When to go · Athens, Greece
Best time to visit Athens
The sweet spot is May, October and September — averages 22°C, only 4 rainy days, moderate crowds.
April – June, September – October
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (38°C+) and mild winters (10°C). April-June is ideal: the city is in bloom, temperatures are perfect (22-28°C), and the Acropolis is at its most beautiful in spring light. July-August is genuinely hot - sightseeing before 10am or after 5pm is essential. September-October brings relief and a return of the Athenians from their island summers. December-February is mild but grey - perfect for museums without crowds.
The short answer
22°C · 4 rainy days · mid season
20°C · 7 rainy days · mid season
25°C · 4 rainy days · mid season
Hardest months: December and January. averages 11°C, 11 rainy days, few other visitors.
Month by month
| Month | Avg temp | Rain days | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 11d | low | Chilly |
| February | 11°C | 9d | low | Chilly |
| March | 13°C | 8d | low | Mild |
| April | 17°C | 6d | mid | Comfortable |
| May | 22°C | 4d | mid | Comfortable |
| June | 27°C | 2d | high | Hot |
| July | 30°C | 1d | high | Hot |
| August | 30°C | 1d | high | Hot |
| September | 25°C | 4d | mid | Comfortable |
| October | 20°C | 7d | mid | Comfortable |
| November | 15°C | 9d | low | Mild |
| December | 11°C | 11d | low | Chilly |
Verdicts are read off the three columns to their left — temperature distance from 21°C first, then rainfall, with crowds breaking ties. Averages, so any given week can differ.
If you'd rather go cheap than perfect
January, February, March, November and December are low season in Athens — thinner crowds, and the months where accommodation is easiest to book late. Budget travellers already work to about $30–50 a day here; low season is where the accommodation share of that goes furthest.
Book the month you picked
Fares move with the same seasons as the crowds — the quiet months above are usually the cheap ones to fly.