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The Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus lit up at duskIstanbul at sunset over the Bosphorus, minaret and domes in silhouette

Athens vs Istanbul in December

Athens edges it in December. Athens averages 9–14°C with low-moderate crowds; Istanbul 6–11°C with low crowds.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Athens and Istanbul

The verdict for December

  • WeatherAthens has the better weather5/10 vs 3/10
  • CrowdsIstanbul is quieterLow-Moderate vs Low
  • PricesIstanbul is cheaper€€€ vs €
  • OverallAthens comes out ahead7/10 vs 6.5/10
The Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus lit up at dusk

Athens in December

Cool but generally manageable winter weather, festive city atmosphere and far fewer visitors than summer.

Temperature
9–14°C
Crowds
Low-Moderate
Prices
€€€

+Cool but generally manageable winter weather, festive city atmosphere and far fewer visitors than summer.

–Shorter days and more rain make outdoor sightseeing less predictable, while Christmas and New Year can temporarily push demand and prices higher.

Cool but generally manageable winter weather, festive city atmosphere and far fewer visitors than summer. Shorter days and more rain make outdoor sightseeing less predictable, while Christmas and New Year can temporarily push demand and prices higher.

Athens in December
Istanbul at sunset over the Bosphorus, minaret and domes in silhouette

Istanbul in December

Lowest crowds, lowest prices

Temperature
6–11°C
Crowds
Low
Prices
€

+Lowest crowds and lowest prices of the year.

–Cool and rainy, with occasional snow and short days.

Winter Istanbul — steam, tea, empty mosques and cheap rooms.

Istanbul in December

Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.

Another month