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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So, while Greece may not be as warm as it is in the summer months, it can still be a great destination to visit in January for those who enjoy winter sports or cultural activities. It's important to pack warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable during the colder temperatures.
So, while Greece may not be as warm as it is in the summer months, it can still be a great destination to visit in January for those who enjoy winter sports or cultural activities. It's important to pack warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable during the colder temperatures.
Athens sees the most number of tourists during the summer months of July and August which is the peak season here but one can head here all year round. The advantage of visiting during the winter is a lesser number of tourists and no queues at the archaeological sites and museums.
Crowds and CostsThe wonderful part about visiting Athens in January is that it's extremely cheap compared to other times of the year—and much less crowded. Flights into the city are much more affordable than, say, mid-July, and many of the hotels run special off-season rates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winters are mild, generally. But very cold days, with snow, can happen. You should wear warm clothes. Gloves are not necessary (except if you are going to the mountains to ski…).
1. Crete. Greece's largest and most southerly island, Crete has mild and sunny weather throughout winter; in fact, it has some of the warmest winter weather in Europe with average highs generally around 15-16°C and average lows around 9-11°C.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Greece. Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be May, June and July. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is January.
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.
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.
The distance between Athens and Santorini is 235km (145 miles). Travel time by ferry: from 5 to 9 hours. Travel time by plane: 50 minutes. Santorini has a small airport that only services a few airlines, so most visitors to the island stop in Athens before continuing to Santorini by plane or ferry.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Athens. Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be May, June and July. The cheapest month to fly from United States is January.
It's not too long for Athens and with your interest. Athens is a good mix of urban / quieter areas + parks / builtup areas that can keep you busy easily for a week.
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.
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.
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.
First-timers to Athens should stay in one of the walkable, central neighborhoods with easy access to the Acropolis, Agoras, and museums. Monastiraki, Plaka, Syntagma, Psirri, Makriyanni, and the City Center are just about perfect.
Athens is the largest city in Greece, and is worth a visit. For first timers, its recommended to spend a minimum of 2-3 nights in Athens to see the major sites like the Athens Acropolis. However, spending 4-5 nights will allow you to experience more that the city has to offer and add in a day trip or 2!