Athens, the vibrant heart of Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate that draws in visitors year-round.
The hot season runs from June to September, with July being the warmest month, boasting highs of around 91°F.
The cooler months span from November to March, where daily highs typically stay below 62°F, offering a mild reprieve from summer’s heat.
Rainfall in Athens is minimal, particularly during summer, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging around 45°F at their lowest. Despite the cooler weather, the city’s rich history and cultural offerings keep it lively throughout the year.
For those planning a visit, understanding the yearly climate can make your trip more enjoyable. Here is a quick overview:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55 | 44 | 1.4 |
| July | 91 | 73 | 0.2 |
Explore Athens’ ancient ruins, bustling markets, and stunning coastal views, knowing the best times to experience its weather and charm.
For more details, visit the Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Athens Greece.
Average Temperature in Athens, Greece
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The temperatures vary significantly throughout the year.
Hot Months:
- July is the hottest month with an average high of 91°F and a low of 73°F.
- June and August also have high temperatures, often reaching the upper 80s and low 90s.
Cold Months:
- January is the coldest month with an average high of 55°F and a low of 42°F.
- February and December also experience cooler weather, normally staying below 60°F.
Spring and Fall Months:
- May and September are pleasant with average highs ranging from 74°F to 80°F.
- April and October are also mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 62°F to 70°F.
Here’s a table showing the average high and low temperatures by month:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55 | 42 |
| February | 56 | 43 |
| March | 61 | 46 |
| April | 70 | 52 |
| May | 79 | 59 |
| June | 87 | 67 |
| July | 91 | 73 |
| August | 90 | 72 |
| September | 83 | 67 |
| October | 74 | 59 |
| November | 64 | 51 |
| December | 57 | 45 |
Athens experiences its highest mean temperature in the summer, especially during a sliding 31-day period across July and August. During the winter, the perceived temperature may be cooler due to occasional wind.
The weather by month indicates that travelers can expect warm and dry summers and cool, wet winters.
For detailed articles related to temperatures and their impact, check out temperature.
Average Precipitation in Athens, Greece
Athens experiences most of its rain during the fall and winter months, with very little precipitation during the summer. Snowfall is a rare occurrence in the city.
Average Rainfall in Athens, Greece
Rainfall in Athens is unevenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest months are typically November and December, with November receiving significant precipitation.
| Month | Inches of Rain |
|---|---|
| January | 1.88 |
| February | 1.42 |
| March | 1.10 |
| April | 0.87 |
| May | 0.51 |
| June | 0.16 |
| July | 0.08 |
| August | 0.16 |
| September | 0.47 |
| October | 1.22 |
| November | 2.08 |
| December | 2.20 |
The rainfall peaks in November and December, with an average of over 2 inches per month.
The summer months of June to August are particularly dry, often seeing less than half an inch of rain.
Rainfall becomes more frequent starting in October. This pattern is consistent with the Mediterranean climate of Athens.
Average Snow in Athens, Greece
Snow is a rare event in Athens, occurring occasionally during the winter months. When it does snow, it is usually light and does not accumulate much.
The months of January and February have the highest likelihood of snow, though it is still minimal compared to other regions.
The snowfall in Athens is infrequent and often limited to a few days each year. The city is not known for heavy snow.
When it does occur, it typically does not disrupt daily life significantly.
Athens’s mild winter temperatures contribute to the rarity of snow, keeping the city’s climate relatively warm even during the coldest months of the year.
For more details, visit Snow and Ice.
Average Sun in Athens, Greece
Athens experiences plentiful sunlight throughout the year, with clear and dry summers and partly cloudy winters.
The city enjoys long days of sunshine, especially in summer, providing a bright and inviting environment.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Athens, Greece
Athens receives a high amount of daily shortwave solar energy, highlighting its sunny climate.
During summer, the energy peaks, reaching 8.2 kWh/m² in June. Winter months, like December, see the lowest energy, averaging around 2.4 kWh/m².
| Month | Average Daily Solar Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 2.8 |
| February | 3.6 |
| March | 4.8 |
| April | 6.0 |
| May | 7.5 |
| June | 8.2 |
| July | 8.0 |
| August | 7.4 |
| September | 6.1 |
| October | 4.6 |
| November | 3.2 |
| December | 2.4 |
In summer, the days are the longest, providing ample daylight for activities.
