The best months to visit Athens are April, May, June, September and October, when average highs sit in a comfortable range and rain stays light — April climbs to 20.4 °C with 6 rain days, while October eases back to 23.4 °C with just 3 rain days. July and August are peak season: intense heat (highs of 33.7 °C and 33 °C) meets school-holiday crowds and higher prices around the Acropolis. Winter is the quiet low season, cooler and wetter but still mild by European standards.
Best months AprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
Athens month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.4 °C | 5.6 °C | 8 | 7.3 h |
| February | 13.7 °C | 6.6 °C | 7 | 8.3 h |
| March | 16.1 °C | 8.3 °C | 6 | 9.6 h |
| April | 20.4 °C | 11.4 °C | 6 | 11.3 h |
| May | 25 °C | 16 °C | 5 | 12.1 h |
| June | 30.5 °C | 20.8 °C | 5 | 13.6 h |
| July | 33.7 °C | 23.5 °C | 2 | 13.6 h |
| August | 33 °C | 23 °C | 2 | 12.9 h |
| September | 28.6 °C | 19.6 °C | 3 | 11.4 h |
| October | 23.4 °C | 15.1 °C | 3 | 9.6 h |
| November | 18.7 °C | 11.5 °C | 8 | 8.1 h |
| December | 14.2 °C | 7.8 °C | 9 | 7.3 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Ideal for sightseeing and the Acropolis in gentle warmth — one of the best windows.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is great; July and August suit sun-seekers who can handle real heat and crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are superb — warm, sunny and calmer for exploring.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Worth it for budget travellers who want the Acropolis without the crowds.
Notable events
- June to August
- Athens Epidaurus Festival (music, theatre and dance)
- Spring (April or May)
- Greek Orthodox Easter
- November
- Athens Marathon, the Authentic
- October
- Ohi Day national holiday and parades
Frequently asked
Is Athens too hot in August?
It's very hot: average highs reach 33 °C with lows near 23 °C. There's plenty of sun (12.9 hours a day) but midday sightseeing at the Acropolis can be draining.
What is the rainiest month in Athens?
December is the wettest with 9 rain days, closely followed by January and November at 8 rain days each. Summer is driest, with just 2 rain days in July and August.
Is winter worth visiting Athens?
Yes, if you want fewer crowds. It's mild — highs of 12.4 °C in January and 13.7 °C in February — though wetter, with 7–8 rain days, and shorter sunny days around 7–8 hours.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Athens area guide →
Areas of Athens
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Athens — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.