Athens in Summer – Heat Tips, Beaches, Evenings and Islands

Athens in summer – what to know

Athens in summer is hot, sun-drenched and full of life. From June to September the days are long, the skies almost always clear and the evenings perfect for sitting outside until late. On the other hand, midday can be very hot, especially in July and August, and heatwaves do happen. The secret is to plan your day like a local: sights and walks in the early morning, the sea or a rest at midday, then back out after sunset. Plan it right and you'll enjoy the city's happiest season – and the rare combination of an ancient city with the sea a short drive away.

Handling the heat

The Athenian summer sun is strong and the heat is dry, so the most important thing is to drink plenty of water all day. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and wear light, breathable cotton or linen. There are drinking fountains in many places and kiosks selling cold water on almost every corner. Choose a hotel with good air conditioning and shaded windows, and plan a break indoors or in an air-conditioned café during the hottest hours. With children or older travelers, keep a slow pace with plenty of shade and stops. On heatwave days, simply skip long walks at midday.

The best hours for the sights

The Acropolis and other open-air archaeological sites are best seen early in the morning, right at opening, or towards the end of the day when the sun is low, the light is lovely and the heat is bearable. At midday there's almost no shade on the hill, and the white marble reflects the heat. During extreme heatwaves the authorities sometimes change opening hours or close sites at midday, so check the day before. Use the hottest hours for air-conditioned museums such as the Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum. Strolls through Plaka and Anafiotika are also best in the morning or late afternoon.

Beaches near Athens

One of the great perks of Athens in summer is how close the sea is. Along the Athens Riviera, south of the city, there's a string of beaches – from organized ones with sunbeds and facilities to small coves with crystal-clear water. Vouliagmeni is known for its turquoise water, and the coast road continues all the way to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea. On summer weekends the beaches fill with locals, so weekdays are more relaxed. Yana arranges a Riviera day trip – Vouliagmeni and Sounion – with a driver, so there's no need to rent a car or hunt for parking.

Evenings outdoors – the real Athenian summer

In summer Athens really comes alive in the evening. Once the heat breaks, people pour into the streets, tavernas put tables out in the lanes and rooftop bars fill up with views of the floodlit Acropolis. One of the most Athenian summer experiences is the open-air cinema – courtyards with chairs and a film on a big screen under the stars, some with views of the hill. Another idea is to climb Lycabettus or Philopappos Hill for sunset. And to watch the sun go down from the water, a Riviera sunset cruise with dinner is one of the loveliest ways to end a summer day.

Island escapes

Summer is the perfect season to hop over to an island. Ferries leave Piraeus for the nearby Saronic islands – Aegina, Agistri, Poros and Hydra – as well as the more distant Cyclades. With just one day, you can take a three-island day cruise, or charter a private boat to Aegina and set your own pace, with swim stops in quiet bays. In August ports and ferries are very busy, so book ahead. Pack a swimsuit, towel and hat, and leave the heavy shoes at the hotel.

When to come in summer

June and September are considered the most pleasant summer months in Athens: warm and sunny, the sea already or still warm, and fewer crowds than in peak season. July and August are the hottest and busiest, but also the fullest of events and energy. Around 15 August – an important Greek holiday – many Athenians leave on vacation, the city is quieter and some businesses close. In summer a strong northerly wind, the meltemi, sometimes blows; it cools the air but can affect sailings. If the weather changes, Yana lets you know and arranges alternatives.

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