Best Time to Visit Athens

Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Athens with a month-by-month account of the weather, hotel prices and any special events that are happening.

Athens is a riveting mix of history and contemporary culture, with a climate that often surprises the uninitiated. Before we dive into our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Athens, let's talk a little bit about what you can expect weather-wise in this incredible city.

acropolis-museum-athens-greece.jpgAthens Acropolis Museum

Athens has, not surprisingly, a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. But remember, it also has its fair share of microclimates due to the surrounding mountains and the sea, leading to some refreshing variations you'll appreciate. Let's dive into what each month of the year brings.

Our Pick of the Athens Guides

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Best Time to Visit Athens Month-by-Month

January has average temperatures of around 55°F (13°C), and it is one of the city's wettest months with an average rainfall of an estimated 2.24” (56.9mm). But read our page on Athens in the Rain and you'll discover there's plenty todo.

Snowfall is quite rare, but if you're lucky, you might witness the majestic Acropolis dressed in white. On the hotel front, you'll find some much-needed respite from inflated prices, making it quite an affordable time to visit.

February is similar to January, with temperatures around 57°F (14°C), and average rainfall hitting about 1.84” (46.7mm). No major tourist events occur this month, resulting in lower hotel rates. This time of year offers a quiet, unhurried experience of the city, so it's perfect for anyone who likes to avoid the crowds.

A mild month, March serves up an average temperature of 62°F (17°C), with rainfall decreasing to 1.6” (40.6mm). It also hosts the Athens Half Marathon, an event attracting a good mix of locals and travelers. Hotel prices begin to nudge upwards but are still comparatively affordable.

Easter-in-Greece-640.jpgEaster in Greece

A balmy 70°F (21°C) is the norm in April, although it still comes with 1.2” (30.5mm) of rainfall on average. The Easter celebrations in Athens are quite a spectacle, with the city coming alive in religious fervor and cultural fun. Read all about Easter in Athens. Expect hotel prices to rise during the Easter period though.

The Athens weather in May steps up the heat, bringing average temperatures of 79°F (26°C), but still with moderate rainfall of about 0.9” (22.9mm). Towards the end of the month, you can enjoy the Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival, and while hotel prices go up a tad, it's a good time to visit.

June marks the start of the hot Athens summer. With average temperatures nudging 88°F (31°C) and the raindrops more or less disappearing, suntan lotion is a must. Consider attending the Release Athens Music Festival, which typically occurs in the summer months. Hotel rates are at their peak during this season, so book in advance!

July is the hottest month, averaging 91°F (33°C), with virtually no rainfall. It marks the start of the outdoor cinema season, which is an essential part of Athens’ summer culture. Hotel prices stay high, so early booking is key to securing a good deal.

Greek-National-Theatre.jpgPerformance at the Greek National Theatre

August continues the scorching Athens climate trend with averages still at 91°F (33°C), but remember that these are averages and it often gets much hotter. We know from experience! With locals often out of town and other tourists avoiding the heat, Athens becomes a quieter version of itself. Despite the Athens Epidavros Festival, hotel prices usually decrease slightly due to the mass exodus.

September, often considered one of the best time to visit Athens, delivers an average temperature of 84°F (29°C), and rainfall is still minimal. Local tourism picks up again, along with hotel rates but it's typically less crowded and more enjoyable.

October brings temperatures down to a more comfortable 74°F (23°C), coupled with slightly increased rainfall around 2.05” (52.1mm). Hotel rates start to dip post summer.

marathon-race-pixabay.jpgThe Athens Authentic Marathon

November carries you into the start of winter with an average temperature of 64°F (18°C) and rainfall increasing to around 2.3” (58.4mm). Besides the Athens Authentic Marathon, there aren't many major tourist events in November, and hotel prices continue a slight decline.

The Athens weather in December brings on the cold, presenting an average temperature of 59°F (15°C), coupled with a rainfall of 2.7” (69.1mm). While a rare snowfall could be in the offing, Athens really shines in the holiday season, with festive decorations and fun-filled events. Hotel prices are at their lowest, making it one of the most cost-effective times to visit.

Hopefully this guide helps you pick the best time to visit Athens, and remember that Athens' temperate climate ensures an enjoyable trip no matter when you decide to go.

Other Athens pages

  • Athens, an Eater's Guide to the City, is published by Culinary Backstreets, who do walking food tours in Athens and the book recommends the best places to eat.

    Athens Eaters Guide

    Athens, an Eater's Guide to the City, is published by Culinary Backstreets, who do walking food tours in Athens and the book recommends the best places to eat.

  • Athens in the rain isn’t something you’re likely to experience but here are suggestions for things to do in the rain in Athens including museums and shopping

    Athens in the Rain

    Athens in the rain isn’t something you’re likely to experience but here are suggestions for things to do in the rain in Athens including museums and shopping

  • Amusing children in Athens is easy as there is lots to do including a children’s museum, planetarium, beaches, and easy excursions to the nearest islands.

    Amusing Children in Athens

    Amusing children in Athens is easy as there is lots to do including a children’s museum, planetarium, beaches, and easy excursions to the nearest islands.

  • The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the original Athens Olympic Stadium, built for the 1896 Olympic Games and open to the public for jogging and photography.

    Athens Olympic Stadium

    The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the original Athens Olympic Stadium, built for the 1896 Olympic Games and open to the public for jogging and photography.

