Updated 2 Nov 2026 · recomputed nightly
Is September 2027 a good month to visit Santorini?
Busy — the typical September day in Santorini is busier than 78% of its year.
If you are coming for something that only happens in September, that is the trade. If not, January is quieter.
Calm · Lively · Busy · Packed rank a day against Santorini's own year — not a headcount.
September is one of Santorini's busiest months: warm and dry, around 26°C / 78°F, and Busy on 17 of 30 days.
It depends. The typical September day in Santorini is Busy, and 26 of the 30 days in our window run Busy or Packed, so most days feel crowded. Expect around 26 °C by day, with rain on about 2 days. The crowd comes with the school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. Cruise ships call on 26 of the 30 days, 5 at once on Thursday 16 September. Mid September is the month's quietest stretch in Santorini — the typical day at 77%, against 82% in late September. For similar weather with fewer people, come in October or May. The crush is at Oia at sunset; the quiet is at the caldera path between the towns. The calmest day is Friday 17 September, the busiest Thursday 16 September.
In short, worth it for the peak buzz, if you can take the crowds.
Among the 12 months we forecast for Santorini, September ranks 4th for crowd pressure. Its heaviest day is Thu 16 Sep, busier than 99% of the year; its lightest is Fri 17 Sep at 53%.
Preparing pays off in a month like this: timed-entry tickets and pre-booked tours turn the queue time into sightseeing time. see the options →
An easy month to pack for — rain on 2 of 30 days.
Paper keeps working when the phone is flat and the signal is gone.
See Santorini guides →
The one thing you wear all day, every day of the trip.
See walking shoes →
How busy is Santorini in September?
The busiest days are the 2nd, 7th, 16th and 23rd, and 22 more. Away from those, most days sit Lively.
Cruise ships are in port on 26 of 30 days; the heaviest is Thu 16 Sep, 5 ships in at once. Those mornings fill the squares first — start early, or save them for indoors.
The month is not one thing: its lightest day sits at 53% of the year and its heaviest at 99%, so where you land inside it matters. All five Wednesdays run Busy or Packed. Daylight runs about 12 hours.
Either side of it, August is busier still and October is far calmer.
The calmest days are the 10th, 17th and 18th — aim for those if your dates can flex.
Wed 01 Sep Busy busier than 77% of days here · ⚓2 · Germany school holidays
- Costa Pacifica — guest capacity 3,012 06:00–18:00
- Scarlet Lady — guest capacity 2,770 08:00–18:00
Record Santorini on Wed 1 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 5,782 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–18:00. Why: school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. Nearest calmer day: Fri 3 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-01 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Thu 02 Sep Packed busier than 92% of days here · ⚓4 · Germany school holidays
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Emerald Raiya — guest capacity 128
- Explorer Of The Seas — guest capacity 3,286 07:00–22:00
- Norwegian Viva — guest capacity 3,215 07:00–22:00
Record Santorini on Thu 2 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 8,429 guests at double occupancy. Why: school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. Nearest calmer day: Wed 1 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-02 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Fri 03 Sep Lively busier than 55% of days here · Germany school holidays
Record Santorini on Fri 3 Sep 2027 is forecast Lively. Why: school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. The day in full, the year at a glance, and how this day compares: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-03 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sat 04 Sep Busy busier than 68% of days here · ⚓2 · Germany school holidays
- Norwegian Sun — guest capacity 1,936 07:00–21:00
- Silver Nova — guest capacity 728 08:00–22:00
Record Santorini on Sat 4 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 2,664 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Why: school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. Nearest calmer day: Fri 3 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-04 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sun 05 Sep Packed busier than 88% of days here · ⚓3 · Germany school holidays
- Celebrity Infinity — guest capacity 2,170 07:00–22:00
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Enchanted Princess — guest capacity 3,660 07:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Sun 5 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 7,630 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Why: school holidays in Germany and the Netherlands. Nearest calmer day: Sat 4 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-05 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Mon 06 Sep Busy busier than 79% of days here · ⚓4 · Germany school holidays
- Brilliance Of The Seas — guest capacity 2,112 13:00–23:00
- MSC Orchestra — guest capacity 2,550 08:00–18:00
- Marella Explorer — guest capacity 1,924 08:00–18:00
- Wind Surf — guest capacity 342 08:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Mon 6 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,928 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 08:00–23:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 3 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-06 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Tue 07 Sep Packed busier than 98% of days here · ⚓3 · Germany school holidays
- Costa Deliziosa — guest capacity 2,260 06:00–20:00
- Norwegian Viva — guest capacity 3,215 07:00–22:00
- Odyssey Of The Seas — guest capacity 4,198 09:00–23:00
Record Santorini on Tue 7 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 9,673 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–23:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Mon 6 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-07 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Wed 08 Sep Busy busier than 65% of days here · ⚓2 · Germany school holidays
