Climate

Athens is generally hot and dry in the summer, cooler and wetter in the winter.  Many visitors to Greece do not quite appreciate exactly how hot it can become.  

Temperatures of over 40 ^oC are not uncommon during the summer months, and there can be similar heat waves as early as May.  Similarly, there can be extremely cold conditions; snow and blizzards during the winter.  Those of us used to gradual climatic change through the seasons, with lengthy springs and autumns, tend to think of Greece as having only two seasons, summer and winter, with spring and autumn being the few days that separate these seasons. 

It is especially important to bring a variety of clothing to suit various temperatures if you visit Greece during March or October.  We can remember flying into Athens through a freezing  blizzard at the end of March, then suddenly two days later, we were wandering around in T-shirts. And it does rain during the cooler months.  Downpours can be sudden and torrential.

The coast is always somewhat cooler than the city, so if you're feeling the heat, you can always take a trip to one of the coastal resorts to the east of Athens.  One of the amazing sights in Athens during the summer, is traffic jams at about 2.am in the morning, as people make their way home.  It's hot, so people do the sensible thing if they can; they take a siesta in the afternoon, then party and visit the coast when it's cooler.

Points to consider

• When booking holiday accommodation in Greece it's important to consider climatic control, especially during the summer.  Most accommodation will have air-conditioning, but do check.  Uncomfortably high temperatures, especially if you're not used to them, can ruin your holiday. 
• Because of the climate, the water tends to be heated using solar power.  If this isn't backed up by an alternative power source, you may find that there is little or no hot water available early in the morning. Large hotels should not suffer from the problem but apartments or villas might. Again, check before booking.
• If visiting during the summer months, make sure that you have a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
• If visiting during March or October or November, take clothes suited to both warm and cold conditions.  A winter coat, gloves and umbrella may be necessary from November to March.  Alternatively, you may be fortunate and find that conditions are pleasant, but it's best to be prepared.

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