People often think that Athens is too cold to visit in November, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although there are certainly wet and chilly days, there are also plenty of days that are bright and sunny with blue skies overhead and pleasant temperatures. And best of all: there are hardly any crowds.

Weather

The weather in Athens in November can be a mixed bag—some days are cold and rainy while others have bright, sunny skies overhead. The temperatures average about 59°F (15°C) with highs of 64°F (18°C ) and lows of 54°F (12°C). At nighttime, the colder air rolls in so it's important to bring a warm jacket and other cold-weather gear.

In terms of rainfall, the month gets eight about days of precipitation on average. This isn't a huge amount compared to other locations in Europe but it's Athens' second rainiest month. Rainstorms don't occur every day but the city gets scattered showers so it's a good idea to have a raincoat, too. 

One of the biggest changes this time of year is that water temperature drops significantly, hitting an average of 68°F (20°C) and making it too cold to swim comfortably.

For more on weather this month, see Greece in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More. 

Crowds and Costs

Whatever November lacks in weather, it makes up for in the sheer lack of crowds. It's a month that falls between seasons—the warm summer and fall has passed but Christmas and the winter holidays haven't yet arrived. For this reason, it's one of the best times to visit Athens without dealing with large tourist numbers. It's also a time when hotels switch to shoulder season and low-season prices so you can find good deals on lodging. These costs often spill into airfare, too.

Where to Go

Athens is wonderfully empty throughout most of the city in November and the temperatures are the same pretty much everywhere. That means you can enjoy a wide variety of activities, depending on your interests. The Acropolis and its archaeological ruins are excellent stops for history lovers while folks interested in art and culture can check out the many museums and art galleries. There's also a great food scene in Athens with a blend of chic restaurants and traditional food stalls.

Outside of the main metropolis you'll find a number of destinations that make good day trips, too. Delphi, for example, which is about two hours outside of town, boasts archaeological ruins in the mountains where the ancient Greeks used to consult an oracle. In the other direction is the Attica wine region which participates in the annual European Day of Wine Tourism every November. This is an excellent time to take a wine tour or drop by some of the well-regarded tasting rooms. 

If you're someone who enjoys skiing or snowboarding, the nearby mountains have a handful of ski resorts that begin getting snow in November—Mount Parnassus, for example, has the Parnassos Ski Resort while Mount Helmos has the Kalavrita Ski Center. Just be sure to check that they're operating before you go since opening dates change from year to year. 

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What to Do

In Athens proper, start your journey by visiting the Acropolis. This archaeological wonderland holds many of the first buildings of ancient civilization. Among the many famous structures include the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, and others. When you're done there, continue on to museums and art galleries such as Radio Athènes, the Museum of Cycladic Art, or the National Museum of Contemporary Art. In the evening, check out some of the foodie spots for dinner. Monastiraki and Psyrri offer traditional markets and food carts while the Exarhia neighborhood has more eclectic bars and restaurants.

In Delphi, it's a good time to check out the Sanctuary of Apollo (sometimes called the Oracle of Apollo) where ancient Greeks erected a temple in what they believed was the center of the world. They used the space to pay tribute to the god Apollo and confer with the oracle (known as Pythia).

If you make it over to Attica, check out the Papagiannakos Winery or take a tour with Attica Wine and Food Experience (AWAFE).

Events in November

Athens Marathon (changes dates): This international runner's event takes place in Athens every November, drawing huge crowds of athletes from around the world. The course, which has attracted more than 40,000 runners in the past, is based on the famous story of Pheidippides, an ancient Greek messenger who ran to Athens from the Battle of Marathon to tell the people the Greeks had defeated the Persians. 

European Day of Wine Tourism / Wine Tourism Day (dates change): This oenophile's holiday is organized by folks from the wine industry as well as various tourism boards. In Greece, the international celebration typically involves special events at wineries in Attica and other vineyards throughout the country.  

Traveling to Athens in November? Check out this great itinerary

Athens City Break - 7 Days. With this weeklong itinerary, you'll enjoy seven days of touring, eating, and cooking your way through marvelous Athens.

Best of Athens and Ancient Greece - 8 Days. Spend a week exploring this city's many cultural treasures and cool neighborhoods—along with day trips to archaeological sites in nearby Eleusis, Mycenae, and Delphi. 

More Helpful Information

Athens in October
Athens in December
Best Time of the Year to Visit Greece
How Many Days Should You Spend in Athens?