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Greece · Updated 2026

Best time to visit Athens

Mid-April to early June and mid-September to October

Spring and autumn give Athens its best balance: warm sunshine, walkable temperatures for the Acropolis and ancient sites, and evenings made for rooftop dinners. July and August bring fierce heat, cruise crowds and peak prices, though the city's outdoor cinemas and summer festival are at their best. Winter is mild, quieter and cheap, with some rainy days but plenty of sunshine for museum-heavy trips.

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View of brown ruin during daytime (Athens)

Photo: Spencer Davis / Unsplash

Quick answers

Best overall
May, late September and October
Best weather
May and late September
Cheapest
November to March
Avoid
Mid-July to mid-August: extreme heat, heavy crowds, peak prices and some local businesses closed.

Athens month by month

Average temperatures, rain, crowds and hotel prices. Hotel links open with dates in that month.

  1. January

    Good

    13° / 7°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Coolest, wettest month, yet often sunny. Empty sites, low prices and free first-Sunday entry suit museum lovers and budget travellers.

    Events: Epiphany Blessing of the Waters (6 January)

    Hotels in January

  2. February

    Good

    14° / 7°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Mild and quiet with occasional showers. Almond blossom and carnival spirit make it a pleasant, cheap city break.

    Events: Apokries (Carnival season, February or March)

    Hotels in February

  3. March

    Good

    17° / 9°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Spring arrives with wildflowers on the hills and changeable weather. Good value for sightseeing before the crowds return.

    Events: Clean Monday kite flying on Filopappou Hill · Independence Day parade (25 March)

    Hotels in March

  4. April

    Great

    20° / 12°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Warm, green and bright, ideal for walking the ancient sites. Orthodox Easter brings candlelit processions and family feasts.

    Events: Orthodox Easter (April or early May)

    Hotels in April

  5. May

    Ideal

    26° / 16°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Arguably the perfect month: reliable sunshine, warm evenings, swimmable sea by month's end and crowds still manageable.

    Hotels in May

  6. June

    Great

    31° / 20°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Hot, dry and lively, with beach days on the Riviera and open-air theatre starting. Visit sites early to beat heat.

    Events: Athens Epidaurus Festival opens · Athens Pride

    Hotels in June

  7. July

    Mixed

    34° / 23°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Brutally hot, with heatwaves topping 40C and cruise crowds at the Acropolis. Suits beach-and-nightlife travellers who sightsee at dawn.

    Events: Athens Epidaurus Festival

    Hotels in July

  8. August

    Mixed

    33° / 23°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    High
    Prices
    High

    Scorching; locals flee to the islands and some tavernas close mid-month, while tourist sites stay packed. Outdoor cinemas are a highlight.

    Events: Dormition of the Virgin holiday (15 August) · August full moon night openings at archaeological sites

    Hotels in August

  9. September

    Ideal

    29° / 20°C

    Rain
    Low
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    High

    Summer warmth without the furnace, a warm sea and a city buzzing again. Excellent for sightseeing plus beach days.

    Events: European Heritage Days (late September)

    Hotels in September

  10. October

    Ideal

    24° / 16°C

    Rain
    Medium
    Crowds
    Medium
    Prices
    Medium

    Golden light, comfortable temperatures and easing prices. First rains appear late, but most days are perfect for exploring.

    Events: Ochi Day parade (28 October)

    Hotels in October

  11. November

    Good

    19° / 12°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Mild with more frequent rain, but crowds vanish and prices drop. Runners flock in for the classic marathon route.

    Events: Athens Authentic Marathon (second Sunday in November)

    Hotels in November

  12. December

    Good

    15° / 8°C

    Rain
    High
    Crowds
    Low
    Prices
    Low

    Cool and sometimes rainy, brightened by festive lights. Good for museums, cosy tavernas and a relaxed, local-feeling city.

    Events: Christmas celebrations in Syntagma Square

    Hotels in December

Timing tips for Athens

FAQ

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