Planning a summer trip to Athens comes with a lot of questions. How hot does it really get? Are the crowds overwhelming? And is summer actually a good time to explore one of Europe’s most historic cities?
After visiting Athens a couple of times during the summer months, I can confidently say that summer in Athens can be incredible...as long as you know what to expect. From early-morning walks through ancient ruins to late dinners al fresco, the city shines during the summer; however, it requires a different pace than if you were to visit in spring or autumn.
Athens in the summer months is defined by high temperatures, long daylight hours, and peak tourism season, especially during the months of July and August. That said, not all summer months feel the same. Based on firsthand experience, early to mid-September is often the sweet spot. The weather is still warm, the evenings are lively, and the crowds thin out noticeably compared to mid-summer.
Whether you are visiting at the height of summer or timing your trip for June or early September, this guide will help you decide if summer in Athens is right for you, and how to make the most of it.
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The short answer: yes, but only if you know what you are getting into!
Summer in Athens is not the effortless, wander-all-day kind of trip you might imagine in spring of autumn. Temperatures are high, crowds gather around major landmarks, and sightseeing requires more advance planning. That said, Athens still can still be incredibly rewarding in summer if you are willing to adjust your expectations and plan your days accordingly.
From personal experience, timing matters more than anything else. Early mornings are ideal for visiting outdoor sites like the Acropolis, while afternoons are best reserved for indoor activities, long lunches, or a short rest back at your hotel. By early evening, temperatures begin to drop and the city comes back to life, making it far more enjoyable to explore neighborhoods, dine out, or simply wander.
July and August are doable, but they are undeniably hot and busy. Early to mid-September, however, offers the best balance. Think: warm weather, lively evenings, and noticeably fewer crowds. Late May and early June can also feel like a sweet spot, especially if you want summer conditions without the peak-season intensity.
If July or August is the only time you can travel, Athens is absolutely worth visiting. You will just want to approach it with realistic expectations, flexible planning, and a willingness to structure your days around the seemingly oppressive heat.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Athens in summer is how well the city adapts to the season. Long daylight hours make it easier to plan around the heat, with early sightseeing, slower afternoons, and late evenings once temperatures cool down.
Summer is also when the Greek Islands are fully in season, making Athens an ideal starting point before heading elsewhere in Greece. Ferry schedules are frequent, island services are fully operational, and nearby beaches offer an easy break from sightseeing. If you are planning to pair Athens with island time, summer provides the most flexibility.
That said, summer comes with trade-offs. Heat is the biggest challenge, particularly in July and August, when midday temperatures can make walking between sites uncomfortable. Crowds are another factor, especially at major attractions like the Acropolis during the late morning and early afternoon.
Finally, summer leaves less room for spontaneous, all-day exploration. Long sightseeing days are still possible, but they are best broken up with indoor stops and rest periods. Travelers who prefer wandering without much planning may find Athens more demanding in summer than in spring or autumn.
Athens is undeniably hot during the summer, particularly in July and August, when daytime temperatures regularly climb into the high 80s and 90s°F (30–35°C). During heat waves, which are especially common in mid-to-late July, temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) for multiple days in a row.
Summer in Athens is also very dry, with little rainfall and long stretches of uninterrupted sunshine. While this means you are unlikely to encounter rain, the combination of high temperatures and dry air can make the heat feel more intense.
These dry conditions also mean that wildfires are unfortunately common in Greece during the summer months. While fires do not typically affect Athens directly, they can occasionally lead to poor air quality and/or hazy conditions, particularly during prolonged heat waves. Most visitors will not be directly impacted, but it is still important to stay aware of local advisories during the summer months and keep an eye on conditions if fires are reported nearby.
In periods of extreme heat, popular outdoor attractions may temporarily close for safety reasons, including afternoon closures at major sites such as the Acropolis during the hottest part of the day. These closures are not guaranteed, but they do happen often enough that it is wise to factor in the possibility into your summer itinerary.
The heat is most noticeable in the middle of the day, typically between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, especially in historic areas with stone walkways and little shade to absorb the heat. Walking uphill or moving between landmarks in the afternoon can feel far more exhausting than the temperature alone might suggest.
