Visiting Athens in the winter

Truth be told that not a lot of travelers actually consider visiting Athens in the winter. Greece is generally known as a summer destination and Athens does attract thousands of visitors from May until September.

However, Athens is actually equally charming in the wintertime and offers plenty of choices in activities, experiences and sites to visit. In reality visiting Athens in the winter between November and March would make the journey ideal for those who wish to escape the crowds.

Now, to break it all down I’ll share all the things you need to know about visiting Athens in the winter. In the Athens winter guide that follows I’ll even include a packing list for you.

I have to admit that the temperature does drop in winter, especially if one compares it to summer. Needless to say though that the weather conditions in Athens are still quite pleasant.

January and February are the coldest months of the year even though one can feel the temperature drop from November onward. Temperatures in these two months range from 7C° to 14C°. Although rainfalls may occur in reality they do not last long.

So if it is some winter sun and Vitamin D you are after the Greek capital is the ideal city for you to visit this winter!

If you still can’t decide if a winter trip to Athens is for you just have a look my Athens Season Guide to find the ideal time for you!

Since I mentioned everything you need to know about the winter weather in Athens I think we can all agree that flip flops and swimsuits should not be on your packing list.

But fear not packing as there is no need to over pack if you think layering is needed! A sweater and a jacket should be exactly what you need to stay warm while visiting this Greek city.

Winter in Athens may be cold but usually never to extremes. Especially if you are visiting from the UK, or any other Northern European country for that fact, I am pretty sure the weather will be to your liking.

• Warm clothes, such as jackets, gloves, scarves etc.
• A raincoat, just in case you visit on one of those rainy days.
• Definitely comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on visiting all the sites!
• Rain in Athens is rare, but can be sudden so do pack an extra pair of socks.
• As Athens is quite sunny even in the winter don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
• A power adapter.
• If you do not plan on spending your days here indoors do have power bank with you.
• If you do plan on visiting a nearby island or plan a trip by the sea you might also want to have a mosquito repellent with you.

If you are still wondering of the benefits of visiting one of oldest European cities (true fact about Athens!) I have you covered!

1. Better deals are available during the winter months

In total disclosure winter in Athens is consider off season. Hence you will be able to find better deals as far as accommodation and experiences are concerned as well as low-cost flights! Did you know that both the Athens Acropolis (archaeological site) and the Acropolis museum offer discounted (up to 50% off) entrance fees during winter?

2. Ideal weather for outdoor activities

Summer temperatures in Athens are hot and can easily go up to 40C°. So walking around the archaeological sites or doing activities may not be so pleasant. December on the other hand has an ideal climate to explore all the city has to offer. From walking around all the archaeological sites to easily hiking up Philopappos Hill.

3. Avoid the crowds

Athens in winter definitely caters to fewer guests. Can you just image how nice it will be to visit some of the most famous attractions worldwide at your own pace without having to squeeze through the crowds?

4. Taste authentic Greek winter food

The Mediterranean diet is probably one of the best diets in the whole worlds. The Greek cuisine is actually considered one of the healthiest available throughout the world. And what a lot of people may not know is that the Greek cooking is actually seasonal. There are specific dishes that can be enjoyed only in winter. Here are a few dishes you may want to try:

• Lachanodolmades, aka Greek stuffed cabbage leaves.
• Giouvarlakia, aka meatball soup
• Trahanas. Not actually a dish but more of an ingredient, and the most common way it is consumed is in soup
• Fasolada. This is actually a bean soup that can be found throughout the year.
• And if you visit during Christmas we have two special sweets: melomakarona and kourabiedes. Most people enjoy both, but for those who grew up in Greece it is very common to favor one over the other.

Foodies do love Athens for its ever evolving gastronomy. Sign up to my newsletter to get your free Athens food guide that includes eateries that are 100+y.o. in Athens City center.

5. Christmas and New Years in Greece

Like most religious holidays Christmas is celebrated with family members. Actually traditionally New Year’s celebrations are more important that Christmas for Greeks. As soon as the ball drops the city turns into a huge party that goes on throughout the night and ends with Greeks having breakfast in the city with friends and family members. As the Greek Christmas traditional are a little bit different from the rest of the world, have a read here if you plan on visiting during this time.

In conclusion, Athens is a great destination for winter holidays and I’m guessing that if you ‘ve read this so far you are probably considering visiting in the winter.

I hope this winter Athens guide of mine has provided you with all needed information.

If you need help with finding the ideal accommodation and/or some amazing experience for your winter stay please reach out and I’ll help you choose or you can have a look at some amazing homes available for rent in Athens.