Athens weather by month: temperatures, rain and sea
How warm Athens is each month, how many rain days there are, when you can swim, and the best time to go.
- September and October are especially pleasant: 16–29°C and little rain.
- November is 12–19°C with about 8 rain days; December is the wettest.
- July and August are hottest, up to 33°C on average.
If you are planning a holiday in Athens, the table helps you choose a month and decide what to pack. Check the forecast and warnings before you fly.
Athens weather by month
The table shows long-term averages for Athens (1991–2020), according to Climates to Travel. These are averages, not a forecast: any year can bring heatwaves, cold spells or storms.
| Month | Min | Max | Rain days | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7° | 13° | 9 | 16° |
| February | 7° | 14° | 7 | 15° |
| March | 9° | 16° | 8 | 15° |
| April | 12° | 20° | 6 | 16° |
| May | 16° | 25° | 4 | 18° |
| June | 21° | 30° | 1 | 22° |
| July | 23° | 33° | 1 | 24° |
| August | 24° | 33° | 1 | 25° |
| September | 20° | 29° | 3 | 24° |
| October | 16° | 24° | 5 | 22° |
| November | 12° | 19° | 8 | 19° |
| December | 8° | 15° | 11 | 17° |
Click a month to open our Greece weather page for that month, with Crete, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and the islands.
Athens in September and October
September is one of the most comfortable months: 20–29°C, only about 3 rain days, and the sea is still warm (about 24°C). Good for combining the city with a beach on the Riviera.
October cools down: 16–24°C and about 5 rain days. Very pleasant for walking around the Acropolis and Plaka. The sea is about 22°C, so on a warm day you can still swim.
Athens in November
November brings 12–19°C and about 8 rain days. Bring a light coat and an umbrella. It is a quiet tourist month, but on 8 November 2026 the Athens Marathon takes place and roads along the route close.
Athens in summer
June to August is hot and dry: up to 33°C on average, and more during heatwaves. On very hot days archaeological sites sometimes open for limited hours. Visit the Acropolis early in the morning.
Athens in winter
December is the wettest month (about 11 rain days), with 8–15°C. Snow in the city itself is rare. Winter is good for museums, shopping and lower prices.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
- City break: April–May and September–October, comfortable for walking.
- City plus sea: June and September, warm sea and fewer crowds than August.
- On a budget: November to March, outside holidays.
Before you fly, check Greece weather warnings and our Athens guide.
What to pack for Athens
Summer: light clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. There is a lot of walking on smooth stone, so wear comfortable shoes. Spring and autumn: layers, a light jacket for evenings, and a small umbrella from October. Winter: a coat, a jumper and an umbrella. Older houses and hotels are not always well heated.
FAQ
What is the weather like in Athens in November? On average 12–19°C with about 8 rain days in the month. Bring a light coat and an umbrella.
Can you swim in Athens in October? The sea around Athens averages about 22°C in October, so on a sunny day it is possible.
What is the hottest month in Athens? July and August, with an average maximum of about 33°C.
What is the wettest month in Athens? December, with about 11 rain days on average.
