Santorini in November

Greece › Santorini › November Weather
Updated: October 6, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

See Also
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Best Hotels in Santorini
• Best Restaurants in Santorini

November is quiet in Santorini. Most tourists are gone, many hotels and restaurants have closed for the season, and beach weather is unlikely. But the caldera views are just as good, hotel rates are low, and Fira still has a good selection of restaurants, shops, and hotels. November works best for sightseeing, hiking on dry days, wineries, and exploring by car. For a first visit, I prefer September or October when the weather is warmer and much more is open.

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Santorini in November: What to Expect

• Best For: Low crowds, sightseeing, hiking, photography, wineries, and lower hotel rates.
• Not Good For: Beach holidays, nightlife, boat tours, or travelers who want the island fully open.
• Where to Stay: Fira is the best base in November. It has the largest selection of year-round hotels, restaurants, shops, and bus service. Oia is also a good choice if you want a quieter stay and caldera views, but fewer hotels and restaurants will be open, especially later in the month. I would not stay in Kamari, Perissa, or Perivolos in November.
• Weather: Expect mild days, cool evenings, wind, and some rain. Average daytime highs are around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F), but there can be warmer sunny days and cold, wet stretches.
• Swimming: The sea averages about 20°C (68°F). Some people will swim, especially early in the month, but November is not beach weather.
• Getting Around: Renting a car is more useful in November than in summer. Traffic is light, parking is much easier, rental rates are low, and bus service is reduced.

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What is Open in November?

Many seasonal businesses close in late October or early November, but Santorini does not completely shut down.

• Hotels: Many caldera hotels close for the winter. Fira has the best selection of hotels that remain open, with a smaller number in Oia and elsewhere on the island.
• Restaurants: Fira has the most choice of restaurants in November. Oia and Imerovigli have fewer options, and most restaurants in the beach towns are closed by the middle of the month.
• Archaeological Sites: Akrotiri is particularly good on a cool or rainy day because most of the archaeological site is covered. Winter hours are shorter than summer hours, so check the current schedule before visiting.
• Wineries: Several wineries remain open in November, though hours and tasting schedules are reduced. Check directly before visiting, especially later in the month.

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Best Things to Do in Santorini in November

• Hike from Fira to Oia: On a dry, calm day, November is excellent for hiking. The trail is quiet and temperatures are comfortable. Avoid it during rain or strong winds and start early enough to finish well before sunset.
• Visit Akrotiri: One of the best bad-weather activities on Santorini because the archaeological site is largely protected by a roof.
• Explore Pyrgos and Megalochori: Both are easy to visit without summer crowds. Combine them with a winery or a drive around the southern half of the island.
• Visit Wineries: Many wineries remain open through November, and reservations are generally not needed. Check opening hours before setting out.
• Rent a Car: November is a good month to explore Santorini by car. Traffic and parking are much easier than in summer, and a car makes the reduced bus schedule less frustrating.
• Photography: November can bring clouds and changing light that you rarely see in summer. Oia, Imerovigli, Skaros Rock, and the caldera are much less crowded.

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Getting to Santorini in November

• Flights: Most seasonal international flights have finished by November. The easiest route is to fly to Athens and connect to Santorini.
• Ferries: Ferries continue to connect Santorini with Athens and some other islands, but there are fewer departures than in summer. Conventional ferries are generally a better choice than small high-speed ferries when the weather is rough.
• Buses: Santorini’s KTEL buses run year-round, but November schedules are much less frequent than summer schedules. Check the current timetable before planning a day around the bus.
• Daylight: Sunset is around 5:20 PM at the beginning of November and just after 5:00 PM by the end of the month. Start hikes early.

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Santorini in November vs. October

October is a much better choice if you want warmer weather, swimming, boat tours, and a larger selection of hotels and restaurants. November is quieter and cheaper, but the difference in what’s open is significant.

For most first-time visitors choosing between the two months, I recommend October. Choose November if low crowds and lower prices matter more than warm weather and having the full range of Santorini hotels, restaurants, tours, and activities available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Santorini worth visiting in November? Yes, but only if you know what to expect. November is good for caldera views, sightseeing, hiking on dry days, wineries, and exploring by car. It is not a good month for beaches, nightlife, or a typical summer Santorini trip.
• Where should I stay in Santorini in November? Fira. It has the best selection of open hotels and restaurants, the main bus station, and the easiest access to the rest of the island. I would not stay in a beach town in November.
• What should I pack for November? Bring layers, long pants, sweaters, a warm jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. Good walking shoes are important, especially if you plan to hike. Santorini can be windy, so a waterproof jacket is more useful than relying on an umbrella.
• Can I still see the sunset in Oia? Yes, and the famous viewpoints are far less crowded than in summer. Dress warmly if it’s windy.
• Can I swim in Santorini in November? Maybe. The sea averages about 20°C (68°F), warmer early in the month and cooler later. That’s too cold for many people but certainly swimmable for others. Most outdoor hotel pools are unheated, and many hotels with pools are closed for the winter.
• Do I need restaurant reservations? Not really, but it doesn’t hurt obviously. The bigger issue in November is finding which restaurants are open. Fira has the best selection.