- Celestyal Journey — guest capacity 1,260 08:00–22:00
- Emerald Raiya — guest capacity 128
Record Santorini on Wed 8 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 1,388 guests at double occupancy. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 10 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-08 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Thu 09 Sep Busy busier than 80% of days here · ⚓3 · Germany school holidays
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Costa Pacifica — guest capacity 3,012 06:00–18:00
- Rhapsody Of The Seas — guest capacity 1,998 07:00–20:00
Record Santorini on Thu 9 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,810 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–21:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 10 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-09 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Fri 10 Sep Lively busier than 54% of days here · Germany school holidays
Record Santorini on Fri 10 Sep 2027 is forecast Lively. Why: school holidays in Germany. The day in full, the year at a glance, and how this day compares: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-10 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sat 11 Sep Busy busier than 79% of days here · ⚓4 · Germany school holidays
- Le Laperouse — guest capacity 184 07:00–22:00
- Norwegian Gem — guest capacity 2,394 07:00–21:00
- Rhapsody Of The Seas — guest capacity 1,998 07:00–22:00
- Star Legend — guest capacity 312 08:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Sat 11 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 4,888 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 10 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-11 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sun 12 Sep Busy busier than 74% of days here · ⚓2 · Germany school holidays
- Celebrity Ascent — guest capacity 3,260 07:00–22:00
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Sun 12 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 5,060 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 10 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-12 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Mon 13 Sep Busy busier than 76% of days here · ⚓3 · Germany school holidays
- Celebrity Infinity — guest capacity 2,170 07:00–22:00
- Norwegian Gem — guest capacity 2,394 07:00–18:00
- Wind Surf — guest capacity 342 08:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Mon 13 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 4,906 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Why: school holidays in Germany. Nearest calmer day: Fri 10 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-13 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Tue 14 Sep Busy busier than 83% of days here · ⚓2
- AIDAblu — guest capacity 2,192 08:00–18:00
- Odyssey Of The Seas — guest capacity 4,198 09:00–23:00
Record Santorini on Tue 14 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,390 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 08:00–23:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 17 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-14 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Wed 15 Sep Busy busier than 70% of days here · ⚓2
- Brilliance Of The Seas — guest capacity 2,112 07:00–21:00
- Celestyal Journey — guest capacity 1,260 08:00–22:00
Record Santorini on Wed 15 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 3,372 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 17 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-15 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Thu 16 Sep Packed busier than 99% of days here · ⚓5
- Celebrity Xcel — guest capacity 3,260 07:00–22:00
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Costa Pacifica — guest capacity 3,012 06:00–18:00
- Mein Schiff 5 — guest capacity 2,534 07:00–18:00
- Scarlet Lady — guest capacity 2,770 08:00–18:00
Record Santorini on Thu 16 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 5 cruise ships scheduled, at least 13,376 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–22:00. Nearest calmer day: Wed 15 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-16 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Fri 17 Sep Lively busier than 53% of days here
Record Santorini on Fri 17 Sep 2027 is forecast Lively. The day in full, the year at a glance, and how this day compares: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-17 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sat 18 Sep Lively busier than 53% of days here
Record Santorini on Sat 18 Sep 2027 is forecast Lively. The day in full, the year at a glance, and how this day compares: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-18 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sun 19 Sep Busy busier than 78% of days here · ⚓3
- Celebrity Eclipse — guest capacity 2,850 07:00–20:00
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Marella Explorer — guest capacity 1,924 08:00–18:00
Record Santorini on Sun 19 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,574 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–21:00. Nearest calmer day: Sat 18 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-19 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Mon 20 Sep Packed busier than 86% of days here · ⚓4 · Germany public holiday
- Brilliance Of The Seas — guest capacity 2,112 13:00–23:00
- Silver Nova — guest capacity 728 08:00–21:00
- Sun Princess — guest capacity 4,300 07:00–19:00
- Wind Surf — guest capacity 342 08:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Mon 20 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 7,482 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–23:00. Why: Germany public holiday. Nearest calmer day: Sun 19 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-20 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Tue 21 Sep Packed busier than 88% of days here · ⚓3
- Costa Deliziosa — guest capacity 2,260 06:00–20:00
- Odyssey Of The Seas — guest capacity 4,198 09:00–23:00
- Star Legend — guest capacity 312 08:00–20:00
