Greece › Athens › November Weather
Updated: October 9, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
• Best Places to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
• Best Hotels for Families
• Hotels with Acropolis Views
• Hotels with Rooftop Pools
The big museums are much quieter in November. (This photo of me is actually early December.)
Is November a Good Time to Visit Athens?
Yes. November is one of the best months for sightseeing in Athens if you do not need beach weather. The city is cooler, quieter, and generally cheaper than in summer, and the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Plaka, and major museums are far easier to enjoy without intense heat.
Daytime temperatures average around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F), with warmer weather early in the month. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain. Evenings are cool, and outdoor dining is less dependable than in October.
Athens remains lively year-round, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars, and museums open. November is a particularly good month for travelers interested in history, food, and exploring the city on foot.
Athens in November at a Glance
- Weather: Mild days, cool evenings, and some rain. Average daytime highs are around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F).
- Crowds: Much smaller than in summer, especially at the Acropolis and major museums.
- Prices: Generally lower than in spring, summer, and early fall, with better availability at central hotels.
- Best for: Archaeological sites, museums, restaurants, and exploring neighborhoods on foot.
- Daylight: Sunset is around 5:25 pm at the beginning of November and 5:05 pm by the end of the month.
- Swimming: The sea is too cool for most travelers.
November Weather and Sightseeing
Early November often feels like an extension of autumn, with pleasantly warm afternoons. Late November is cooler, with shorter days and a greater chance of rain. Athens typically receives around 60–70 mm of rain during November, spread over roughly eight or nine days. Most days still have at least some dry weather.
The Acropolis and other archaeological sites operate on shorter winter schedules beginning November 1. The Acropolis generally opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm, with last admission earlier. Check current opening hours before visiting, as schedules vary by site.
I recommend visiting outdoor archaeological sites in the morning and saving museums for rainy periods. The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum are excellent wet-weather options.
November 17: The anniversary of the 1973 Athens Polytechnic uprising brings demonstrations and road closures to parts of central Athens, particularly around the Polytechnic, Syntagma, and the US Embassy. Allow extra time for taxis and airport transfers, and expect possible public transportation changes.
Free admission: State-run archaeological sites and museums generally offer free admission on the first and third Sundays of November. November 28 is also a designated free-admission day at participating sites. Check the current admission rules before visiting.
Where to Stay in Athens in November
Stay central. Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Koukaki are my favorite areas for a November visit, with major sights, restaurants, and metro stations within easy reach.
- Plaka: Best for first-time visitors, atmosphere, and easy access to the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Anafiotika, and Syntagma.
- Syntagma: Best for airport access, taxis, shopping, metro connections, and short stays.
- Monastiraki and Psiri: Best for restaurants, bars, nightlife, and rooftop views.
- Koukaki and Makrygianni: Best for the Acropolis Museum, local restaurants, and a quieter stay.
- Kolonaki: Best for upscale restaurants, boutiques, museums, and a quieter central stay.
- Piraeus: Stay here only for an early ferry or late ferry arrival.
- Airport area: Useful only for a late arrival, early flight, or overnight connection.
- Athens Riviera: Best for repeat visitors, luxury coastal hotels, and sea views. Glyfada has year-round restaurants and shopping, but some beach clubs and seasonal hotel facilities close for winter. First-time visitors should stay in central Athens.
Best Things to Do in Athens in November
- Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: Visit the Acropolis in the morning, then continue to the museum. A guided Acropolis tour is worthwhile if you want help understanding the history and ruins.
- Ancient Agora: One of Athens’ best archaeological sites, with the Temple of Hephaestus and reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.
- National Archaeological Museum: Allow two to three hours. Exarchia, just north of the museum, has plenty of good lunch options.
- Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri: Explore the old streets, markets, restaurants, and bars. These neighborhoods are lively year-round.
- Mount Lycabettus or Filopappou Hill: Choose a clear afternoon for city views and sunset.
- Day trips: Delphi, Cape Sounion, and Nafplio are good November excursions. Nafplio can be combined with Mycenae and Epidaurus on a full-day trip. Meteora is also worthwhile, but I recommend staying overnight rather than attempting a long day trip from Athens.
Ferries and Island Trips in November
Athens combines less easily with the islands in November than in spring or summer. Crete has reliable year-round ferry connections, while Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Mykonos have reduced winter services. Many seasonal high-speed routes stop operating, and rough weather can cause cancellations.
Flights from Athens to Santorini or Crete are often more convenient than ferries in November. For a short trip, Athens plus Delphi or Nafplio is easier than building a multi-island itinerary.
Spend your final night in Athens before an international flight. Do not depend on a same-day ferry connection.
What to Pack for Athens in November
- Light waterproof jacket
- Small umbrella
- Sweater or light fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Long pants
- One lighter layer for warm afternoons
November Compared with Other Months
- November vs. October: October is warmer and better for outdoor dining and island travel. November is quieter and cheaper (for hotels at least).
- November vs. December: November has milder weather and more daylight. December has Christmas lights, holiday events, and a more festive city atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Athens cold in November? Days are generally mild, with highs around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F). Evenings can be chilly, especially later in the month.
- Does it rain a lot in November? November is one of Athens’ wetter months, but rain is usually intermittent rather than continuous. Bring a small umbrella and waterproof jacket.
- Can you swim in Athens in November? The sea is generally around 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F). Some people swim, particularly early in the month, but most travelers will find it cold.
- How many days do you need? Two full days covers the main sights. Three days allows more museums, neighborhoods, or a day trip.
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