Weather in Athens in January

How January compares

January is the 12th warmest month of the year in Athens and ranks 106th of 134 destinations we compare for January - see where else is hot in January. Within Greece it is 34th of 44 (Greece in January). Against London's average high of 7.4°C in January, Athens is 4.4°C warmer by day and 3.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in January

The typical January day in Athens peaks at 11.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 15.6°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 5.4°C; one night in ten drops to 1.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest January day here reached 20.1°C (2010-01-01) and the coldest night -5.8°C (2004-01-25).

Rain in January

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 56 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest January was 2004 with 147 mm, the driest 2007 with 6 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in January

The sea averages 15.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 14.5°C to 16.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.3°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:40 and sets about 17:28 local time in mid-January. Average cloud cover is 54%.

Is January a good time to visit Athens?

January is not the strongest month here: cool days. The best months for Athens on our scoring are June, September, May; months averaging 25°C or more: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Pack for winter, even when the afternoon feels mild

January is Athens' coldest month, so treat it as winter rather than an early taste of summer. Milder days can reach around 16°C, making a removable layer useful when you are walking, but that is not the everyday expectation. At the colder end, nights can fall to around 2°C or below, so a warm coat earns its place in your bag. Wear layers and closed shoes, and keep something warm with you if you will be out after dark. This month suits travellers who dislike heat: midday warmth is not the main constraint, while chilly evenings are a more important consideration.

Keep outdoor plans flexible and use the daylight

Rain is a practical catch rather than a reason to rule January out. About 7 rainy days means you should allow for wet spells without assuming the whole trip will be damp. Bring a waterproof outer layer and shoes you are happy to wear on wet pavements, and leave room to move outdoor plans when rain arrives. There are about 4.4 hours of sunshine within 9.6 hours of daylight, so sunshine is only part of the day, not a promise of clear skies throughout. Put longer walks into the brighter part of the day and keep indoor time flexible rather than committing every afternoon to being outside.