Santorini and Mykonos in December are quiet, serene, and charmingly off the tourist trail. While the beaches are empty and the clubs closed, you’ll get windswept views, peaceful villages, and dramatic sunsets without the crowds. But you’ll also face chilly winds, closed restaurants, and fewer ferries—so smart packing is key.
Winter in the Cyclades means layers, rain protection, and comfy shoes for exploring cobbled streets. It’s a season for slow travel, seaside walks, and soaking in the charm of whitewashed alleys wrapped in blue skies and cool air.
Here’s your essential winter packing list for Santorini and Mykonos in December—practical, cozy, and still stylish for those photo-worthy island strolls.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Santorini and Mykonos in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
The Greek islands are mild but chilly in winter, with strong sea winds and possible rain.
- 🌡️ Average high: 15°C / 59°F
- 🌡️ Average low: 10°C / 50°F
- 🌬️ Windy and damp—especially in Mykonos
- 🌧️ Rain on 8–12 days/month; no snow expected
- 🧳 Most nightlife & beach clubs closed, but scenery is stunning
What to Pack for Santorini & Mykonos in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Medium suitcase – Perfect for layering essentials.
- 🧳 Checked bag – Ideal if you bring boots or heavier coats.
- 🎒 Daypack – Great for hikes or day outings around the caldera or old towns.
- 🧺 Packing cubes – Keep warm wear organized by layer.
- 👟 Shoe bags – For muddy boots or damp shoes.
- 🧴 Toiletry bag – Leakproof with hydrating products.
- 📂 Document holder – For tickets, ferry info, and ID.
- 👜 Weatherproof tote – For daily island explorations.
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Keep wet socks or layers separate.
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Useful after wine or ceramic shopping.
- 🔒 TSA lock – For ferry or airport transfers.
- 🫙 Cable/tech pouch – Protect devices from sea air.
- 🧼 Quick-dry towel – Handy for impromptu picnics or hikes.
- 💤 Neck pillow – Long ferry rides or flights from Athens.
- 😎 Sleep mask – For ferry cabins or bright rooms.
👗 Clothes
- 🧥 Insulated or wool coat – A must for windy island weather.
- 🧥 Waterproof jacket or trench – Keeps you dry in winter rain.
- 👕 Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – Basic, breathable layers.
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or cashmere for warmth.
- 👖 Warm jeans or trousers (2–3) – Great for walking and layering.
- 🧘 Thermal leggings – Layer under skirts or wear on their own.
- 👗 Midi dress or knitwear – Pair with tights for dinner out.
- 🧣 Scarf – Lightweight wool or chunky wrap.
- 🧢 Beanie – Keep ears warm during breezy cliff walks.
- 🧤 Gloves – Great for chilly ferry decks or hikes.
- 🧦 Wool socks – Keep feet dry and warm on stone streets.
- 🩲 Undergarments – Include one thermal set for colder days.
- 🩴 Pajamas – Flannel or long-sleeve sleepwear recommended.
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cream cleanser – Gentle and non-drying.
- 💧 Toner – Hydrating, not alcohol-based.
- 🧴 Rich moisturizer – Combat salty air and wind.
- 🌞 SPF 30 – Winter sun is still strong by the sea.
- 🧽 Makeup remover – For light travel makeup.
- 🧴 Face exfoliator – 1–2 times/week max.
- 👁️ Eye cream – Soothing for wind irritation.
- 💦 Face mist – Instant skin refresh while walking.
- 😴 Overnight mask – Deep hydration after windy days.
- 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Prevent wind-chapped lips.
- 🩹 Spot treatment – For travel breakouts.
💄 Makeup
- 🧴 BB cream or tinted moisturizer – Light & hydrating.
- 🖌️ Concealer – Great for brightening tired eyes.
- 💨 Setting powder – Helps combat humidity.
- 🌸 Cream blush – Dewy, natural finish.
- 🌞 Highlighter – For a glowy photo look.
- 🟫 Bronzer – Warm up pale winter skin.
- 🎨 Neutral palette – Great for day-to-night transition.
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Adds definition for chilly-night dinners.
- 👁️ Waterproof mascara – For misty weather.
- 🪞 Brow gel – Easy natural polish.
- 💄 Lip stain or tinted balm – Moisturizing is key.
- 💧 Setting spray – Helps makeup last on windy days.
- 🖌️ Mini brush set – Easy to pack and clean.
💇 Hair Care
- 🪮 Brush or comb – For wind-tangled hair.
- 🌀 Hair ties – Must-have on breezy days.
- 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner – Sea air dries hair out.
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Freshen up after ferries or hikes.
- 🔥 Heat protectant – For occasional styling.
- 🧴 Leave-in conditioner or serum – Smooth flyaways.
- 💨 Blow dryer – Optional, many hotels supply one.
- 🪞 Straightener or curling wand – Nice for evening looks.
- 🎀 Headbands or clips – Tame hair stylishly.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👢 Waterproof ankle boots – Essential for cobblestone and weather.
- 👟 Comfortable sneakers – Good for walking and day trips.
- 🥿 Dressy flats – Optional for dinners (weather-permitting).
- 🧣 Wool scarf – Windbreaker and style boost.
