Athens packing list for families
Athens is hot, bright and full of ancient stone steps, which makes shoes and sun protection the real priorities. Here is what our family packs for early ruins, shady lunches and seaside afternoons.
Photo by Constantinos Kollias on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Athens
- Get to the Acropolis right at opening. The rock has very little shade, and by late morning in summer it's hot and crowded. Bring water and a hat for everyone.
- The marble paths on the Acropolis are polished smooth and can be slippery, so I pack shoes with good grip. Strollers aren't practical up there, so we use a carrier for little ones.
- Athens pairs beautifully with a few days on an island or the Athens Riviera. A morning of ruins and an afternoon swim is the rhythm that works best for our kids.
Athens
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Carry-on10
Clothing5
Shoes2
Beach & pool1
Little ones5
Health & toiletries4
Documents & tech5
Aegean
Whitewash, Aegean blue, linen, sage
For the grown-ups
- Gauzy white and blue
- A wide-brim hat
- Flat sandals with grip for steps
For the kids
- Light cotton sets
- UPF swim shirts
- Water shoes for pebble beaches
For photos
- White against the blue doors
- Sunset in Oia is busy, try mornings
Athens weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F 14°C | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings | |
| February | 59°F 15°C | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings | |
| March | 63°F 17°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | |
| April | 70°F 21°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | Greek Easter, usually in April or May, with candlelit midnight services |
| May | 78°F 26°C | Mild to warm and mostly sunny, with spring flowers | Greek Easter, usually in April or May, with candlelit midnight services Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Athens Epidaurus Festival performances in ancient theaters Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| September | 84°F 29°C | Hot, dry and sunny, with heat waves possible in July and August | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera |
| October | 75°F 24°C | Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November | Open-air cinemas under the stars, some with Acropolis views Warm sea for swimming along the Athens Riviera Ochi Day on October 28, with school and military parades |
| November | 66°F 19°C | Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November | |
| December | 59°F 15°C | Mild and sometimes rainy, with cool evenings |
Athens with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Athens with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Warm and pleasant in October, cooler with more rain in November
What's the weather like in Athens?
Typical daytime highs range from about 57°F (14°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Athens?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Athens?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Athens with kids?
Get to the Acropolis right at opening. The rock has very little shade, and by late morning in summer it's hot and crowded. Bring water and a hat for everyone.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.