Which city is cheaper, Warsaw or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Warsaw for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers
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Should you visit Athens or Warsaw?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Warsaw. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens
Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
Warsaw
Warsaw is a diverse, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Athens and Warsaw: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
Warsaw
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
How is Athens different from Warsaw?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Warsaw and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Athens
Warsaw
You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Warsaw and Athens.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Warsaw offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Food?
Athens
Warsaw
Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Athens a bit more than Warsaw.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
Warsaw offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Warsaw
The vibe at night is comparable in Athens and Warsaw.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Warsaw has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Shopping?
Athens
Warsaw
If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Warsaw both offer plenty of spots.
Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Warsaw is a great destination for shopping. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Families?
Athens
Warsaw
Both Athens and Warsaw are family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Couples?
Athens
Warsaw
Athens and Warsaw both fun destinations for a couple.
Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Warsaw
Travelers usually think of Athens as a better destination for backpackers than Warsaw.
A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Students?
Athens
Warsaw
For students, both Athens and Warsaw are fairly comparable places to visit.
Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Warsaw is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.
Is Athens or Warsaw Better for Public Transit?
Athens
Warsaw
Athens and Warsaw both offer public transit to get you around.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit in Warsaw is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.
Is Athens or Warsaw a more walkable city?
Athens
Warsaw
Athens is more walkable than Warsaw.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.
Should I spend more time in Warsaw or Athens?
How long in Athens or Warsaw?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Warsaw. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Warsaw.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Athens is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Warsaw is 1-3 days.
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How many days in Athens or Warsaw? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Warsaw 1-3
One day in Athens or Warsaw?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Athens or Warsaw?
Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Warsaw is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Warsaw?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Warsaw?
Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Warsaw. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €103Warsaw €66
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Warsaw is €66. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Warsaw in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €51Warsaw €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €102Warsaw €80
Compare Hotels in Athens and Warsaw
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Warsaw? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Warsaw Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €22Warsaw €3.39
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Αthens City to Igoumenitsa Port: $1,763
- Private Transfer from Athens City to Syvota: $1,203
- Private City Transfer From Athens To Pilos: $970
- Private City Transfer From Athens to Kranidi: $970
- Transfer to Corfu from Athens including visit to Delphi: $964
- Athens to Corfu Luxury Private Transfer: $890
- Private Transfer to/ from Lefkada Marina to/ from Athens Airport or City Centre: $759
- Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $678
- Private Transfer from Athens to Nafplio: $666
- Transfer to Lefkada - The Safest and most Convinient way: $605
- Delphi Private Full Day Luxury Transfers From Athens: $597
- Private Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-ATH to Igoumenitsa-Parga-Sivota-Ioannina: $592
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw
Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Warsaw or airport Warsaw to Gdansk city or Gdansk Airport: $597
- Private Transfer from Warszawa city to Gdansk (GDN) Airport: $544
- Luxury transfer from Warsaw to Krakow with Czestochowa en route by private car: $414
- Truly VIP Warsaw Krakow Private Transfer | Premium car with iPad & Netflix.: $404
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $366
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Berlin, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $365
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $359
- Krakow - Warsaw private VIP transfer. PREMIUM car with Chauffeur & iPad: $340
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Vienna, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $329
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Berlin with 2 Sightseeing stops: $322
- Warsaw - Krakow VIP private transfer. Luxury car with driver & iPad.: $319
- Private Transfer from Warsaw to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $318
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Warsaw?
Prices for flights to both Warsaw and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €30Warsaw €15
Typical Food prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
- Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
- Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
- Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
- Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
- Afternoon Food Tour: $56
- Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
- 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
- Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
- The Classic Food Tour: $76
- Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
- Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77
Typical Food prices in Warsaw
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:
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Dinner for Two€12
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Lunch for Two€9.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw
For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Polish Food Tour: $56
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $64
- Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $71
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $90
- Warsaw Food Tour small group tour by retro minibus: $91
- Warsaw 6h Private Tour + Traditional Polish Dinner: $118
- Nicolaus Copernicus Legacy: Private Tour from Warsaw to Torun + Polish Dinner: $274
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €28Warsaw €5.08
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $411
- "Athens city tour": $270
- "Private tour in Athens": $243
- ''Tour in Athens'': $118
- 1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway: $264
- 1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.: $317
- 1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise: $168
- 10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,: $2,457
- 10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience: $2,411
- 10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini: $1,798
- 10 Days Private Tour: North Greece: $2,706
- 10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese: $2,706
Tours and Activities in Warsaw
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.
- 1-day tour from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny: $179
- 12 Day Private Tour of Poland with Hotels: $3,390
- 12-day tour around Poland by private car: $4,591
- 12-day tour around Poland by train: $2,279
- 13-Day Highlights of Poland Tour with Accommodation: $2,190
- 3 Day Rail Tour - Kraków, Poznań & Wrocław (Warsaw Return): $710
- 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $348
- 5 Day Rail Tour - Kraków, Wrocław & Poznań (Warsaw Return): $840
- 5 Hour Guided Warsaw Tour by Bike: $88
- 6 Day Private Tour in Poland with Hotels: $1,950
- 7 Day Rail Tour - Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław & Poznań: $970
- 8-Day Highlights of Poland Tour with Accommodation: $1,490
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €18Warsaw €7.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
- Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
- Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Wine tasting tour: $131
- Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
- The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
- Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
- Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
- Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
- Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
- Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
- Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Warsaw, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Warsaw.
When is the best time to visit Athens or Warsaw?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Warsaw in the Summer?
Both Warsaw and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July are around 27°C (81°F), and Warsaw is about 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Warsaw. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Warsaw during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 353 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Warsaw. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Warsaw 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Athens or Warsaw in the Autumn?
Both Warsaw and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.
In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Warsaw. Temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Warsaw stays around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Warsaw. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 135 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Warsaw. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Warsaw 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Athens or Warsaw in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Warsaw. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Warsaw. Athens is much warmer than Warsaw in the winter. The temperature in Athens is usually 10°C (51°F) in January, and Warsaw stays around -3°C (27°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Warsaw during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 35 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Warsaw -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Athens or Warsaw in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Warsaw. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Warsaw in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April are around 16°C (60°F), and Warsaw is about 9°C (47°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets less sunshine than Warsaw. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 247 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Warsaw. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Warsaw 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Warsaw and Athens
| Athens | Warsaw | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
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