Athens Weather

What is the Athens weather like, and when is the best time to visit?

Athens weather, from https://www.greece-travel-secrets.com/Athens-Weather.html

The Best Time to Visit Athens

Spring and autumn are perfect times to see Athens. You might be unlucky and get some rain, but chances are the skies will be blue and the temperature pleasant. The average in both May and October is a very pleasant 20C/68F. It's ideal for sightseeing and visiting the ancient sites, without having it unpleasantly hot.

Even in winter, don't rule Athens out. Skies can still be bright blue and the weather mild. January is the coldest month when the average drops to 12C/54F, but it can be much warmer than that. We've been to Athens in January and been strolling round in shorts and t-shirts.

Summer Heatwaves

The worst times to visit are probably from late July through to early September. The average temperature in midsummer is 32C/90F, which means on many days it exceeds that. Summer heatwaves have been a common phenomenon in recent, so avoid midsummer if you can.. 

Although the city has done an enormous amount in the past few years to reduce the problem of traffic congestion, which adds to the unpleasantness by helping create a summer smog, it hasn't got rid of it completely and the middle of summer is best avoided if at all possible. 

Athens weather, from https://www.greece-travel-secrets.com/Athens-Weather.html

Yes, It Does Rain in Athens!

Rain

It's surprising to discover that it rains in Athens on roughly 100 days each year. But sun-lovers shouldn't let that put them off, as on many of those days it's no more than an occasional light shower, and most of the rainfall is in the winter. The total rainfall over the course of a year averages out at about 15.5" (400mm), and hardly a drop falls from July to September. 

When it does rain you'll want to read our page on Athens in the Rain!

The Weather Elsewhere in Greece
For a comparison, see our page on the Corfu Climate



The Weather in Crete

As a comparison to Athens, in case you're combining the city with somewhere else, here's a note of what the weather is like in Crete.

If you want guaranteed sunshine then the best time to visit Crete is July and August, when there is no rain at all. In fact for the seven months from April to October, which makes up the main holiday season, on average there are only 18 days of rain. Temperatures remain mild all through the year, but in winter it does get wet.

April and May are probably the best two months to visit, when temperatures are pleasant without being too hot, there is very little rain, the island is not yet too busy and there is a profusion of wild flowers to see. September and October can also be pleasant, but more suited to swimmers than botanists. The landscape will be looking burnt out, but the sea temperatures will still be in the mid-70s (about 24C).

The holiday season usually runs from Easter to late October, and outside this period many hotels and restaurants will be closed. There are still plenty which open all year round, but your choice will be more limited.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Samothraki

    Samothraki (Greek) or Samothrace (English) is a small island in the north-east Aegean Sea with the closest Greek islands being Thassos and Lemnos.

    Read More

  2. EU: Covid-19 Blow to Greek Economy Milder than Expected

    The European Commission revised its outlook for the Greek economy on Tuesday, saying prospects for 2020 in the aftermath of Covid-19 were milder than initially expected. Greece GDP is set to contract…

    Read More

  3. Greece Relaxes Covid-19 Measures in Shopping Malls, Restaurants

    Shoppers in Greek malls are no longer required to wear a mask, according to a joint ministerial decision published recently in the Government Gazette. According to the decision on rules to limit the s…

    Read More

  4. Ministry Aims to Include All of Greece on the Tourist Map

    The equal distribution of tourist traffic to all of Greece’s regions, ensuring in this way inclusive development, is a top tourism ministry priority, said Deputy Tourism Minister Manos Konsolas this w…

    Read More

  5. Greek Minister Says Covid-19 Testing at Entry Points ‘Effective’

    Targeted Covid-19 testing conducted at entry points across Greece has been effective and contributed to containing the spread of the virus, which is key to ensuring the safety of visitors and locals…

    Read More

  6. Greek Ouzo

    Greek ouzo is an aniseed-based aperitif made all over the country but especially on Lesbos, tasting like a Greek pastis or arak and usually drunk with water.

    Read More

  7. Changes to PLF Form for Travelers to Greece

    All travelers to Greece will be required to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours – not 48 hours as was the case until now – prior to travel starting July 9, the Greek Civil Aviation (HCAA…

    Read More

  8. Greece Puts Health First, Says New Tourism Campaign

    The Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization on Monday launched a new campaign that focuses on the restart of Greek tourism, following the COVID-19 crisis, and the country’s promot…

    Read More

  9. Greece Opens to Travelers with Tests and Caution

    Greek authorities may decide to boost testing for Covid-19 after thousands of tourists entered the country starting last Wednesday, when Greece opened its borders after months of lockdowns. More than…

    Read More

  10. How to Define True Greek Spirit

    Johnny Livanos, founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, was born into the restaurant industry. His grandfather emigrated from the island of Lesbos and opened many of New York’s most iconic Greek restaurants. S…

    Read More