Athens is a year-round destination, but the experience varies dramatically by season. Visit in August and you’ll bake in 40°C heat with massive crowds. Come in April and you’ll have perfect weather, reasonable prices, and space to breathe.
Here’s exactly when to visit Athens for the best experience.
Quick Answer#
| Priority | Best Time | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | April-May, September-October | - |
| Best weather | May, September | August (too hot) |
| Fewest crowds | November-March | July-August, Easter |
| Lowest prices | November-February | June-September |
| Beach + sightseeing | June, September | - |
Our pick: Late September or early October — perfect weather, manageable crowds, post-summer prices.
Athens Weather Overview#
Athens has a Mediterranean climate: hot dry summers, mild wet winters.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Rain | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 15-25°C | Low | Moderate |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 28-40°C | Rare | Very High |
| Fall | Sep-Nov | 15-28°C | Moderate | Moderate |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 8-14°C | Higher | Low |
Month-by-Month Breakdown#
January#
Weather: Cool, occasional rain. 8-13°C. Crowds: Very low (except Orthodox Christmas Jan 7) Prices: Lowest of the year Best for: Budget travelers, museum lovers, locals’ Athens
Athens in January is quiet and affordable. Perfect for indoor attractions (museums, food tours) with occasional crisp sunny days for outdoor sites.
February#
Weather: Similar to January, slightly warming. 9-14°C. Crowds: Low Prices: Still low Best for: Carnival season (Apokries), budget travel
Carnival celebrations (three weeks before Lent) bring parades and parties. Otherwise, quiet and affordable.
March#
Weather: Spring arriving. 11-17°C. Some rain. Crowds: Rising, especially around Easter Prices: Increasing Best for: Shoulder season value, blooming landscapes
Greek Easter often falls in March or April — the most important holiday. Check dates; Athens fills up.
April#
Weather: Excellent. 15-21°C. Occasional rain. Crowds: Moderate (higher at Easter) Prices: Moderate Best for: Nearly perfect conditions
One of the two best months. Warm enough for comfortable sightseeing, cool enough to avoid heat exhaustion at the Acropolis.
May#
Weather: Warm and sunny. 19-26°C. Crowds: Moderate to high Prices: Rising toward peak Best for: Best weather, beaches opening
Our top pick for first-time visitors. Reliably excellent weather, beaches starting to warm up, everything open, summer crowds haven’t peaked yet.
June#
Weather: Hot. 24-31°C. Crowds: High Prices: Peak season begins Best for: Beach + city combo, events
Athens heats up but isn’t brutal yet. Great month for combining city sightseeing with Athenian Riviera beaches or island day trips.
July#
Weather: Very hot. 27-34°C (often hotter). Crowds: Peak Prices: Highest Best for: Those who love heat, festivals
The Acropolis at midday in July is challenging. Visit archaeological sites early morning or late afternoon. Athens & Epidaurus Festival brings world-class performances.
August#
Weather: Scorching. 28-40°C. Possible heat waves. Crowds: Peak (early August) then drops Best for: Not recommended unless necessary
The hottest month. Many Athenians leave (August 15 is a major holiday). Some restaurants close for vacation. If you must visit, prepare for extreme heat.
September#
Weather: Warm, comfortable. 23-29°C. Crowds: Decreasing from peak Prices: Still high, starting to drop Best for: Perfect balance of weather and crowds
Our favorite month. Summer heat fades, sea is still warm for swimming, crowds thin, but everything remains open. Late September is ideal.
October#
Weather: Mild and pleasant. 18-24°C. Some rain possible. Crowds: Low to moderate Prices: Dropping Best for: Excellent shoulder season
Another excellent choice. Comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, good prices. Some beach destinations close, but Athens is ideal.
November#
Weather: Cooling, rainier. 13-18°C. Crowds: Low Prices: Low Best for: Budget travel, museum focus
Rain becomes more frequent. Pack layers and an umbrella. Great for travelers who prefer indoor attractions and don’t need beaches.
December#
Weather: Cool and rainy. 9-14°C. Crowds: Low (except Christmas/New Year) Prices: Low (except holidays) Best for: Festive atmosphere, budget travel
Athens at Christmas is charming — decorated Syntagma Square, holiday markets, festive atmosphere. New Year’s Eve can be lively.
Best Time by Priority#
Best Weather#
May or September. Warm, sunny, minimal rain, comfortable for outdoor activities.
Fewest Crowds#
November through February. Low season means no queues, but weather is coolest and rainiest.
Lowest Prices#
November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year). Hotels drop 30-50%, flights are cheaper.
Beach + Sightseeing#
June or September. Water is warm enough for swimming, city isn’t impossibly hot.
Photography#
April, May, October. Best light, pleasant conditions, manageable crowds at sites.
Local Culture#
Easter week (dates vary). Midnight services, red eggs, traditional foods. Unique experience.
Budget Travel#
January-February or November. Lowest prices across the board.
Worst Times to Visit#
August (unless you love heat)#
- Temperatures exceeding 40°C
- Major tourist crowds
- Many local businesses closed for vacation
- Expensive
Easter Week (unless celebrating)#
- Prices spike 50-100%
- Hotels book up months ahead
- Crowds at churches and sites
- Traffic congestion
Christmas/New Year#
- Holiday pricing
- Some attractions have reduced hours
- Can feel quiet
Athens Seasonal Events#
| Event | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival (Apokries) | Feb-Mar (before Lent) | Parades, parties |
| Greek Independence Day | March 25 | Military parade |
| Orthodox Easter | Apr-May (varies) | Most important holiday |
| Athens & Epidaurus Festival | Jun-Aug | Performances at Odeon of Herodes Atticus |
| Assumption (Dekapentavgoustos) | August 15 | Many Greeks travel |
| Athens Marathon | November | World’s original marathon route |
What to Pack by Season#
Spring (March-May)#
- Layers (mornings cool, afternoons warm)
- Light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
Summer (June-August)#
- Lightest possible clothing
- Sun hat (essential)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Sandals + walking shoes
Fall (September-November)#
- Layers
- Light jacket
- Rain protection (later fall)
- Mix of short and long sleeves
Winter (December-February)#
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket and umbrella
- Comfortable waterproof shoes
- Scarf and light hat
Frequently Asked Questions#
When is the cheapest time to visit Athens?#
November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year). Expect 30-50% off peak season prices.
Is Athens too hot in summer?#
July and August are very hot (35-40°C regularly). It’s manageable if you adjust your schedule — early morning and evening for outdoor activities, midday for air-conditioned museums.
When is Athens least crowded?#
November through March. The Acropolis without crowds is a different experience.
Is it worth visiting Athens in winter?#
Yes, if you don’t need beaches. Museums, food tours, and exploring neighborhoods are excellent year-round. Occasional rainy days require flexibility.
What’s the sea temperature for swimming?#
June: 22°C (comfortable). July-Sept: 24-26°C (warm). October: 22°C. May and October are cool but swimmable.
The Bottom Line#
Best overall: Late September or early October — the sweet spot of good weather, diminishing crowds, and reasonable prices.
First-time visitors: May or September-October for the most comfortable experience.
Budget travelers: January-February or November for lowest prices.
Beach lovers: June or September for warm water without August extremes.
Avoid if possible: August (extreme heat) and Easter week (extreme crowds and prices, unless you want the experience).
Athens rewards visitors year-round — you just need to match your expectations to the season.
Planning your trip? Check out our 3-day Athens itinerary and what to pack guide.
