Greece in November marks the final month of fall. With far fewer tourists and cooler weather than in the busy summer months, it's an ideal time to explore Greece's ancient ruins, wander quaint villages, and appreciate the natural beauty.
During November in Greece, most areas enjoy temperatures that, although cool, are comfortable for sightseeing and exclusive travel experiences. Olive harvest season is in full swing at this time of the year, so you can see local farmers gathering olives before pressing them into rich oils. The colors of the fall landscape also make an ideal backdrop for hikes among majestic mountains or open-air visits to archaeological marvels like the Acropolis.
With tips on where to go, information on the weather in Greece in November, and what to do during the month, this article will help you craft your perfect November trip to Greece.
Average Temperatures in Athens, Greece: 64°F High • 54°F Low
While temperatures vary across Greece and its many islands, the typical November climate consists of daytime highs around 64°F in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. However, temperatures drop to the mid-50s, sometimes lower, on mainland Greece at night and in the early morning hours.
Light rain, increased winds, and cloudy skies are also more regular at this time. Still, precipitation remains sporadic and many days in early and mid-November stay dry, with a mix of sun and clouds, allowing pleasant, mild conditions for exploration and outdoor activities.
Athens • Best Place for Sightseeing
Athens offers the country's most famous and magnificent ancient sites, museums, and ruins, including the landmark Acropolis overlooking the city. Visiting in November means thinner crowds and pleasant temperatures for strolling archaeological zones.
Explore the Acropolis, glimpse artifacts at the outstanding Acropolis Museum nearby, contemplate history at ancient sites like the Agora of Athens, and visit renowned institutions like the National Archaeological Museum with minimal queues. November is also ideal for sightseeing beyond central Athens, with convenient day trips to nearby treasures like Delphi, Mycenae, or the Temple of Poseidon.
Learn more: Athens & Santorini Vacation Packages & Tours
Rhodes • Best Place for Great Weather
Rhodes sees comfortable temperatures in November. Averaging around 66°F, they are significantly warmer than mainland Greece. This gives Rhodes summer-like conditions, with sunshine and a slight autumnal crispness in the evening air.
The conditions are perfect for indulging in beach going or outdoor sightseeing in medieval cities like Rhodes Town and imposing castles like Kritinia. For comfortable Greek island weather in the fall, Rhodes is an excellent option for your November trip.
Learn more: Rhodes Vacations, Tours & Itineraries
Corfu • Best Place for Families with Children
Corfu’s beautiful beaches, historic Old Town, Venetian influences, and wealth of kid-friendly activities make it an ideal place for families visiting Greece in November. Mild fall weather keeps swimming and sightseeing comfortable, and families can enjoy pedaling along the coastal bike path, gentle hiking, or kayaking.
Corfu Town entertains with winding cobblestone alleys to explore and plenty of activities amid olive and cypress trees, even though the summer crowds have left. From luxury cruises to guided drives around Corfu’s mountainous interior, the island keeps families happily engaged all November long.
Learn more: Corfu Vacations, Tours & Itineraries
The Peloponnese • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds
Attached to the Greek mainland, yet feeling like a world of its own, the Peloponnese Peninsula, one of the best places to visit, draws less crowds than the popular islands in November. Yet this region’s landscape of olive groves, soaring mountains, charming coastal towns, remarkable archaeological sites, and expansive sandy beaches offers an authentic Greek experience.
Visiting storied locations like ancient Olympia and the famed theater at Epidaurus lets you contemplate ruins far from the tourist trails. Likewise, the gorgeous Venetian seaport of Nafplio and the imposing mountaintop acropolis of Mycenae await comfortable exploration.
Meteora • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners
Few settings could feel more romantic than the mystical monasteries of Meteora, one of Greece’s most romantic places, where historic structures sit perched atop towering rock peaks. The adventurous hike windy mountain roads to reach these cliffside enclaves cut away from tourist masses, making for an intimate and moving experience in November.
Watching the sunset gild these mountains in golden hues or gazing at shooting stars unfurl overhead from a remote accommodation makes for honeymoon memories that last a lifetime. Photographers will love capturing picturesque shots of their partners strolling across bridges or over sheer gorges, or peeking through windows across sweeping panoramas.
Enjoy Olive Picking During the Harvest Season
Immerse yourself in this iconic Greek tradition by joining farmers in their groves during November's olive harvesting season. Gather olives, then tour traditional presses or modern mills to see how they are turned into some of the world’s best oils. Sample extra-virgin olive oil and enjoy the delicious farm-to-table fare.
Sip Fine Wine and Taste Regional Varietals
Savor Greek wine tours in areas like Santorini, Nemea, and Naoussa to learn distinct regional production methods. Sip rare vintages and Greek varietals like Xinomavro while learning about the fine wines from sommeliers and estate owners. Pair tastings with farm-to-table Greek cuisine against a charming backdrop of fall vineyards and rolling hills.
Mountain Trek for Fall Foliage
Venture into the mountainous regions of mainland Greece blanketed in fiery fall hues. Follow trails leading past gurgling creeks, thundering waterfalls, and whimsical stone bridges. Picnic on local cheese, olives, and bread at a mountain viewpoint before descending back into quaint villages, where cafés, tavernas, and family-run restaurants welcome you.
Island Hop with Fewer Crowds
Sail between the Cycladic, Ionian, or Dodecanese islands without fighting summertime crowds. Linger in locales like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Kefalonia. Wander through harbor towns, lounge on quiet beaches, glimpse ancient sites, and soak in gorgeous sunsets over sea views that feel as if they were made just for you.
Explore Ancient Ruins Peacefully
Escape the tour group throngs and queues of crowds by visiting Greece’s famous historical ruins in shoulder-season solitude. Contemplate the mysteries of the ancient world at sanctuaries like Delphi and Dodoni, walk tunnels at the Palace of Knossos on Crete, whisper in ancient theaters like Epidavros, and watch the Parthenon turn golden at sunset, sharing these sights with far fewer tourists than in peak summer season.
While warmer summer months see Greece overflowing with visitors, November opens a window to experience this beautiful Mediterranean destination at its most authentic. With cooler weather, local festivals revealing rich traditions, and breathtaking scenery, our Greece tours and vacations in November offer something for every traveler.
Our Greece travel guide provides further ideas to craft a dream itinerary full of culture, adventure, and island relaxation that avoids peak-season crowds.
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