When is the best time of the year to go to Santorini?

September was great. Nice and warm, good swimming and not so many tourists.

I prefer late-May/early-June. Springtime is great. You can swim, prices are low, the locals are friendly and not burned out by the summer's crush.

We were in Santorini and Mykonos and Athens in June of 2005 - great time - not too hot. Beautiful weather. It is very similar to Italy - either June or Sept. to avoid the heat.

We went in June of last year. The weather was FABULOUS. Not a cloud in the sky and not too warm. By the way, in my opinion, Santorini is the most beautiful place on Earth.

We went to Santorini in late September 2005. The weather was warm and we went to the beach and swam in the sea. However, the island was very crowded and the workers seemed very burned out as the season was near its end; they were not eager to help. This included staff in hotels and restaurants, taxi drivers,and rental car agents.We did not have this problem on other islands or mainland locations. I would go in the spring.

We were very happy with our visit around mid-May. We continued on to several other islands. It worked out very well.

I also had a good experience mid-May 2006.

Not crowded, locals not yet jaded, good weather (but a light sweater or long sleeved shirt for evening, is a good idea).

I'm not into ocean-bathing, so I cannot comment as to the suitability of the swimming.

I've been in June, August and late September. I prefer September, still hot and less crowded. The year I went in early June had cold wind but sunny days. For swimming in the water, later in summer is better. Those who make the point of burned out staff could be right about the end of summer. Still, less crowded and less pricey. Santorini Palace Hotel is nice. Imerovigli has nice hotels perched on the caldera too. Beautiful, you'll LOVE it!