Weather
Generally, expect mild weather, with the occasional warm day perfect for walking and sightseeing, and an average afternoon high in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
November also has many cold, wet days, and the nights will also be cool. And the seas are also too cold for bathing (unless you have a wetsuit). Bring a mix of clothing for both warmer and cooler weather, including a sweater and fleece jacket, plus raingear.
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 and most popular islands without having to jostle for space. Prices will have dropped significantly, with great bargains. But many restaurants and clubs will already have closed for the winter, and airlines and ferries will be operating on reduced schedules.
Where to Go
With far fewer tourists this month, you now have heaps of elbow room at the top sightseeing venues. Hence, this is a great time for visiting the key museums and archaeological sites, as well as for cultural experiences. A rip-roaring nightlife is relegated to the mainland cities, although a few bars and one or two clubs will still be open on Ios, Mykonos, and Santorini, while on larger islands that have a large resident population, life goes on year-round.
The Cyclades and Dodecanese, including Crete and Rhodes, 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 nature and culture (the beaches will be too chilly for sunbathing). However, note that the Samaria Gorge closes at the end of October. On Rhodes, you can explore the fascinating medieval city, including the Museum of Modern Greek Art plus the Archaeological Music, in peace.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Since you won’t be lounging on the beach, November is a great month for sightseeing: Combine museums and archaeological sites with the café life, getting to savor the culinary scene and know the gregarious Greeks one-on-one. Plus, there's no better time for a road trip. So rent a car and let serendipity guide you as you drive around Crete—the largest island.
The invigorating air of November also rewards hikers. Pack your walking shoes and head to Kea, westernmost of the Cyclades group, possessing a magnificent system of ancient walking trails that reveal spectacular terrain and vistas. In the Ionian group, Corfu similarly offers excellent hiking, plus the delights of exploring its elegant Venetian Old Town, which remains lively through winter thanks to a large resident population.
November Events
Michaelmas (Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels). Celebrated each November 8, this Greek Orthodox tradition features church parades and feasting.
Cretan Diet Festival. Foodies flock to Rethymno, in Crete, to sample the local gourmet delights.
Traveling to Greece in November? Check out these great itineraries
Getting Off the Beaten Path in Mykonos. Get to know the quieter, more natural side of Mykonos after the party scene has subsided.
Island History & Culture in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. After touring the capital city, explore three of the most popular destinations, indulging in archaeological and culinary exploration.
Local Life on Crete. There's no better time to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of this richly engaging island.
More Helpful Links
Greece in November
Best Time to Visit Greece
Greece Tours & Itineraries