Greece, Europe

Athens in August

Athenians flee to the islands, especially around August 15, and some neighborhood tavernas close. The heat is the same as July.

Think twiceVery hot, highs near 92F (33C), dry and dusty

Acropolis of Athens, Greece — AthensPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Athens. Athenians flee to the islands, especially around August 15, and some neighborhood tavernas close. The heat is the same as July.

Weather: Very hot, highs near 92F (33C), dry and dusty
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What August is like in Athens

August is as hot as July, with highs near 92F (33C), dry dusty air and very little breeze in the city. Crowds ease slightly and prices dip from the July peak, but only because Athenians leave for the islands, especially around August 15. Some neighborhood tavernas and shops close for a week or two. Sites stay open, though heat-wave afternoon closures remain possible.

This month is a poor fit for most sightseeing trips, and families with young children will find the heat tiring. If you must go, treat Athens as a one or two day stop on the way to the islands. For a proper city visit, late September and October are far better.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Athens this month.

Evening theater

The Athens Epidaurus Festival runs through August, with performances in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus under the Acropolis.

A quieter city

With locals away, streets and metro are calmer, especially in the days around August 15.

An easy island jump

Athens is the gateway to the Greek islands, and August is when their sea is warmest.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothing
A sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
A refillable water bottle
Swimwear for the Riviera or the islands

Our timing tip

Book ferries and hotels well ahead for the days around August 15, when half of Athens heads to the islands at once.

Book Athens for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Athens
Opens a hotel search for Athens in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Athens
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Athens
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Athens for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Athens Epidaurus Festival

Early June through August

Theater, music, and dance, including ancient drama performed in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus under the Acropolis and at the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

Things to do in Athens

Full guide

The Acropolis

Enter at the 8am opening or in the last two hours before closing. Tickets are sold in timed slots; buy online in advance for spring through fall.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Acropolis Museum

Do it after the rock, not before, so the sculptures make sense. The top-floor Parthenon Gallery is the reason to come.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

National Archaeological Museum

The Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and the bronze Artemision god. Budget at least three hours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus

The best-preserved Doric temple in Greece and far fewer people than the Acropolis. Shade trees make it a good late-morning stop.

Tickets and tours →

Plaka and Anafiotika

The old town under the north slope. Anafiotika's whitewashed lanes feel like an island village dropped into the capital; go early before the tour groups.

Tickets and tours →

Lycabettus Hill at sunset

The highest point in central Athens. Walk up in about 30 to 40 minutes or take the funicular; the view over the lit Acropolis is the payoff.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Be at the Acropolis gate for the 8am opening. Cruise groups typically arrive from about 9:30am, and by late morning the Propylaia entrance is a slow shuffle.
Check the cruise schedule for Piraeus. Big ship days put thousands of extra visitors on the rock; on those days do the Acropolis at opening or in the final two hours.
Buy a timed Acropolis ticket online in advance from April through October. Same-day tickets exist but the preferred slots go first.
Use the combined ticket for the lesser sites (Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Olympian Zeus). They are rarely crowded and cover the city's history better than the Acropolis alone.

Know before you go

Athens does not have an off season in the island sense. Museums, sites, restaurants, and hotels run year-round.
Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours, typically closing in the late afternoon from about November through March. Check the day's hours before planning a sunset visit.
During extreme heat waves the Acropolis has been closed during the hottest afternoon hours. It usually reopens in the early evening, but confirm on the day.
Sites close or shorten hours on major holidays, including January 1, March 25, Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25 and 26.

Athens in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Athens?

August is a month to think twice about visiting Athens. Athenians flee to the islands, especially around August 15, and some neighborhood tavernas close. The heat is the same as July.

What is the weather like in Athens in August?

Very hot, highs near 92F (33C), dry and dusty.

Is Athens crowded in August?

Athens is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Athens in August?

Athens Epidaurus Festival (early june through august).