Part of the off-season, November in Greece is one of those quirky months that is perfect for exploring the cities.
The crowds have all but vanishes, there are plenty of festivals to attend, and you can soak up the Greek culture at its most genuine self.

Crisp nights and mornings also make for some clean air even in the major cities. But don’t forget to pack warmer clothes because evenings and mornings can be chilly.

All of this makes for a very affordable trip to Greece in November.

Weather in Greece in November

As winter approaches, you still can get mild weather in Greece, but it depends a lot on where you are heading to.
Most of the popular destinations would get quite rainy at this time of the year. So pack that waterproof jacket!
It will get chilly at night, so plan your wardrobe accordingly. Still, expect sunshine for some good hours during the day and daylight still lasts a whopping 10 hours.

Temperatures:

• Athens avg low 53F/11C; avg high 64F/17C
• Rhodes avg low 57F/13C; avg high 67F19C
• Thessaloniki avg low 44F/6C; avg high 58F/14C

>>more information on Weather in Greece

Price and Other Facilities in Greece in November

Although the prices are at their lowest, many (if not most) hotels on the islands are closed.

Some of the islands in the Cyclades are pretty much “closed for winter” since mid-October but there are still some hotels open all year. This doesn’t mean life is at a standstill, as locals are living here year-round. However, many tavernas are already closed and you’ll only find a handful of shops open (definitely not the souvenir ones).

Some other islands, particularly the Ionians and the bigger islands such as Rhodes and Crete still offer enough places to stay.

But the connection between islands – be it by domestic flights or ferries – are very limited and sometimes the ports are closed due to bad weather.

Should you be planning to visit the islands during November, you definitely need to plan and book in advance.

Getting to Greece in November

Athens and Thessaloniki are served by international flights making both cities very good winter destinations.

They can also be great hubs for exploring the mainland. Or the nearby islands.

Do make sure to plan your travels in advance; and if you choose to take the ferries within Greece, kindly note that cancellations and delays might occur due to bad weather.

Where to Stay in Greece in November

Winter is great to explore the cities. Athens and Thessaloniki are not crowded, and they offer quite a different experience than if you were to visit mid-summer.

That said, the accommodations are open but you should book in advance.

If you want to head to the islands, do plan in advance and book a place to stay. On the large islands, such as Crete and Rhodes, there would be more places open but, on the Cyclades, only a handful of accommodation would stay open year-round.

Most often, you’d be able to rent apartments in Greece. Still, it pays to book as far in advance as possible.

Booking.com

What to Do in Greece in November

Each year, Thessaloniki is home to The Dimitria Festival. It takes place in mid-November (but make sure to ask locally) and comprises a lot of events: dance, music, theatre.

The Athens Marathon follows the Olympic route and takes place each year in early November. If you want to train for such an event, you can even participate in it but otherwise, you can show up and cheer on the participants.

November 8th is the name day for Michael and Gabriel, the Archangels. Any church or monastery named after any of them will have special events planned for this day. It is quite a special day on the island of Symi as has many churches are dedicated to Archangel Michael, who happens to be the patron saint of the island.

Presentation of Mary is celebrated on November 21st. It commemorates the day when the 3-year girl was first taken to the temple. Any church or monastery which is dedicated to Mary will have special events on this day and all Orthodox churches will have some events planned.

Places to Visit in Greece in November

Delphi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi is located on the edge of Mount Parnassus, about 2 hours’ drive from Athens.
The temple is dedicated to Apollo and used to be an important pilgrimage site in antiquity. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular sites to visit on the island.

>> Read more: Getting from Athens to Delphi (and return)

Meteora

Located within easy reach from both Athens and Thessaloniki, Meteora is one of the most mystical places in Greece.
The monasteries seem to be perched in the sky. There are six of them, all built on huge natural rock formations. Do note that not all are open for the public, though.

Read more about:
>> Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora
>> Getting from Thessaloniki to Meteora
>> Getting from Athens to Meteora

Mykonos

>>book your accommodation in Mykonos City

Take advantage of the slightly lower prices and fewer crowds and head to the icon Mykonos, in the Cyclades.
You’d still be able to lounge on the beaches. And if it gets colder, spend your time exploring the island at your own pace.

Read more:
>> Ferries from Athens to Mykonos (and return)
>> Planning the Best Ever Trip to Mykonos Island
>> Things to do in Mykonos
>> Day trips from Mykonos

Corfu

>>book your accommodation in Corfu town

November is an amazing month to plan for some long hikes. And Corfu has a 220 km long trail. It can be tackled in 8-10 days but feel free to linger for as long as you wish.

The views are magnificent. And the change of seasons will only add to the natural beauty.

Read more:
>> Things to Do in Corfu
>> Ferries from Corfu to Igoumenitsa (and return)
>> Getting from Athens to Corfu (and return)

In times of uncertainty, flexibility matters. We recommend booking an option with free cancellation in case your travel plans change.

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