December in Athens averages highs of 14 °C (57 °F) and lows of 7 °C (45 °F), with about 6 rainy days and 9 h 32 min of daylight. The sea is cold, around 18 °C (64 °F).
December weather in Athens at a glance
average high to low each dot ≈ 3 rainy days
Is December a good time to visit Athens?
Mixed weather: cool and some rain. December is usually low season in Athens: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
Our rule: a month scores 2 points for comfortable average highs of 18–28 °C (1 point for 14–18 or 28–32 °C) and 2 points for 5 or fewer rainy days (1 point for 6–10). Average highs above 35 °C or below 8 °C make it a tough month whatever the rain. A rainy day here means 2 mm of rain or more. 4 points = great, 3 = good, 2 = mixed, 0–1 = tough.
Holidays and events in December 2026
- Fri 25 Dec: Christmas Day (Χριστούγεννα) public holiday
- Sat 26 Dec: St. Stephen's Day (Σύναξις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Μαρίας) public holiday
Banks and many shops close on public holidays, and museums may change their hours, so check before you go.
Things to do in Athens in December
December's weather suits a mix of outdoor sights and museums, so the open-air ones come first.
- Acropolis and the Parthenon — go at opening time outdoors
- Ancient Agora — Temple of Hephaestus outdoors
- Plaka and Anafiotika — island-style lanes outdoors
- Cape Sounion sunset — Temple of Poseidon, 70 km south outdoors
- Acropolis Museum — glass floors over excavations indoors
- National Archaeological Museum — Greece's greatest collection indoors
Where to stay: Plaka or Koukaki under the Acropolis; Psyrri for nightlife; Kolonaki for upmarket.
What to pack for Athens in December
- Layers and a light jacket: days around 14 °C (57 °F), nights near 7 °C (45 °F).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
What a day in Athens costs
| Budget traveller | Mid-range | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical total per person, per day | €50–110 | €130–270 |
Excluding flights. December is usually low season in Athens: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper.
December in nearby cities
| City | High / low | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini | 15° / 12° | 6 | Mixed weather |
| Istanbul | 12° / 6° | 11 | Tough month |
| Dubrovnik | 13° / 6° | 11 | Tough month |
Plan your Athens trip
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FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Athens?
By the numbers, December is a mixed month: cool and some rain, with average highs of 14 °C (57 °F) and about 6 rainy days. December is usually low season in Athens: rooms are typically easier to find and cheaper. The best months for weather are April, May, October.
How warm is Athens in December?
Average highs are 14 °C (57 °F) and lows 7 °C (45 °F) (2015–2024 averages). The sea is cold, around 18 °C (64 °F).
Does it rain a lot in Athens in December?
Expect about 6 days with 2 mm of rain or more, about 86 mm in total. It is the 2nd wettest month of the year in Athens.
Sources: climate averages from Open-Meteo historical weather (ERA5 reanalysis, 2015–2024); sea temperatures from the Open-Meteo marine API (2023–2024); public holidays from Nager.Date. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of the month. Averages are a guide, not a forecast. Costs are typical ranges per person per day, excluding flights.