Milos or Santorini in September?
In September, Milos and Santorini are overall neck and neck — it comes down to your priorities.
MilosPhoto: Graeme Churchard (GOC53) · CC BY 2.0
SantoriniPhoto: Carl Rottmann · PDM-ownerKey figures in September
| Criterion | Milos | Santorini |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 25 °C | 25 °C |
| Average daily low | 23 °C | 23 °C |
| Sea | 24 °C | 24 °C |
| Rainy days | 4 rainy days (est.) | 2 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 74 % | 73 % |
Winner by travel type
Milos or Santorini in September: the short answer
In September, Milos and Santorini are essentially level on the overall climate score (both around 94/100). The decision comes down to the individual criteria below.
This comparison focuses on September as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Milos averages a climate score of 68/100, Santorini 71/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in September, side by side
The average daily high is about 25 °C in Milos and 25 °C in Santorini — about the same. Average daily lows are around 23 °C versus 23 °C.
On rain, Milos sees about 4 rainy days in September and Santorini about 2 — drier in Santorini. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In September the water is about 24 °C at Milos and 24 °C at Santorini. Over the year, Milos is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in June, July, August, September and October, Santorini in June, July, August, September and October. Peak sea warmth is August for Milos and August for Santorini.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Milos records roughly 94 rainy days and Santorini about 72 — the drier of the two overall is Santorini. At their sunniest, Milos reaches about 10 hours of sun a day (June) and Santorini about 10 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Milos is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Santorini peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the September scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Santorini scores higher in September (Milos 95 vs Santorini 97).
City breaks: Milos scores higher in September (Milos 97 vs Santorini 96).
Active & hiking: Milos scores higher in September (Milos 85 vs Santorini 84).
Family: Santorini scores higher in September (Milos 96 vs Santorini 97).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For September specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Santorini carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Milos if its strong months and profile match your plan, Santorini if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.