Weather in Skopelos in November
November is late autumn in Skopelos: mild and fairly changeable. Average highs reach 18°C / 64°F, with lows of around 12°C / 53°F. Sea temperatures average around 18°C / 64°F, bracing, and too cool for many swimmers. Rain falls on around 6 days, adding up to about 73 mm over the month. The summer winds ease, and the light turns soft and golden. Skopelos is one of the greenest islands in Greece, covered in pine forests, orchards and olive groves. You get about 10 hours of daylight a day, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Bring layers, a warm sweater and a light waterproof, as the weather can turn. The weather can change from one week to the next, so pack for both warm and cool days. Mornings and evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Skopelos in November
The sea around Skopelos averages about 18°C / 65°F in November, refreshing rather than warm. For warm-water swimming, aim for July and August, when the sea is at its best. Good spots include Kastani and Milia. Beaches are empty and unstaffed in winter, so swim only in calm conditions. If you feel the cold, a wetsuit top makes a difference.
Crowds & Prices in Skopelos in November
Tourism in Skopelos slows right down in November. Rates for rooms and car hire drop to their yearly lows. Tavernas that stay open cater mainly to locals, which is often when the food is best. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Skopelos in November
Ferry links from Volos and Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos continue through November, though with fewer sailings than in summer. The resort side of the island shuts down, with most hotels and beach tavernas closed until spring. Archaeological sites and museums keep shorter winter hours. It's worth calling ahead to restaurants, as off-season hours can be irregular. Cash is useful, as smaller places may not take cards.
Festivals & Holidays in Skopelos in November
November is olive harvest season, when families gather to pick olives and the first new oil of the year appears. 21 November, the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, is marked with church services, and it's also Armed Forces Day. In Skopelos, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Skopelos?
It depends on what you want. In November, Skopelos is peaceful and inexpensive, but the season is over, the sea is too cool for most swimmers and the weather can turn. In numbers: highs of about 18°C / 64°F, lows of 12°C / 53°F and rain on around 6 days in a typical November. It's fine for a quiet break or visiting the Mamma Mia! chapel. For a proper beach holiday, go in June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Skopelos in November?
Sunset in Skopelos is at around 5:25 pm at the start of November, around 5:10 pm in mid-November and around 5:05 pm by the end of the month, in Greek local time. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Is the weather bad in Skopelos in November?
Not all the time, but it's more unsettled. November brings more rain, stronger winds and shorter days, and rough seas disrupt ferries more often. Between weather fronts there are still plenty of calm, sunny days that are pleasant for walking. Pack layers and a waterproof, and keep your ferry plans flexible.
Can I visit the Mamma Mia! chapel in November?
Yes. The Mamma Mia! chapel is accessible all year, and it's quiet in November. Check the weather before you go, as rain and wind can make paths slippery and exposed spots cold. Agios Ioannis sto Kastri sits on a rock reached by a steep stairway.
Do I need a car on Skopelos in November?
It helps. Buses run on a much thinner timetable in November, and some routes stop completely, so a hire car is the easiest way to explore. Rental rates are low off-season, but fewer agencies are open, so book ahead.
Is November or December better for visiting Skopelos?
It depends on your plans. November is usually a little milder, but most tourist businesses have closed. December is cooler and wetter, but brings a festive atmosphere, with Christmas lights and decorations. Neither is a beach month, so choose by your dates.
Skopelos Weather by Month