That said, you can still make the most of a summer in Athens. Mornings are cooler and more comfortable, making them the best time for sightseeing, while afternoons slow down naturally. By early evening, temperatures drop enough for the city to come back to life, with outdoor dining and evening strolls becoming far more enjoyable.
From personal experience, enjoying Athens in summer comes down to planning around the heat rather than pushing through it. Early starts, built-in breaks, drinking plenty of water, and flexible afternoons make a noticeable difference. It is also worth noting that the months of May and September tend to be far more comfortable temperature wise.
Athens is busy in summer, and there is no way around that...especially at the city's most iconic sites. The Acropolis attracts substantial crowds throughout the day, with daily visitor numbers often reaching its capacity of 20,000 people. The heaviest concentration of visitors at the Acropolis is typically from late morning into the early afternoon when cruise excursions and tour groups overlap.
That said, the crowds in Athens tend to be concentrated rather than constant. While major landmarks can feel intense at certain hours, many neighborhoods and side streets still feel surprisingly calm, even in the midst of peak season. The key is not avoiding the crowds entirely, but understanding when and where they are the most prominent.
Since summer is the peak travel season in Athens, booking accomodations and experiences in advance is essential.
Hotels in central neighborhoods book up quickly, especially well-reviewed properties within walking distance of major landmarks like the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. I strongly recommend staying in or near Monastiraki, particularly during the summer months. A central location makes it easy to pop back to your hotel to refill your water bottle, reapply sunscreen, or take a short rest during the hottest part of the day - all things that make a noticeable difference in summer.
When booking hotels, I usually compare availability and pricing through our affiliate partner, Hotels.com, which has helped us find some of our favorite places to stay in Athens. One hotel we absolutely adore is the Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel, thanks to its central location just steps from Monastiraki Square and its thoughtful, modern design.
We have also stayed at, or had close friends and family stay at, the following hotels in Athens, all of which we can confidently recommend:
The same advance-planning mindset applies to attractions and guided tours. If you are interested in a guided tour to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, a street-food walking tour, a cooking class, or a guided day trip to nearby Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple from Athens, booking in advance gives you more choice and makes it easier to secure the specific activities you are most excited about before they sell out. If you are looking for additional options in Athens, be sure to check out our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide.
Finally, ferries from Athens are also in high demand during the summer months. While ferry schedules are frequent, popular routes and departure times still book up quickly, especially in July and August. If you are continuing on to the Greek Islands after your time in Athens, you should plan to book your ferry tickets using Ferryhopper a couple of weeks before your intended sailing date.
If you are an early riser, mornings are still the most comfortable time to visit outdoor sites. You will not be the only tourist out and about, but the crowds are noticeably lighter than they are later in the morning, and the cooler temperatures make walking-heavy landmarks far more manageable.
Athens also offers flexibility for travelers who prefer a slower start to their day. During the summer, the Acropolis is open until 8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM), making late-afternoon or early-evening visits a realistic alternative. As the day goes on, the crowds thin out, the temperatures drop, and the lighting becomes far more pleasant than at midday.
In either case, booking your Acropolis ticket in advance is essential in summer, especially if you want the freedom to choose an early or late entry time.
If you are planning to visit several major attractions while you are in Athens, including the Acropolis, it may be worthwhile to purchase a bundled sightseeing pass. Options like the Athens City Pass by MegaPass, which includes admission to the Acropolis along with other top sites in Athens, can simplify planning and reduce the need to book multiple tickets separately.
The Ancient Agora is another excellent site to save for later in the day. During the summer months, the Ancient Agora stays open until 7:30 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM), allowing you to explore the historic site in the early evening once the city begins to cool down.
Visiting during these later hours usually feels far more relaxed than squeezing in a stop in the morning or trying to power through in the full heat of midday.
Midday is best reserved for indoor activities. Athens has an excellent collection of museums, and summer is the perfect time to take advantage of them. Using the hottest part of the day to explore museum collections indoors, enjoy a long lunch, or take a break back at your hotel makes returning to outdoor sightseeing later far more enjoyable.
If you are deciding which museums to prioritize, our guide to the Best Museums in Athens highlights the best options that pair especially well with a summer itinerary. As with outdoor attractions, booking museum tickets or timed entries in advance can help you avoid lines and make better use of your day.
