Weather in Athens

Stay up to date with the latest weather information in Athens. In this section, we have compiled current data, detailed forecasts, and visual weather charts to help you plan your day.

Athens, the capital of Greece, enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. This means the city welcomes guests with hot and dry summers, while winters here are generally mild and more humid. The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – offer comfortable temperatures, perfect for walking and exploring ancient landmarks.

The summer months, especially July and August, are characterized by high temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, and minimal rainfall – there is practically no rain during these months, as evidenced by just two rainy days per month. Sunny weather during this period is practically guaranteed. Winter in Athens is quite mild, with average temperatures around 9-11°C, and it is the winter months (December-February) that account for the main, albeit small, share of annual precipitation, with the highest number of rainy days (about 10 days per month). Snow in Athens is a rare phenomenon.

Overall, the climate of Athens is very favourable for tourism for most of the year. The driest period occurs at the height of summer, while late spring (May) and early autumn (September-October) offer an ideal combination of warm weather, plenty of sunny days, and less rainfall compared to winter, creating excellent conditions for exploring the city.

In Athens, a significant annual temperature variation is observed, which is characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. The coldest months are usually January and February, when the average temperature holds around 9-10°C, and minimum nighttime temperatures can drop to 5.8°C - 6.3°C. In contrast, the peak heat falls on July and August. During these summer months, the average temperature reaches 27.4°C - 27.6°C, and daily highs regularly rise above 32°C, creating a feeling of true summer heat.

Summer in Athens is characterized by stable hot weather. Starting from June, when the average temperature is already almost 25°C (maximum around 29.7°C), temperatures climb steadily. In July and August, the daytime heat can be quite intense, with maximum values reaching 32-32.5°C. Nights during the summer period also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 22°C, which makes evening walks pleasant but may require air conditioning for comfortable sleep. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in summer are noticeable: the difference between day and night readings can be around 9-10°C.

Winter in Athens is mild and cool, without severe frosts. Average daytime temperatures in December-February fluctuate in the range of 12-14°C, which is quite comfortable for sightseeing. At night, the temperature drops on average to 6-8°C, and although frosts happen rarely, minimum values can approach 5-6°C during the coldest period (January). Diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 6-7°C. The transitional seasons – spring (especially April-May) and autumn (September-October) – offer very pleasant temperature conditions, with gradual warming in spring to an average of 15-20°C and mild cooling in autumn to similar values, making these periods ideal for visiting the city.

In Athens, there is a clearly defined seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterized by a very dry summer and a mild winter, which accounts for the main, although very insignificant, part of the annual rainfall. Overall, the amount of precipitation in Athens is low, making it a predominantly sunny destination for travel.

The driest period in Athens falls on the summer months. July and August are absolutely dry, according to the provided data, with zero rainfall and only two days in each month when precipitation is theoretically possible. This means that rain at this time is a great rarity. June is also very dry, with minimal precipitation (1 mm) and only four days when precipitation is possible. Late spring, particularly May, and early autumn (September, October) are also distinguished by a small amount of rainfall (1 mm) and a small number of rainy days (from 3 to 5), making these periods very comfortable for visiting.

The winter months – December, January, February, as well as November – are considered the "wettest" in Athens, although even during this period the total amount of precipitation remains low, amounting to only 2 mm per month. However, the frequency of days with precipitation is higher: in December and January, there are on average 10 rainy days each, in February – 9, and in November – 8. This indicates that light, short-lived rains or drizzle are possible in winter. Snow in Athens, especially within the city limits, is an extremely rare phenomenon and is not reflected as a significant factor in these statistics.

When planning a trip to Athens, it is important to consider seasonal weather features so that your wardrobe is as comfortable as possible. In summer, especially in July and August, when the temperature often rises above 30°C and precipitation is practically absent, your suitcase should be filled with light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics. Be sure to take shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimwear (if you plan a beach holiday or visiting a hotel with a pool), a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream. Evenings can be warm, but a light cover-up or a long-sleeved shirt might come in handy.

Winter months in Athens (December-February) are significantly cooler, with average temperatures around 9-11°C and a larger number of rainy days (up to 10 per month), although the total rainfall is small. At this time, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, jeans or thick trousers, as well as a waterproof jacket or coat and an umbrella. Don't forget a hat, scarf, and gloves, especially for evening walks. Closed, comfortable footwear, possibly waterproof, will be very useful.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Athens are transitional seasons with very pleasant weather, but the temperature can be changeable. The ideal solution will be the layering principle: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters or cardigans that can be easily removed or put on. In April, May, October, and November, it is worth having a light jacket or windbreaker with you, as well as a small umbrella in case of rain. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as Athens encourages long walks through historical sites with uneven surfaces.