One of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, Greece is a country holidaymakers never seem to get sick of. Filled with ancient sites tangled in mystery and myth, and cities drenched in culture – with mouthwatering gastronomy and extraordinary natural beauty to boot – the country is truly breathtaking, to say the least.
While many flock to Greece during the summer season, which offers sunshine and balmy temperatures in bucketloads, considering alternative times of the year to visit Greece in all of its splendour is well worth your time, starting with November.
While often overlooked, November is gorgeous time to explore the country. For one, you’ll find minimal crowds in comparison to summer and even shoulder season months, meaning you’re almost guaranteed a peaceful holiday experience. Not to mention the weather which, while not perfectly sunny and warm, is still pleasantly mild with cool breezes and warm sunny afternoons, offering comfortable conditions to discover the country’s sights and scenes.
So, if it’s Greece’s golden swathes of shoreline that have caught your eye, or its stretching olive groves, or perhaps its iconic ancient monuments, why not consider November in Greece for your next trip to the country? To help you in planning the perfect autumn-winter trip, we’ve outlined everything you should know before going on a trip to Greece in November. From the weather to the month’s most iconic festivals, and where to go and what to do to discover, here’s the very best of what the country has to offer at this time of year.
If you’ve never considered visiting Greece in November because you’re under the impression that it’s cold, wet, and windy (much like many of Europe’s destinations at this time of year!) you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what the country is actually like during this month.
On the cusp of both autumn and winter, Greece weather in November is comfortably cool, with temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. November marks the beginning of the rainy season in Greece, with a 15% chance of rain on any day. So, travellers can expect an increased chance of showers, as well as winds, and cloud form on occasion (roughly 8 days seeing 2.3 inches of rain.)
But, this shouldn’t put you off, as many days in November in Greece still remain dry, crisp and bright, despite this month being outside of the country’s prime peak season.
Although, we wouldn’t go jumping into the water anytime soon if you’re travelling to Greece in November, even if you have an urge to (and unless you’re brave!). The sea temperatures range from around 14 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius, which is a little nippy for our liking. But, if you’re feeling daring, there’s nothing stopping you!
In a nutshell, the milder – yet pleasant – Greece temperatures in November contribute to prime conditions to explore the country’s many sights and scenery, without breaking a sweat like you would in the summer. Greece’s climate in November also means it’s less popular amongst travellers, as many seek balmy temperatures when they’re visiting the country or are tied to school holidays. So, you’ll likely have many of the country’s most iconic and (normally) crowded sights to yourself, making for a much more peaceful sightseeing experience.
There are ample festivals and events in Greece in November that give a glimpse of what the country’s culture is all about. You can learn much about a country from its seasonal events, and this time of year offers its fair share of unique and interesting ones for travellers to discover.
Taking place annually within, or stretching into, the month of November, the Thesssaloniki film festival is one of the Mediterranean’s most highly anticipated film events, and the most important in Greece. Also known as TIFF, for short, it hosts some of the world’s most incredible film makers and actors and is a celebration of extraordinary artistry showcased on screen for lovers of all things film.
Stretching over 11 days, attendees have the opportunity to attend cultural events and exhibitions that are put on as part of the festival. Attendees even have the opportunity to spot some of the most well-known names in the world of film, including Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne, who are just two examples of famous filmmakers who have previously attended the festival.
There is a ticket fee, but it is actually quite affordable to see a range of screenings during the festival and attend its many events. You can find more information on the festival’s official website.
One of the capital city’s most active events, the Athens Marathon is a fantastic event to witness – or even take part in – during a visit to Greece in November. The adrenaline-inducing and highly rewarding annual event is a very popular one, with roughly 40,000 runners and 80,000 spectators.
The marathon’s route weaves through the historic capital’s streets, with its iconic ancient sights and cultural landmarks dotted throughout and observable from a distance, making for a unique and memorable way to sightsee and experience the city.
If you’re a keen runner looking for your next big run, details of how to enter the marathon can be found on its official website.
Taking place annually on the last Sunday of November, the Nafplio Castle Run is a picturesque and historic event hosted by the breathtaking city of Nafplio along Greece’s coastline. The city was elected the first capital of independent Greece in 1829, and now it’s the home of this beautiful yearly race that offers runners an opportunity to explore a lesser-discovered Greece holiday destination.
The race’s most iconic stint is its castle ascension, but in total it’s roughly 5 km from start to finish. It begins with the steep ascension (of 999 steps!) to the city’s historic Venetian fortress dating back to the 18th century, which stands proudly overlooking the city. The second stint of the race is 4 km downhill and, overall, the route is considered to be one of the country’s hardest races.
Now, it draws not only Greeks from around the country to take part, but travellers too who want to discover more of Greece’s natural beauty and exceptional culture and heritage.
While you could go absolutely anywhere in Greece in November and be stunned by its beauty, heritage, and culture, there are a few destinations that top our list of the very best places in Greece to visit at this time of year, and we’ve shared them below:
Home to breathtaking natural scenery and brimming with ancient culture that’s waiting to be discovered, Crete is Greece’s largest and most populous island and is a fantastic one to discover in November.
