The fantastic thing about a metropolis like Athens is that there’s at all times one thing occurring. The grand historical ruins and very good museums are open year-round. However relying in your finances and your objectives, you would possibly discover that tailoring your journey to a sure season fits you greatest.
Summer season is scorching, scorching, scorching – and full of vacationers and excessive costs, however the unimaginable arts and cultural festivals explode throughout that season. Winter’s received rock-bottom costs and a vibrant nightlife as Athenians preserve themselves entertained by means of the chillier months.
Spring and fall are an ideal compromise, with affordable temps, costs and crowds. And at all times fantastic is Greek Orthodox Easter, the place the whole nation stops what they’re doing and joins the celebration.
The quiet shoulder seasons (April & Could, September & October) are the very best time to visit
Spring and Autumn in Athens are a present. The gentle temperatures make exploring straightforward, and the summer time crowds have but to arrive or have waned in order that should you time your visits proper, you’ll have elbow room on the well-known sights. Lodging costs can drop by 20%, and repair could be higher total.
The exception is Greece’s largest blowout vacation, Orthodox Easter, which is preceded by per week of celebration – the date adjustments yearly (and is typically in Could). The entire nation will get a vacation, and resorts get booked up. Reserve nicely prematurely. One of the spectacular Good Friday candlelit processions climbs Lykavittos Hill.
Athens is gorgeous in September, good for strolling the streets or hitting the golf equipment with locals getting back from the islands. Although festivals have wound down, October is a good month to keep in Athens, too, as metropolis life stays sturdy and the theater and opera start. Ohi Day on October 28 commemorates the day in 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Metaxas rejected Mussolini’s ultimatum.
Finances vacationers can bag a discount from November to March
In winter, the temperatures drop, and also you would possibly even see occasional snow, however the Athens nightlife booms. Lodging is at its lowest value for the 12 months, so it’s a brilliant time to journey on a finances – although take into account that should you plan to visit islands as nicely, the ferry schedules are at their most restricted.
One of many least busy months of the 12 months, November means area on the prime sights and no main vacation schedule disruptions. Come December, although, and the cool sunshine offers approach to brilliant lights throughout the Christmas season. Nightclubs and bouzoukia in Athens are energetic, working into the wee hours.
Within the new 12 months, the spotlight of February is often Carnival, keyed to the three weeks prior to the fasting of Lent. Minor occasions lead up to a weekend of costume parades, feasting and dancing.
June to August is the excessive season – prepare for a competition overload
Whereas excessive summer time could be blazing scorching and lodging prices probably the most, it’s additionally the very best time to be a part of Athens’ bountiful competition season and booming seashore membership scene. In August, Athenians go away for the islands, and a few eating places, galleries and bars shut — however the upside is that town visitors is calmer.
For festival-goers, June sizzles in Athens. Prime nationwide and worldwide performers fill phases with dance, music and drama, and most of the festivals proceed all summer time, just like the Athens Epidaurus Pageant. Temperatures proceed to soar, and outside cinemas and sprawling seashore golf equipment thrive in July.
Come August, when Athenians go away for the islands, count on to do much less however chill out extra. If you happen to’re touring mid-month, reserve nicely forward as Greeks take to the roads and boats for the Feast of Assumption on August 15.