Mykonos vs Santorini in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Mykonos vs Santorini in December
| Metric | Mykonos | Santorini | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 16 °C (60°F) | 16 °C (61°F) | Effectively even in warmth. |
| Average low | 12 °C (54°F) | 13 °C (55°F) | Nights differ by ~1°C. |
| Rainfall | 64 mm | 49 mm | Effectively even in rainfall. |
| Rainy days | 9 | 9 | Effectively even in rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 7.7 h/day | 8.1 h/day | Effectively even in sunshine. |
Our honest take
Temperatures are effectively tied across Mykonos and Santorini in December.
Neither is objectively better: pick Mykonos for what Mykonos is famous for; pick Santorini for what Santorini does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Santorini takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Santorini leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Santorini suits families better this month — gentler temperatures and fewer washouts.
Santorini gets the photographer's nod — clearer skies and softer light per day.
Mykonos is the smarter pick for value — quieter crowds and softer accommodation rates.
Santorini has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Which destination costs less?
Rule-based estimate for a 7-night trip in December: return flight from London, mid-range hotel, 3-day car rental, eSIM and travel insurance. Real prices will vary, but the delta between Mykonos and Santorini is directionally accurate.
| Category | Mykonos | Santorini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (from LON) | £221 | £221 | = |
| Hotel / night | £156 | £156 | = |
| Car rental (3 days) | £110 | £110 | = |
| eSIM | £8 | £8 | = |
| Insurance | £12 | £12 | = |
| Weekly total | £1,443 | £1,443 | Dead heat |
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Prices are per-person, 7-night indicative averages — book early in peak season to lock in the numbers above.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Mykonos vs Santorini in December — FAQ
Q01Is Mykonos warmer than Santorini in December?
Is Mykonos warmer than Santorini in December?
In December, Mykonos and Santorini average nearly identical daytime highs — around 16°C and 16°C respectively. Temperature is not a differentiator.
Q02Which is drier — Mykonos or Santorini in December?
Which is drier — Mykonos or Santorini in December?
Rainfall is broadly similar in December — Mykonos averages 64mm, Santorini averages 49mm. Either could win a given year.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Neither destination pulls ahead on sunshine or dry days in December — both offer similar outdoor windows. Choose by terrain and interest rather than weather.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Mykonos or Santorini?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Mykonos or Santorini?
Mykonos tends to offer better value in December — lower crowd density and softer accommodation rates. Prices track tourism demand: quieter months means better deals in either destination.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Santorini is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.