In November, Spain is a hidden gem for those seeking a blend of rich cultural heritage, enchanting cities, and diverse landscapes. As the summer crowds dissipate, Spain transforms into a peaceful and picturesque destination, offering a unique experience far from the bustle of peak tourist season. In this blog post, join Designer Journeys as we discover why a November trip to Spain might just be the perfect getaway for you.
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What’s the weather in Spain in November?
November marks the beginning of Spain’s winter season, but don’t let that deter you. The country’s varied geography means that the weather in Spain can range from mild to cool, depending on where you go.
Pyrenees Mountains, Spain
In November, temperatures in Spain drop, and there is a risk of rain throughout the country. During this time, it is necessary to pack warmer clothes, such as a thick jacket plus t-shirts and long-sleeved tops for layering. And don’t forget to bring a sturdy umbrella!
The average daily temperature across Spain’s northern regions is a cool 15°C (59°F). Yet, temperatures can dip to a crisp 5°C (41°F) in the evening. Overcast days with light breezes are common in November, and the rainfall can be unpredictable. Despite rain being more frequent in the north, it is usually fleeting, and it won’t hinder your trip to explore northern Spain’s verdant landscape.
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Northern Spain, including regions like the Basque Country and cities like San Sebastian, experiences cooler, more autumnal weather. The crisp air adds a golden glow to the beautiful fall foliage, making it an ideal time for walking tours and outdoor activities in places like El Retiro Park in Madrid or the mountainous Sierra Nevada.
Although the forecast can be unpredictable, you shouldn’t be discouraged from visiting northern Spain in November since it is still possible to experience warm and sunny weather similar to the Spanish coast.
In contrast, Southern Spain witnesses more sun and higher temperatures. The weather is comparable to the climate in October, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F). As the Mediterranean climate persists throughout November, you can sunbathe with ease, and with sea temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F), refreshing swims are also possible.
Andalusia is the hottest region in Spain in November with Seville its hottest city. As the sun is almost always out in this part of Spain, it is the ideal honeymoon spot for newlyweds.
Why choose Spain in November?
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Spain in November is the dramatic reduction in tourist crowds. The low season brings with it fewer tourists, which means shorter lines at Spain’s most famous sites like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granada. This time of year allows you to explore more leisurely and engage more deeply with the local culture.
Cities like Madrid and Barcelona, typically buzzing with visitors, offer a more authentic and intimate experience in November. You’ll have the chance to discover hidden gems and local favourites that are often overshadowed during the peak tourist season. Smaller crowds also mean better access to outdoor activities like whale watching along the coasts or taking in the breathtaking views of the countryside.
Explore Spain’s Diverse Landscapes
Spain’s landscape is incredibly diverse, offering something for every type of traveller. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Canary Islands to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, here’s an in-depth look at the various landscapes you can explore during a November trip to Spain.
The Canary Islands
For those seeking warmth, the Canary Islands are a perfect destination in November. The islands boast a year-round warmer climate, making them ideal for beach lovers even as mainland Spain cools down.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, such as Playa de las Américas, and dramatic natural landscapes, including Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The island’s diverse terrain includes everything from lush forests to volcanic deserts, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring.
For those interested in marine life, the waters around the Canary Islands are teeming with activity in November. It’s an excellent time for whale watching, particularly for spotting pilot whales and dolphins off the coast of Gran Canaria. The mild sea temperatures also make it an ideal time for diving and snorkelling.
Gran Canaria in November is an excellent time for whale watching.
If you’re more inclined toward outdoor adventures, consider visiting the Sierra Nevada mountains, where early November can bring the first snow, setting the stage for a scenic winter wonderland. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, also offer a tranquil escape with fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the Mediterranean charm without the typical summer rush.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in November. While many flock to the city in the summer, November brings a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to explore its famous sites and hidden gems without the usual tourist crowds.