  • A History of Athens from the first people to live on the Acropolis through the Golden Age of Pericles and Alexander the Great to the military junta.

    A History of Athens

    A History of Athens from the first people to live on the Acropolis through the Golden Age of Pericles and Alexander the Great to the military junta.

  • Greece Travel Secrets gives its choice of the best hotels in Athens from budget and moderate options through to 5-star luxury choices.

    The Best Hotels in Athens

    Greece Travel Secrets gives its choice of the best hotels in Athens from budget and moderate options through to 5-star luxury choices.

  • There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.

    Athens to Santorini

    There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.

  • The best views in Athens include views from the Acropolis and of the Acropolis from the top of some of the city’s several hills and from hotels and restaurants.

    Best Views in Athens

    The best views in Athens include views from the Acropolis and of the Acropolis from the top of some of the city’s several hills and from hotels and restaurants.

  • Greece Travel Secrets chooses its top ten Athens restaurants with Acropolis views, perfect for dining by day or by night, including places with Michelin stars.

    Restaurants with Acropolis Views

    Greece Travel Secrets chooses its top ten Athens restaurants with Acropolis views, perfect for dining by day or by night, including places with Michelin stars.

  • Athens' Benaki Museum is one of the city’s top museums with an outstanding collection, especially of Greek and Egyptian artefacts, in a beautiful mansion.

    Athens’Benaki Museum

    Athens' Benaki Museum is one of the city’s top museums with an outstanding collection, especially of Greek and Egyptian artefacts, in a beautiful mansion.

  • The Athens Acropolis has the city's most iconic building, the Parthenon, along with other historic buildings and is where the Elgin Marbles were taken from.

    Athens Acropolis

    The Athens Acropolis has the city's most iconic building, the Parthenon, along with other historic buildings and is where the Elgin Marbles were taken from.

  • Pictures of Athens from the Greece Travel Secrets website

    Pictures of Athens

    Pictures of Athens from the Greece Travel Secrets website

  • Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is the main square in Athens and has a metro station, the Greek Parliament building, hotels, cafes, and a post office.

    Syntagma Square

    Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is the main square in Athens and has a metro station, the Greek Parliament building, hotels, cafes, and a post office.

  • In My Athens on Greece Travel Secrets travel writer Mike Gerrard describes what he loves about Athens including the Acropolis and eating!

    My Athens: a Portrait by Travel Writer Mike Gerrard

    In My Athens on Greece Travel Secrets travel writer Mike Gerrard describes what he loves about Athens including the Acropolis and eating!

  • Athens walking tours and other experiences like cookery lessons, ceramics workshops, dining with a family, and street art are available from Alternative Athens

    Athens Walking Tours and Other Experiences

    Athens walking tours and other experiences like cookery lessons, ceramics workshops, dining with a family, and street art are available from Alternative Athens

  • Athens International Airport is east of Athens city centre with its own Metro train station, buses to Athens and Piraeus, taxis and car rental offices.

    Athens International Airport

    Athens International Airport is east of Athens city centre with its own Metro train station, buses to Athens and Piraeus, taxis and car rental offices.

  • If you're wondering where to eat in Athens and Piraeus we have a few suggestions including some favorites around the Acropolis, Omonia Square, and Syntagma.

    Where to Eat in Athens and Piraeus

    If you're wondering where to eat in Athens and Piraeus we have a few suggestions including some favorites around the Acropolis, Omonia Square, and Syntagma.

  • Athens Food Tours are being introduced by new company The Greek Fork, and will include tours of the Central Market, and the best street food.

    Athens Food Tours

    Athens Food Tours are being introduced by new company The Greek Fork, and will include tours of the Central Market, and the best street food.

  • The beach resorts of Athens are easily reached from the city and also close are Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon, ancient Marathon and Rafina's port.

    Cape Sounion and the East Coast

    The beach resorts of Athens are easily reached from the city and also close are Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon, ancient Marathon and Rafina's port.

  • Mount Lykabettos is the highest hill in Athens and provides some of the best views of the city, with a funicular cable car the easiest way to get to the top.

    Mount Lykabettos

    Mount Lykabettos is the highest hill in Athens and provides some of the best views of the city, with a funicular cable car the easiest way to get to the top.

  • Two of the best cocktail bars in Athens, MoMix Kerameikos and The Clumsies, are making creative cocktails using that most Greek of Greek spirits, Metaxa.

    Best Cocktail Bars in Athens

    Two of the best cocktail bars in Athens, MoMix Kerameikos and The Clumsies, are making creative cocktails using that most Greek of Greek spirits, Metaxa.

  • The Athens National Historical Museum is in the former Greek Parliament building and houses an archive of historical artefacts and documents.

    Athens National Historical Museum

    The Athens National Historical Museum is in the former Greek Parliament building and houses an archive of historical artefacts and documents.

  • If visiting Athens it helps to know when major events and public holidays take place, as some shops and attractions may be closed, but to be there at times like Easter can make for a magical trip.

    Athens Events and Public Holidays

    If visiting Athens it helps to know when major events and public holidays take place, as some shops and attractions may be closed, but to be there at times like Easter can make for a magical trip.

  • Athens car rental options include almost all of the major international car hire firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.

    Athens Car Rental

    Athens car rental options include almost all of the major international car hire firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.

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