Best Time to Visit Athens

Jan

January in Athens is chilly with average highs of 56°F and lows of 44°F, and with 76mm of rain, it's one of the wetter months, meaning fewer crowds and a more local feel.

• New Year's Day
• Epiphany

Feb

February sees similar temperatures to January, around 56°F high and 43°F low, but with less rain (54mm), marking the beginning of Carnival celebrations and a slight pick-up in activity before the spring rush.

• Carnival (Apokries)

Mar

March brings milder weather with highs of 61°F and lows of 46°F, and significantly reduced rainfall at 30mm, making it a pleasant time to explore ancient sites before the summer heat and crowds.

• Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)
• Independence Day

Apr

April really ushers in spring, with comfortable highs of 68°F and lows of 52°F, and only 36mm of rain, making it ideal for sightseeing, though Orthodox Easter can bring increased domestic tourism.

• Orthodox Easter (variable date)
• Spring flowers in bloom

May

May is beautiful with warm highs of 78°F and lows of 61°F, and minimal rain at 35mm, but it's also when crowds begin to swell as the weather becomes perfect for outdoor activities.

• Labor Day/May Day
• Athens Jazz Festival

Jun

June welcomes true summer with hot highs reaching 88°F and lows of 71°F, and a mere 25mm of rain, signaling the start of peak tourist season with larger crowds and bustling archaeological sites.

• Aigina International Music Festival (nearby island)
• Athens and Epidaurus Festival begins

Jul

July is very hot, with average highs of 95°F and lows of 76°F, and hardly any rain (9mm), making early morning or late evening excursions preferable to escape the intense sun and significant crowds.

• Athens and Epidaurus Festival
• Full Moon Festival at the Acropolis Museum

Aug

August remains extremely hot, with highs of 92°F and lows of 74°F, and very little rain at 16mm; many locals leave the city, but it's still peak tourist season for international visitors, so expect large crowds at major attractions.

• Assumption Day
• Open-air cinema

Sep

September brings a welcome cooldown with highs of 83°F and lows of 67°F, and still low rainfall at 18mm, offering a pleasant window to visit as the summer crowds start to thin out.

• Athens International Film Festival

Oct

October is delightful, with comfortable highs of 74°F and lows of 59°F, and 26mm of rain, presenting an excellent opportunity for sightseeing with fewer tourists and pleasant weather.

• Ohi Day
• Autumn foliage

Nov

November sees temperatures drop to highs of 66°F and lows of 53°F, with a significant increase in rain at 92mm, marking the low season with fewer crowds but also potentially wetter conditions.

• Athens Marathon

Dec

December is cool and damp with highs of 59°F and lows of 47°F, and heavy rainfall at 91mm, leading to a quieter atmosphere and festive decorations, but prepare for cooler, potentially rainy weather.

• Christmas
• New Year's Eve