Record Santorini on Tue 21 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,770 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–23:00. Nearest calmer day: Wed 22 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-21 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Wed 22 Sep Busy busier than 81% of days here · ⚓3
- Celebrity Xcel — guest capacity 3,260 07:00–22:00
- Celestyal Journey — guest capacity 1,260 08:00–22:00
- Seven Seas Mariner — guest capacity 708 08:00–17:00
Record Santorini on Wed 22 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 5,228 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Nearest calmer day: Sat 18 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-22 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Thu 23 Sep Packed busier than 90% of days here · ⚓4
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Costa Pacifica — guest capacity 3,012 06:00–18:00
- Rhapsody Of The Seas — guest capacity 1,998 07:00–20:00
- Scarlet Lady — guest capacity 2,770 08:00–19:00
Record Santorini on Thu 23 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 9,580 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 06:00–21:00. Nearest calmer day: Wed 22 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-23 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Fri 24 Sep Busy busier than 69% of days here · ⚓1
- Celebrity Eclipse — guest capacity 2,850 07:00–22:00
Record Santorini on Fri 24 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 1 cruise ship scheduled, at least 2,850 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Nearest calmer day: Sat 18 Sep (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-24 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sat 25 Sep Packed busier than 85% of days here · ⚓3
- Celebrity Infinity — guest capacity 2,170 07:00–22:00
- Norwegian Gem — guest capacity 2,394 07:00–21:00
- ms Oosterdam — guest capacity 1,916 08:00–19:00
Record Santorini on Sat 25 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 6,480 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–22:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 24 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-25 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Sun 26 Sep Busy busier than 65% of days here · ⚓3
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Ritz Carlton Ilma — guest capacity 448 08:00–21:00
- Seven Seas Prestige — guest capacity 850 08:00–20:00
Record Santorini on Sun 26 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 3,098 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 08:00–21:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 1 Oct (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-26 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Mon 27 Sep Busy busier than 83% of days here · ⚓4
- Brilliance Of The Seas — guest capacity 2,112 13:00–23:00
- MSC Orchestra — guest capacity 2,550 08:00–18:00
- Norwegian Gem — guest capacity 2,394 07:00–18:00
- Wind Surf — guest capacity 342 08:00–21:00
Record Santorini on Mon 27 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 4 cruise ships scheduled, at least 7,398 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–23:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 1 Oct (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-27 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Tue 28 Sep Packed busier than 87% of days here · ⚓3
- Costa Serena — guest capacity 3,014 08:00–18:00
- Odyssey Of The Seas — guest capacity 4,198 09:00–23:00
- Star Flyer — guest capacity 170
Record Santorini on Tue 28 Sep 2027 is forecast Packed. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 7,382 guests at double occupancy. Nearest calmer day: Mon 27 Sep (Busy). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-28 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Wed 29 Sep Busy busier than 71% of days here · ⚓3
- Celestyal Journey — guest capacity 1,260 08:00–22:00
- Costa Pacifica — guest capacity 3,012 10:00–20:00
- Emerald Raiya — guest capacity 128
Record Santorini on Wed 29 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 3 cruise ships scheduled, at least 4,400 guests at double occupancy. Nearest calmer day: Fri 1 Oct (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-29 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Thu 30 Sep Busy busier than 68% of days here · ⚓2
- Celestyal Discovery — guest capacity 1,800 16:00–21:00
- Rhapsody Of The Seas — guest capacity 1,998 07:00–20:00
Record Santorini on Thu 30 Sep 2027 is forecast Busy. 2 cruise ships scheduled, at least 3,798 guests at double occupancy; ships in port 07:00–21:00. Nearest calmer day: Fri 1 Oct (Lively). Ship-by-ship detail for the day, the year at a glance, and what's worth booking ahead: https://avoid-crowds.com/santorini/#d-2027-09-30 (Avoid-Crowds, as of 2 Nov 2026; recomputed nightly.)
Which week of September is quietest in Santorini?
Mid September is the month's quietest stretch in Santorini — the typical day at 77%, against 82% in late September.
Can't move the dates? How to avoid the worst crowds
- The heaviest port day is Thu 16 Sep — 5 ships in at once. See the marquee sights on a lighter day, or be there for opening time.
- On the busy days, the walk-up queues for the big sights are the biggest time-sink — a timed-entry ticket skips them, which is where a busy month is won or lost.
Travelling on a busy day?
Timed-entry and skip-the-line tickets turn queue time into sightseeing time — sort them before you fly.
September weather in Santorini
Comfortably warm — around 26°C / 78°F, easy shirtsleeve weather, with rain on only about 2 days.
Book beds and the big-ticket sights well ahead, and start your days by eight — in a month this full, the early hours are the only uncrowded ones.
More about Santorini in September
Based on: Greece's public holidays · school vacations across France, Germany and the Netherlands · the season pattern from official overnight stays · five years of weather records (2019–2023) · confirmed event dates · the published cruise schedule
Every figure is recomputed nightly from real cruise schedules, public and school holidays, and long-run climate normals. Gaps are shown, not filled.
