Wondering why you should be visiting Athens, Greece in October?
The long, sunny, summer days are gone, and all you can think about is to get one more chance to sit on your beach towel, toes in the sand, listening to the beautiful sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I get you. Well, I’ve got some good news for you: Athens is blessed with warm enough temperatures to get your bikini on till the end of October! Athens is a beautiful city to visit all year round, but one of my favourite times in the city must be during fall. The oppressive heat is gone, and you can now enjoy walking around with most of the crowds gone. I’m not saying that you won’t find any tourists in the city, but much less than during the summer months. Read on to find out why October is a great time to visit Athens!
How is the weather in Athens in October?
That’s a question many of you have asked me. While October isn’t as hot as the summer months, we still enjoy warm, sunny days. The temperature during the first two weeks of October is usually around 25°C+, while the last two weeks are between 20°C and 25°C. Most days are sunny, but you can expect some clouds and it usually only rains for a couple of days. So yes, weather-wise, October is a really good time to visit Athens!
Can I go to the beach in Athens in October?
Yes, you can! I’ve heard people recommending not to but October is actually a nice month to enjoy the beach. It might not be as hot as during summer days and the water is a little colder but the beaches are much less crowded while still enjoyable. You can still have a great time there and without getting cold in your swimsuit! The best is to go late morning/beginning of the afternoon, but if you’re planning to stay till sunset better bring a light jacket with you. Last year I was swimming on the 21st of October and it was great!
View from the Astir Palace hotel, Vouliagmeni area
Suggested article: 12 stunning beaches near Athens, Greece
The best things to do in Athens in October
Visit historical sites
Fewer crowds, less heat, means more opportunities to enjoy the historical side of Athens! Take your time to visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Olympieion, the old Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium) and more! Most sites and museums are still open till late in the afternoon (17:00 or 18:00), you can find more information on the Ministry of Culture’s website.
The Roman Agora
Go to the beach
There are so many beautiful beaches in Athens! No need to go to the islands to enjoy the Aegean sea. Most of them are within 30 minutes reach from the centre by car, and about 45 minutes by bus.
My personal favourites are in the area of Vouliagmeni, in the south of Athens. There you will find private beaches but also quiet, small public beaches that will make you feel like being in the Greek islands. Try Zen Beach in Vouliagmeni, there is both a public and a private side filled with sunbeds. Vouliagmeni is accessible only by car or by bus. If you’re looking for a closer but still pleasant beach, try the ones in the neighbourhood of Glyfada. They are easily accessible by tram from the centre of Athens.
You can also check these 12 stunning beaches near Athens for a comprehensive guide!
Althea Beach, Aghia Marina
Enjoy the rooftop bars and coffee shops
While the summer season is still not closed, you can enjoy the rooftop bars in the centre of Athens. All of them offer a great view of the Acropolis, but I would recommend you to have a drink/coffee at Couleur Locale. Located next to Monastiraki metro station, the atmosphere there is just unique, both during the day and nighttime. Be careful not to go too late as most seats are quickly taken! It’s a hot spot for the local crowd, which says long about the place.
Suggested article: 10 rooftop bars you must visit in Athens!
Enjoy the many events of the capital
Athens is known for its vibrant lifestyle, and October is no exception! You will find many events to attend across the city, especially at the Technopolis in Gazi which comes to life pretty much every weekend, welcoming various festivals such as the Chocolate Fest. Time to pamper your taste buds! For the second time, the Athens Chocolate Fest will take place on October 17th-20th at the Technopolis in Gazi. Chocolate lovers will find their pleasure meeting some of the best pastry chefs and chocolate producers of Athens and participating to live cooking sessions and workshops.
Credits @ Athens Chocolate Fest
An important date to remember if you visit Athens in late October is “Oxi Day”. Celebrated on the 28th of October, it literally means “No day”. It is a national public holiday commemorating Greece’s Prime minister Ioannis Metaxas denying Benito Mussolini’s request to allow Italian troops to cross the border into Greece (source WhyAthens: Oxi Day in Athens, full of national pride). On that day, you can expect parades marching around the city centre from 10 am. You can find more info about all the events happening during that day on WhyAthens.
To find out about the events happening in Athens while you are there, have a look at This Is Athens’ events guide which is regularly updated!
Rainy day?
Enjoy the rain to visit one of the many museums in Athens such as the Acropolis Museum or the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The only difficulty here will be to choose! Not feeling like visiting a museum? Athens is also home to many art galleries, most of them located in the area of Kolonaki which might as well be called Athens’ art HQ! If you are looking for more information on the topic, the website This Is Athens has an amazing article about Athens’ best art galleries.
You can also enjoy an afternoon coffee at an unusual coffee place like Noel or Little Kook, which both offer very interesting environments to sit in plus a great menu. Or treat yourself to a little shopping therapy on the main shopping street Ermou or the neighbourhood of Kifissia for a more luxurious experience…
A few last words…
Athens is a very vibrant city, and October is one of the months that proves it! Locals are out, events are full-on, the weather is still very pleasant… It is for me the best month to visit the city. If you need any help planning your trip to Athens or need a customised itinerary, feel free to contact me, I would be happy to share my knowledge of the city with you! So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and hop on a plane for Athens ✈️
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