Athens with kids in every season: spring, summer, autumn and winter
The weather, what is open and what is most worthwhile with children in Athens in each season.
- Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for families: not too hot, and in autumn the sea is still warm.
- Summer is very hot: sites early, beach at midday, outings in the evening.
- Winter has museums and indoor centres, and no queues.
Choose the season by what matters to you: the sea (summer and autumn), walking (spring and autumn) or quiet and lower prices (winter). Over Israeli holidays, book accommodation and kosher food early.
When is the best time to visit Athens with children?
Athens works for children all year, but each season feels different. Summer is very hot, and winter is cool and rainy. This guide helps you choose a season and plan what to do in it. The full list of attractions is in our Athens with kids guide.
Athens weather by season
| Season | Daytime temperature | Sea | Rain days a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (December–February) | 13–15 °C | 15–17 °C | 7–11 |
| Spring (March–May) | 16–25 °C | 15–18 °C | 4–8 |
| Summer (June–August) | 30–33 °C | 22–25 °C | almost none |
| Autumn (September–November) | 19–29 °C | 19–24 °C | 3–8 |
*Long-term averages, Climates to Travel. See also Greece weather by month.*
Athens with kids in spring (March to May)
One of the best seasons for families. Walking is pleasant, the Acropolis is not scorching, and everything is green.
- Morning at the Acropolis, then Plaka, a neighbourhood of car-free lanes.
- Stavros Niarchos Park (SNFCC): lawns, playgrounds and a water canal, free of charge.
- At Passover Athens is full of Israelis. Book accommodation, kosher food and a Seder early. See Passover in Greece.
- By late May the sea starts to be pleasant for swimming.
Athens with kids in summer (June to August)
Very hot, 30 to 33 °C on average and sometimes more. Plan the day around the heat:
- Sites only early in the morning. During heatwaves the Acropolis may close at midday, so check before you go.
- Midday at the beach: Riviera beaches such as Glyfada and Voula are about half an hour from the centre. See Athens beaches.
- Lake Vouliagmeni: warm mineral water that suits children too. See Lake Vouliagmeni.
- Evenings: open-air cinemas, seafront walks and ice cream. In summer, life in Athens starts after sunset.
Athens with kids in autumn (September to November)
Perhaps the best season. The sea is still warm in September and October (22 to 24 °C), and the city is pleasant for walking.
- September and October: sites in the morning and a beach in the afternoon.
- At Sukkot many Israeli families come. See Sukkot in Greece.
- November: the rains begin. During the Athens Marathon (early November) central roads close.
Athens with kids in winter (December to February)
Cooler and rainier, but quiet, good value and without queues.
- Museums and indoor centres: the Acropolis Museum, the Hellenic Cosmos science centre, the planetarium and the children's museum. Details in our Athens with kids guide.
- Hanukkah: Chabad in Athens organises events. See Hanukkah in Greece.
- On a sunny day: walk up Lycabettus Hill or along the Flisvos promenade.
Tips for every season
- Pushchairs: the centre has narrow pavements and steps. A carrier is easier at the Acropolis.
- Site entry: children and teenagers under 18 from outside the EU enter many state sites free. Check the official website before you go.
- Kosher food: see kosher food in Athens.
- Sundays: most shops are closed, but sites, museums and beaches are open.
FAQ
What can you do in Athens with kids in September? September is warm (about 29 °C) and so is the sea (about 24 °C). Visit sites in the morning and spend the afternoon at the Riviera beaches or Lake Vouliagmeni.
What can you do in Athens with kids in May? May is pleasant for walking (about 25 °C). It is a good time for the Acropolis, Plaka and Stavros Niarchos Park, and by the end of the month for the beach.
What can you do in Athens with kids in December? December is cooler and rainier. It suits museums and indoor centres such as the Acropolis Museum and Hellenic Cosmos, and Chabad's Hanukkah events.
Which season is best for Athens with kids? Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October): not too hot for walking, and in autumn you can swim too.
