Athens in August

Greece › Athens › June Weather
By Santorini Dave

See Also
• Best Places to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
• Best Family Hotels in Athens

Athens in August: Be prepared for heat, crowds, and blue skies.

Visiting Athens in August is an exercise in extremes. This is the city at its hottest, most intense, and in a strange way, both crowded and empty. While the archaeological sites are packed with tourists, many Athenians have fled to the islands or hometown villages, leaving parts of the city with a uniquely quiet, sultry, mid-summer lull. This is a month for sun-worshippers and heat-seekers who are prepared to adapt to the local rhythm of life: a slow morning, a long afternoon siesta, and a vibrant social scene that begins after the sun goes down.

Athens in August: What to Expect
• Weather: Brutally hot. August is the hottest month of the year, period. Expect scorching, dry heat that radiates from the city’s marble and concrete. All planning must revolve around managing this heat.
• Crowds: A tale of two cities. Tourist sites like the Acropolis are at peak capacity. However, many residential neighborhoods can feel quiet, as Athenians take their traditional summer holidays, especially around the major national holiday on August 15th (Feast of the Dormition).
• Prices: Peak of the peak. Hotel and flight prices remain at their highest levels. Do not expect any deals. Book everything as far in advance as possible.
• Activities: Your schedule is dictated by the thermometer. Many smaller, family-run shops and restaurants may be closed or have reduced hours as the owners are on vacation. Major sites and museums remain open, but authorities may close outdoor sites like the Acropolis midday during extreme heatwaves for safety reasons.
• Temperature: Expect daily temperatures to soar into the mid-to-high 30s Celsius (95-102°F). Severe heatwaves pushing temperatures past 40°C (104°F) are a distinct possibility. Nights are very warm and often humid, rarely dropping below 25°C (77°F).
• Sunshine: Absolute and unforgiving. The sun is incredibly powerful. A wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and carrying a water bottle are not optional; they are critical for your health and safety.
• Swimming Conditions: The sea is your savior. The waters of the Athens Riviera are at their warmest all year, averaging a bath-like 26-28°C (79-82°F). A day at the beach is an essential part of any August Athens itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Athens in August

Life in August Athens follows a strict pattern. Be active from 8 AM to 11 AM. From 11 AM to 6 PM, be indoors with air conditioning or be in the water. After 6 PM, the city slowly comes back to life.

Visit the Acropolis & Major Archaeological Sites
• Essential: Be at the Acropolis entrance at 7:45 AM to get in at 8 AM. You have a two-hour window, at most, before the heat becomes dangerous. Check the official websites daily, as authorities will shut down the site with little warning during heatwaves. A reusable water bottle, hat, and light-colored clothing are mandatory.

Live in the Museums
• The hottest hours of the day should be spent in the city’s magnificent, air-conditioned museums.
• The Acropolis Museum: This is your number one refuge. It is cool, spacious, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring its treasures before enjoying a cold drink at the cafe.
• National Archaeological Museum: Another fantastic heat escape. It is so vast that it never feels crowded.

The Athens Riviera: Your Daytime Base
Consider making the coast your base of operations for at least one full day.
• Beaches and Beach Clubs: Take a taxi or the tram to Vouliagmeni or Varkiza. Pay the entrance fee for a good organized beach club. This gets you a reserved umbrella, sunbed, and service, ensuring you have shade and refreshment for the entire day.
• Lake Vouliagmeni: This stunning thermal lake is a top-tier choice for an August afternoon. Its constant, pleasant temperature and ample shade offer a more relaxed experience than the sun-baked coast.

Athens Nightlife in August
Night is when August Athens truly exists.
• Rooftop Bars: Essential. These are the city’s breezy sanctuaries, offering incredible views of the floodlit Acropolis and a chance to cool down.
• Coastal Venues: The real party is at the coast. The paraliaki (coast road) is lined with huge open-air clubs and bouzoukia that are packed until dawn.
• Outdoor Cinemas: A perfect, relaxed evening activity. Watching a classic film under the stars with a cold beer is a quintessential Athenian pleasure.

Athens in August: Travel Advice
• For Couples: Romance in August is found in the cool moments. Splurge on a hotel with a private plunge pool or an impressive main pool to create your own oasis. Plan for late, leisurely dinners after 9 PM in the charming courtyards of Plaka. The heat makes a daytime escape to the coast feel like a mini-vacation.
• For Families: Managing kids in the August heat requires a strategy. Book a hotel with a great pool; this will be the center of your family’s afternoons. Plan only one major activity in the early morning (a quick trip to the Acropolis or the Ancient Agora), then retreat. The Acropolis Museum is very family-friendly. Avoid dragging children through the streets midday. The “Happy Train” that tours the city center can be a fun way to see the sights without as much walking.
• Getting Around: Minimize walking in the sun. The Metro is your best friend; it is clean, efficient, and most importantly, powerfully air-conditioned. Use it to travel between neighborhoods. Or use taxis, which are also air-conditioned and readily available. Walking even a few blocks at 2 PM can be exhausting. Plan your movements to minimize sun exposure.
• Your Hotel is Your Oasis: I would not book a hotel unless it has excellent, powerful air conditioning and a swimming pool. Your hotel room will be your primary sanctuary from the midday heat.
• Adopt the Siesta: The local custom of a long afternoon nap is a survival tactic. Explore early, have a light lunch, and then retreat to your cool hotel room from 2 PM to 5 PM. This will energize you for the long, lively evening ahead.
• Dress for the Heat: Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Comfortable sandals or walking shoes are a must.