Crete in November: weather and travel tips

Not sure what to expect of the weather in Crete in November? Read on to find out everything you need to know about air and sea temperatures, costs and crowds, and what to wear. In addition, we share inspired itinerary suggestions that’ll help you make the most of your winter break on this stunning Greek island.

Is November a good time to visit Crete?

If you’re not keen on crowds and aren’t set on a scorching-hot winter sun break, November is a pretty good time to visit Crete.

What’s more, visiting Greece's largest island in this mild, out-of-season month makes a lot of sense for culture vultures, and travellers on a budget. 

Smaller crowds mean lower costs, which means you'll stand a good chance of booking flights and top accommodation for less. 

Thinking of visiting Crete in November? Talk to our local Greek travel experts. 

Air and sea temperatures in Crete in November

For the most part, the weather in Crete in November sees temperatures in the mid-teens.

If you’re a glass-half-full kinda person, you’ll be happy to hear there are highs of 19°C. Glass half-empty? The average low on (occasional) cooler days is 12°C. 

Longing to take a dip in the Med? Happily, the average sea temperature in Crete in November is 20°C.

Set on taking a trip to Greece? Browse our inspirational Greece itineraries to start planning your perfect trip.

Average rainfall in November

Averaging around 87mm for the month, the rainfall in Crete in November is less than in December and January. 

So, if you’re rain-averse, it’s not too bad in the grand scheme of things! Just come prepared with a raincoat and brolly. 

For more details on the weather in Greece around the year, read up on when to go to Greece. 

What about the crowd and cost?

Being low season, visiting Crete in November means the crowds of the peak summer season have long departed. This means the costs of flights and accommodation are much lower — prepare to land yourself some bargains!

Just be aware that some resorts and hotels close for the winter season, and airlines and ferry operators typically run reduced services.

Still thinking about where to vacation in November? Read the Rough Guide about the best places to travel in November and choose the right one for you.

Unforgettable, fully customisable Crete itineraries

Longing for a November trip that serves stacks of natural beauty, unique history, and world-class wine and dining experiences? Take inspiration from our Greece itineraries — here we highlight just a few of them.

• Coast of Crete — a stunning self-drive experience (10 days): if you’re longing for awe-inspiring scenery, ancient culture, and a sense of freedom, this self-drive trip along Crete’s coast has your name all over it.
• Milos — an exclusive island idyll (9 days): for an alternate Greek Island experience, why not get to know the Aegean’s most exotic island while staying in a private luxury villa by the sea?
• Epirus and Athens — the Ancient Sites (8 days): shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, sites in the Epirus region of Greece have fascinating tales to tell. Add to that exploring Athens and the magic of mortuaries in Zagori, and this amounts to a diversely exhilarating experience.

All these suggestions can be customised to your exact needs, with a local Greek travel expert on hand to offer insider tips and take the hassle out of planning and booking.

Tips for travelling to Crete in November

What to wear in Crete in November?

The weather in Crete in November is still pretty warm, so you can wear shorts, t-shirts, and light summer dresses.

That said, you will definitely need warmer clothes for the evenings and nights and for those occasional colder days. Best to bring light layers, a raincoat, and a thicker pullover.

If you’re planning to get your adventure on (more on that later), remember to bring decent footwear.

Consider renting a car

With November being out of season, you might want to consider renting your own car to make sure you don’t miss out on seeing all those charming villages and ancient wonders. 

During peak season, island-wide public transport is pretty good. Come low season, many services are seriously reduced or paused.

What to do in Crete in November

Hike the Samaria Gorge

Located in the southwestern part of the island, the Samaria Gorge is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. November is a fantastic time to go hiking in the gorge thanks to the weather, which is generally mild and pleasant.

Moreover, at the beginning of the autumn season, the gorge turns into a picturesque landscape of vibrant colours. It is also less crowded during this time, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Experience local cuisine

In November, you should definitely try the regional food in Crete. Here are some suggestions for regional specialties to sample while you're there:

1. Dakos: This is a traditional Cretan dish made with dried barley rusk topped with diced tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and drizzled with olive oil.
2. Boureki: A baked savoury pie consisting of layers of cheese, potatoes and sliced veggies like zucchini.
3. Kalitsounia: Greek coffee is typically paired with these little pastries, which are either sweet or cheese-filled. The cheese version is usually packed with regional Cretan cheese, herbs, and occasionally mint.
4. Stifado: A slow-cooked meat stew made with beef or rabbit, cooked in a rich tomato and onion sauce, flavored with various herbs and spices.
    

Stroll deserted beaches

Alongside being something of an adventure hotspot, Crete has a bounty of beautiful beaches to stroll on when you need a break. All the better for enjoying relative peace in November.

If you want facilities, try beaches like Falassarna and Balos in the Chania Region — these stay open beyond the summer season.

Alternatively, for seclusion, head south, where even the most popular summertime beaches will be empty, among them Preveli and Plakias.

Top tip: don’t miss Elafonísi — one of the best beaches in Greece for a very good reason. 

Planning your November trip to Crete

Love the sound of Crete? Get yourself The Rough Guide to Crete. For more island inspiration, read, up on the best Greek Islands to start planning your trip.  

Alternatively, if the idea of planning leaves you cold, browse our customisable Greece itineraries.