You’ve seen the photos. Everyone has. Those blindingly white walls, the blue domes that look like they were painted by a perfectionist, and a sun so bright it feels like a personal insult to your sunglasses. But here is the thing: if you are looking at the 10 day weather Santorini forecast right now—specifically in mid-January—the reality on the ground is a whole lot more "moody atmospheric" than "bikini beach party."
Honestly, most people treat Santorini like a tropical theme park. It isn't. It's a rock in the middle of the Aegean. And in winter, that rock gets lashed.
Right now, as of January 16, 2026, the island is sitting at a cool 56°F. It’s nighttime, the sky is clear, and the wind is barely a whisper at 1 mph from the west. It sounds peaceful. It is. But if you think that’s how the next week is going to play out, you haven't been paying attention to the Cyclades in the off-season.
The 10 Day Weather Santorini Reality Check
Don't expect a linear climb toward spring. January is the coldest month here, and the forecast for the next ten days is basically a rollercoaster of "mostly cloudy" and "bring an umbrella."
Take today, Friday, January 16. We’re looking at a high of 62°F, which is actually pretty decent for a Greek winter. But by the time the sun dips, we’re expecting light rain and a drop to 56°F. The humidity is hanging around 69%. That’s the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right gear.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, things get "interesting." The temperature high drops to 59°F, and the wind decides to wake up. We’re talking 20 mph gusts from the north. If you’re standing on the caldera edge in Oia, that wind will make it feel significantly colder than the thermometer says.
What the Next Week Looks Like (The Raw Data)
If you're planning your days, here is the basic vibe for the upcoming stretch:
- Sunday (Jan 18): Partly sunny but brisk. High of 52°F. The wind hits 25 mph from the north. This is the windiest day of the week.
- Monday (Jan 19): Mostly cloudy. High 53°F. Low 50°F. Wind stays strong at 21 mph.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): This is where it gets wet. Light rain all day and night. High 58°F.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Heavy showers. A 70% chance of rain during the day and night. High 60°F. Wind shifts to the southeast at 24 mph.
- Thursday (Jan 22): More rain. 75% chance. High 58°F.
Basically, mid-week is a washout. If you were hoping for those "Halcyon Days"—that weird Greek phenomenon where January suddenly turns into summer for a few days—you might be out of luck this week. Instead, you're getting the authentic, rugged Mediterranean winter.
Why the Wind Matters More Than the Temp
In Santorini, the temperature is a lie.
You see 60°F and think, "Oh, a light sweater is fine." Then the Sorokada (the south wind) or a winter gale hits. Suddenly, that 60°F feels like 45°F because of the moisture and the sheer force of the air moving across the cliffs.
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In the summer, everyone talks about the Meltemi. It’s that dry north wind that keeps you from melting. But in January? You're dealing with the Sorokada. It blows up from Africa, bringing warmth but also heavy humidity and, occasionally, a weird orange haze of Saharan dust. It makes the island look like a scene from a sci-fi movie. Cool for photos? Yes. Great for your sinuses? Not really.
Is it Even Worth Going Right Now?
I’ll be real with you: if you want to swim, stay home. The sea temperature is around 60°F. Unless you are part of a local "Winter Swimmers" club, it’s going to be a very short, very painful dip.
But there’s a massive upside to this 10 day weather Santorini outlook.
The crowds are dead. You can walk through the narrow alleys of Fira or Oia and actually hear your own footsteps. No cruise ship groups pushing you off the sidewalk. No hour-long waits for a photo of a blue dome.
The light in January is softer, too. Photographers love this. You don't get that harsh, blowing-out-the-whites sun that you get in July. You get textures. You get clouds that make the sunset look like a Renaissance painting.
Packing for the Forecast
Since you’re looking at rain and wind for about 50% of the next ten days, your packing list needs to be tactical:
- A real windbreaker. Not a "fashion" jacket. Something that actually stops the air.
- Layers. A Merino wool base layer is a lifesaver. It’s breathable when the sun pops out but keeps you warm when the wind kicks up.
- Waterproof shoes. Those cobblestones get slick when they're wet. Very slick.
- An umbrella? Maybe. But honestly, in 25 mph winds, an umbrella is just a broken piece of plastic waiting to happen. Get a good raincoat with a hood.
The Local Perspective
Locals like the rain. The island is incredibly dry most of the year, so this January moisture is what turns the landscape green. By February and March, the hills will be covered in wildflowers.
Right now, the island is in "hibernation mode." Many of the high-end boutiques and cliffside restaurants are shuttered until April. But the places that are open? Those are the spots where the locals actually eat. You’ll find better food, lower prices, and actual conversations with people who aren't exhausted by ten thousand tourists a day.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are heading there in the next few days, keep your plans flexible.
- Check the ferries: High winds (like those expected Sunday) can and will cancel the fast catamarans. The big, slow blue ferries usually still run, but check GTP.gr or a local agency the morning of your travel.
- Museum Days: Aim for the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira on Tuesday or Wednesday when the rain is at its peak. It’s indoors, it’s fascinating, and it’ll keep you dry.
- Wine Tasting: Santorini’s wine heritage is world-class. Wineries like Santo Winery or Venetsanos have indoor tasting rooms with caldera views. It’s the best way to watch a storm roll in.
The 10 day weather Santorini forecast might look a bit grey, but if you're the type of traveler who prefers soul over selfies, it's actually a pretty great time to be there. Just don't forget that raincoat.