Best Time to Visit Athens

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

April and May are the easiest months in Athens. Days are warm, not hot, and the rain mostly stops. You can climb the Acropolis in the afternoon without melting. Wildflowers still show up on Filopappou Hill in spring, and it's a good place for a walk with a view.

September to November is just as good, with a different feel. The sea is still warm enough for a swim at the Athens Riviera, the coast south of the centre, early in the season. October brings more rain, and November gets greyer, but both are fine for museums and long lunches in Plaka. Both seasons suit first-timers, couples and anyone who wants to see a lot on foot.

Summer: hot, bright and busy

June is already hot, and July and August tie as the hottest months, with highs of 33°C and very little rain. Midday at the Acropolis can feel harsh, since there's almost no shade on the rock. Do the ruins right when the gates open, then spend the afternoon in the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum or at the beach in Vouliagmeni.

This is high season. Expect queues and fuller hotels. Mid-August is the quietest the city gets for locals, because many head to the islands around the 15 August holiday, and some small shops and tavernas close. Evenings are lovely, though. The Athens and Epidaurus Festival runs through the summer, with plays and concerts in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Winter: cooler, cheaper, damp

December to February is mild by northern standards, but it's the wettest stretch, and December is the wettest month of all. Grey days are common, and you'll want a coat for evenings. The upside is empty streets around Monastiraki and shorter lines at the major sights. If you're on a budget or hate crowds, this is your window.

Sunny breaks do come, and a clear winter day on Lycabettus Hill is hard to beat. Easter is the big event of the spring calendar. Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in April or early May, and the Saturday-night midnight service, with candles and fireworks, is worth seeing. Another date to know is 28 October, Ohi Day, which brings parades and flags across the city.