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athens in winter?

I am considering a solo trip to Athens in late November-early December. I'd love to do a side trip to Hydra overnight as well-- does anyone have experience traveling at that time of year? Will most sights be open? Can I still easily get to Hydra?

Posted by
1383 posts

Phaedra

We are always in Athens in December and January, and really like it as a time of year to visit. Yes, places are open and the sites are much quieter. Space heaters are common and it is possible,to sit out under the Acropolis even in the evening.

We've never been to Hydra but sometimes go to Aegina without any difficulty. Trips to the Saronic Islands run all the year round so I don't imagine you'd have a problem.

Autumn has been fairly warm in Greece in most recent years, but there aren't any guarantees by late November. I'd be sure to take layers and some warm clothing.

Alan

Posted by
96 posts

Alan thank you so much. I LOVE sitting outside with a great view having a nice glass of greek wine---I hope I will be able to still do that in winter--I HATE really cold weather so I chose Athens for my trip over rome. Not sure where else I could go in winter--plus airfare was much better to Athens over rome!

Posted by
178 posts

We were in Athens just this last November, towards the end of the month. We lucked out and had great weather, it was sunny and warm (and even hot on 2 of the days). The sites were busy, but not packed and the restaurants were pretty uncrowded. It was definitely a great time to visit. I hope you have as nice of weather!

Posted by
1152 posts

We travel to Greece in October and it has always been lovely weather. Unfortunately I can't tell you how the weather will be in Nov-Dec., but there'll but virutually few tourists . . . just locals. If you want to visit archeological/historic sites you'll probably have them to yourself. However, hours will be limited compared to Tourist Season so check out times and days of opening.

Lots of shops, markets, businesses and tavernas open especially for locals which may be better since you'll get what locals want rather than what tourists want and a more authentic Greek Experience.

It will probably be a little easier getting to Aegina than Hydra but either would be relatively easier than the far off Greek Islands. Aegina is larger and has more to offer and many Greeks do day trips there.

Again, Nov.-Dec. will have limited foriegn tourists and probably less local tourists so should be just fine.

Travel off-season is very rewarding, lower prices, decent weather and far less tourists.

I would be interested in how your trip went.

Posted by
96 posts

Thanks so much for this info. I booked my trip for mid November. hotel prices were almost half of summer prices!