The most effective way to sightsee in Athens during summer is to build your day around the heat, rather than trying to push through it. Plan trips to see outdoor ruins and walking-heavy areas for early or late in the day, use midday for museums and slower activities, and book key tickets and tours ahead of time so you are not locked into time slots in the heat of the afternoon.
With this approach, crowds feel manageable and Athens is far easier to enjoy, even at the height of summer.
Packing for summer in Athens is less about fashion trends and more about comfort and practicality. With hot, dry weather and long days out in the sun spent walking between historic sites, what you wear (and what you carry) can make a noticeable difference in how enjoyable your trip feels.
The goal is simple: stay cool, protect yourself from the sun, and pack items that support long sightseeing days without weighing you down.
Lightweight, breathable clothing makes a noticeable difference during summer in Athens. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are far more comfortable than anything synthetic, especially when you are walking between outdoor sites with limited shade.
Loose silhouettes are also key. You will be moving in and out of museums, cafés, and outdoor ruins throughout the day, and airflow matters more than fashion statements.
One thing to keep in mind is that athletic clothing and full athleisure outfits, incredibly common in the U.S. and Canada, will make you stand out in Athens. Locals tend to dress casually, but with intention, even in the height of summer. As such, you will see far more linen, cotton, and relaxed everyday outfits than workout gear.
That being said, comfort still matters. If athleisure wear is what you are the most comfortable in, especially on days with lots of walking or visits to archaeological sites, there is no reason not to wear it. Just know that it will read more "tourist" than local, which may or may not matter to you. Many travelers opt for a mix: practical clothing for sightseeing-heavy days and lighter, more polished pieces for evenings out.
Comfortable walking shoes for a summer in Athens is a non-negotiable. Many archaeological sites in Athens are dusty, uneven, and covered in dirt or fine gravel, especially in the summer. For that reason, sneakers or closed-toe shoes with good traction tend to be the most practical choice. This is not the place for shoes that still need to be broken in or flimsy sandals.
Leather sneakers you can easily wipe clean are especially ideal. They hold up well against dust, provide good support on stone walkways, and still look polished enough for evenings out. Open-toe sandals can work in limited situations, but your feet will get dirty quickly when walking through archaeological sites. So, I recommend saving any sandals you pack for the Greek Islands, where they will be far more comfortable and practical.
A reusable water bottle is one of the most important things to pack for a trip to Athens in summer. The heat, dry air, and walking-heavy days will mean that you will go through water quickly. Tap water in Athens is safe to drink, and water bottle refilling stations are available at many attractions throughout the city.
Having water with you at all times makes sightseeing far more comfortable, especially when long lines or unexpected delays come into play.
Sun exposure is intense in summer, particularly at outdoor archaeological sites. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, even if you are planning early or late visits. Shade can be limited, and it is surprisingly easy to underestimate just how strong the Greek sun can be. No one wants to spend part of their trip dealing with a sunburn, and a little sun protection goes a long way toward staying comfortable as you explore the city. Just make sure to bring sunscreen with you to reapply it regularly throughout the day!
A small backpack or crossbody bag is ideal for sightseeing in Athens, especially during summer. It should be lightweight, comfortable to wear for several hours, and easy to manage in crowded areas.
In addition to water and sun protection, it is worth carrying a portable phone charger, since attraction tickets, reservations, and maps in Athens are almost entirely digital. A dead phone can quickly derail a day of sightseeing.
You may also want to bring headphones for audio guides, or a guidebook if you prefer having information on hand while exploring. These small additions make visits to archaeological sites and museums far more enjoyable.
If you opt for a backpack, be mindful of it in crowded areas. Wearing your backpack on your front in busy areas or using luggage locks can help deter pickpockets, especially around major attractions, in Monastiraki Square, and on public transportation.
Summer in Athens is less about packing in nonstop sightseeing and more about choosing the right experiences at the right times of day. When you plan around the heat and crowds, the city offers a mix of iconic landmarks, excellent museums, and memorable evenings that feel distinctly Athenian.
No visit to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis. However, a visit to the Acropolis during the summer requires a strategy. One advantage of visiting the Acropolis during the summer is that the archaeological site offers extended evening hours, giving you more flexibility than in the winter months. If you are not an early riser, late-afternoon or early-evening visits can be a far more comfortable alternative to midday when it is both hot and packed.