One of the highlights of visiting Barcelona in November is the pleasant weather. You can take a leisurely stroll through Park Güell, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, and enjoy its colourful mosaics and stunning views of the city. The cooler weather also makes it an ideal time to walk around the Gothic Quarter, where you can get lost in the narrow, winding streets that date back to medieval times.
The cooler weather also makes it an ideal time to walk around the Gothic Quarter.
Barcelona’s coastline is another draw, with beaches like Barceloneta offering a peaceful retreat in November. The Mediterranean waters are cooler but still inviting for a brisk walk along the shore or a bike ride along the coastal promenade. The city’s proximity to both the mountains and the sea means you can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking in the nearby Collserola hills to exploring the coastal paths of the Costa Brava, just a short drive away.
Madrid
Madrid is an ideal place to visit in November for quiet city wandering. The early winter month offers a peaceful experience for strolling around in the crisp, cool weather. It is also a perfect time to admire colourful leaves in red, orange and yellow hues decorating the Spanish capital. You can explore the best of Madrid in November with our 5-Day Madrid City Break.
Madrid in November is a perfect time to admire colourful leaves in red, orange and yellow hues.
In terms of Spanish culture, November is a great time to participate in the Fiesta de La Almudena, honouring the beloved patroness La Virgen de la Almudena. You’ll be privy to traditional culture during this special event, including a midday mass at the Plaza Major, followed by a procession with Spaniards donning traditional Chulapo and Chulapa outfits.
Malaga
November is a cosy time in Malaga. You can embrace your me-time with fewer crowds as you soak up the sun at a sparse Malagueta beach. Or brave the chilly 20°C Mediterranean Sea for a revitalising dip. Despite the guarantee of sun-streaked days, you can expect instances of rain, but there’s always the chance that you may just get lucky!
November is a cosy time in Malaga.
There are plenty of things to do in Malaga throughout November. The International Jazz Festival, featuring artists from all around the globe, takes Malaga by storm in the first week of the month. If you are an olive oil aficionado, travel to the historic town of Baena, where you can experience an exciting olive festival.
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Mainland Spain
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia is a must-visit in November. As one of Europe’s southernmost ski resorts, Sierra Nevada often sees its first snowfall in November, providing a unique opportunity to combine beach visits on the Costa del Sol with winter sports in the mountains. The region also offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails that traverse through alpine meadows, pine forests, and past glacial lakes.
Sierra Nevada often sees its first snowfall in November.
In contrast, Northern Spain, including regions like Galicia and the Basque Country, showcases a different kind of beauty in November. The cooler temperatures and frequent rain showers give the landscape a lush, green appearance. The Costa Brava’s rugged coastlines and the Basque Country cliffs are particularly striking against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean.
For a blend of culture and nature, the Basque Country’s coastal city of San Sebastian is a perfect destination. The city’s beaches, like La Concha, are quieter in November, and the surrounding hills offer excellent hiking routes with panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. Inland, the Rioja wine region comes alive with the colours of the vineyards, making it a great time for wine-tasting tours and exploring the countryside.
Extremadura
For the nature lover seeking an extraordinary experience, Extremadura offers spectacular birdwatching in pristine natural settings. Thanks to its location in the west, November is a great time to visit. This is because the region is home to the highest number of bird species than anywhere else in Spain during winter. Extremadura is especially famous for watching the Egyptian Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, the Great Bustard, Eagle Owl, and much more, in their natural habitats.
Extremadura in November is a great time to visit because the region is home to the highest number of bird species.
After a fun day of birdwatching, wind down with the region’s delectable jamón (Spanish cured ham) sourced from Monasterio.
Discover Spain’s Rich Cultural Heritage in 2024
November is not only a great month for sightseeing but also for immersing yourself in Spain’s rich cultural traditions. The country celebrates several local festivals and events that provide insight into its vibrant culture. One of the highlights is the Olive Oil Celebration in Southern Spain, where you can participate in tasting sessions and learn about the production of one of Spain’s most famous exports. This event is a must for foodies and those interested in Spain’s agricultural heritage.
