Weather in Athens in October

How October compares

October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Athens and ranks 77th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within Greece it is 17th of 44 (Greece in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Athens is 8.4°C warmer by day and 6.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Athens peaks at 23.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 3 days top 25°C and 1 in 40 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.1°C; one night in ten drops to 11.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 36.6°C (1991-10-01) and the coldest night 6.7°C (2000-10-25).

Rain in October

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 28 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2010 with 95 mm, the driest 2001 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 22.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 22.0°C to 23.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (26.3°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:34 and sets about 18:48 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 39%.

Is October a good time to visit Athens?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Athens on our scoring are June, September, May; months averaging 25°C or more: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days, but pack for cooler evenings

Light clothing should work well during the warmer part of the day, with a jumper or jacket ready for evenings. There is still scope for genuine warmth: 31% of days reach 25°C, so keep sun protection handy and leave room for a break if midday feels hot. At the cooler end, the coldest 10% of nights fall to around 12°C or below, making trousers and a warmer layer useful for sitting outside after dark. October suits travellers who prefer walking in warmth without relying on sustained heat. It is less suited to anyone who wants every evening to feel like summer.

Some rain, with useful sunshine between plans

Rain is a reason to keep plans flexible, rather than a reason to rule October out. About 4 days have rain, so a light waterproof is sensible, but waterproof clothing need not dominate your packing. There are about 6.7 hours of sunshine within 11 hours of daylight, giving you useful scope for outdoor time without assuming clear skies throughout your stay. Put weather-dependent plans on the clearer days and keep something indoors in reserve. Comfortable shoes that can handle a shower are a better choice than packing only sandals. Check the forecast before heading out rather than treating the monthly average as a promise.

Swimming is still on the cards

With an average sea temperature of 23°C, October is still suitable for swimming rather than just a quick, bracing dip. The year-to-year range is 22°C to 24°C, which supports packing swimwear if time by the water matters to you. Personal comfort still varies, and getting out can feel cooler than staying in, especially when the air is not particularly warm. Keep a dry layer handy and choose a warmer, brighter spell for a swim. For a trip centred on the city, swimming works well as an optional part of the holiday rather than something to build every day around.