Athens travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Athens, Attica, Greece.
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summers (June–September) are reliably sunny with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F). Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most pleasant seasons with warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and occasional rain. Winters (December–February) are cool and rainy but rarely cold.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
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Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
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- Period
- July–August
- Level
- Very High
- Note
- Peak tourist season — book all accommodation and tours in advance
- Period
- April–June & Sep–Oct
- Level
- Moderate
- Note
- Best balance of weather and manageable visitor numbers
- Period
- Mar, Nov
- Level
- Low-Moderate
- Note
- Shoulder season — quiet but pleasant for short breaks
- Period
- Dec–Feb
- Level
- Low
- Note
- Off-season; best prices; sights are nearly empty
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Greece's most important festival; midnight mass, fireworks, and lamb feast
Military parade at Syntagma Square
Ancient dramas performed at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis; tickets via greekfestival.gr
LGBTQ+ pride parade and festival
National holiday commemorating Greece's refusal of the Italian ultimatum in 1940; parade at Syntagma
Authentic marathon on the original route from Marathon to Athens; registration via athensauthenticmarathon.com