Weather in Athens in April
In Athens, April brings spring weather that is pleasantly warm and mostly dry. Daytime highs average around 20°C / 68°F, and nights drop to about 12°C / 53°F. Sea temperatures average around 16°C / 61°F, cold enough that only hardy swimmers go in. Rain falls on around 3 days, adding up to about 26 mm over the month. The weather settles as spring goes on, and rain becomes less and less frequent. Athens sits in a basin ringed by mountains, which traps heat in summer and keeps the city drier than much of Greece. Days bring around 13 hours of daylight, leaving long, light evenings. Bring layers, with short sleeves for the day and a sweater or light jacket for later. It's a lovely time for walking, with fresh air and green countryside. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler than the middle of the day. It's comfortable to be out all day, though the midday sun is still strong.
Swimming in Athens in April
The sea around Athens averages about 16°C / 60°F in April, which is cold for swimming, though a few hardy locals still take a dip. The best time for swimming is July, August and September, with August usually the warmest. Beaches like the Athens Riviera, around Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Athens in April
In Athens, April strikes a good balance between atmosphere and space. You'll find better deals on rooms and car hire than in July and August. Greek Easter, which often falls in April, brings a surge of Greek visitors, so check the date and book ahead if it falls in your trip. The crowds concentrate at the Acropolis, so for a calmer experience, go at opening time or in the last hours before closing. You can often book at short notice, except around holidays.
What's Open in Athens in April
As a major city, Athens never really closes, and transport runs year-round. Hotels and tavernas are open as usual, with no seasonal closures to worry about. Archaeological sites and museums are on their longer summer hours. Most sites close on Easter Sunday. Public transport and services run as normal. Outdoor café terraces are in full use. Cafés and tavernas are busy with locals, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
Festivals & Holidays in Athens in April
Greek Easter often falls in April, and it's the biggest celebration of the year, with candlelit processions on Good Friday, midnight services on Saturday and lamb roasting on Sunday. Many businesses close on Good Friday afternoon and Easter Sunday, and lots of Greeks travel to their home villages for the holiday. Locals in Athens mark these dates in the traditional way, and visitors are welcome to join in.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Athens?
April is one of the best months to visit Athens. In numbers: highs of about 20°C / 68°F, lows of 12°C / 53°F and rain on around 3 days in a typical April. The weather is comfortable for walking all day, the light is lovely and the summer heat hasn't arrived or has already gone. It suits almost every kind of traveler, especially those coming for seeing the Acropolis. Book a little ahead, as it's a popular time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Athens in April?
Sunset in Athens is at around 7:45 pm at the start of April, around 8:00 pm in mid-April and around 8:15 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. Filopappou Hill and Lycabettus Hill are the classic viewpoints.
Does it rain in Athens in April?
A little. April usually brings a few showers between long, sunny spells, and rain rarely lasts all day. It's one of the most pleasant months for walking and sightseeing, with green countryside and comfortable days.
Can I visit the Acropolis in April?
Yes. The Acropolis is open, and April is one of the most pleasant times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than in summer. Check the official opening hours before you go. Book a timed-entry ticket online in advance.
Do I need a car in Athens in April?
No. Athens has a good metro, trams and buses, and the historic center is compact and walkable. A car is more hassle than help in the city, though it's useful for day trips to places like Cape Sounion.
Is April or May better for a trip to Athens?
May, for the most reliable weather, with warm, sunny days that are ideal for sightseeing. April is a little cooler and more changeable, but still lovely, and quieter unless it includes Easter.
Athens Weather by Month
