Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Athens in January
This is the coldest month in Athens: highs average 54°F (12°C) and lows 44°F (7°C), with about 2.6 in (66 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 71/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (66 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 54°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 44°F (7°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.6 in (66 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September – November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (73 → 71/100).
- Our Greek Island Hop route recommends May – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Athens in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Lycabettus Hill
Highest point in central Athens, with views to the Acropolis and the sea.
Why now January scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ancient Agora
Ancient marketplace with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
Acropolis
The Parthenon and Erechtheion on Athens' sacred rock.
Varvakios Central Market
Noisy meat and fish halls with spice shops on the surrounding streets.
Brettos
Plaka distillery-bar from 1909 with a wall of colored bottles.
Nearby in January
- Mykonos in January~95 mi · highs 57°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Naxos in January~109 mi · highs 58°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Santorini in January~146 mi · highs 57°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Selçuk in January~198 mi · highs 54°F, 5.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Athens in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Athens?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 71/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 2.6 in (66 mm) of rain. Our Greek Island Hop route recommends May – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Athens in January?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Athens in January?
Some: about 2.6 in (66 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 19.7 in (500 mm).
What should I pack for Athens in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Athens in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.