- 🧤 Touchscreen gloves – So you can still snap photos.
- 🧢 Knit hat – Necessary for ferry decks and cliffside paths.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Sea glare is strong even in winter.
- 💍 Simple jewelry – Gold tones look great in photos.
- ⌚ Watch – Optional, for a digital detox.
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Secure and easy to wear.
- 🌂 Travel umbrella – Compact, wind-resistant.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport – Required for international travelers.
- 📃 Travel insurance – Recommended in off-season.
- 🎟️ Ferry tickets – Print or download in advance.
- 📄 Hotel/transfer confirmations – Many places close early in winter.
- 💳 Cards + euros – Not everywhere accepts cards in winter.
- 💵 Small bills – For tips or local bakeries.
- 📍 Offline maps – Spotty reception in remote spots.
- 🧾 Receipt holder – Great for keeping things organized.
- 🖊️ Notebook – Journal your off-season island experience.
- 👛 RFID wallet – Safe and slim for pockets or bags.
- 💎 Lockable pouch – Keep valuables safe in hotel rooms.
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Band-aids – For walking blisters or small cuts.
- 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean minor scrapes or hands.
- 🩺 Gauze + tape – Light medical backup.
- 🩸 Feminine products – Bring your preferred brands.
- 🧲 Tweezers – Always useful.
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Smart to have in winter travel.
- ✂️ Nail clippers – Dry weather = brittle nails.
- 💠 Cotton swabs – Multi-use in your routine.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds – Bring extras in off-season.
- 💊 Pain relief – For headaches or long travel days.
- 🌸 Allergy pills – Mold/dust sensitivity can spike in closed spaces.
- 🤢 Motion sickness tablets – Crucial for windy ferry rides.
- 💊 Daily vitamins – Immune boost in damp weather.
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Use frequently in winter travel.
- 🧻 Disinfectant wipes – Planes, bathrooms, or cafes.
- 🧼 Contraceptives – Pack your own supply.
- 👁️ Eye drops – For dry wind or screen use.
- 🪞 Compact mirror – Travel grooming tool.
- 🪥 Toothbrush & paste – Travel-friendly size.
- 🧵 Floss – Easy and packable.
- 🧴 Deodorant – Long-lasting formulas work best.
- 🪒 Razor – Optional but smart to pack.
- 💅 Nail kit – Cold + wind = cracked nails.
- 🌸 Perfume – Roll-on or travel-sized only.
- 🧻 Tissues – For runny noses in wind or cold cafés.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – For directions, booking & pics.
- 💻 Tablet – Optional for movies or journaling.
- 📷 Camera – Capture dramatic winter sunsets.
- 🔌 Chargers – Phone, camera, etc.
- 🔋 Power bank – Cold weather drains batteries fast.
- 🧵 Cable pouch – Keep tech tidy.
- 🔌 EU plug adapter – Greece uses type C/F.
- 📖 E-reader – For ferry or fireside reading.
- 📶 eSIM or roaming plan – Most island areas have Wi-Fi but not everywhere.
- 🎧 Headphones – For ferries, cafés, or hotel downtime.
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book – Ideal for slow afternoons by the sea.
- 📺 Downloaded shows – Wi-Fi can be slow.
- 🎧 Podcasts or playlists – Match the mood of a misty caldera walk.
- 📓 Travel journal – You’ll want to record the peace and silence.
- 🎲 Card game – Great for evenings in your guesthouse.
- 📰 Magazines – Easy ferry or flight reading.
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – Not all shops are open in winter.
- 💧 Water bottle – Refill stations are common.
- 🛍️ Foldable tote – For market finds or beach glass collecting.
- 🧼 Laundry sheets – Hand wash socks or thermals.
- 🧵 Sewing kit – Small tears happen often with layers.
- 📢 Whistle – Solo travel safety essential.
- 🧼 Shoe deodorizer – For boots used daily in damp air.
- 🦶 Inflatable footrest – Helps on longer transport legs.
- 💤 Sleep aid – Wind can be noisy at night.
🌍 Travel Tips
- 🧳 Check ferry schedules—they’re reduced in winter.
- 📲 Download offline maps—some spots have no signal.
- 💳 Not all places take cards in the off-season—carry euros.
- 👚 Pack for layering—sun, wind, and chill all in one day.
- 📸 Capture empty island streets—it’s a rare quiet season.
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🛂 Schengen Visa required for many non-EU visitors.
- 📅 Ensure passport validity (at least 3 months post-departure).
- 🖨️ Print hotel confirmations—some ports may request them.
- 📷 Keep passport photos handy for emergencies.
- 🧾 Review duty-free & customs limits when returning.
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport
- 🧥 Insulated coat
- 👢 Waterproof boots
- 👜 Crossbody bag
- 💧 Water bottle
- 📱 Phone + EU adapter
- 🧴 Moisturizer & lip balm
- 🧤 Gloves & beanie
👍 Good-to-Have
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🛍️ Shopping tote
- 🧼 Laundry soap
- 🌂 Compact umbrella
- 📖 Kindle
- 💤 Blanket scarf
- 🔋 Power bank
- 🧺 Packing cubes
