Are there specific opening hours for different seasons?

Yes, the Temple of Olympian Zeus opens from 8am to 7pm during the summer season, from April to October, and from 8am to 3pm during the winter months, between November and March.

What happens if I arrive close to closing time?

The last entry to the Temple of Zeus is 30 minutes before its closing time. If you want to take your time admiring the Corinthian Columns and the sheer magnificence of the temple, arrive early in the morning and keep aside at least an hour for your visit.

What is the best time of day to visit the Temple of Zeus to avoid crowds?

For fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, we recommend stopping by Zeus’ Temple early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months. March to May and September to October are the best months to plan a visit to the temple.

How long can I stay inside the temple once I enter?

There’s no strict time limit for visitors once inside. You can stay at the Temple of Zeus for as long as you want. You need about 30 minutes to an hour to explore the temple and its surroundings.

Temple of Olympian Zeus Opening Hours

Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is open from 8am to 3pm between November and March. During the summer months, from April to October, the temple is open from 8am to 7pm.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	08:00–15:00	14:30
Tuesday	08:00–15:00	14:30
Wednesday	08:00–15:00	14:30
Thursday	08:00–15:00	14:30
Friday (Today)	08:00–15:00	14:30
Saturday	08:00–15:00	14:30
Sunday	08:00–15:00	14:30

The Temple of Zeus allows visitors up to 30 minutes before its closing time.
The temple is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25, and 26 December.

Best time to visit the Temple of Zeus

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays: Visiting the Temple of Zeus on a weekday generally means smaller crowds and a more relaxed environment. With fewer people around, you can appreciate the towering columns at your own pace and click as many pictures as you want.
Weekends: Weekdays usually have a surge in visitor numbers as compared to weekdays. If you enjoy the vibrant energy of a bustling historic site, you will have fun visiting it on a weekend. However, the increased crowds can make it more challenging to navigate the temple grounds freely. There may be longer waits to explore specific sub-attractions like the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Apollo, or take photos without large groups in the background.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

June to August: These months bring large crowds to the temple. While the warm, sunny temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, the midday heat can get intense. Take advantage of the extended daylight hours for a full day of sightseeing, however, be prepared for longer lines.
March to May & September & October: During these months, you can comfortably enjoy the site without the summer’s scorching heat or the bustling crowds. Despite fewer visitors, weekends do pull in a sizeable crowd.
November to February: The winter months bring the lowest number of visitors, meaning minimal crowds and shorter wait times. However, with shorter daylight hours, there’s less time available for sightseeing.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long to spend at the Temple of Zeus?

Depending on whether you are interested in ancient Greek mythology or simply looking to experience the unique architectural marvels in Athens, you can spend around an hour or more at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

If you are on a tight schedule, you can spend about 15 to 30 minutes strolling through the majestic Corinthian columns. This is a great option for those visiting multiple locations in one day or aiming to see Athens' top attractions in a short time.
For those looking to understand the temple’s significance in Greek society and its history, 30 to 60 minutes is ideal. You can walk around the site, click pictures, and read the informative plaques. You’ll also have time to explore the nearby Arch of Hadrian, which is included in the same ticket, and learn about Roman Emperor Hadrian’s contributions to the city.
If you are a history enthusiast and want to explore a few of the surrounding structures like the Temple of Apollo Delphinius and the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, keep aside around 2 hours for your visit. Each of these areas provides additional context to the history and mythology surrounding the temple. You can also admire the views of the Acropolis, the Pantheon, and other landmarks visible from the site.

Temple of Zeus history and architecture

Frequently asked questions about the Temple of Olympian Zeus' opening hours

While the Temple of Zeus is open to the public on most days of the year, it is closed on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25, and 26 December. From November to March, during the winter months, the temple has shorter opening hours, between 8am and 3pm.