Athens in December
In December, Athens averages 14°C (57°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (75 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Athens is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Athens
December is one of the coolest months in Athens (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (18°C) and cools 1°C in January (13°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Athens
Times shown for Athens local time (Europe/Athens), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Athens — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Athens's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Athens in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Athens's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Athens
Athens is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Athens
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Athens — December
Across the year Athens's sea swings from 15.7°C (March) to 27.8°C (August) — December sits at 17.9°C.
Athens in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 7 | — |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 45 mm | 6 | — |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 45 mm | 6 | — |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 30 mm | 5 | — |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | 20 mm | 4 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 10 mm | 2 | — |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 5 mm | 1 | — |
| August | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10 mm | 1 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F | 15 mm | 3 | — |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 55 mm | 6 | — |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 75 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 75 mm | 8 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Athens in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Athens in December?
In December, Athens averages a high of 14°C (57°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Athens in December?
December sees occasional rain in Athens, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Athens?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Athens in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Athens for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.