June typically has the longest day, with about 15 hours of daylight.
Contrast this with December, the shortest day, which sees around 9.5 hours of daylight.
Athens benefits greatly from its clear skies, particularly between May and September.
These months often feature days of uninterrupted sunshine, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits.
Summers are typically dry, enhancing the clarity and intensity of the sun’s rays.
Winter months are more varied, with partly cloudy days interspersed with sunshine. This variability doesn’t diminish the overall brightness of the city, keeping it an attractive destination year-round.
Civil twilight in Athens extends the hours of useful daylight, allowing more time for activities even after the sun has set.
This is especially notable in the summer months, when twilight lingers, adding to the charm of Athens’ evenings.
Average Humidity in Athens, Greece
Athens experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. In the summer months, the city tends to be quite dry, which is typical for Mediterranean climates.
Monthly Average Humidity
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 75% |
| February | 72% |
| March | 69% |
| April | 65% |
| May | 60% |
| June | 55% |
| July | 50% |
| August | 52% |
| September | 60% |
| October | 65% |
| November | 70% |
| December | 74% |
During the winter months, Athens sees higher relative humidity, often reaching around 75% in January.
The dew point varies throughout the year.
In the summer, it can feel less humid due to the lower dew point. In July, the city has an average dew point of around 55°F, making it feel relatively dry.
Winter months often have higher dew points, closer to 45°F to 50°F, which can create a moist, chilly atmosphere.
Athens’ monthly fluctuations in humidity levels are influenced by seasonal changes and geographical location.
For detailed weather data, visit Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Athens.
Average Wind in Athens, Greece
In Athens, Greece, the average wind conditions vary throughout the year.
The city experiences relatively calm wind speeds for the majority of the year.
Wind speeds are measured in miles per hour (mph).
Monthly Average Wind Speed:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 8.3 |
| February | 8.0 |
| March | 8.2 |
| April | 8.4 |
| May | 8.6 |
| June | 8.9 |
| July | 9.3 |
| August | 9.5 |
| September | 8.9 |
| October | 8.5 |
| November | 8.2 |
| December | 8.1 |
Windiest Month:
Athens’ windiest month is August, with an average wind speed of 9.5 mph.
The winds are generally calm, with minor fluctuations.
For more on the broader topic of wind, check out articles about wind.
Average Air Quality in Athens, Greece
Athens often faces air quality challenges, especially during the summer.
Smog and heat combine to create hazy conditions.
Air quality depends on various pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These can vary from day to day.
Here are some average figures for different months:
| Month | Particulate Matter (PM10) (µg/m³) | Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 60 | 50 |
| February | 55 | 47 |
| March | 50 | 45 |
| April | 45 | 40 |
| May | 40 | 35 |
| June | 35 | 30 |
| July | 30 | 25 |
| August | 32 | 28 |
| September | 45 | 35 |
| October | 50 | 40 |
| November | 55 | 47 |
| December | 60 | 50 |
Visibility in Athens can be affected by air quality.
During high pollution days, visibility can drop significantly, impacting daily life.
He explained that visitors should be aware of air quality, especially if they have respiratory issues.
Beach/pool scores and sea temperatures are also affected.
Cleaner air improves beach experiences and the general enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Ideal sea temperatures for swimming are mostly found from June to September, ranging between 75°F and 81°F.
Athens’s average air pressure is around 30.00 inches, which is within the normal range.
Regular monitoring and awareness can help mitigate health risks, especially on days when air quality is poor.
Topography of Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital of Greece, is situated in the central part of the country.
It is surrounded by mountains on three sides: Parnitha, Penteli, and Hymettus. These mountains provide a natural barrier and influence the climate of the region.
The city sits in a basin, which plays a critical role in its weather patterns.
The Saronic Gulf lies to the southwest, providing the city with a coastal influence that helps moderate temperatures.
Athens’ highest point is Mount Lycabettus, which stands approximately 909 feet above sea level.
This hill offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Another significant landmark is the Acropolis, a flat-topped rock rising 490 feet above sea level, which is central to Athens’ history.
