Budget, weather, and accommodation in Greece in December

Hi there. I’d like to know what the daily budget is for Greece in December. I’ll be landing in Athens and staying there for a week, then heading to some other islands—I don’t have a set itinerary yet. Also, I’ve heard that in December, or early January, the temperature is around 11–16°C. Is that accurate?

Finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a cheap but clean hotel near the tourist sites? I don’t need a TV or any other extras. Also, is Greece gay-friendly?

Thanks in advance for your replies. Best regards

Hi Jeje

Visiting the islands in winter isn’t a great idea—it’s cold and humid. There can also be a lot of wind, and boats might get canceled. A lot of places are closed, with few restaurants and hotels open. You won’t find much to do. I’d recommend sticking to the mainland instead.

Yes, it’s around 10-15°C in December, sometimes even colder. What’s your definition of "cheap"? We don’t all have the same idea of what’s affordable. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, there are youth hostels for about 20 € per night.

Yes, Greece is generally gay-friendly.

Elenitsa

Thanks for the info. I’m looking for something budget-friendly, around 30–40 € per night—nothing fancy, just clean. We’ll stick to the "mainland" depending on the weather. We’ll pack warm clothes.

Thanks again

You can find places for 30–40 € per night using Booking, but they won’t be close to the tourist sites. Or they’ll be in the Omonoia district, which isn’t exactly glamorous.

Athens is a European capital with prices... to match a European capital.

Thanks. If the accommodations have public transport, that works for us. Glamour isn’t a priority as long as it’s not "sketchy."

Hello,

Below 40 € per night in Athens, you’ll likely be in shared rooms with 4 or 6 beds, like a youth hostel. That said, in December, you might not have any "roommates" in a 4-bed room.

You could try YellowSquare Athens, which also has private rooms for 2 (shared bathroom) for under 60 € per night.

https://yellowsquare.com/?clock-pms-wbe=%2Fhotel%2F15745

It’s very well located in the city center, not far from the municipal market. The area is safe day and night.

Reviews are generally good.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGRyCWgLBGtp3Wrq5

As Elenitsa mentioned, there may be cheap deals in the immediate vicinity of Omonia Square, though the area might surprise you with its run-down and, let’s say… "multi-ethnic" vibe.

You might also find what you’re looking for in the Exarchia district, a stronghold of anarchism and counterculture where no one will care about your sexual orientation as long as you’re not wearing a police uniform 😐 For example, Quinta:

https://athenshostel.gr/rooms.html