Since weather conditions and hours can change during heat waves, it is worth planning ahead. For a detailed breakdown of ticket options, best entry times, and what to expect on-site at the Acropolis, see my full guide to visiting the Acropolis.
Athens' museums are a core part of understanding the city, and two stand out as true cornerstones: the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Both museums provide essential context for the ancient sites you will encounter around the city and are well worth prioritizing, especially if it is your first visit to Athens.
That said, these are also two of the busiest museums during summer in Athens. If you are looking to avoid the crowds or want to explore a different side of Greek culture, Athens offers several excellent alternatives. The Museum of Cycladic Art is a phenomenal option for ancient art in a quieter, more curated setting than the National Archaeological Museum. Furthermore, the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMΣT) offers a more modern perspective with rotating exhibitions focused on Greek and international contemporary artists.
Art lovers should also consider the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, which houses an impressive modern and contemporary art collection in a beautifully designed space that rarely feels overwhelming (or crowded).
The museums in Athens are ideal when you want to slow down and tailor your visit to your interests, whether that is ancient history, modern art, or something in between.
No matter which museum or historic site you plan to visit, booking tickets in advance is always a good idea in summer. Athens is at its busiest this time of year, and having tickets ahead of time makes sightseeing far more relaxing.
As the temperatures drop in the late afternoon and early evening, Athens becomes far more enjoyable to explore on foot. Neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki are especially atmospheric at this time of day. Evenings are best spent wandering neighborhoods, lingering over dinner, and enjoying Athens once the heat fades.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Athens in summer is how easy it is to pair the city with time elsewhere in Greece. While most islands are not close enough for a day trip, they make excellent additions to a summer in Athens itinerary.
It is also important to mention that summer is also peak season on the Greek Islands. June through August are their busiest months, and places like Santorini can feel especially crowded on days when cruise ships are in port.
That said, timing still makes a difference. Early beach visits, late-afternoon winery stops, and being mindful of cruise ship schedules can help keep things manageable. Cruisemapper is a helpful tool for planning time in the Greek Islands, especially during peak summer. By clicking on the “Schedule” button, you can quickly see which cruise ships will be in port on specific days, which makes it easier to anticipate crowds and choose calmer times to explore.
Among the most popular options, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini stand out for very different reasons, and all pair well with a few days in the capital.
Mykonos and Paros are especially appealing if you are looking for good beaches and a relaxing getaway. Paros tends to feel a bit more laidback while still offering beautiful swimming spots and charming towns (my favorite is Naoussa), making it a natural contrast to busy sightseeing days in Athens.
Meanwhile, Mykonos is best known for its lively nightlife, upscale beach clubs, and stylish boutiques, making it one of Greece’s most energetic summer destinations. It is also a convenient base for visiting the nearby island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country and an easy half-day trip by boat.
Santorini offers a different kind of escape. While the island is not known for sandy beaches in the same way as Mykonos or Paros, it is an excellent follow-up to Athens for travelers interested in wineries, dramatic scenery, and slower, more scenic days. Visiting vineyards and enjoying caldera views feels like a welcome change of pace after time spent seeing historic sites in Athens.
For a deeper look at how to plan island time alongside your city stay, be sure to check out our guide to the best islands near Athens.
Choosing when to visit Athens can shape your entire experience. While summer is the city’s busiest and hottest season, not all summer months feel the same.
July and August are the height of summer in Athens. Days are long, temperatures are at their highest, and the city is at its busiest.
The biggest trade-off is the heat. Sightseeing requires careful timing, and popular attractions are crowded for much of the day. That said, everything is fully open and ferries to the Greek Islands are running frequently. For travelers who do not mind planning around the heat and crowds, July and August can still be rewarding.
Mid-to-late May sits at the end of shoulder season in Athens and can be an excellent time to visit the ancient capital. Temperatures in Athens in May are comfortable, with daytime highs ranging between 77°F to 81°F (25°C to 27°C), making outdoor sightseeing easier, and the city feels lively without being overwhelmingly crowded. Most seasonal businesses and the Greek Islands are open by this point, with ferry routes running more frequently.
June marks the transition into full summer. The weather is hot, days are long, and Athens is noticeably busier. However, it is less intense than July and August, both in terms of heat and crowds. (School summer vacations across much of Europe typically run from late June or early July through early September, which is why Athens is a bit quieter in June than it is in July or August.) June can be a great choice if you want a true summer atmosphere while avoiding the most extreme temperatures and peak congestion that arrive later in the season.