Elevation Profile:
- Mount Lycabettus: 909 feet
- Acropolis: 490 feet
- Athens Basin: ~200 feet
Natural Barriers:
- Parnitha Mountain: This is the highest mountain surrounding Athens, reaching up to 4,639 feet.
- Penteli Mountain: Standing at 3,638 feet, it is located to the northeast.
- Hymettus Mountain: This mountain reaches 3,366 feet and is situated to the east.
The proximity of these mountains creates a sheltered environment, affecting wind patterns and precipitation.
The basin structure often leads to higher temperatures in summer and mild winters.
Athens’ topography offers a unique blend of coastal and mountainous influences, creating varied microclimates throughout the metropolitan area. This complex terrain contributes significantly to the city’s historical and cultural landscape.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, experiences several extreme weather events throughout the year.
These events have become more intense in recent years due to climate change.
Understanding these events can help residents and visitors prepare for the varying conditions they may face.
Heatwaves
Athens often sees extreme heatwaves, especially during the summer months.
Temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C) in July and August.
In June 2024, Greece experienced one of its earliest and deadliest heatwaves, causing multiple deaths and leading to school and tourist site closures (Deadly heatwaves in June).
Flooding
Severe rainfall can lead to significant flooding in Athens.
Floods have been more intense, with some areas experiencing unprecedented levels of water (Ravaged by floods).
These floods cause damage to infrastructure and pose risks to residents.
| Month | Average Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.8 |
| February | 1.6 |
| March | 1.5 |
| April | 1.2 |
| October | 1.9 |
| November | 2.1 |
Wildfires
Wildfires are another extreme weather event that affects Athens.
Hot and dry summer conditions contribute to frequent and severe wildfires.
These fires cause extensive damage to natural areas and buildings, and they pose significant health risks due to smoke and air quality issues (Ravaged by floods and fires).
Snowfall
While less common, Athens can also experience intense snowfall in the winter months.
These snowfalls can disrupt daily life, especially in a city that is not typically prepared for such weather.
The last six months saw heavy snow in parts of Greece, affecting both urban and rural areas (Extreme Weather Phenomena in Greece).
Best Time of the Year to Visit Athens, Greece
Athens experiences a variety of weather throughout the year, making each season unique. The best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
Here’s a detailed look at what to expect in different seasons.
What is Athens, Greece Like in Spring
Spring in Athens runs from March to May.
During this time, the weather is mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. Nights can be cooler, dropping to around 50°F.
March is particularly pleasant, with blooming flowers and fewer crowds.
This month is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
In April, the weather gets warmer, and many cultural festivals start.
By May, you can expect sunny days perfect for exploring ancient sites and outdoor cafes.
Spring is known for clear skies and low rainfall, making it an excellent time to experience Athens’ historical landmarks without the summer heat.
What is Athens, Greece Like in Summer
Summer in Athens spans June through August, with temperatures often reaching 90°F or higher.
This season is marked by sunny days, making it ideal for beach trips and outdoor events.
June is warm but not scorching, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F.
By July and August, heat waves can push temperatures above 95°F.
The city’s vibrant nightlife and beach clubs are in full swing during these months.
For those looking to enjoy festivals, August is particularly bustling, even though many locals leave for the islands.
However, be prepared for higher accommodation prices and large tourist crowds.
What is Athens, Greece Like in Fall
Fall, from September to November, offers warm temperatures and fewer tourists.
September averages around 80°F during the day and cools to 65°F at night.
In October, the weather remains pleasant, ranging from 70°F to 75°F during the day, and is great for exploring without the summer crowds.
By November, it cools down to around 60°F during the day with increasing chances of rain.
Fall is a charming time to visit due to comfortable weather and fewer tourists.
Autumn also brings various local festivals and cultural activities, adding to the delight of visiting during this season.
What is Athens, Greece Like in Winter
Winters in Athens, from December to February, are mild compared to other parts of Europe. Daytime temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F, while nights can drop to around 40°F.
In December, the city lights up with holiday decorations and festivities, making it a festive time to visit.
January is the coldest month but still mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F. Rainfall can be more frequent, so packing an umbrella is advisable.
February sees a slight rise in temperatures as they approach spring. Winter is a good time for budget travelers, as accommodation prices are lower, and tourist spots are less crowded.