jan13°C10d12°C8d
Feb14°C9d13°C7d
Mar15°C7d16°C7d
Apr17°C4d20°C6d
May21°C2d25°C5d
Jun24°C1d30°C3d
Jul26°C0d33°C2d
Aug27°C0d33°C1d
Sep25°C1d28°C3d
Oct22°C4d23°C4d
Nov18°C6d18°C7d
Dec15°C9d13°C8d
15°

Santorini Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

13°

Athens Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santorini warmer than Athens in December?
Yes. In December, Santorini is warmer with an average high of 15°C (59°F) compared to Athens at 13°C (55°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Santorini or Athens?
Santorini gets more rain in December with 9 rain days and 64 mm of precipitation. Athens is the drier option with 8 rain days.
Is it better to visit Santorini or Athens in December?
It depends on your preferences. Santorini averages 15°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Athens averages 13°C with 6 sunshine hours and 8 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Santorini. For fewer rain days, Athens is the better pick.
How far apart are Santorini and Athens?
Santorini and Athens are approximately 234 km (145 miles) apart. Santorini is located in Greece (Europe) while Athens is in Greece (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Santorini and Athens?
For Santorini, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 26°C. For Athens, August is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 33°C highs.

Compare Santorini and Athens in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Santorini coordinates: 36.39°N, 25.46°E | Athens coordinates: 37.98°N, 23.73°E