Month guide · Athens · Greece
Athens in September
What September is really like in Athens: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Athens. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 20°C (68°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Still summer, with the warmest sea of the year and fewer families; excellent for combining the city with the islands.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 20°C (68°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Athens: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 20°C (68°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 30 days. Compared with August (33°C (91°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 07:07
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:34
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm September seas, golden October light and the Athens Marathon in November; rain returns later in the season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
September has no major recurring festival in Athens, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Viewpoint · Kolonaki
Mount Lycabettus
Walk up in the late afternoon and stay for sunset, when the Acropolis lights up; bring water, as the path is steep and exposed.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Active
Viewpoint · Koukaki
Philopappos Hill
Opposite the Acropolis, this pine-covered hill is topped by the marble tomb of Philopappos, a Roman-era prince, and gives the classic straight-on view of the Parthenon.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Acropolis
Areopagus Hill
Use the metal staircase rather than the ancient rock-cut steps; the marble is polished and slippery, especially after rain.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
Garden · Syntagma
National Garden
Queen Amalia's 19th-century royal garden behind the Parliament is a shaded park of about 15 hectares, with palms, ponds of turtles and ducks, a small animal enclosure and a children's library.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Athens.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 20°C and 2 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Athens?
One of the best months to visit Athens. The other best months are April–June and October. Compare every month.
Athens in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Athens?
It is one of the best months to visit Athens. Still summer, with the warmest sea of the year and fewer families; excellent for combining the city with the islands.
+How warm is Athens in September?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 20°C (68°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Athens in September?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.