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Greece in November: Weather, Sea, What's Open and Is It Worth It?

Greece in November: highs of 18–19°C in Athens and Crete, sea still about 20°C, fewer ferries, many island hotels closed, free museum Sundays and low prices. Where to go and what to pack.

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-10 · 2 sources listed below

Quick answer

November is a quiet, mild month in Greece: highs are about 18°C in Athens and 19°C in Crete and Rhodes, the sea is still about 20°C, and there are around 8–9 days with some rain. Athens, Crete, Rhodes and the mainland are open as usual, but many hotels and restaurants on the smaller islands close. Ferries still run on the main routes, and state museums are free on the first and third Sunday.

Weather in November

November averages (Weather2Travel)
PlaceHighLowSeaSun a dayDays with rain
Athens18°C10°C20°C5 h9
Crete (Heraklion)19°C12°C20°C5 h8

Where to go in November

  • Athens: ideal for sightseeing, with no heat and short queues.
  • Crete and Rhodes: the warmest places, with towns that stay lively all year.
  • The mainland: Meteora, Delphi, Nafplio and Thessaloniki.
  • Small Cyclades (Milos, Folegandros, Ios): many places close; check before you book.

Ferries in November

  • Year-round lines keep running: Piraeus to Paros, Naxos and Santorini, Paros–Naxos, Naxos–Santorini, and overnight ferries to Crete.
  • Summer-only fast boats stop, so some island pairs (Santorini–Mykonos, for example) need a change.
  • Wind cancels more sailings than in summer; keep a spare day before your flight home.

Good to know

  • State museums and sites are free on the first and third Sunday of each month from November to March.
  • Hotel climate resilience fees drop to winter rates from November.
  • Opening hours at sites are shorter; most close mid to late afternoon.
  • 28 October and 17 November are commemorations; expect parades or closures in Athens around those dates.

What to pack

  • Layers and a light waterproof jacket.
  • Comfortable shoes for wet marble.
  • Swimwear only if you're brave: the sea is about 20°C.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Greece?

Yes for sightseeing, walking and low prices. It's not beach season, and many small-island hotels are closed.

Can you swim in Greece in November?

Some people do: the sea is about 20°C in Athens and Crete in November, but the air is cool.

Do ferries run in November?

Yes, the main year-round lines run daily; summer-only fast boats stop.

What's the warmest place in Greece in November?

Rhodes and Crete, with average highs of about 19–20°C.

Greece in winter →Sea temperature by month →Which ferries run →Crete in October and November →

Sources

Related guides

Updated 2026-10. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.