When is it cheapest to fly to Athens? Months, days and how far ahead to book
The price of a flight to Athens can double depending on the month. According to KAYAK data for the Tel Aviv–Athens route, these are the months, days and timing when booking pays off most.
- Cheapest month: February (median about ₪518 return). Most expensive: August (about ₪1,176), followed by September.
- Monday is the cheapest day to fly on average, Thursday the most expensive.
- Book about 18 weeks ahead. According to KAYAK this saves about 10% on average compared with booking in the last two weeks.
If your dates are flexible, fly in winter or early spring and midweek. For summer and holidays, book several months ahead. These prices are historical averages, not a promise, so always compare before you book.
Which month is cheapest to fly to Athens?
According to KAYAK data for the Tel Aviv–Athens route (median return fares, as of October 2026):
| Month | Median return fare |
|---|---|
| February (cheapest) | about ₪518 |
| September | about ₪1,068 |
| August (most expensive) | about ₪1,176 |
The 12-month average return fare was about ₪783. The lowest return fare found was about ₪435, and about ₪217 one way.
Why is February cheap? It is the quiet season in Greece, there are no major Israeli holidays, and airlines sell seats cheaply. Why is August expensive? Israel's summer holidays and peak season in Greece. Jewish holiday periods (Rosh Hashana, Sukkot, Passover and Hanukkah) are usually pricier too.
Which day of the week is cheapest?
According to KAYAK, Monday is the cheapest day to fly, averaging about ₪689 return, and Thursday the most expensive, about ₪847. The difference is modest but adds up for a family.
How far ahead should you book a flight to Athens?
According to KAYAK, booking about 18 weeks ahead (around four months) saves about 10% on average compared with booking in the last two weeks. For summer and holidays, book even earlier, because the cheapest seats sell out.
Who flies direct from Tel Aviv to Athens?
El Al, Arkia, Israir, Bluebird and Aegean operate direct flights, and Air Haifa has flown from Haifa. The flight takes about two hours. See flight time to Athens.
Holidays and school breaks: when do prices jump?
Demand for flights from Israel to Athens rises around holidays and school breaks: Passover, Sukkot, Hanukkah and the summer holidays. That usually pushes fares up more than the tourist season in Greece itself. If your dates are flexible, try flying a few days before or after the holiday rather than at the peak. If you land in Athens late, check in advance how to get into town. See Athens airport to the city centre.
Tips for a cheap flight to Athens
- Compare every morning: on our cheap flights to Greece page we update the lowest fare from Tel Aviv to Athens and other Greek destinations every morning.
- Check what is included: many cheap fares exclude a suitcase. Work out the final price with luggage.
- Flexible dates: moving by a day or two can save a lot.
- Unsociable hours: night or early-morning flights are sometimes cheaper.
- Mix airlines: sometimes it is cheaper to fly out with one airline and back with another.
- Continuing to an island? See islands with direct flights from Israel and our ferries guide.
Quick calendar: when to fly to Athens
| Period | Fare trend | Weather in Athens |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Cheapest | Cool, sometimes rainy; good for the city and museums |
| April–June (excluding Passover) | Medium | Pleasant, best for sightseeing |
| July–September | Most expensive | Very hot; island season |
| October–December (excluding holidays) | Medium to cheap | Pleasant in October, cool in December |
For weather by month see Greece weather by month.
Good to know
These are historical prices from a search engine and change with demand, fuel and the security situation. They help show the trend but do not guarantee a price. Before booking, check current prices on the airlines' websites.
FAQ
When is it cheapest to fly from Tel Aviv to Athens? According to KAYAK, in February, with a median return fare of about ₪518. Winter and early spring are usually cheap.
When is it most expensive to fly to Athens? In August and September, and during Israeli holiday periods.
How far ahead should I book a flight to Greece? About 18 weeks ahead. According to KAYAK this saves about 10% on average compared with booking last minute.
Which day is cheapest to fly to Athens? Monday, on average. Thursday is usually the most expensive.