Additionally, November offers a chance to experience Spain’s deep-rooted religious traditions with Saints Day celebrations. These events are characterized by various local customs, including processions and special feasts, allowing you to connect with the spiritual side of Spanish culture.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day, or Todos Los Santos (Day of the Dead), is an important public holiday in Spain on the 1st of November. During this holiday, Spanish people visit their local cemetery and pay their respects to the relatives who passed away, typically laying bright flowers and candles on their graves. Visiting Spain during this time gives you an unforgettable opportunity to experience a different side of Spanish culture.
Spanish people visit their local cemetery and pay their respects to the relatives who passed away.
Although it is a solemn day, it can get quite hectic. While Spaniards pile in, roads surrounding cemeteries are congested, and streets are lined with eager flower sellers offering blossoming bouquets of lilies, roses, carnations, and more.
For an alternative experience, the city of Cádiz hosts the Tosantos Fiesta. Here, traditions include humorously dressing up rabbits and suckling pigs from the Virgen del Rosario market.
You’ll also find special treats in local shops and bakeries throughout Spain. Look out for Huesos de Santo (The Saint’s Bones) made of marzipan, eggs and sugar, Buñuelos de Viento (Nun’s Puffs or Farts), fried round doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, and small, tasty almond cakes called Pannellets.
Baena Olive and Olive Oil Festival
Baena’s festival is the perfect day trip to Andalusia. Only a 90-minute drive from Malaga, the pretty white town sits on the side of a gentle hill boasting vistas of sprawling olive orchards and grain fields. Baena is famous for its intense fruity green olive oil, and it is renowned as Spain’s olive capital.
Olive oil is an essential part of daily Spanish life.
Olive oil, or “liquid gold”, as Homer once coined it, is an essential part of daily Spanish life. The 3-day event celebrates the end of the olive harvest, where you can watch the picking and crushing of olives. The town also hosts a wine and food market, tastings of the finest olive oil, exhibitions, and cooking workshops. Yet, the highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the tapas crawl involving olive-based plates.
It may merely be a side trip, but Baena’s festival is a unique event that not many can boast about experiencing.
Orujo Festival in Potes
All the way up north, at the foot of the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains, Potes’s Orujo festival entices many with its lively celebrations for the pomace brandy (a colourless liquor made from the residue of pressed grapes).
On the second weekend in November, accompanied by live music and traditional folklore, you can experience the distillation process involving traditional copper stills (alquitaras), used to make Orujo. Consequently, you can taste various samples of Orujo throughout the town made of “bridges and towers”.
Fun fact: drinkers place their alcohol-filled cups in egg cartons to hold them all at once.
The Orujo will keep you warm, but to keep you full, pair your drinks with delicious local delicacies, including cocido lebaniego (a hearty chickpea stew) and slightly spicy Picón cheese.
Things to Know Before You Go
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Accommodation and flights are more affordable in Spain in November.
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If a restaurant or bar oozes with Spaniards, it is sure to be a hit and not a tourist trap! You may be in for the best surprises if you follow in the footsteps of locals.
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Make sure to try seasonal food. Gambas rosadas and artichokes are a must-try in November!
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Big breakfasts are not very popular in Spain. Spaniards either skip it entirely or go for a lighter meal, like a pastry paired with a coffee. But with that being said, you still have plenty of options (including multiple brunch spots) to keep you satiated until lunch.
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Staying out late in Spain is a Spanish way of life! The streets come alive at around 9 or 10 pm – it is an ambience that shouldn’t be missed.
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Visiting Spain in November offers a unique blend of cultural richness, beautiful landscapes, and a more relaxed pace, making it a wonderful time to explore this diverse and enchanting country. Whether you’re drawn to the historical cities, the scenic coastlines, or the vibrant cultural traditions, Spain in November promises a memorable and fulfilling travel experience.
