What December feels like in Athens
In Athens, December brings early winter. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Athens in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 4. When rain comes it is heavy, about 9.3 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is heavier than Athens's usual 6.8 mm per rainy day across the year. December is Athens's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Athens gets 9 h 33 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:34 am to sunset near 5:07 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 36 min. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Athens's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Afternoons run 4.3°C (7.7°F) cooler than in November, with 19 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of 12.3°C (54.1°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Athens in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Athens in December?
It feels cool: typical highs are 14°C (57.2°F), with lows near 7.7°C (45.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Athens in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 74 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Athens in December?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Athens?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #10), rated Good against Good. January is cooler.