Athens has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city averages 2,773 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest capitals. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees C (95 degrees F), while winter lows rarely drop below 5 degrees C (41 degrees F). Annual rainfall totals about 370mm (14.6 inches), concentrated in the October-to-March period, with virtually no rain from June through August. The surrounding mountains (Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus) create a heat-trapping basin effect that makes Athens feel hotter than coastal Greek cities at the same latitude.
Athens Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January in Athens
January is Athens’ coldest month with average highs of 13 degrees C (55 degrees F) and lows of 6 degrees C (43 degrees F). You will get about 4 hours of daily sunshine from the roughly 10 daylight hours. Rainfall averages 50mm (2 inches) over 7 rainy days. The Acropolis and museums are nearly empty, and hotel rates are at their lowest of the year. Pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes for the occasional cold snap when temperatures can dip to 0 degrees C (32 degrees F).
February in Athens
February temperatures creep up slightly to highs of 14 degrees C (57 degrees F) and lows of 7 degrees C (45 degrees F). Rainfall drops to about 40mm (1.6 inches) across 6 wet days. Sunshine increases to 5 hours daily. The almond trees begin blooming around the National Garden and Lycabettus Hill. Carnival season (Apokries) typically falls in February or early March, bringing parades and costume events to Plaka and Psiri neighborhoods.
March in Athens
March brings spring weather with highs reaching 16 degrees C (61 degrees F) and lows of 9 degrees C (48 degrees F). You will see 6 hours of daily sunshine. Rainfall is similar to February at 40mm (1.6 inches). Wildflowers carpet the hills around the Acropolis, and outdoor cafes in Plaka and Monastiraki start filling up. March 25 is Greek Independence Day with military parades in Syntagma Square. Light layers work best as mornings are cool but afternoons warm up.
April in Athens
April is one of Athens’ best months, with highs of 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) and lows of 12 degrees C (54 degrees F). Rainfall drops sharply to 25mm (1 inch) over 5 days. You will enjoy 8 hours of daily sunshine and sea temperatures around 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Orthodox Easter usually falls in April, bringing candlelit processions, fireworks, and traditional lamb roasts. This is the last comfortable month before summer heat arrives.
May in Athens
May temperatures rise to highs of 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and lows of 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Rainfall is minimal at 15mm (0.6 inches) over 3 days. Sunshine reaches 10 hours daily and the sea warms to 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). The Athens Epidaurus Festival begins with outdoor performances at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus beneath the Acropolis. This is ideal sightseeing weather before the summer crowds and heat arrive.
June in Athens
June marks the start of summer with highs of 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) and lows of 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). Rainfall is essentially zero at 6mm (0.2 inches) over 1 day. You will get 11 hours of daily sunshine, and sea temperatures hit 23 degrees C (73 degrees F). The Athens Riviera beaches (Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Glyfada) become popular. Visit archaeological sites before 10:00 AM to avoid midday heat, and carry 1 to 2 liters of water per person when exploring.
July in Athens
July is Athens’ hottest month with average highs of 33 degrees C (91 degrees F) but heatwaves routinely push temperatures above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Lows hover around 23 degrees C (73 degrees F). Rainfall is virtually zero at 4mm (0.2 inches). Sea temperatures reach 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). The Acropolis can close during midday heatwaves (above 39 degrees C / 102 degrees F) for visitor safety. Book morning time slots for archaeological sites, and plan indoor museum visits for 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
August in Athens
August is almost identical to July with highs of 33 degrees C (91 degrees F) and lows of 23 degrees C (73 degrees F). Rainfall is 6mm (0.2 inches). Sea temperatures peak at 26 degrees C (79 degrees F). August 15 is the Feast of the Dormition, a major public holiday when many Athenians leave the city for the islands. Some family-run tavernas and shops close for 1 to 2 weeks around this date. The city feels quieter, and hotel rates dip slightly compared to July.
September in Athens
September brings relief with highs of 28 degrees C (82 degrees F) and lows of 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Rainfall increases slightly to 15mm (0.6 inches). Sea temperatures remain warm at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). The tourist crowds thin significantly after the first week, but the weather stays summer-like through the month. This is arguably the best month for beach days plus sightseeing without July/August heat. Hotel rates drop 20 to 30 percent from August peaks.
October in Athens
October temperatures cool to highs of 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) and lows of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Rainfall jumps to 45mm (1.8 inches) over 5 days, though half the days are still sunny. Sea temperatures hold at 22 degrees C (72 degrees F). October 28 is Ohi Day, a national holiday with student parades. The first rains after the summer dry season can cause flash flooding in some neighborhoods. Bring a light rain jacket and enjoy uncrowded archaeological sites.
November in Athens
November brings autumn proper with highs of 18 degrees C (64 degrees F) and lows of 11 degrees C (52 degrees F). Rainfall reaches 65mm (2.6 inches) over 8 days, and you will get 5 hours of daily sunshine. The Athens Marathon takes place on the second Sunday of November, finishing at the Panathenaic Stadium. Museum visits become the main activity, and the city’s cafe culture shifts indoors. Hotel rates are 30 to 40 percent below summer prices.
December in Athens
December highs average 14 degrees C (57 degrees F) with lows of 8 degrees C (46 degrees F). This is the wettest month at 70mm (2.8 inches) across 9 rainy days. Sunshine drops to 4 hours daily. Syntagma Square hosts a large Christmas tree and holiday market from early December. New Year’s Eve brings fireworks over the Acropolis. Snow is rare in central Athens but dusts the surrounding mountains (Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus). Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
