Is Athens worth visiting in January?

January is the coldest month of the year in Athens—nighttime lows dip to 45°F (7°C)—but it can also be one of the best months to visit due to the lack of crowds.



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Festive Spirit - The Christmas spirit takes over Athens, much like the rest of the world, in December. It is an amazing time to visit Athens as you will get a sneak-peek into the unique Christmas traditions of Greece and relish the local Christmas treats that are not available at any other time of the year.

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January is by far the coldest month of the year in Athens with daytime temperatures around 55°F (13°C) (sometimes climbing to 60 to 62°F (17°C)) and nighttime lows dropping to about 45°F (7°C).

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While elsewhere in Europe, winter swimming means wetsuits or plunging into frozen lakes for just a few seconds at a time, the climate in Athens means temperatures permit (relatively) pleasurable swimming all year round.

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Having said that, here are a few suggestions for your winter in Athens packing list:
  • Warm clothes (Jackets, gloves, scarves, winter hats, etc)
  • A raincoat for the rainy days.
  • Comfortable footwear for getting around and sightseeing.
  • Extra pairs of socks. ...
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen. ...
  • Mosquito repellent.


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The warmest Greek island in January is Crete, which has an average temperature of around 15°C (59°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night.

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The long history and rich culture of Athens have made this city an interesting destination in Greece, particularly for its fine archaeological sites. In brief, it is recommended to stay at least 3 full days in order to visit the most impressive and significant sights, taste the traditional cuisine and shop leisurely.

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With the highest average monthly rainfall (4.5 inches/115 ml), least daily hours of sunshine, and some of the coolest temperatures of the year, January in Santorini is not the best month weather-wise.

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The Mediterranean weather in Athens in January hits an impressive average high temperature of 13°C. This drops to an average low of 7°C on rare colder days. At night, it'll be between 5°C to 8°C. It's one of the wetter months in Athens, but still only 57mm is expected over just seven or eight rainy days.

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While it's not warm enough to sunbathe and swim in the sea, the weather in Mykonos in January is perfect for a relaxing break on this peaceful island. The average temperature is 12°C, dropping to lows of around 8°C at night.

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Visiting Greece in winter, you will find that the beaches are quiet, the islands are a little deserted, and the weather is undoubtedly chillier. But that doesn't make it a wrong time to visit. In fact, in many ways, winter is the best time to experience this ancient nation's culture, history, and versatility.

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The best times to visit Athens are between March and May and from September to November. Weather during the spring and fall months is agreeable and sunshine is pretty much a guarantee. Not to mention, crowds are thinner and hotel and airfare deals are easier to come by than in summer.

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Yes, Athens is worth visiting. It is an incredible city that if full of vibrant culture, thousands of years of history, delicious food, and best of all- wonderful and friendly people. Most people that visit other destinations in Greece, such as Santorini or the Greek Islands, will do so by way of the Athens airport.

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If you don't plan on hitting the beaches, consider a trip to Greece during the winter. While the weather is cooler (the average temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the crowds are much thinner. In 2023, around 635,000 people visited Greece in January, and a mere 572,500 came in February.

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Winter weather in Mykonos Precipitation, which is most frequent from October to March, is also never abundant, as evidenced by the island's arid landscape. This makes it livable year-round, and winter may be the best time to visit if you don't love the summer heat and tourist crowds and adore the stormy sea.

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Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

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There are two options to reach Santorini Island from Athens, the capital of Greece. One is by airplane through Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and the other is by ferryboat from Piraeus Port.

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If you have less than 24 hours here, the Acropolis should be your priority. But you can easily spend up to five days getting to know the city, with options for day trips including important sites like Delphi and the nearby wine region in Attica.

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The temperature of most Greek seas is about 14-16°C during the coldest winter months (January through March), with 14°C being suggested by the Open Water Swimming societies as the minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional.

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If you want a wider choice of bars and restaurants still open, it's best to stick to the main islands, such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Santorini. These islands have large permanent populations, and remain active even in the off-season.

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