Santorini, the volcanic island at the southern end of the Cyclades in Greece, is a different place in November. The crowds have gone and the caldera views haven't. The catch is that much of the island has closed for the winter. If you can live with that, it's one of the most appealing times to go, especially if you've already seen Santorini in summer.
In this guide
What is the weather like in Santorini in November?
Mild days, cool evenings, wind and some rain. Daytime highs sit around 15–19°C, warmer early in the month and cooler towards December. A run of sunny days can easily be followed by grey, cooler ones, and you'll want a jacket every evening.
- Rain: November starts the wet season, with roughly 60–70 mm over 8–12 rainy days. It mostly comes as showers rather than all-day downpours.
- Wind: The caldera is exposed, and autumn storms blow straight in. A waterproof jacket is far more use than an umbrella.
- Daylight: Sunset is around 5:20 pm at the start of the month and just after 5:00 pm by the end. Plan anything outdoors around that.
- Light: Skies are more changeable than in summer, and the low golden light on the caldera is superb for photography.
Can you swim in Santorini in November?
Some people do, but it isn't beach weather. The sea is surprisingly mild, around 19–20°C, warmer in the first week than the last. The cool air is what makes a beach day feel chilly.
Beach clubs wind down in October. Most outdoor hotel pools are unheated, and many hotels with pools close anyway. If a swim matters to you, come early in the month.
What is open and what has closed?
A lot has closed, and less stays open as the month goes on. Fira, the island's capital, stays a working town all year, with pharmacies, supermarkets, banks and the island's hospital nearby. Plan for the cautious scenario and check any hotel, restaurant or tour directly before you rely on it.
Hotels. Most close between late October and April, including most caldera-view cave hotels and infinity-pool properties, especially around Oia. Fira has the widest choice of hotels open all year, usually smaller, locally run places. Prices fall to roughly half of August's, so a caldera-view room that's out of reach in summer can become good value. A villa is a good alternative, but check it has heating and hot water that works on cloudy days.
Restaurants. Fira has the most choice. Karterados, a village on the edge of Fira where locals live, has traditional tavernas and cafés. Oia and Imerovigli have far fewer places open. The beach towns of Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos are mostly shut by mid-month, and I wouldn't base myself in any of them in November.
Shops and nightlife. Shops feel normal in the first week, but most close after that, though a few boutiques in Fira and Oia trade all year. Nightlife is very limited.
Boat trips. Far fewer run, and every sailing depends on the weather. Volcano and hot-springs trips continue early in the month and then taper off. Expect little or nothing by the last week. If you want one, book ahead and keep a spare day. The cooler weather makes the walk up the volcano far more comfortable. See the caldera cruise guide.
Wineries. Several stay open with shorter hours, and some offer tastings only in the first week. Domaine Sigalas, Gaia Wines, Venetsanos and Estate Argyros are worth trying, but phone ahead, especially late in the month. More in the wine tour guide.
The cable car. It runs a reduced winter timetable, and published times disagree, so check on the day. If it isn't running when you reach the Old Port, the stepped path up to Fira is the fallback. Allow time and take care on wet steps.
How do flights and ferries compare with summer?
Both run far less often. Most international nonstop flights end around late October, so from November the easy route is to fly to Athens and connect. The Athens flight takes about 45 minutes, and flights are rarely cancelled for wind.
Ferries still run from Piraeus to Athinios, Santorini's main port, but less often. Conventional ferries take roughly 7–11 hours, and fast catamarans about 5–6 hours, though in deep winter the fast boats can drop to once a week. Strong November winds can re-time or cancel sailings, and when they do, flights fill quickly. In rough weather a big conventional ferry is the better choice. Never book the last possible ferry before an international flight home.
How do you get around in November?
The KTEL buses run all year from Fira, but on a much thinner timetable, so check it before planning a day around them. A car is more useful in November than in summer. Traffic is light, parking is easy and rental rates are low. Some rental firms only operate until October, so confirm winter availability when you book. See getting around Santorini.
What is there to do in Santorini in November?
Land-based sightseeing and walking are what November does best.
- The Fira–Oia caldera walk. About 10 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours at a steady pace and closer to four with photo stops. It's fairly easy, with a few uphill stretches. Nothing along the way is likely to be open, so carry food and water. Pick a dry, calm day and start early enough to finish well before sunset. See the Fira to Oia hike.
- Kamari to Ancient Thera and down to Perissa. A good second walk. The hilltop site can close when it's wet or very windy, so watch the forecast. See Ancient Thera.
- Akrotiri. The Bronze Age site is largely under a roof, which makes it the best choice for a rainy or cold day. Winter hours are shorter, so check before you go. See Akrotiri.
- Pyrgos and Megalochori. Easy to enjoy without summer crowds, and they pair well with a winery. Pyrgos has a Venetian castle with wide views. See Pyrgos and Megalochori.
- Thirassia. Boats from Ammoudi Bay run all year because people live on the island, but they won't sail if the water is too rough. See the Thirassia day trip.
Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours and close one weekday each. Confirm current times with the Greek Ministry of Culture before you go.
Are the sunsets still worth it?
Yes, and they may be the best reason to come. In Oia you can have whole stretches of the village to yourself, with the lanes and stairways almost empty at sunset. The viewpoints in Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli are just as good and only a short walk apart. Dress warmly if it's windy. With sunset around 5 pm, you can watch it and still have dinner early.
What should you pack?
Layers, long trousers, a warm jacket and a waterproof outer layer. Santorini is windy, so leave the umbrella at home. Bring good walking shoes if you plan to hike, because the caldera paths are uneven and slippery after rain.
Who is Santorini in November good for?
It suits anyone who wants quiet, low prices, hiking, wineries, sightseeing and photography. It also suits anyone who has seen Santorini in summer and wants to see it as a real island rather than a resort.
It doesn't suit beach holidays, nightlife, boat-trip-heavy plans or anyone who needs everything open. First-timers who want the full experience are better off in May, September or October. For the year-round picture, see the best time to visit Santorini and Santorini on a budget.
What does a 3-day November plan look like?
Base yourself in Fira, which has the most open hotels and restaurants and the main bus station. Leave slack for rain and wind.
Day 1: Fira. Walk the town and the caldera edge, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thira, and watch the sunset from Firostefani. Then eat in Fira or Karterados.
Day 2: the south, by car. Akrotiri in the morning, then Pyrgos and Megalochori, with a winery tasting booked ahead.
Day 3: the caldera path. On a dry, calm day, walk from Fira to Oia, starting early. Watch the Oia sunset in near-empty lanes, then take the bus or a taxi back to Fira.
If you have a fourth day, keep it as a weather buffer, or use it for Ancient Thera or a boat to Thirassia if conditions allow.
Is Santorini worth visiting in November?
Yes, as long as you accept what you're trading. You get the caldera, the walks and the sunsets with almost nobody else around, at roughly half the summer price. You give up beaches, boat trips and a full choice of restaurants. Base yourself in Fira, expect changeable Aegean weather, and treat ferries and boat trips as provisional. In return, you'll see this corner of the Cyclades as most visitors never do. If warm weather and a fuller island matter more, come in October instead.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
Heading to Athens? See our guide to the best day trips from Athens.
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