Athens in August: a seasonal travel plan
Athens, Greece. In august, the average daytime high is 32.5 °C and the night-time low is 23.5 °C. Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.
Choose a month
Selected month: August
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: Athens
Contents
Weather at a glance
- Daytime high
- 32.5 °C
- Nighttime low
- 23.5 °C
- Monthly precipitation
- 13.2 mm
- Days with at least 1 mm
- 1.7
- Daylight
- 13.6 h
2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.
Early, middle and late month
| Period | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Days with at least 1 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–10 | 33.4 | 24.3 | 0.8 |
| Days 11–20 | 32.5 | 23.4 | 0.0 |
| From day 21 | 31.6 | 22.8 | 0.9 |
What this month is like
Athens, Greece. In august, the average daytime high is 32.5 °C and the night-time low is 23.5 °C. Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.
There are 1.7 wet days on average, with about 13.2 mm of precipitation. There are relatively few wet days, so build the plan around walks and keep one indoor option.
How to plan the day
Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.
Average daylight is 13.6 hours, so put longer routes in the brighter part of the day.
What to pack
Pack light breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and water. There are relatively few wet days, so build the plan around walks and keep one indoor option.
Precipitation and an alternative plan
There are relatively few days with precipitation. Build your plans around walks and keep an indoor activity for a wet-weather day.
What to pack
Pack light loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle.
Compared with neighbouring months
Average daytime high: previous month — 32.9 °C, August — 32.5 °C, next month — 29.1 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 2.7, 1.7 and 4.6.
Things to do
Athens sits in a bowl between hills, and the Acropolis shows from almost every district. Below it lie Plaka, Monastiraki and Psirri with tavernas and markets, while Koukaki to the south puts you at the foot of the rock for early climbs.
Acropolis and Parthenon
Climb to the Acropolis at opening time, before the sun heats the marble, since groups gather at the Propylaea. Afterwards go down to the Acropolis Museum, which holds the friezes and the Caryatids.
Ancient Agora and Monastiraki
The Ancient Agora keeps the Temple of Hephaestus and a long stoa, with the Monastiraki flea market nearby selling copperware and records. Stop at a taverna on Ifestou Street for moussaka and saganaki.
National Archaeological Museum
The museum on Patission holds bronze statues, ancient pottery and the Mycenaean gold from Mycenae. Two hours covers the main galleries, and Areos Park is close for a rest afterwards.
Where to stay
Plaka
Plaka below the Acropolis works for a first visit: narrow streets, neoclassical houses and tavernas minutes from the ruins. It is crowded and pricey, and a car is best left outside the quarter.
Koukaki
Koukaki is a calm district near the Acropolis Museum with cafés and family tavernas. It suits early starts on the rock, though Syntagma Square means a walk or a Metro ride.
Psirri
Psirri comes alive in the evening with bars, restaurants and music around Iroon Square. The district suits anyone who wants nightlife at hand, though sleep means a room away from the loudest lanes.
Getting there and around
From Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, Metro line 3 reaches Syntagma Square in about forty minutes, and suburban trains continue to Larissis station. In the city the Metro links the centre with Piraeus and the outer districts, while the tram follows the coast to Glyfada. The centre is compact and most ancient sites are walkable, though summer days are better spent out early and late.
Three days in Athens
Acropolis and Plaka
Climb the Acropolis in the morning, then see the museum at the foot of the rock. After lunch follow the streets of Plaka to the Roman Agora and Syntagma Square.
Agora and Psirri
Begin at the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, then work through the Monastiraki flea market, where stalls are spread out on sheets each morning. Stay in Psirri for dinner at a taverna near Iroon Square.
Museums and Lycabettus
The museum has a hall of Mycenaean masks and bronze horses, and Areos Park next door is good for a rest. Spend the morning there, then climb Lycabettus by cable car for the sunset.
Weather throughout the year
| Month | Daytime high, °C | Nighttime low, °C | Precipitation, mm | Days with at least 1 mm | Daylight, h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.6 | 6.9 | 65.0 | 11.1 | 9.9 |
| February | 14.1 | 7.6 | 53.1 | 8.0 | 10.8 |
| March | 15.7 | 8.5 | 75.1 | 7.9 | 11.9 |
| April | 20.2 | 11.3 | 27.5 | 4.5 | 13.2 |
| May | 25.2 | 15.5 | 18.5 | 4.7 | 14.2 |
| June | 30.4 | 20.6 | 28.5 | 5.4 | 14.8 |
| July | 32.9 | 23.3 | 11.3 | 2.7 | 14.5 |
| August | 32.5 | 23.5 | 13.2 | 1.7 | 13.6 |
| September | 29.1 | 20.5 | 35.1 | 4.6 | 12.5 |
| October | 23.8 | 16.4 | 52.2 | 5.4 | 11.2 |
| November | 19.1 | 12.9 | 64.0 | 8.7 | 10.2 |
| December | 14.7 | 9.0 | 77.4 | 8.5 | 9.6 |
Frequently asked questions
Athens: what is the temperature in August?
The average daytime high is 32.5 °C and the night-time low is 23.5 °C. Daytime is hot. Plan the main walk for the morning and spend the warmest hours in shade or indoors.
How many days with precipitation are there in August?
On average, there are 1.7 days with at least 1 mm of precipitation; the monthly total is 13.2 mm. There are relatively few days with precipitation. Build your plans around walks and keep an indoor activity for a wet-weather day.
What should I pack for walks in August?
Pack light loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle.
How does the weather change from the start to the end of the month?
Average daytime highs by part of the month: 1–10 — 33.4 °C; 11–20 — 32.5 °C; 21 to month-end — 31.6 °C.
How many daylight hours are there in August?
The average is 13.6 hours. Spread walks between the morning and afternoon, then leave the evening for dinner or indoor activities.
Is Athens worth visiting in August?
The climate suits a trip if daytime temperatures around 32.5 °C and nights around 23.5 °C work for you. Start long walks in the morning and keep the hottest hours for shade, museums or a relaxed lunch.
What can I do in Athens on a wet day in August?
There are relatively few wet days, so build the plan around walks and keep one indoor option. Keep a museum, market, café or another indoor route near your accommodation.
What should I pack for Athens in August?
Pack light breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and water. Average daylight is 13.6 hours.