When to visit Athens without the crowds
Athens (Greece) is calmest in January, February, November and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in May, June, July, August and September. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals.
Best months
Nov & Feb–Mar
When everyone heads home
The second half of October.
Tip
In summer climb the Acropolis at 8 a.m. opening; November to March museums keep shorter hours.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 14 °C (57 °F) | New Year's Day, Epiphany |
| February | 1/5 · calm | 15 °C (60 °F) | |
| March | 3/5 · moderate | 18 °C (64 °F) | Clean Monday, Annunciation, Independence Day |
| April | 3/5 · moderate | 22 °C (71 °F) | Good Friday |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 26 °C (79 °F) | Labour Day, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 32 °C (89 °F) | Athens & Epidaurus Festival (Jun–Aug), Pentecost, Whit Monday |
| July | 4/5 · busy ⚠ | 34 °C (94 °F) | |
| August | 5/5 · busy ⚠ | 33 °C (92 °F) | Assumption Day |
| September | 4/5 · busy | 30 °C (85 °F) | |
| October | 3/5 · moderate | 24 °C (76 °F) | Ochi Day |
| November | 1/5 · calm | 20 °C (68 °F) | |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 16 °C (60 °F) | Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Heatwaves above 40 °C and wildfire risk (Jul–Aug); some sites close at midday.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (Eurostat, Attica, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Athens without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually February and November (crowds 1/5). In November the average high is 20 °C (68 °F). All the calm months: January, February, November and December.
When is Athens most crowded?
The busiest season is May, June, July, August and September. The second half of October.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Average highs range from 14 °C (57 °F) in January to 34 °C (94 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Athens?
Heatwaves above 40 °C and wildfire risk (Jul–Aug); some sites close at midday.
What festivals are there in Athens?
The main ones: Athens & Epidaurus Festival (Jun–Aug) (June).
More places in Greece
- Santorini calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in June, July and August
- Mykonos calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in June, July, August and September
- Chania (Crete) calm in January, February, March, April, November and December; busiest in May, June, July, August and September
- Heraklion & Knossos (Crete) calm in January, February, March, April, November and December; busiest in May, June, July, August and September
- Rhodes calm in January, February, March, April, November and December; busiest in May, June, July and August
- Corfu calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in June, July and August
- Thessaloniki calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in June, July, August and September
- Meteora (Kalambaka) calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in July and August
- Nafplio calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in July and August
- Naxos calm in January, February, March, April, October, November and December; busiest in June, July, August and September