When to go · Athens
Athens in August
Avoid month. Very hot; Aug 15 holiday; many locals away.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 33° / 23°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 1
- Crowds
- High
- Greece overall
- Prices
- High
- Greece overall
Verdict
Very hot; Aug 15 holiday; many locals away.
Weather in August
- AthensHighs around 33 °C, lows around 23 °C, rain on about 1 day
- Athens and Attica, Greece · Athens, Piraeus, Cape Sounionhot
Dry and sunny; July–August often over 35 °C with heatwaves to 40+ °C. Winters mild with rainy spells.
Summer season
Hot, dry, the Epidaurus Festival runs, cruise-ship crowds peak, many locals leave for the islands in August.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Athens Epidaurus Festival check
June to August · Odeon of Herodes Atticus and venues citywide
Theatre, music and dance performances, some in ancient venues; book ahead for headline shows.
Dormition of the Virgin
15 August (public holiday) · Nationwide
Many Athenians leave for the islands; some central shops and restaurants close for the week.
Assumption (Dekapentavgoustos) big impact
15 Aug · Greece
Peak of the Greek summer: island festivals (panigyria), ferries and rooms full; Tinos draws pilgrims.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Greece overall
- High
- Prices · Greece overall
- High
Greece overall: Greek holiday peak around 15 August; ferries sold out, wildfire risk highest, rooms at top prices.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen