Athens is generally a good year-round destination with occasional wet, windy and chilly days from November until mid-March as a Mediterranean climate. Taking crowds, weather, and prices into consideration, Mid-April until Mid-June, September to Mid-October, and late August are the best times to visit Athens.
How about an ordinary Summer holiday?
Summer in Athens is the high season, a good time to visit if you’re hoping to experience sunlight and a wild & vivid nightlife. There will be an especially lively atmosphere with lots of tourists in the streets. Therefore, this seasons also sees the highest accommodation and airfare rates. Moreover, the crowds in such a hot temperature could be discomforting. July is the peak for both the fares and tourist numbers.
However, when it’s August, many locals go on a 2-week vacation to the mountains or beaches as well, which means some businesses will be closed but also lesser crowds. Although temperatures reach maximum levels, the streets will be calmer. So, August is the most recommended in High Season.
What comes with Spring & Fall?
Spring and Fall, also known as the shoulder seasons, may be the best time for exploring Athens. From April through the end of spring and again in early fall, the weather is often pleasant with mild temperatures ranging between 15-25 celsius. Accomodation fares and plane tickets will be cheaper.
September witnesses many events and a creative vibe throughout the city. Many of the archaelogical sites start to close at 15.00 in October as winter hours come into place. Until November, rainfall and chills are not frequent but expected. From mid-March onwards, the weather becomes mild again but sites still apply the winter hours. April comes with Easter Holiday (a big occasion in Greece) and summer hours. May is the time when cruise ships starting to reach Athens and weather becomes consistent. All these months, the prices will be reasonably high or low with small fluctuation.
Are Winters harsh? Shall we expect the Christmas vibe?
The low season is from late autumn through winter. While this time of year brings more grey days and rain, snow is rare in the city with low temperatures usually well above freezing. Thus, there’s plenty of opportunity for sightseeing as crowds and queues disappear, discounts on both accomodation prices & airfare come into play, and flights & rooms are readily available. However, Greek ferries won’t be running on a full schedule.
December is not for you if you a person who wants to feel the Christmas vibe in markets. Weather is most harsh in this month, and flight fares can be higher because of the holiday season. Likewise, January doesn’t hold pompous new year celebrations but there are festivities still. Hotel prices become especially cheaper starting from this month. However, weather is unpredictable with sharp winds. February is more consistent in terms of temperature and weather conditions.
