A Sunny Cruising Experience: Climate In Athens

Greece has the Mediterranean heat and the coldness of Europe. Greece belongs to the European continent but is near the uppermost part of the African continent that makes Athens, consequently, the sunniest city in Europe. The climate in Athens is a consideration when planning a trip to Greece. The surrounding continents of Greece attribute to the type of climate in Athens.

Athens is situated on a peninsula, which lies southeastward to the Aegean Sea. The great Plain of Attica, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides, surrounds the city. The city proper has a land area of 15 square miles (39 kilometers) while the metropolitan district covers an area of 167 square miles (433 square kilometers). Athens is just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from its seaport, Piraeus.

Climate in Athens: Four Seasons

The climate in Athens is semi-arid with temperatures ranging from 7 degrees Celsius during winter to 31 degrees Celsius in the summer months. It seldom frosts in Athens although it can be quite cold at night during winter. Winter clothes are advised for those who wish to have a vacation in these months. Summers in Athens are dry with a northeasterly wind blowing in the day.

Although a trip to the city is attainable in any season, the best time to travel to Athens is during the cool, sunny months of spring and summer. August is probably the hottest month in Athens and is the month in which Athenians as much as possible stay out of the city. Summers in Athens are usually very dry, with little rain, causing some rivers to descend.

Rainfall and Relative Humidity

Rainfall is higher towards September and comes heavy until December or January. Beautiful weather sets in October with some rain and high winds. Rainfall records highest in December that reaches up to 62 millimeters or 2.4 inches while the lowest rainfall is recorded in July with only 5 millimeters. The climate in Athens is mostly dry. Humidity is lowest also in July (47.6%) and highest in December at 70.1% on the average.

Though rain falls heaviest in winter, rain is usually followed by a beautiful sunshine. This provides a wonderful time for visitors to explore the city under a beautiful cold weather without the frost. Winter in Greece is ideal for those who are avoiding the summer heat and the winter frost. In general, it's an all-year round cruising under the climate of Athens.