Summer
The summers are extremely hot with temperatures
occasionally soaring into the forties. Normally however,
you can expect blue skies and a more comfortable 35°
that may well last into September. August brings the
Meltemi a strong local wind, which can blow for days at
a time and can be very wearing. There is little humidity
but it is advisable to stay out of the sun between 13.00
and 16.00. Many people still use this time for a siesta.
It should be noted that, by law, citizens are obliged to
respect quiet hours between 3-5 in the afternoon. The
older generation in particular, does complain if too
much (or indeed any) noise disturbs their rest and may
well call the police.
Autumn
September and, if you are lucky, October are two of the
best months of the year. You still get long sunny days,
with temperatures that are more comfortable and the sea
remains warm. The first rains come in October (with the
exception of the odd storm in the summer months) and are
a welcome relief. However, there is usually widespread
flooding as the Greek drains struggle to cope. The roads
are treacherous as the rain mixes with a summer's worth
of oil. With the arrival of rain, the sea temperatures
fall rapidly.
Winter
Generally, the winters
are mild, especially in the south and near the coast.
You only get frost in north Athens where the temperature
is normally 3 or 4° colder. Snow is rare but does fall
in the north. It never stays for long. The beginning of
2002 saw 20cm of snow in Voula and Glyfada.
Nevertheless, that was the first time in 90 years.
At the end of January,
there are the Halcyon days, which are a strange but
welcome period of about two weeks when the sun shines
and it feels like spring. The word Halcyon comes from
the Greek for Kingfisher. In ancient Greek mythology,
Halcyone or Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus and wife
of Ceyx. When her husband drowned, Halcyon threw herself
into the sea. Out of pity, the gods changed the pair
into kingfishers or halcyons, and Zeus forbade the winds
to blow seven days before and after the winter solstice,
the breeding season of the halcyon. The expression
"halcyon days" comes from this myth and
figuratively means a time of peace and tranquility. It
might be a myth but there is certainly fine weather for
two weeks every January! Do not be fooled, February and
March can be wet and cold...you may occasionally need a
coat!
Spring
The best season for
many. The hills around Athens turn green and the wild
flowers bloom. The weather can be unpredictable, but by
May, it begins to get hot. The pollen count is high and
the pine trees are a particular problem. Not only for
the pollen but also because of the caterpillars that
migrate from them. Orange and black in colour, their
hair is very poisonous and if touched, will irritate the
skin causing welts, which can last for several days.
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