Greece, Europe

Athens in November

The Athens Marathon weekend fills hotels; otherwise calm and cheap with plenty of sunny days in the first half.

GoodMild, highs near 66F (19C), rain returning

Acropolis of Athens, Greece — AthensPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

November is a good month to visit Athens. The Athens Marathon weekend fills hotels; otherwise calm and cheap with plenty of sunny days in the first half.

Weather: Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rain returning
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What November is like in Athens

November is calm and cheap, with highs near 66F (19C). The first half often brings plenty of sunny days, while rain returns more often later in the month. Sites switch to shorter winter hours, closing in the late afternoon. Crowds and prices drop, except on the weekend of the Athens Marathon, when hotels near the center fill up.

It suits history lovers, budget travelers and runners. Families will find it pleasant for sightseeing, though too cool for swimming. If you want sea days, come in September or October. If you want the lowest prices, avoid the marathon weekend or book early.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Athens this month.

The Athens Marathon

On a Sunday in early to mid November, runners follow the historic route from Marathon to the marble Panathenaic Stadium. Cheering at the finish is a great scene.

Unhurried museums

The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are calm, and you can linger in the Parthenon Gallery.

Clear autumn days

Sunny days in the first half of the month are ideal for the Acropolis, the Agora and Plaka without the heat.

What to pack for November

A light jacket and a warm layer
A compact umbrella for later in the month
Grippy walking shoes
Running gear if you are joining the marathon

Our timing tip

Check the marathon date before booking, and either reserve early for that weekend or pick another week for lower rates.

Book Athens for November.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Athens
Opens a hotel search for Athens in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Athens
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Athens
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Athens for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Athens Marathon, The Authentic

A Sunday in early to mid November

Runs the historic route from the town of Marathon to the marble Panathenaic Stadium. Hotels near the center book up that weekend.

Things to do in Athens

Full guide

The Acropolis

Enter at the 8am opening or in the last two hours before closing. Tickets are sold in timed slots; buy online in advance for spring through fall.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Acropolis Museum

Do it after the rock, not before, so the sculptures make sense. The top-floor Parthenon Gallery is the reason to come.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

National Archaeological Museum

The Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and the bronze Artemision god. Budget at least three hours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus

The best-preserved Doric temple in Greece and far fewer people than the Acropolis. Shade trees make it a good late-morning stop.

Tickets and tours →

Plaka and Anafiotika

The old town under the north slope. Anafiotika's whitewashed lanes feel like an island village dropped into the capital; go early before the tour groups.

Tickets and tours →

Lycabettus Hill at sunset

The highest point in central Athens. Walk up in about 30 to 40 minutes or take the funicular; the view over the lit Acropolis is the payoff.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Be at the Acropolis gate for the 8am opening. Cruise groups typically arrive from about 9:30am, and by late morning the Propylaia entrance is a slow shuffle.
Check the cruise schedule for Piraeus. Big ship days put thousands of extra visitors on the rock; on those days do the Acropolis at opening or in the final two hours.
Buy a timed Acropolis ticket online in advance from April through October. Same-day tickets exist but the preferred slots go first.
Use the combined ticket for the lesser sites (Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Olympian Zeus). They are rarely crowded and cover the city's history better than the Acropolis alone.

Know before you go

Athens does not have an off season in the island sense. Museums, sites, restaurants, and hotels run year-round.
Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours, typically closing in the late afternoon from about November through March. Check the day's hours before planning a sunset visit.
During extreme heat waves the Acropolis has been closed during the hottest afternoon hours. It usually reopens in the early evening, but confirm on the day.
Sites close or shorten hours on major holidays, including January 1, March 25, Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25 and 26.

Athens in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Athens?

November is a good month to visit Athens. The Athens Marathon weekend fills hotels; otherwise calm and cheap with plenty of sunny days in the first half.

What is the weather like in Athens in November?

Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rain returning.

Is Athens crowded in November?

November is one of the quieter months in Athens; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Athens in November?

Athens Marathon, The Authentic (a sunday in early to mid november).