No, it’s not yet too cold for Greece. Expect a mix of mild to warm sunny days and plenty of rain mixed in. The weather may be less than ideal, but crowds are gone, prices are low, and you can experience the best of Greece like a local.
Weather
Generally, expect mild weather, with the occasional warm day perfect for walking and sightseeing, and an average afternoon high of 66 Fahrenheit. November also has many cold, wet days, and northern Greece (and even the Peloponnese) will be quite a bit rainier and cooler. Hence, you’ll need to pack suitable clothing. Higher mountain elevations are now too cold for hiking, with snow already falling in places. And the seas are also too cold for bathing (unless you have a wetsuit)
Crowds & Costs
What crowds? This is off-season and there are relatively few visitors—all the better if you’re keen to experience the major historic sites without having to jostle for space. But prices will have dropped significantly, with great bargains. Many restaurants and clubs will already have closed for the winter, and airlines and ferries will be operating on reduced schedules.
Where to Go
Sightseeing in Athens can be a joy in November (especially if you luck out with warm sunny days), as you now have heaps of elbow room at the top sightseeing venues. A rip-roaring nightlife is relegated to Athens, Thessaloniki and other big cities, although a few bars and perhaps one or two clubs will still be open on Ios, Mykonos, Santorini, and other Greek isles. The Cyclades and Dodecanese, including Crete, will be a degree or two warmer than the mainland, with more sunny days, so this is a good time to explore the isles with a focus on culture (the beaches will be too chilly for sunbathing). Meteora is spectacular, as the mountains may already be dusted with the first snows of winter.
What to Do
Athens is always abuzz with cultural activities—this is a good time to combine museums and archaeological sites with the café life, getting to savor the culinary scene and know the gregarious Greeks one-on-one. Rent a car and let serendipity guide you as you drive around the Greek mainland or Crete. Swap the sandals for hiking boots and head to Zagori or Tzoumerka National Park. Even sailing is still possible in early November before it gets too cold and the charter companies close shop.
November Events
Michaelmas (Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels). Celebrated each November 8, this Greek Orthodox tradition features church parades and feasting.
Music Showcase. Thessaloniki hosts contemporary Greek musicians at concerts and musical workshops.
St. Andreas Name Day. Each November 25, the citizens of Patras celebrate their patron saint with festivities and a parade.
Traveling to Greece in November?
Consider these great trip ideas.
History & Culture in Athens and Santorini. A perfect winter combo, with plenty of culinary and cultural treats to discover.
Local Life on Crete. There’s no better time to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of this richly engaging island.
