Athens in September

Greece › Athens › September 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

The Athens neighborhood of Psirri in September.

September is probably my favorite month of the year to visit Athens. The brutal heat of August breaks, the largest of the summer crowds begin to dissipate, and the city breathes a collective sigh of relief. You are left with what feels like a perfect, endless summer. The weather is beautifully warm, the sea is at its most inviting, and a relaxed, golden energy settles over the city. For travelers who want to actively explore everything Athens has to offer in complete comfort, September is the ideal time.

Athens in September: What to Expect
• Weather: Close to perfect. The days are consistently sunny and warm, but the oppressive heat of mid-summer is gone. The evenings are magical, with comfortable temperatures perfect for walking and outdoor dining.
• Crowds: Noticeably smaller. While early September is still quite busy, the crowds thin out significantly as the month progresses. The large family crowds are replaced by couples and individual travelers. Lines for sites are shorter and the city feels more manageable.
• Prices: Better value. Prices for hotels and flights begin to decrease from their summer peaks. You can find better deals and have more options, especially in the second half of the month.
• Activities: September (along with October) is the prime month for sightseeing. It is comfortable enough to be outdoors for most of the day, allowing for leisurely exploration of archaeological sites and neighborhoods. All sites remain on their full summer schedule.
• Temperature: Expect ideal daytime temperatures averaging in the high 20s Celsius (80-85°F). It can still get hot midday, but it is a far more pleasant heat than in August. Evenings are comfortable, typically around 20°C (68°F).
• Sunshine: Abundant sunshine continues, but the light is softer and the days become slightly shorter than in peak summer. A brief rain shower is a remote possibility towards the end of the month but is very unlikely to affect your plans.
• Swimming Conditions: The sea is at its absolute warmest, having soaked up the sun all summer. The water along the Athens Riviera is perfect for swimming, with average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) or higher.

Best Things to Do in Athens in September

With the weather on your side, September is the month to do everything you want without the limitations imposed by extreme heat.

The Plaka in September.

Visit the Acropolis & Major Archaeological Sites
The experience of visiting Athens’ ancient core is transformed in September.
• My recommendation: An early morning start at the Acropolis is still the best strategy to avoid the remaining crowds, but the entire experience is more relaxed than in July or August. Visiting in the 90 minutes before the site closes is also a great time.

Wander and Get Lost
September is the best month for walking in Athens.
• Explore Plaka and Anafiotika: Spend hours getting lost in the charming, labyrinthine streets at the foot of the Acropolis. In September, you can comfortably explore these areas in the afternoon without feeling exhausted by the heat.
• Hike Lycabettus Hill: The walk to the summit of Lycabettus Hill for sunset is no longer a strenuous challenge but a beautiful evening activity. The panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Saronic Gulf are spectacular. The funicular is still an option if you prefer.

Visit the Athens Riviera
Make a point to visit the coast. The combination of fewer crowds and the warmest sea temperatures of the year makes for a perfect beach day. A trip to Lake Vouliagmeni or one of the organized beaches in Vouliagmeni or Varkiza is highly recommended.

Athens Nightlife in September
The city’s vibrant nightlife continues with gusto.
• Rooftop Bars: The comfortable evening temperatures make September the prime month for enjoying the city’s famous rooftop bars. You can enjoy the stunning views of the Acropolis without the intense humidity of mid-summer.
• Neighborhood Buzz: The energy of the city’s nightlife is palpable. Neighborhoods like Psiri and Gazi are full of life, with bars and live music venues busy with both locals and visitors.
• Outdoor Cinemas: The therino cinema season is still going strong, offering a classic and romantic way to spend an evening.

Visiting the Acropolis in the 90-minutes before it closes is a great way to skip the crowds.

Athens in September: Travel Advice
• For Couples: This is the most romantic month to be in Athens. The pleasant weather is perfect for leisurely strolls, intimate dinners at outdoor tavernas, and watching the sunset from a scenic viewpoint.
• For Families: September is an excellent month to bring the family to Athens. The primary advantage is the weather; the heat is far less intense than in July and August, which makes a huge difference for children’s stamina and mood. You can explore the city’s highlights without worrying as much about overheating. Stick to one major site in the morning, followed by a relaxed lunch. The National Garden is a must-do for a shady afternoon break where kids can run around. A trip to the Athens Riviera is also highly recommended, as the sea is warm and calm, perfect for family swimming.
• For Active Travelers: If you love to explore on foot, this is your month. You can comfortably walk for hours, joining walking tours or creating your own, without the physical strain of the summer heat.
• Getting Around: While the Metro is still an excellent option on the hottest days, you will find yourself wanting to walk much more. The entire historic center is easily navigable on foot, and it is the best way to make unexpected discoveries.