July is one of the most spectacular times to visit Athens, although it's also one of the busiest. It's the pinnacle of high season so you'll have crowds at all of the tourist sites and the museums will have lines out the door. However, given that the skies are blue, the water is warm, and the beaches are absolutely stunning, it's nevertheless a wonderful time to visit.

Weather

The weather in July is bright and sunny with blue skies shining overhead. It's so sunny and warm, in fact, that the temperatures—which average about 81°F (27°C)—can sometimes feel sweltering. (July is actually the hottest month of the year). This makes it a good time to double-check that your hotel room has air conditioning.

Evenings cool off a bit, hovering around 72°F (22°C), although even that is hardly sweatshirt weather. Pack cool, lightweight clothing like shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, and a light jacket. There's only one average day of precipitation all month so you won't have to fret about rain. 

For more on weather this month, see Greece in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More. 

Crowds and Costs

July is beautiful in Greece but there's no getting around the fact that it's crowded. You'll see tour buses lined up at all of the major attractions and sizable crowds at the popular museums, restaurants, and bars. It's harder to get reservations this time of year so book everything in advance and be prepared to see fellow tourists stepping into your frame whenever you take a picture.

Similarly, prices will be higher this time of year—hotels and airlines switch to high-season rates and you could pay double what things cost in January. All of that said, the beautiful sunshine and crystal blue waters make it worth braving the crowds. 

Where to Go

Everywhere is Athens is beautiful in July. You don't have to worry about rain or cold weather and the sun is all but guaranteed to shine. The neighborhoods are similar weather-wise so the whole city up for grabs. Where you choose to go depends largely on personal preference.

If you like history, pop into one of the many museums or check out the archaeological ruins (the Acropolis is an obvious must-see). For folks into food, art, and music, there's plenty of culture to be found, too. Try Monastiraki or Psyrri for markets and food stalls, or Syntagma and Plaka for art galleries and shopping. The Exarhia neighborhood offers funky restaurants, hip bars, and unique music venues. 

Apart from the city center, there are lots of opportunities for day trips in July. Plus, heading out of town for the afternoon can be a great way to get respite from the heat and humidity. Delphi is an excellent choice if you like history as it houses the famous Sanctuary of Apollo (the Oracle of Apollo)—a site that Greeks believed was the center of the earth. East of there is the Attica wine region that's home to dozens of vineyards and their famous retsina wine.

Lastly, there's no better month to visit the dazzling Greek islands. July's hot weather makes the beaches perfect for sunbathing, and the warm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

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What to Do

You can't visit Athens without seeing the famed archaeological ruins of the Acropolis. This World Heritage site includes famous buildings like the Parthenon, Hadrian's Library, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Acropolis Museum is another great stopping point if you're into history, along with the Benaki Museum or the Museum of Cycladic Art. For visitors seeking a gastronomic experience, stroll through the city's laiki markets or take a Culinary Backstreets food tour.

Outside the city, head northwest to Delphi where you can wander through the Sanctuary of Apollo to see the intriguing archaeological structures where ancient Greeks erected a temple to the god of prophecy. Or, if you head to Attica instead, stop by the Papagiannakos Winery or the Strofilia Estate.

If you decide to take a weekend trip to one of the islands, check out the spectacular Santorini—it's home to some of the best sunsets on earth. There, you can also visit the mysterious Ancient Akrotiri ruins (which were once buried under ash), or hike between Fira and Oia. In Mykonos, the nightclubs will be full of people and open into the wee hours of the morning if you're someone who likes dancing. This is also a great place to shop or check out Little Venice. 

Events in July

Nafplio Festival (early July): Typically occurring the first part of the month (or sometimes in late June), the Nafplio Festival is an ode to classical music. It usually lasts for about a week and draws highly respected musicians worldwide.

Olympus Festival (late July to August): This festive event is one of the biggest celebrations in Greece all year. It takes place each summer for about a month, typically beginning in late July and spilling into August. Once underway, it includes a wide variety of music, theater, dancing, and performing arts.

Traveling to Athens in July? Check out these great itineraries

Athens & Nafplio - 6 Days. Live like a local in Greece's idyllic Argolic Gulf with this six-day itinerary. You'll explore Athens, including a unique guided tour of some of the city's most important ancient sites before you head to seaside Nafplio, home to winding streets and a historic water fortress.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 7 Days. Take a week to drive through the mythological territory of mainland Greece with this itinerary. Your seven days will start and end in Athens, covering the historical sites and sprawling castles of the Peloponnese along the way.

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Best Time of the Year to Visit Greece