Things to Do in Spain in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Spain
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperatures for walking cities - 15°C (59°F) average means comfortable exploration without summer heat exhaustion
- Autumn foliage transforms northern regions like Asturias and Galicia into spectacular golden landscapes, peaking mid-November
- Mushroom season brings incredible seasonal menus - wild setas appear on restaurant menus nationwide with truffles at their peak
- Significantly fewer tourists at major attractions - Alhambra and Sagrada Familia have 40% shorter queues than summer months
Considerations
- Coastal beach weather is too cool for swimming - water temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) along northern coasts
- Daylight hours are limited with sunset by 6:30pm, reducing time for outdoor sightseeing and photography
- Unpredictable rainfall can disrupt outdoor plans, especially in northern regions where November sees 12-15 rainy days
Best Activities in November
Prado Museum and Madrid Art Triangle Tours
November's cooler weather makes Madrid's museum district perfect for extended indoor cultural exploration. The Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen museums are significantly less crowded than summer months, allowing genuine appreciation of masterpieces. Morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) are ideal for walking between venues without overheating indoors.
Andalusian Hill Town Walking Tours
Cool November temperatures make Andalusia's white villages like Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera perfect for walking exploration. Summer's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat is replaced by comfortable 18°C (64°F) highs, ideal for navigating steep cobblestone streets and cliff-edge viewpoints without exhaustion.
Camino de Santiago Final Stages
November offers ideal conditions for the final 100km (62 miles) to Santiago - cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures prevent overheating, autumn colors enhance the landscape, and summer's crowds have dispersed. Rain gear is essential but showers are typically brief.
Basque Culinary and Market Tours
November brings peak season for Basque gastronomy - wild mushrooms, new wine releases, and fresh seafood as fishing conditions improve. Cool 14°C (57°F) temperatures make market visits and walking food tours comfortable. Pintxos bars are cozy and warm, perfect for extended culinary exploration.
Alhambra and Granada Architecture Tours
November's mild 16°C (61°F) temperatures make Granada's hill climbing comfortable, while reduced tourist numbers mean better Alhambra availability. The gardens show autumn colors, and morning mist often creates dramatic views over the city from Generalife.
Valencia and Mediterranean Coast Cycling
Valencia's November weather averages 19°C (66°F) - perfect for cycling the Ciudad de las Artes or coastal routes to Albufera Natural Park. Bike rental is comfortable without summer's oppressive heat, and the rice fields show beautiful autumn colors before winter flooding.
November Events & Festivals
Magosto Chestnut Festivals
Traditional autumn festivals celebrating chestnut harvest across Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla y León. Communities gather around bonfires roasting chestnuts, with folk music, local wine, and authentic regional atmosphere. Experience genuine Spanish rural culture.
Fiesta de San Martin
Wine festivals across Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions celebrating new wine releases. Bodegas open their doors for tastings of young wines, paired with traditional foods. Most authentic Spanish wine experience outside harvest season.
Semana Gastronómica Madrid
Madrid's premier food week featuring seasonal menus at top restaurants, cooking workshops, and market tours highlighting autumn ingredients. Restaurants offer special tasting menus featuring wild mushrooms, game, and new wine pairings.