diff --git a/xarray/core/dataset.py b/xarray/core/dataset.py
index 076b97e8623..e1628d7aac9 100644
--- a/xarray/core/dataset.py
+++ b/xarray/core/dataset.py
@@ -5139,7 +5139,7 @@ def filter_by_attrs(self, **kwargs):
 
         """  # noqa
         selection = []
-        for var_name, variable in self.data_vars.items():
+        for var_name, variable in self.variables.items():
             has_value_flag = False
             for attr_name, pattern in kwargs.items():
                 attr_value = variable.attrs.get(attr_name)
diff --git a/xarray/tests/test_dataset.py b/xarray/tests/test_dataset.py
index 55358e47e41..fefea0eb08c 100644
--- a/xarray/tests/test_dataset.py
+++ b/xarray/tests/test_dataset.py
@@ -4920,7 +4920,7 @@ def test_filter_by_attrs(self):
                 "temperature_10": (["t"], [0], temp10),
                 "precipitation": (["t"], [0], precip),
             },
-            coords={"time": (["t"], [0], dict(axis="T"))},
+            coords={"time": (["t"], [0], dict(axis="T", long_name="time_in_seconds"))},
         )
 
         # Test return empty Dataset.
@@ -4934,6 +4934,11 @@ def test_filter_by_attrs(self):
 
         assert_equal(new_ds["precipitation"], ds["precipitation"])
 
+        # Test filter coordinates
+        new_ds = ds.filter_by_attrs(long_name="time_in_seconds")
+        assert new_ds["time"].long_name == "time_in_seconds"
+        assert not bool(new_ds.data_vars)
+
         # Test return more than one DataArray.
         new_ds = ds.filter_by_attrs(standard_name="air_potential_temperature")
         assert len(new_ds.data_vars) == 2