For travelers who want summer conditions without the height of peak season, mid-to-late May and June offer a compelling middle ground: warm days, long daylight hours, and easier sightseeing compared to mid-summer, with fewer trade-offs.
From personal experience, early to mid-September is one of the best times to visit Athens. The weather is still warm and summery, but the extreme heat of July and August begins to ease. In September, daytime highs typically start around 88°F (31°C) and gradually cool down to about 80°F (27°C) by the end of the month. Evenings cool more quickly, making it noticeably more comfortable to walk, dine outdoors, and sightsee after the sun begins to set.
Crowds also start to thin out after August, especially at major landmarks. You still get long daylight hours, but with a calmer pace that makes exploring Athens feel far more manageable. If you are looking for a summer visit without peak-season intensity, early to mid-September strikes an ideal balance.
Spring and autumn are often considered the most comfortable times to visit Athens, largely because of their milder temperatures and more manageable crowds. In spring, daytime highs are pleasant for walking and sightseeing, with cooler mornings and evenings that make exploring outdoor sites feel far less taxing than in summer. Autumn brings similar conditions, particularly in October, when the intense heat of summer has faded but the city still feels lively.
That said, these shoulder seasons come with trade-offs. Daylight hours are shorter and the weather can be less predictable, especially November through March, when occasional rain showers are likely.
For travelers focused primarily on Athens itself, spring and autumn can be excellent choices. However, if long daylight hours and easy connections to the Greek Islands are at the top of your priority list, summer - especially late summer - will be your best bet.
Winter in Athens is quieter and far less crowded than any other time of year, making it appealing for travelers focused on museums, cafés, and exploring local neighborhoods. Temperatures stay relatively mild compared to much of Europe, with daytime highs typically around 57-59°F (13-15°C). However, shorter daylight hours and periodic rain can limit outdoor sightseeing, especially in December, which is Athens’s wettest month.
Choosing when to visit Athens can shape your entire experience. While summer is the city’s busiest and hottest season, it also offers the longest days and the greatest flexibility for combining Athens with island travel.
Spring and autumn are often the most comfortable times to visit Athens itself, thanks to milder temperatures and lighter crowds. These seasons are ideal if your focus is primarily on the city (museums, neighborhoods, cafés, and historic sites), without plans to continue on to the islands.
However, island seasonality matters. Many Greek Islands do not fully open until after Orthodox Easter and begin scaling back again in late September or early October. Ferry schedules may be limited outside of summer, and some hotels, restaurants, and tours may not be operating at full capacity. With that being said, some islands, including Santorini and Crete, are open year-round. So, if you are still eager to visit Athens during the off-season and want to pair your visit with an island (or two), know that you do have options.
If long daylight hours, warm evenings, and seamless island connections are priorities, summer, particularly early to mid-September, makes the most sense. For travelers with flexibility, May and September often offer the best overall balance: comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and more enjoyable sightseeing.
Outside of summer, Athens still works well if island hopping is not part of your plan. However, if you are hoping to combine the capital with beach time or island stays, summer provides the easiest and most reliable experience.
Summer in Athens can be an incredible time to visit, but it is a season that rewards realistic expectations and thoughtful planning. Heat and crowds are part of the experience - especially in July and August - but they do not have to define your trip if you structure your days around timing rather than trying to push through everything at once.
From personal experience, early to mid-September offers the best balance. The weather is still warm, daylight hours remain long, and Athens retains its lively summer energy, but the most intense heat and peak crowds have begun to ease. It is also an ideal time to combine Athens with the Greek Islands, which are still fully open and operating at full capacity.
If you have flexibility with your travel dates, visiting during the shoulder season, particularly May or September, can be even more comfortable, with lighter crowds and easier sightseeing. However, if island hopping is not a priority, Athens is a rewarding destination outside of the summer as well, offering a calmer and more relaxed pace, in autumn and spring.
Ready to start planning? Our Athens Travel Guide brings everything together, from neighborhoods and hotels to museums and practical tips.
Have questions as you plan your trip to Athens? Leave a comment below! We are always happy to help. ⬇️