Best time to go to Athens

The best time to visit Athens is between March and May. The mercury has a similar timeline to the UK, so spring sees averages of 13°C rising to 21°C. From June to August, summer takes over and the temperature usually tops out around 30°C. If you’re planning on an autumn or winter break to Athens, don’t forget to pack a jacket. The temperature drops from 20°C down to 12°C.

Passports & Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Greece using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Just so you know, the Greek government has a Climate Resilience Tax in place for all those visiting Greece. It was previously known as the Greek Tourism Tax. It's calculated per room, per night and is payable by cash or card when you check in at your accommodation. For stays between April and October, the fees are €2 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €5 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €10 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and €15 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation and villas. For stays between November and March, the fees are €0.50 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €1.50 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €3 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and lastly, €4 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation. These fees are subject to change and are based on the Greek official rating and not our own TUI tour operator T-rating.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health