Given it’s situated in the country’s southernmost point, one could say it’s one of the very best places to visit in Greece in November, despite winter being around the corner. With ample sunny days and less wind, November is a lovely balance between Greece’s peak sunny weather and coolest time of year.
If you’re consideiring visiting Crete, Greece in November, why not take a hike to Samaria Gorge – a 16km trek in the spectacular White Mountains National Park – made all the easier when conquered during this more comfortable month? Or, visit the island’s many archaeological sites, including Knossos, and the Minoan Palace at Malia.
The country’s thriving capital, there’s arguably no bad time of year to visit Athens. But, staying here in November – amid the off-peak season – means you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and less-packed sightseeing.
With ample things to do in this metropolis, you can explore iconic sights without having to brush shoulders with other travellers if you visit Greece in November. Within Athens’ gorgeous historic streets, you’ll find areas like its beautiful neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Atop Lycabettus Hill, you’ll find the world-renowned Acropolis, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Or, even stop into the National Archaeological Museum to soak in history and culture dating back thousands of years.
As Greece’s fourth largest island, Rhodes is a fantastic destination to visit in Greece in November time. A hit destination because of its outstanding natural sights and plenty of exciting activities, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay in Rhodes at any time of the year. Given the island sees over 300 days of sunshine annually though, this is all the more reason to explore the island during the cheaper – and quieter – off-season period in November.
To witness the island’s natural beauty, you can visit its Das Kloster Monolithos castle and church which is atop a tree-studded hill overlooking the gorgeous sea and hilly landscapes of Rhodes. Or, you can visit the Kalithea Springs, used for therapeutic and medical purposes since the 7th century. It’s now a cultural monument and a popular attraction to soak in warm thermal baths.
Some of the very best things to do in Greece in its blissful warm weather at its most popular time of the year can be equally enjoyed in milder, quieter conditions in November. So, we’ve rounded up a few of the best things to do in Greece in November if you need some inspiration.
As we’ve already mentioned, some of Greece’s most iconic ancient ruins are particularly impressive and easy to explore during the cooler months of the year, when you practically have them all to yourselves given there are fewer tourists.
Many of Greece’s most iconic sights remain open year-round, making November a wonderful time to discover them. Why not book tickets to marvel at the Acropolis in Athens? Or, see the spectacular Meteora natural phenomenon in all of its glory.
November is in the midst of the olive harvest season in Greece. Olives are one of the most delectable ingredients that the country is renowned for, and are grown all around the country. Many olive harvest festivals take place during this month too, and travellers can even take part in them and learn of the heritage of olive farming in Greece and the production of exceptional quality olive oil.
As you explore the rural landscapes of Greece in November, you’ll no doubt see farmers harvesting the plump crop ready to be pressed into oil for the next season.
As autumn is in full swing in November in Greece, this is a spectacular time of year to see the landscapes of the country as they erupt into a sea of colour. Taking a trip out into Greece’s most rural landscapes, with mountain ranges, rolling hills, and olive groves galore, you’ll see the season’s vibrant colour palette, with reds, oranges, and yellow shades visible from every angle.
As you hike through the countryside of Greece in November, you’ll be more comfortable in the milder weather and can witness Greece’s breathtaking scenery in all of its glory. Stop off for picnics in its mountainous regions, and discover traditional villages for a glimpse into what life in the countryside of Greece is really like.
While Greece is a fantastic destination year-round, November offers promising conditions with a comfortable climate that makes sightseeing and exploring the country’s many settlements, sights, and scenery all the more possible. With fewer crowds, cheaper travel options, and no shortage of amazing things to do and see, nothing should be stopping you from taking a trip to Greece in November for your next holiday.
Are you considering visiting Greece in November? We’ve crafted a handy destination guide to Greece to help you know everything about the country before you visit, and you should check it out!
Southern Greece is the hottest part of Greece in November, as well as its southernmost islands including Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Typically, temperatures reach highs of 22 degrees Celsius at this time of year, creating a lovely pleasant climate to explore the country’s many sights and scenery.
November is the transitional month between autumn and winter in Greece, and it also marks the beginning of the rainy season in the country. There’s more rainfall in Greece in November, but don’t let this put you off, as you’ll still encounter sunshine-filled days that create the perfect conditions for sightseeing and exploration.
If you’re struggling to know what to pack for a visit to Greece in November, you should consider preparing for every occasion, given the month is a transitional period for the country. Pack a few layers of clothing for cooler days, like fleeces or light jackets, a raincoat incase it rains, and comfortable footwear or hiking boots (if you intend to explore the countryside and mountains). Comfortable, baggy trousers would be more appropriate for the milder weather compared to shorts and short skirts too, but on particularly warm and sunny days, these might just be the perfect option.
Thus, if you’re planning to visit Greece in November, try packing for every eventuality.
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